Have Wheels Will Travel

Not long ago people really didn't need much guidance in choosing a manual wheelchair.  They only came in a standard design made of heavy stainless-steel with dark colored upholstery.  The back wheels looked like they came right off a bycycle and of course a flat tire was only a matter of time.

Now there's a wide range of manual wheelchair models you can choose from, designed for a large variety of needs. The stainless-steel is no longer the single option; it can be replaced with aluminum, aeroplane aluminium, chrome, titanium or other lightweight materials.

A lightweight/sport wheelchair is built of materials such as aluminum, titanium or chrome. Initially designed for sports use, the lightweight manual wheelchair then became a very popular everyday chair. The sporty look and the independence of movement it offered were highly appreciated by many users.  They are appropriate for a user with good upper mobility but shouldn't be used by obese persons, because it has a lower weight capacity than a standard wheelchair.

A standard manual wheelchair has a cross-brace frame, a mid-to-high-level back, built-in or removable armrests and swing-away footrests. Some people still prefer this type of wheelchair and they are recommended for people of heavier weight.

1. Transport Wheelchairs.

Transport chairs are designed for quick and easy transport but are typically not intended for individual use.  These types of wheelchairs are very lightweight and designed to transport with assistance.  They can easily fit into the trunk of a car or within a home closet with handles that fold down and removable foot rests.  This is the type of chair that you see in use at a hospital or nursing home.

This type of chair is also ideal for outdoor use because of typical safety features found on most trasport wheelchairs:

• lap seatbelt
• large rear flat free tires
• client operated loop brake
• frame design for strength and durability

Some features that are typical with transport wheelchairs:

• Plastic footplates as well as swing away footrests and even removable footrests for storage.
• Carbon steel frame with double coated chrome provides an attractive, chip-proof, easy to maintain finish or aluminum frame for lightweight, strength and durability.
• Handles fold down for easy storage and transport.
• Weighs only 19 - 25 lbs.
• Composite wheels that are lightweight and maintenance free.
• Seat widths of 17 or 19 inches.
• Many available colors like green, silver, tan/plaid, burgundy/green, blue and gun pPowder.

2. Lightweight Manual Wheelchairs.

Lightweight manual chairs are easy to propel as well as transport and are intended for individual use without assistance.  With the durability and strength they provide, these are perfect wheelchairs for both inside and out.

This chair type proivdes more features than a transport chair and can be configured for a more fashionable appearance:

• Frame styles that eliminates seat guides and allows for custom backs and accessories.
• Carbon Steel frame with double coated chrome for an attractive, chip-proof, maintainable finish.
• Weighs from 25 - 40 lbs.
• Durable, heavy gauge naugahyde upholstery.
• Nylon padded armrests provide added passenger comfort.
• Composite Mag-style wheels are lightweight and maintenance free.
• Precision sealed wheel bearings in front and rear ensure long lasting performance and reliability.
• Composite footplates are durable and lightweight.
• Front caster forks are adjustable in 3 positions.

3. Delux Wheelchairs.

Deluxe wheelchairs provide the combination of strength, style, and numerous features that make these chairs the best on the market today.   They are a deluxe high strength lightweight wheelchair which features low overall product weight (just 32 pounds), wrap around flip back arms allowing for easy transfer, carbon steel frame for durability, and composite mag style wheels for style.

Like the lightweight manual wheelchair, they are easy to propel and transport and intended for individual use without assistance.

Typical features found on a delux wheelchair are:

• Weighs from 30 - 40 lbs.
• Frame style eliminates seat guides and allows custom backs.
• Wrap-around arms reduce overall frame width without affecting seat width.
• Carbon Steel frame with double coated chrome for an attractive, chip-proof, easy-to-maintain finish.
• Durable, heavy gauge flame retardant nylon upholstery resists mildew and bacteria.
• Nylon padded armrests provide added passenger comfort.
• Flip back arms allow for easy transfer.
• Composite Mag-style wheels are lightweight and maintenance free.
• Precision sealed wheel bearings in front and rear ensure long lasting performance and reliability.
• Standard dual axel provides easy transition of seat to hemi-level
• Aluminum footplates are attractive, crack-proof and lightweight.
• Front caster forks are adjustable in 3 positions.

4. Reclining Wheelchairs.

The Viper plus reclining is a deluxe high strength lightweight wheelchair which features low overall product weight (just 32 pounds), wrap around flip back arms allowing for easy transfer, carbon steel frame for durability, and composite mag style wheels for style, and the new state-of –the-art hydraulic reclining mechanism for your back to be in your most comfortable position.

• VIPER weighs 51 lbs. (excluding front rigging).
• New State-of-the-art hydraulic reclining mechanism.
• Wrap-around arms reduce overall frame width without affecting seat width.
• Carbon Steel frame with double coated chrome for an attractive, chip-proof, maintainable finish
• Durable, heavy gauge flame retardant nylon upholstery resists mildew and bacteria.
• Nylon padded armrests provide added patient comfort.
• Flip back arms allow for easy transfer.
• Composite Mag-style wheels are lightweight and maintenance free.
• Precision sealed wheel bearings in front and rear ensure long lasting performance and reliability.
• Standard dual axel provides easy transition of seat to hemi-level
• Composite footplates are durable and lightweight.
• Front caster forks are adjustable in 3 positions
• Urethane rear tires and casters offer superior performance, smoother ride and are lightweight.

Things to remember

• A stair lift relieves the concern about the safety and comfort of your loved ones when you can't always be by their side.
• A stair lift will make your life, and the life of the person you are caring for, easier and safer for years to come.
• Low cost alternative when stairs become an obstacle.
• Stair lifts can be used for carrying things other than people up and down a staircase
• Reduces wear on your body and energy.