Lightweight Power Wheelchairs: Benefits, Buying Tips, Cost Factors and More

Sturdy and durable enough for everyday use yet light enough to travel just about anywhere with, lightweight electric wheelchairs are, on average, around 15 to 60 pounds, enabling them to fold into the back of the trunk of your SUV or even be used for transport on a cruise ship. In fact, some of the latest examples of lightweight power chairs – as they are sometimes known – are TSA and airline-approved thanks to their spill-proof and flame-proof battery systems.

In this article, we’ll discuss just about everything you need to know about lightweight power chairs, from benefits and buying tips to cost factors and seemingly everything in-between, so you can be better prepared when shopping for yourself or a loved one. To kick things off, let’s take a look at some primary benefits.

Some of the benefits of lightweight power wheelchairs include:

• They’re lighter than traditional wheelchairs and mobility scooters
• They’re more compact than mobility scooters
• They’re perfect for travel and on-the-go users
• They’re easy to store – no need to invest in or reconstruct a separate storage area
• They demand no additional equipment – no costly vehicle adaptations such as hoists, lifts or ramps are needed

We here at 1800Wheelchair offer the lightest electric wheelchair on the planet, the Feather Power Chair, as seen here.

Buying a Lightweight Power Wheelchair: What You Need to Know

When purchasing a lightweight power chair, the environments where you’ll be using it the most must be taken into consideration (indoors/outdoors) as well as what features you require, specification demands like total weigh and weight capacity and, of course, budget. Buying the right lightweight power wheelchair that best fits your needs and lifestyle will ultimately provide you with mobility and comfort for your daily activities.

In putting these considerations into a list, answering the following questions will help you make an informed decision before investing in your chair.

• Do you plan to use a lightweight power wheelchair indoors, outdoors or both?
• Will you be transporting your chair around in vehicles, cruise ships or airplanes?
• What is the maximum weight capacity and wheelchair weight preferred?
• What top speeds will you need the wheelchair to be able to reach?
• Do you require special seating options for extra comfort?
• What is your budget?

Features to Keep an Eye On

We can tell you from vast experience in the wheelchair industry that the following represent the key features of lightweight power chairs:

Portability These chairs are ideal for travel, users constantly on the go and those with storage challenges.
Durability Whichever lightweight chair you decide to purchase, we wholeheartedly recommend it be built with high-quality materials, be durable and have the capacity to get you around freely with no issues.
Comfort First and foremost, lightweight power chairs should be designed for comfort and convenience out of the gate. If you are not comfortable in your power wheelchair, you may experience problems and you’ll end up not being happy when using it. What’s more, an uncomfortable seat can cause sores to develop – but on the positive side, this may encourage you to improve your posture.
Maneuverability When choosing your lightweight power wheelchair, there is the possibility that you will need to make sure that it can support you during daily tasks. Look at specifications such as turning radius to determine the maneuverability of the chair – it should be maneuverable in helping you run errands such as shopping, visiting the park and going to see family/friends.

The Cost Factor

Like everything else we purchase in life, the price of your lightweight power chair must be a top priority, especially when taking into consideration a budget. The average price for a new lightweight power wheelchair is approximately $1800 to $3900, and these prices are dependent on model type, size, weight capacity and features; of course, higher-end and more expensive models will bring with them additional features, technology and custom options.

What You Should Know About Medicare Coverage

Based on our latest research, Medicare does not cover the costs associated with a lightweight folding power wheelchair, however, it may provide some of the coverage for “Durable Medical Equipment” (or DME) if you meet specific requirements that your primary physician prescribes.

Before getting approved for lightweight power wheelchair coverage, you must have a face-to-face examination and written prescription from an accredited doctor.

Aging Seniors

A power wheelchair can increase the independence of the aging senior demographic and transform their mobility throughout their daily lives. With so many advances made since the invention about 70 years ago, there are more benefits for seniors when purchasing a power wheelchair in general than ever before.

Seniors can easily eliminate the physical strain and hassle of standard wheelchairs while upgrading to a better form of mobility – it’s as simple as that. With that being said, it is important to note that not all electric wheelchairs are created equally, and with so many factors to consider (such as the aforementioned cost and key features), switching to a power chair can feel like a daunting task for seniors in particular; you can be sure that representatives of 1800Wheelchair have thoroughly researched the top products on the market to answer your questions and provide you with a guide to find the best power wheelchair to suit your specific aging senior needs.

