Choosing a Self Propelled Wheelchair With Suspension
Self propelled wheelchairs empower individuals to be independent by allowing them to determine their own pace, direction and destination. They also help improve fitness of the upper body and cardiovascular health.
Wheelchair suspension can cushion sharp shocks such as drops from thresholds or curbs and reduce the amount of vibration transferred to the MWU. In-wheel suspension systems offer a great alternative to front caster suspension.
Seat to Floor Height
The height of the floor to seat of a wheelchair is important as it determines how well the chair can be moved over various surfaces. Wheelchairs generally have a smooth surface on the bottom which allows them to traverse sidewalks, roads that are paved and even indoor surfaces like hardwood floors or tile. When you are outdoors on a rougher terrain, a wheelchair will require grippy treads in order for it to grip more effectively.
A suspension system is put in place on the frame of the chair in order to provide smooth riding. A shock assembly is used to absorb and displace energy from the frame whenever it comes across uneven or rough surfaces. The shock assembly consists of springs that are affixed to the chassis and can be adjusted to alter the amount of energy that is transferred from the front to the back or reversed.
A way to adjust the shock assembly is to use a pin 1201 which can be placed into one of a plurality of holes 1102 that are evenly spaced. By adjusting My Mobility Scooters of the pin 1201, you can make your wheelchair more rigid or soft in its ride by adjusting the amount of movement inside the shock assembly.
A pair of forward wheels is also attached to the chassis in addition to the shock assemblies. These wheels are also adjustable and can be set in various positions to alter the amount of weight that is transferred from one side to the other. This allows the wheelchair to be modified to various types of terrain and to ease the stress placed on the axles.
The footboard can be adjusted to fit the needs of the user. The footboard's height can be adjusted to accommodate a variety of users and allow them to reach their feet. The length of the footboard may also be altered to change the amount of pressure that is put on the legs and feet.
Many wheelchairs can be modified to navigate rough terrain by the addition of accessories such as chunky mountain bike tyres. This will not only improve the comfort of the user, but can also open up many places to visit that were previously inaccessible.
Seat Size
It is essential to choose the appropriate size seat for a self-propelled chair with suspension. A seat that is too small can put unnecessary stress on muscles and bones. A seat that is too large can cause an uncomfortable posture. Before buying a wheelchair, it is recommended to speak with a seating clinic. This will ensure that the seat is set in a proper position for your specific disability.
The frame material you select will also affect your comfort. Steel frames are durable and provide a great degree of adjustability. They can be heavy and can cause sores when used for long distances. Aluminium is a lighter alternative and more flexible. Most lightweight aluminium chairs come with removable footrests to reduce weight when not being used.
Carbon fibre is the tiniest of all frame materials but is also the most expensive and is only available on higher-end models. Carbon fibre is a premium product that offers strength and durability. This makes it perfect for use in wheelchairs with sporty designs and high-performance models.
Another feature to consider when deciding on the perfect wheelchair is its aesthetics. Wheelchair manufacturers put a lot of effort into making their products look good and offer a broad variety of color options, along with contrasting trim and other design features. The way you look is largely individual and mostly dependent on individual preferences, however it is important to keep in the mind that a visually appealing wheelchair can increase your confidence.
Empowering Independence
Self-propelled chairs with suspension are a great way to move around, whether for leisure or daily use. The right frame and accessories will improve your comfort, safety and efficiency. Making your wheelchair fit your lifestyle is a great option to make it your own.
For example, the Drive Medical Enigma K-Chair revolutionises wheelchair comfort with adjustable suspension. Its rear shock absorbers can be adjusted in height to help smooth uneven surfaces and optimise the comfort of riding. Adjustable anti-tip wheels and front suspension provide additional security and aid in climbing kerbs. A padded backrest with a desk-style design and height-adjustable armrests that can be adjusted by one touch complete the set.
Seat to Back Height
When choosing a self propelled wheelchair with suspension, it's important to consider the seat to back height. A seat that's too high can place extra strain on your legs and thighs. A seat that is too low can cause you to lean forward, which can result in pressure sores or poor posture. The ideal chair is one that has a seat that is deep enough between the backs of the knees and the front edge. This will ensure that you are in a comfortable position with a uniform pressure distribution.
Another factor to consider is the distance between the front axle and the front of the wheel. This will impact the force needed to push the chair across obstacles. A narrower axle will require less force but it can be difficult to navigate in tight spaces. Wider axles can be easier to maneuver, but they may not offer enough traction for off-road use.
It is also essential to consider the type of wheel that will be used. There are a myriad of choices, including pneumatic and solid tires. Pneumatic tires offer a smoother ride but can be more difficult to maintain, while solid tires are more durable and provide more comfort.
The kind of frame you select is also important. Some frames are constructed from aluminum that is lightweight and simple to move, whereas others are made from more durable steel which provides robust durability. It is also possible to customize the frame by adding different accessories, such as armrests and footplates. This allows users to tailor their wheelchair to suit their personal requirements.
After the appropriate chair is selected, it is then an issue of practicing to improve driving skills. As the user becomes familiar with the chair, they will require fewer adjustments and will be able to propel further. If you have a long period of experience and want the highest level of performance and control, a custom welded chair like TiLite's TR, RGK's OctaneSub4 or Progeo’s Joker Energy are excellent options.
Wheelchairs are becoming more popular, ranging from basic track wheels to powered rear wheels which can be controlled in the same way as powerchairs or assist with every stroke. They can aid the user to move over kerbs and high thresholds that could otherwise hinder them from moving further without assistance, opening up their world and allowing them more mobility.
Seat to Side Height
Many wheelchair users can benefit from adjustments made to the frame, backrest and seat cushion. This allows them to sit comfortably while maintaining good posture. If they don't, their posture will be negatively affected and this can cause pain, fatigue, reduced self-esteem, and even limited mobility.
During the seating assessment, we assess a client's muscular strength, flexibility, and strength to determine the ideal wheelchair for them. It is also important to take into consideration their hip position, bone structure and other medical issues. This will affect the way they sit and how they drive their chair.
The front and rear seat heights are vital as they determine the height of the seat relative to the wheels. If a person is sitting too high above their wheels, they will not be able to access the hand rims efficiently. As a general rule it is recommended to touch the wheel hub using your fingers or palms when you hang your arms at your sides.
A standard wheelchair may be too heavy for bariatric clients. Some of these clients make use of power mobility as their primary chair, and the manual wheelchair as a backup. There are many lightweight bariatric chairs on the market, with adjustable frames and seats that can be adapted to self-propel.
In addition to these light self propelled wheelchairs, there are many transit and travel chairs that have smaller frames and wheels to make it easier to transport and store. These can be more appropriate for use in occupied transportation in a vehicle such as minibuses and are typically crash tested for this purpose.
The majority of wheelchairs for active users are designed for paved areas, though they can manage rough terrain with additional devices such as off-road tyres or suspension systems. Some have been designed to be as flexible and efficient as is possible with foldable armrests that can reduce the size of the chair when it is in a parking space as well as seat cushions that can be turned back, and half-folding footplates that allow for easy access.