The first thing that any person needs to consider before purchasing a wheelchair is how that wheelchair is going to be used. If the wheelchair is going to be used by a public facility - like, say, a nursing home - then it needs to feature an adjustable seat (preferably cushioned), adjustable braces, and a weight capacity of at least 250 lbs for accommodating a wide range of residents. If, on the other hand, you're looking for a wheelchair that can accommodate one person, the primary areas that you'll want to consider are that person's upper-body strength, mobility, measurements, and limitations. Any person whose physical abilities are limited, for example, might benefit from using a wheelchair with electronic steering, whereas a person who is active might actually prefer the opportunity to operate a wheelchair on his own. Bear in mind that any wheelchair you plan on transporting in a vehicle needs to be collapsible and lightweight. Certain vans can be customized to accommodate a wheelchair and its user by way of a detachable ramp or a motorized platform.
But installing a motorized platform is expensive, and any van will need to be converted before it can house a motorized platform inside. As a precaution, you'll want to take a look at any wheelchair's tires. Most wheelchair tires are made out of rubber or plastic, which is ideal for rolling over indoor surfaces, as well as asphalt and concrete. Certain tires might also feature herringbone tread, which is beneficial in terms of moving over slick terrain without feeling like the wheels might slide, stall, or spin. The first challenge that a lot of wheelchair users face is learning how to turn the wheelchair around. Turnarounds can be accomplished rather easily by pushing one of the chair's wheels forward, while turning the other wheel back. After a bit of practice, this maneuver should become routine. If you use your wheelchair inside a house or an office, it may be worth tying a three-foot length of rope to any doorknobs that you pass. This way you can grab that length of rope, and then use it to pull the doorknob shut.
If you work at a desk, be sure to draw back your wheelchair's armrests so that you can position your seat beneath the desk, parallel with its drawers. Negotiating an incline while in a wheelchair can be challenging. Rather than risk going backward, you may want to lock the brake and catch your breath before moving on. Either that or you can look into buying a pair of grade aids (i.e., wheelchair accessories that make it easier to steer and lock while on a gradient). If you operate a wheelchair near any busy intersections wearing bright colors - or a safety vest - can alert oncoming traffic to use caution. Strong tires are the lifeblood of any wheelchair, which is why it makes sense to check the air in your tires on a consistent basis. Deflated tires exhaust your arms by making it more difficult to push. On top of which, empty tires tend to grind beneath a wheelchair's rims. This causes wear, which could, in turn, lead to the need for a replacement. Once a year, it helps to have a wheelchair's bearings checked by a professional, as well.
During the 2nd Century BCE, the Ancient Chinese began using wheelbarrows as a means of transporting the sick, disabled, mortally injured, and the dead. This represented the earliest record of any wheeled vehicles being used for health-related transport. Approximately 1,000 years later, the Chinese invented the world's first wheelchair, a mechanism designed specifically for use by people who had missing or paralyzed legs. Wheelchairs remained fairly basic until the 1800s, at which point an inventor from Bath, England patented what would become known as the Bath Chair. Bath chairs looked and functioned like miniature coaches. They were designed with three wheels, a cushioned seat, a canopy, and a hitch so they could be attached to bicycles, donkeys, and sometimes even dogs. The first collapsible wheelchairs were invented by a pair of American engineers named Harry Jennings and Herbert Everest in 1933. Everest was paralyzed, having broken his back during a mountain-climbing accident.
And it was because of this that Everest was able to suggest several structural improvements, including a collapsible frame (for ease of transport), cushioned armrests, and a steel-plated design. Earlier wheelchairs were primarily constructed out of wood, which was not only breakable, but uncomfortable, meaning that users could only remain in the chair for an abbreviated period of time. Despite being introduced during the 1960s, electric-powered wheelchairs didn't really come into their own until the Reagan Era, at which point advances in technology allowed for adding a handheld joystick (for steering), and numerous other forms of remote control. Perhaps the most fascinating wheelchair innovations over the past 30 years have occurred in the area of athletics, with streamlined models making it increasingly possible for disabled athletes to excel at basketball, competitive racing, and even handcycling (among other things). There are certain hybrid wheelchairs on the market that have grown so advanced, they can actually enable a paralyzed person to stand and move upright whenever operating them.