Some Closing Thoughts

It is always a good idea to consider your needs and how your new lightweight wheelchair will be able to enhance your lifestyle. Shop around and do your research first before making a purchase – which would be the exact same advice we’d give to someone shopping for a car – and take into consideration everything we’ve covered in this blog article when making your decision about what type to buy.

Consider the Benefits of a Lightweight Mobility Scooter

There are a myriad of benefits to owning a lightweight mobility scooter, ranging from the fact that they require far less effort to propel than a manual wheelchair to the way they allow you to cover a greater distance without any assistance – they can also be easily dismantled or folded to fit in a vehicle, on public transport or to take on vacation.

A lightweight, portable and robust mobility scooter can help anyone with mobility restrictions, allowing you the freedom to get outdoors and explore. They’re easy to operate, even for those who have never used one before, and normally offer one or two speed settings in which the user can travel up to four MPH. The biggest benefit of such a scooter, however, is that they’re simple to fold down or dismantle (as we mentioned above), as this renders them easy to put in the car boot, take on a train/bus/plane or store under the stairs.

The way we see it, there are six good reasons to invest in a portable mobility scooter (which is also commonly known as a lightweight scooter, boot scooter or folding mobility scooter). They all refer to virtually the same device, the best of them sharing similar characteristics: they should fold or dismantle in under 30 seconds and also fit in most car boot spaces. Of course, different makes and models will vary slightly, but the concept remains the same.

Accessibility Being limited in mobility is absolutely no Swiss picnic, which is why the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) clearly states that services such as shops, pubs, hotels, post offices and general public spaces must provide access for everyone. As great news for someone traveling around on a portable mobility scooter (or in a powerchair or wheelchair), accessibility in these places is continually improving.
Injury Prevention A portable scooter literally allows you to take the weight off your feet while also reducing the risk of trips, slips and falls, which can be particularly damaging if you lack physical strength.
Simple Operation A good portable mobility scooter should be easy to fold and take with you in the car boot, so if you’re the type of individual who is always on the go, it might be wise to select a scooter that can either electronically or manually fold in under 30 seconds. To say that this would save you a gaggle of trouble during assembly and disassembly would be something of a massive understatement – the bottom line is that the best examples of these products are simple to operate and boast clearly-marked buttons/levers on the dashboard.
Storage Efficiency One look at a mobile scooter and most people immediately believe they don’t have the room to store it. But if you do happen to lack the storage space for a large mobility scooter, a compact model may fit the bill; with one of these in the house, you’ll be able to put it in a small shed, cupboard or hallway. What’s more, the batteries are usually removable, allowing them to be charged wherever there is an electrical outlet.
Additional Independence There is no price that could be put on being able to get around without assistance, and a portable mobility scooter is an ideal way to hit the shops, move around the garden or use in conjunction with a motor vehicle to travel beyond the home. Looking for something that can handle long journeys on a regular basis? An eight MPH scooter may be of greater benefit.
Home Demonstrations While not quite as involved as buying a house or car, purchasing a mobility scooter still demands that some hard decisions be made. Consider that the device has to suit your lifestyle and, more importantly, your need to feel confident when piloting it in public. Some businesses selling wheelchairs and scooters may offer an option to bring a selection to your home so you can try them out and speak to a trained mobility specialist at the same time.

Some Other Factors to Take Into Consideration

Crowded Spaces One of the first things wheelchair and scooter users think about when having to pilot their new device is navigating those busy crowds – and it doesn’t necessarily have to be in Disney World, Magic Mountain or downtown Manhattan. The majority of shopping centers, eateries and public spaces are now equipped and ready for disabled access, and lightweight mobility scooters have been designed to blend in with the hustle and bustle of such crowded places. Further, most lightweight scooters boast a tight turning circle, meaning that you’ll be able to navigate tight corners and crowded spaces without much effort.
All Terrains The very best mobility device business selling these products will stock a range of lightweight mobility scooters to suit the different needs and requirements of their customers, with some scooters coming with, for example, large rugged wheels that are better for uneven terrain, and still others having more powerful motors that are designed to help with inclines. Some scooters are designed more sleekly than others, allowing for small turning circles to provide the best indoor performance.
Battery Type When choosing a mobility scooter, it’s important to decide whether you want one powered by a Lead Acid (SLA) or Lithium Ion battery; for your general information, Lithium Ion has undergone rigorous testing and is considered safe for travel by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), while SLA batteries are heavier in weight but represent the cheaper alternative. The SLA option is suitable for shorter journeys such as going shopping or visiting the doctor, but either way, one excellent tip we can share is to always buy a spare battery for your lightweight mobility scooter: this will allow you to extend your range without recharging your battery.

Of course, like with everything else in life, there are a few cons regarding mobility scooters that should be mentioned, and these include:

• Users need a significant amount of balance and arm strength, so it’s not a great choice for people with more serious disabilities.
• Some models are too big to store or transport easily.
• They’re not a good option for small homes.

To wrap up, we’d like to leave you with this stat: in 2021, the global electric scooter market was estimated to be worth an eye-watering $20.78 billion, largely due to vast improvements in technology – meaning that improvements like decreased weight and increased battery life have become the norm.

Looking Beyond the Horizon: Ultralight Wheelchairs Setting The New Standard

Incredible strides have been made in wheelchair technology (just take a gander at our collection of featherweight wheelchairs at 1800wheelchair.com), to the point that we are now going from featherweight chairs, such as the model we offer here, to our all new even lighter featherweight transport chairs.

Predicting the future is a really tough gig. After all, how many people, taking epidemiologists out of the equation for a moment, could have anticipated a pandemic when COVID-19 hit? Still, by looking at the past and coupling it with what we see today, it may indeed be possible to predict what tomorrow’s wheelchairs will look and act like.

For many years, manufacturers went to painstaking lengths to shave ounces from the frames of lightweight wheelchairs, given that frame weight has long been scrutinized by ultra-lightweight wheelchair riders. You may be asking yourself, “Yes, but at this point, does losing a few more ounces really matter?” Perhaps the better question would be: If frame weight is no longer a significantly distinguishing feature, what else can manufacturers offer to stand out?

We can tell you, based on feedback from manufacturer reps we’ve spoken with, that it’s all about material – if it’s efficient, long-lasting and durable enough to withstand the design demands put on it. Whether it’s aluminum, titanium or carbon fiber, materials truly are a means to an end in the wheelchair industry, not just a bragging right for manufacturers to hype up; it really becomes a focus point for how to work with the material, where it’s sourced from and where it’s put together to ensure a wheelchair is as efficient as possible for the end user.

What we here at 1800Wheelchair.com would like to see as we glance into the kaleidoscope of future possibilities is freedom of riders to have more choices. Consumers and wheelchair users in particular are much savvier than they were even five years ago; they talk to other users, they enter chat/Facebook/TikTok groups and know what they want. We know for a fact that wheelchair riders are not going to want to hear “Sorry, this is all your insurance is going to cover,” so we’d like to see some changes in the area of freedom and choices.

We would also like riders to be able to match their chair to different activities, and for riders to have at least two chairs – the way we see it, having one chair to fit every activity 24/7 for, say, five-plus years, is absolutely ridiculous. It’s one of the reasons that people’s shoulders are wearing out, ultimately forcing them into a power chair.

We’d like to see more riders take control of their health and wellbeing by having two chairs – one for everyday use, one for special occasions or activities. We also think that a new era of customization would be great, so you can really tailor a chair to your individual needs.

Ultimately, as we look into the future of wheelchair technology, we are excited by what might be possible. While the technology today is impressive, it’s likely that there will be even more advances on the horizon. Whether it’s lighter and stronger materials, longer battery life or better customization options, wheelchair riders of tomorrow may have unprecedented levels of freedom to choose a chair that fits their specific needs.

Of course, one of the great advantages of lightweight wheelchairs is that they are relatively affordable compared to many other types of medical equipment. We think that this affordability should remain a priority.

Affordable wheelchairs give the user greater freedom and empower them to live their lives to the fullest, regardless of their physical capabilities. From lightweight folding chairs to power chairs and even transport chairs, we believe that continued focus on affordability will be key to improving access to mobility solutions for people around the world. We look forward to seeing what technological advancements are

The future does indeed look smart for wheelchair users, what with a host of companies experimenting with sensors and/or cameras positioned to provide feedback on a rider’s ability to control the device and navigate the environment safely. The information can be relayed directly to the user to modify behavior, such as through an auditory, sensory or visual feedback system, the data to then be tracked and used to provide therapists with valuable insight into the user’s driving habits.