One of these models, which is known as the iBot, currently retails for a little over 25 grand. You are logged in as () | You can Login or Create an Account.Power & Manual Wheelchairs We manufacture and stock trusted brands – Karma, LEVO, Quickie and more. We stock a wide range of daily living aids, rehabilitation equipment and DVA supplies. We stock strollers, power and manual wheelchairs, seating systems and more. We love helping kids! Whether it’s a wheelchair or a walker, we can fix just about anything, and we come to you.A great selection of wheelchairs, always in stock When your mobility is compromised, it’s essential that you find a wheelchair that gives you the confidence to get about comfortably and conveniently. Elite Mobility are here to help you find the perfect wheelchair for your needs – and at the right price too. Our significant buying power allows us to buy large quantities and pass on the cost savings directly to you. We can provide finance to help you with your purchase as well as a range of quality second-hand wheelchairs with a full warranty.
Ergo Lite 2 Self Propel and Transit The Ergo Lite 2 from Karma Mobility is one of the most lightweight wheelchairs that you’ll find throughout our range. It is highly practical and comes with the well-loved S-Ergo seating system that provides pressure relief, reducing the chances of the user sliding down the seat. The lightness of this wheelchair in no way affects the stability or reliability of it and it has some of the most innovative features included. The chair features detachable footrest hangers, an Aegis microbe shield, fixed arm rests, stylish upholstery, a folding frame and half folding back rest for easy transportation. Ergo 115 Self Propel and Transit The lightweight Ergo 115 transit wheelchair from Karma Mobility will make sure any user is sat comfortably & safely. Our patented S-Ergo shaped seating system will allow pressure to be redistributed and help the user to stay in position instead of sliding down the seat, and is pressure mapped for the best possible shape.
The upholstery is treated with Aegis microbe shield and acts as an anti-bacterial shield for improved hygiene. It is also easily detachable for your benefit and you can choose your own style with a range of different upholstery colours, including Silver, Red, and Black. Ergo 125 Self Propel and Transit The Ergo 125 wheelchair is one of our more popular models, a dream to use because of its lightweight aircraft aluminium frame that can be collapsed, and built with a double cross brace system that only adds to its strength and durability. With its sleek, stylish & unique design, the innovative features of this chair will have you impressed in no time. Standard features include the Ergo seating system, flip back armrests, detachable upholstery for easy cleaning and quick release wheels, along with slowing brakes. You won’t be disappointed in this safe, reliable model. The Ergo Live wheelchair is an innovative mobility product brought to you by Karma Mobility. Its lightweight design is intended for optimum comfort and performance and allows the user to easily manage it on a day to day basis.
When complete the chair weighs just 13kg but can be stripped down to 8.5kg for transport and storage. The lightweight design combined with the folding frame and short wheelbase ensure that the Ergo Live really is the perfect wheelchair for users looking to maintain an active, independent lifestyle. The user will enjoy adjustments like the backrest which can be modified to either 85, 90 or 95 degrees and fantastic features like the optional S-Ergo seating system which allows users to sit in comfort without sliding. VIP 515 Tilt in Space Self Propel and Transit This is the VIP-515 wheelchair from Karma Mobility, a revolutionary piece of equipment from one of the leading companies in the mobility industry. It is lightweight and tilts in space, with tilt range of 0 to 35 degrees. Its aluminium frame allows the wheelchair to maintain stability by moving the centre of gravity, and is highly compact because the wheelchair is foldable for travelling or storage. Fantastic additional features include lumbar support, anti-tip leavers, height adjustable and an ergonomic headrest.
Karma Mobility likes to think of everything when it comes to mobility equipment and the Bluebird Travel Chair is no exception. This fantastic wheelchair has been designed so that it can neatly fold into a small package for easy transportation or storage. Don’t be put off by the fact that it’s a travel chair; this chair comes with larger rear wheels, unlike most travel chairs, which makes it a much more comfortable ride for users, even outdoors. Additional features of this chair include a handy storage bag and flip back armrests. An affordable lightweight occasional use transport chair. The Soma ‘Bluebird’ will take you where you need to go with the minimum of fuss. It folds quickly and easily for transportation and storage and weighs just 11kg (24lbs) complete. Advantage HD Self Propel and Transit The Advantage HD wheelchair is an innovative & durable mobility product from Karma Mobility. It has been designed and built with the user in mind so that it could combine comfort with practicality and durability.