The number of wheelchair users is growing, and with that comes the need to ensure accessibility. The power of technology should not only be harnessed to create a greater quality of life for wheelchair riders, but also to bring about an even greater level of freedom for those who ride them.

Here at 1800Wheelchair.com, we are excited by the possibilities, from our existing light and super lightweight chairs to our all new even lighter featherweight transport chairs. No matter what the future holds we can’t wait to see it!

So, where are we headed in the future pf wheelchairs? With advancements in materials, design and technology, the possibilities are endless. We hope that wheelchairs will continue to become more lightweight, accessible and affordable, so that all wheelchair users can experience freedom of movement and have access to the mobility solutions they need.

At 1800Wheelchair.com we’re proud to play our part in making mobility solutions accessible to everyone who needs them. We look forward to the future of wheelchair technology and how it can empower riders around the world!

Electric Wheelchairs vs. Mobility Scooters: What is the Right Choice for You?

It is true that both an electric wheelchair and mobility scooter share the same basic function – that is, to transport people with varying levels of reduced mobility from one place to another – yet they also bring with them notable differences…differences that may not be immediately recognizable on the surface. Being that both these products are very popular amongst the physically impaired and senior citizen sets, it’s important to understand the differences between them should someone in the family be in need of such a device.

To start with, mobility scooters seem to be the preference amongst those who experience age-related pain from bone issues or other health complications, but who nevertheless still boast fine motor skills and the use of both hands. Electric wheelchairs, conversely, are typically chosen by patients who can’t be on their feet for long periods of time, who have almost no mobility in the body due to paralysis or who experience reduced mobility in the neck, arms or upper torso.

Electric Wheelchairs

Essentially a “power chair,” an electric wheelchair is powered by batteries and an electric motor, all of which have been designed for nonstop use. They offer support for the patient’s back and sides for added comfort, and with hand controls on the armrests, the wheelchair can be controlled without having to extend the arms or lean too far forward. This enables a stable position for those individuals who have limited mobility of the arms or upper body.

Mobility Scooters

Made for those who are not completely immobile, a mobility scooter allows for easy mounting by lifting up the armrests in order to easily slide in and out. Powered by batteries and controlled by switches attached to handlebars – or sometimes a finger lever/twist grip throttle – these scooters’ bases are constructed in a much sturdier fashion, rendering them more solid and dependable.

Understanding Some Pros and Cons

Positives about mobility scooters include:

• Available in different shapes and sizes
• Able to tackle different terrains
• Some are more easily transportable
• Able to achieve faster speeds

Negatives about mobility scooters include:

• Can be more expensive
• Can be more cumbersome to transport
• Typically more bulky
• Offer a bigger turning radius

Positives about electric wheelchairs include:

• Transportable in a car trunk
• Tighter turning radius
• Good stability
• More options and adjustable dimensions

Negatives about electric wheelchairs include:

• Can be heavier than a mobility scooter
• Doesn’t go as fast
• Joystick takes longer to master
• Requires more maintenance

Major Similarities and Differences Between a Power Chair and Mobility Scooter

I. The Foldability Factor

Some power chairs can be folded, and of the foldable types there are those that fold into one piece and others that can be taken apart into few lightweight pieces (for easier transportation). Though they are foldable, there aren’t many on the market that can handle the weight of an extremely large user; they are made of material that is not as durable or heavy-duty in characteristic. The fact of the matter is, the type of electric wheelchair that can handle more weight tends to weigh a lot more itself, making it difficult to lift into a vehicle. Foldable wheelchairs boast a great turning radius, some even under 30-inches, with specific models going as far down as 24-inches, making them extremely maneuverable around corners or in tight spaces.

Foldable mobility scooters are available as models that can be disassembled into pieces without the use of any tools, as well as those that can be folded into one piece. A great thing about the latter is that they only take a few seconds to fold, with many of them being TSA-approved for airline travel (and, what’s more, there’s no fee to take them with you on an airplane). They range in weight from about 34 to 60 pounds, with the heavier examples being slightly more durable with a stronger motor. Some models boast remote fobs that enable them to be folded and unfolded at the push of a button – after unfolding them, they can be wheeled behind the user like any other piece of luggage.

II. The Battery

If regular travel is always on the itinerary – especially by air – it doesn’t matter if we’re talking about an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter: the type of battery the device runs on must be taken into consideration. Especially questionable are lithium batteries, and to make matters worse, they may not even be approved by the airlines if they exceed the 300AH mark; so long as they are sealed, all other battery types are approved. Most power chairs typically come with power cells that are rechargeable, with both lithium and 12-volt batteries weighing between seven and nine pounds.

The batteries bundled with either a mobility scooter or wheelchair can go quite a ways before they need to be recharged. Typically, a wheelchair’s mileage clocks in as low as eight miles and as much as 18 miles on a single charge, while full-size scooters offer a battery life that can go much longer (as much as 40 miles on a single charge). When riding an electric wheelchair uphill, the battery life, as expected, will be depleted at a much higher rate, especially if the incline is higher than 12-degrees. Indeed, exceeding that tilt will drain the battery or ruin it.

Weight also plays a significant role in how long a battery will hold; as such, we recommend staying at least 30 pounds beneath maximum weight capacity. Also keep in mind that charging these devices requires a connection to an outlet for about eight to 14 hours.

III. Weight Capacity

Being that we just touched on weight, let’s take a moment to discuss that factor. Different power wheelchairs can support different weights depending on which model we’re talking about; the folding type of wheelchair boasts a lower-than-average weight capacity due to the lightweight material framework it’s composed of, while the bariatric power chairs are more heavy-duty in stature and can support anything from 400 to 700 pounds in weight (they are equipped with solid or flat-free tires for this very reason).

On the flip side of that coin, mobility scooters – especially the bariatric and full-size variants – bring with them a higher weight capacity. Because they are considered heavy-duty, they offer some of the highest weight capacity for mobile scooters, in excess of 600 pounds.

Some other factors to take into consideration when comparing these products include:

• Indoor/outdoor capacities
• Wheels
• Accessories

To get a feel for what’s out there in this market, have a look at  our 1800Wheelchair.com selection.

What is International Wheelchair Day?

Did you know there’s an actual International Wheelchair Day? Don’t feel too bad – most people wouldn’t have, either. Indeed, March 1 brings wheelchair users together from around the world to celebrate the positive impact a wheelchair has made on their lives, and since it was first launched in 2008, such revelries have taken place in Australia, Nepal, Senegal, South Africa, Bangladesh, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

In doing our part, 1800Wheelchair would like to take this opportunity to explore the history behind what has arguably been the most important mobility device ever created. Why do we say that? Well, the wheelchair carries on as a piece of technology that just about everyone on the planet is familiar with, used by millions suffering with disabilities across the globe.

What’s more, the history of this device proves how technological advancements have been ultimately driven by circumstances, changing demands and ingenuity of wheelchair users throughout time.

(Very) Humble Beginnings and Stephan Farffler

While it is uncertain as to what can be considered the very first wheelchair, stone inscriptions from ancient Greece and China suggest that wheelchair-esque furniture has been around since the sixth century AD – at the very least. However, one of the best-documented early examples of what we now recognize as the modern wheelchair was made by an unknown inventor for King Philip of Spain in 1595, who in his later years suffered from severe gout, making walking difficult; this chair boasted what would now be called an elaborate design, with plush upholstery, arm and leg rests and four small wheels which demanded it be pushed around by (at the time) a servant.

The first self-propelled wheelchair was invented in 1655 by Stephan Farffler, a paraplegic clock-maker in Nuremberg, Germany who built his own mobility device when he was only 22, having broken his back as a child. Taking advantage of his clock-maker expertise, Farffler based his wheelchair’s frame on a three-wheel chassis, which worked by turning handles attached to a geared front wheel using a system of cogwheels and cranks. In retrospect, it is easy to envision this wheelchair as a prelude to the modern day bicycle – even though the bike wouldn’t be invented for another few hundred years.

The Science Museum Group has perhaps the most interesting example of a self-propelled chair inspired by Farffler’s design in its collection, the chair boasting three main wheels and driven by chains through two hand cranks on either side of the rider.

Across Europe

From the second half of the 18th century came a number of significant wheelchair developments, namely from the town of Bath, at the time a popular spa town destination for the sick and disabled from across Britain and Europe who sought comfort and healing from the physical therapy approaches and mineral water offered there.

A number of wheelchairs were designed and offered to rent in order to meet the demand created by immobile visitors who took to the waters, the most popular design of this period coming in the form of the “Bath Chair,” brainchild of John Dawson in 1783. This model was supported by two wheels joined by an axle beneath the seat, aided by a small pivoting wheel in front of the supporting footrest. The Bath Chair could be steered by the user via a long curved rod connected to the front wheel, though it still had to be pushed by an assistant or attendant; variations of the chair quickly became very popular and soon rivaled the Sedan Chair – realized as an enclosed box with a seat carried by two men on poles – as the primary form of transportation for the wealthy disabled across Britain.

The aforementioned Science Museum Group even has a Bath Chair made for Queen Victoria in 1893 on display, which was taken advantage of during her later, less-agile years.

According to patents we’ve done research on, many improvements were made to the wheelchair to promote comfort, independence and maneuverability throughout the 19th century, including the invention of push-rims and rear push wheels.

From X-Frame to Model 8

Perhaps the most commercially successful wheelchair to be marketed was the revolutionary X-Frame folding variant, developed in the 1930s by American engineers Herbert Everest and Harry Jennings after the former became paraplegic in a mining accident. In fact, the relatively lightweight and easily transportable chair is still familiar today.

Again, the Science Museum Group Collection has a Model 8 version of this folding wheelchair in its inventory, built in the 1950s and which was used in nursing homes, hospitals and private institutions. The Model 8 could be maneuvered either by the patient via the metal rims attached to each wheel or by an assistant pushing the chair.

Advancements Into Modern Times

Unprecedented advancements in manual wheelchair technology have been implemented since the 1930s, with materials such as titanium and aluminum rendering devices much lighter than older steel versions, to say nothing of the advent of athletic models specifically adapted for sports performance.

The “Shadow Racer” sports wheelchair, as an example, was designed for road and track racing by Jim Martinson, an injured Vietnam veteran, while Quickie Designs manufactured sports wheelchairs alongside tennis and basketball chairs in the early 1990s. The development of sports wheelchairs highlights the role of personal ambition when it was a driving force for technological adaptions and advancements.

Today, the wheelchair is one of the most commonly-used assistive devices for enhancing the personal mobility of people with disabilities, and is actually considered a basic human right for people with limited mobility by the World Health Organization. Indeed, wheelchairs have opened up a whole new world of independence for these folks, enabling participation in economic, social and cultural life they may not have experienced without chairs.

The way we here at 1800Wheelchair see it, International Wheelchair Day is a welcome moment both to celebrate the innovative technological advancements which have changed the lives of millions and to also consider this reality: throughout history, as is still the case today in most developing nations, only the privileged few who need wheelchairs actually had access to them.

To see some of the most advanced and diverse collections of modern wheelchairs on the market today, view our collection at 1800WheelChair.com.

Simple Mobility and Lightweight Wheelchair Solution

The featherweight wheelchair, also referred to as the feather chair, is setting a new standard in the world of manual wheelchairs and remains one of the lightest chairs available on the market today.

Utilizing specialized materials, the featherweight wheelchair boasts such low-weight characteristics that it can be lifted into a vehicle for transport by almost anyone; case in point: while a number of wheelchairs can weigh upwards of 35 pounds, the featherweight clocks in at a mere 19 pounds fully assembled (and an impressive 13.5 pounds when removing the optional pop-off wheels).

Whether the wheelchair is being operated by yourself or with a caregiver’s assistance, the feather chair is simple to use and takes less than a minute to fold or unfold. What’s more, the leg rests come in either an elevating or swing-away configuration, with optional “anti-tipper” wheels often available to prevent the chair from falling backward.

Our Own Featherweight Wheelchair Story

For 1800Wheelchair’s part, our founders determined, quite accurately, that wheelchairs are ultimately ugly, heavy and expensive, and as such decided to build a brand that offers beautiful, lightweight and affordable variants. In late 2018, we launched our flagship product which ended up becoming the world’s lightest wheelchair at 13 pounds, dubbed the Feather Chair (and named after the alternative reference to featherweight wheelchairs).

Let’s be honest: a lightweight wheelchair is essential for traveling, especially when it comes to lifting a chair in and out of a car – to say nothing of maneuvering it on a plane or bus – so the lighter the chair, the easier for a caregiver to push or for the user to self-propel.

Hassle-Free Travel: One of the Most Important Aspects

Since we touched on travel in the previous paragraph, this would be a great time to dive into greater detail about this vital aspect of featherweight wheelchairs. This product folds easily into a simple-to-lift, compact package in the blink of an eye, requiring the user to fold down the backrest, pull the middle section of the seat upwards and prepare for storage or transport. For additional convenience, quick-release wheels are available, this optional upgrade allowing the rear wheels to be removed simply and with little haste – this, in turn, allows for more convenient storage and reduces the weight of the Feather Chair from an already super-light 19 pounds to an astonishing 13.5 pounds.

Traveling with a family member suffering with mobility issues has never been so streamlined.

Light as a Feather…and Safe

Featherweight wheelchairs usually include, as a standard safety protocol, dual sets of brakes, with wheel locks at the front of the frame preventing the wheelchair from unintentionally moving forward or backward – and which can be reached easily by the user. Handbrakes, meanwhile, are located in the push handles at the rear of the featherweight chair for use by a caregiver, the integrated brake system itself operating similarly to the brakes of a bicycle – a mere squeeze is all that’s required to stop the chair.

By pushing them toward the ground, the handbrakes can also be locked into place, while the optional and aforementioned anti-tippers provide an additional layer of safety by keeping the wheelchair from tipping backward.

Additional Information About Wheelchairs in General

A standard wheelchair – or manual wheelchair – can best be described as a chair for mobility featuring rear wheels that are large and front wheels that are smaller, intended to be manually propelled by the user or pushed by a caregiver. This design enables the user to reach the wheels in the rear and, while seated, push themselves; standard wheelchairs are also transportable, collapsible and easy to use by both a patient and caregiver.

If you cannot mobilize without assistance and find yourself being able to take only a few steps before having to catch your breath, you may be a candidate for a wheelchair. You may also require a chair if walking long distances is challenging, even with help (whether that constitutes a family member, friend or another assistive device like a cane). Further, if you find yourself struggling to walk on your own and believe you would benefit from a wheelchair, your mobility limitations should first be discussed with your primary caregiver; during your scheduled appointment, your needs will be analyzed by your doctor and a wheelchair may indeed be prescribed for use.

When it comes to “qualifying for a wheelchair,” this determination will be decided by your doctor as well, and if you fulfill the requirements as laid forth by your insurance provider to cover the chair’s costs. Indeed, to “qualify” for a wheelchair, your doctor needs to be convinced that you exhibit limited mobility while at the same time are physically capable of pushing a wheelchair on your own. If daily tasks are interfered with by your limited mobility – whether it’s merely getting around your home or completing essential everyday functions like putting clothes on – you may qualify for a wheelchair.

Consequently, you will need to be able to sit and support yourself without assistance in order to operate a wheelchair, as well as be able to physically operate the controls and navigate appropriately, all while being able to solely get in and out of the chair. Your medical necessity for a wheelchair can be determined by your primary caregiver by analyzing your mobility limitations as well as evaluating how you’d possibly benefit from such a device.

What’s Best for You?

Here at 1800Wheelchair, we want nothing but the best for our customers, and this is why we’re constantly looking out for advancements in the wheelchair sector as well as ways to recommend the best chairs for specific needs. The “best” wheelchair is the one that suits these needs, lands within your budget and integrates into your daily life the most efficiently, but with so many chairs on the market, it can be an overwhelming prospect to select the right model – especially if this is your first time purchasing a wheelchair.

If the ultimate in simple mobility is on the top of your priority roster, featherweight wheelchairs are definitely the way to do. Lightweight frames make these chairs easy to travel with, and many of them come in interesting upholstery colors – such as blue plaid and black plaid – for a custom look.

Get in contact with 1800Wheelchair today to get all the wheelchair buying assistance you need.

A Closer Look Inside the World of Transport Wheelchairs

Unbeknownst to many save for those working in the healthcare industry, all wheelchairs are actually not the same, even though they basically perform the same task. A transport wheelchair (also known as a companion chair or roll-about wheelchair) is a wheelchair that is not only lighter in weight but also easier to use than a standard variant – useful for individuals who do not need to utilize a chair all the time, but who want to take advantage of one occasionally. It is not uncommon for some individuals to use transport wheelchairs to travel to and from their appointments as safely as possible.

What’s important to note about transport wheelchairs is that they aren’t designed for traveling long distances, so if a wheelchair is needed for such ventures, it is wise to ask a healthcare provider about acquiring a standard model. A garden variety transport wheelchair can support an individual who weighs up to approximately 30 pounds, while a heavy-duty transport wheelchair can support an individual who weighs up to 400 or so pounds.

Transport wheelchairs aren’t made to be moved by the person sitting in them; rather, they require the assistance of a caregiver, who would normally push the chair from behind – another important distinction when comparing them to other types of chairs, including those that are motorized.

A transport wheelchair can be purchased at:

• Medical supply stores
• Medical supply websites (such as 1800Wheelchair.com)
• Retail drug outlets (such as Walgreens or CVS)
• Supercenters (such as Wal-Mart or Target)
• Online retailers (such as Amazon)

The unfortunate reality is that patients suffering from a loss of mobility are often stuck inside their homes, rooms or whatever facility they may be living in, and this is mainly because too much activity already exhausts them. As such, they often find most activities that the majority of us would call “simple” to be challenging and complicated because of their medical condition.

Today, one of the most efficient and convenient examples of modern medical equipment is the transport wheelchair, helpful for patients who want to travel or take simple short trips to restaurants, malls or hospitals for appointments. Additionally, they are helpful because they provide more comfort and convenience to patients and their respective caregivers – and, as we alluded to above, these chairs are a safer and more comfortable means of transport.

Since transport wheelchairs are in their wheelhouse, so to speak, when fulfilling patients’ needs of taking short trips, they are significantly smaller, lighter and more compact so they’re easy to lift into and store in vehicles. Thus, transport chairs are not difficult to push, boasting lighter total weight and light rubber materials, while remaining foldable so they don’t require maximum force to move.

Who’s Best Suited to Use Transport Wheelchairs?

We’ve already stressed how transport wheelchairs are equipped with significantly unique designs, and this is important because such chairs accommodate specific types of users. Ideally, transport wheelchairs are geared towards lighter, more petite patients because they’re within the weight capacity ratings; if some heavier-than-average patients use them, the aforementioned safety and comfort are not guaranteed (assuming a caregiver is not assisting).

Luckily, unique wheelchairs are available to work best for each patient’s specific needs and preferences – for example, those patients boasting a bigger and heavier body build can perfectly fit in heavy-duty transport chairs or bariatric transport chairs, both of which feature more robust materials so they can comfortably accommodate larger users.

Breaking Down the Differences Between Transport Wheelchairs and Regular Types

At the end of the day, transport wheelchairs and regular wheelchairs are built to ease patients’ problems of limited mobility. Regular wheelchairs are normally used daily and perform their primary purpose of supporting patients who wish to move about their immediate area, but don’t want any assistance (i.e. to be carried) by their caregivers.

Transport wheelchairs, on the other hand, are ideal to use for traveling – as the namesake would suggest – when patients look forward to moving from place to place. They are often designed to be foldable so they’re easily accessible to fit in planes, buses, cars and even on boats, and with the addition of wheelchair cushions, patients can actually experience more enjoyment while traveling.

Important Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Transport Wheelchair

Making the process of finding the seemingly perfect wheelchair even more complicated is the significant advancement of wheelchair availability. Keeping this in mind, it becomes important to shop various options by evaluating reliability factors, with the following three representing the most important from our perspective.

Weight Capacity It is necessary, when shopping for a transport wheelchair, to have a straight answer on the weight capacity of the model. If you are the one who will be using it, you need to pay attention to whether your selection can accommodate your body weight. For better use of the wheelchair, you need to choose the best model that will provide you mobility, safety and maximum comfort.
Seat Size Along with weight capacity, the seat size is also an important primary factor to consider. You should closely analyze the size of the seat since the best transport wheelchair cushions should be just about perfect; they matter because seats that are too wide can bring with them possible slipping, while seats that are too narrow come along with discomfort.
Price Like everything else in life (well, for most of us, anyway), it always comes down to budget and affordability with regard to transport wheelchairs, and as such you need to ensure that the chair you choose doesn’t break the bank. Though they offer special features, a suitable transport wheelchair should be able to perform its primary purpose at a somewhat reasonable price – keep in mind, too, that inexpensive or not, no wheelchair is made for everyone’s specific demands.

Final Thoughts

Purchasing the wrong kind of transport wheelchair can cost a vast amount of money in the long run, so to make sure that people coping with loss of mobility can find their perfect transport wheelchair model, 1800Wheelchair offers an incredible selection. To give you an idea of that sweeping selection, click here.