All-New Move Lite Folding Power Chair Archives - Wheelchair & Mobile Scooter Info

Wheelchair Safety Tips: Checklist for Caregivers and Users

Wheelchairs have the potential to provide users greater mobility independence and ease the burden on caregivers when utilized properly. However, if you don’t operate wheelchairs appropriately, they can become a safety hazard.

To assist you in understanding the dos and don’ts of using a wheelchair and preventing accidents, we have compiled a list of wheelchair safety tips for users and caregivers below.

Key Takeaway

Caregivers and wheelchair users must exercise a set of precaution while operating the wheelchair to avoid any mishaps

Wheelchair Safety Tips For Caregivers

Here are a few safety tips you can follow if you are a caregiver or share with your caregiver to ensure maximum safety.

While the care receiver is seated in the chair and transferring them from one location to the other, always use the wheelchair brakes. If the person in your supervision has trouble locking and unlocking the wheelchair brake, think about adding a PVC pipe or brake extensions as levers to make their life easier. You can explore alternative solutions for modifying the brakes with assistance from a health care expert, like a physiotherapist
You must have the brakes inspected and fixed as necessary if the chair tires continue to move even after engaging the brakes
Encourage the care receiver to always ask for your assistance in getting in and out of the wheelchair
Encourage the care receiver to always ask for assistance in reaching and picking up items that may be at a distance
Do not store heavy items at the back of the wheelchair since that may put the wheelchair at the risk of tipping backwards
Make sure you remove the leg rests out of the way when helping the care receiver out of the wheelchair
Encourage the care receiver to follow the healthcare specialists instructions and change their position every once in a while

Wheelchair Safety Tips For Users

Here are a few safety tips you can follow or share with others you know who might use wheelchairs.

Regular wheelchair maintenance is essential to avoid any accidents. Therefore, get your wheelchair inspected every few months and monthly maintenance to keep the wheelchair from malfunctioning
Always pick a wheelchair with safety features such as locking rear wheels or a break in the Nova Transport Chair with 12″ Rear Wheelsand Removable Arms or Karman LT-980 Ultralight K4 Wheelchair, which comes with a seatbelt and push-to-lock wheel brakes
Do not try to use your wheelchair on rough terrain if it is not meant to serve that purpose. If you want to use your wheelchair on uneven terrain, you may want to consider outdoor wheelchairs such as Pride Jazzy Elite 14or All-New Move Lite Folding Power Chair
Do not lift heavy wheelchairs on your own. If you want to carry wheelchairs easily, look into the featherweight wheelchair, which only weighs 13.5 lbs.
Ensure your wheelchair is comfortable. If your wheelchair does not provide you comfort, you must change it since sitting in uncomfortable wheelchairs for a lengthy time may result in certain health conditions and discomfort

Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Wheelchair | 4 Things You Need To Know

Have you recently purchased a wheelchair and are unsure how to maintain and clean it? From unclean roads to hospital corridors, we all know how our wheelchairs have been in areas where they can potentially become exposed to disease and grime. This makes thorough cleaning necessary to ensure that your wheelchair looks brand new and that no bacteria growth might compromise your health.

Therefore, we’ve compiled a few tips and suggestions on cleaning and disinfecting your wheelchair. You can use the following guidelines to clean your wheelchair daily without much inconvenience.

Key Takeaway

Do not use harsh chemicals to clean your wheelchair
Clean the frequently touched parts of your wheelchair daily
Clean your wheelchair with a washcloth and disinfectant
Armrests handles, cushions, foot supports, joystick, and wheels are the important parts of a wheelchair that you must clean regularly

4 Things You Need To Know About Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Wheelchair

Here are a few things wheelchair owners must know when cleaning and disinfecting their wheelchairs.

There Is a Difference between Disinfection and Cleaning

Many wheelchair owners and people misinterpret the terms cleaning and disinfection and believe they imply the same thing. However, there is a significant difference between the two terms. Cleaning entails removing any dirt or grime that may aid bacteria growth. However, disinfection implies eliminating bacteria and preventing bacteria growth.

Therefore, if you clean a wheelchair, you only remove dirt or filth that may help bacteria multiply. However, bacteria may still be present in the wheelchair. Disinfection after cleaning a wheelchair will assist you in ensuring that you have eliminated any bacteria on the surface.

Do Not Use Harsh Chemicals for Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Wheelchair

When cleaning a wheelchair, avoid using harsh bleaches, synthetic detergents, or chemicals since they can severely damage the wheelchair and cause its condition to degrade quickly. Therefore, using the right products and cleaning solutions is critical to avoid harming the wheelchair throughout the cleaning process.

We recommend using diluted cleaning solutions containing 70% alcohol and 30% water or purchasing appropriate cleaning solutions designed for cleaning wheelchairs from a store. You may also dilute a sanitizer and wipe off the wheelchair’s surface with a washcloth soaked in the sanitizer.

Go through Your Wheelchair Manual for Cleaning and Maintenance Instructions

Almost all wheelchair manuals provide maintenance and cleaning instructions. The cleaning instructions in your wheelchair manual may inform you of any dos and don’ts of cleaning your wheelchair and correctly advise you on how to clean your wheelchair model.

So it is best always to have the user manual open in front of you when cleaning the wheelchair to avoid making mistakes that might harm the chair.

For example, there will be a distinction between cleaning manual wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs. User manuals may assist you in identifying such differences to ensure you do not end up damaging any wheelchair components.

Focus on Cleaning Frequently Touched Wheelchair Parts

Even though it is critical to clean and disinfect the entire wheelchair daily, it is essential to concentrate on the frequently handled areas of the wheelchair because these are the sections that carry the most germs.

For example, the joystick of an electric wheelchair or armrest is two of the most often touched pieces of the wheelchair since you and your caregivers may need to touch these parts frequently throughout the day. So, while cleaning, pay special attention to such areas to ensure they are well sanitized.

How To Clean And Disinfect A Wheelchair?

Here is a list of everything you will need to clean and disinfect a wheelchair and instructions on how to do it efficiently and conveniently.

What You Will Need

Disinfectant spray, diluted sanitizer, soap, or detergent
Tire cleaner
Toothbrush (Optional)
Air-blower (Optional)
Microfiber cloth
Non-abrasive wax

Instructions

If you have a wheelchair like the Featherweight 33 lbs. Power Chair,which can be disassembled, the first step is to disassemble it since that will make the cleaning process much more efficient and easy. If you own a folding wheelchair like Quickie Xenon Folding Wheelchair, simply wipe down the wheelchair after unfolding it
Now you can use an air blower to get rid of any dirt. We recommend wearing safety glasses and gloves to ensure no dirt particles get into your eyes and your hands stay protected from any dirt or germs
Spray your wheelchair with a disinfectant spray or make a diluted solution of detergent or sanitizer
Since it may be challenging to get a cloth into all nooks and crannies of the wheelchair, you can use a toothbrush instead to get rid of any dirt particles. (Make sure to use the toothbrush with a gentle hand to ensure you do not leave any scratches)
Now dip your washcloth into the cleaning solution, or if you used a disinfectant spray, take your washcloth and wipe each component of the wheelchair with it
Next, use a tire cleaner to clean the tires efficiently. You can also use a washcloth to clean the tires. However, a tire cleaner will make the task much more efficient and less time-consuming
For the upholstery on the wheelchair cushions, refer to the manufacturer’s notes to see how they recommend cleaning them. If it says dry clean only, send the cushions for dry cleaning. Otherwise, you can gently wipe down the cushions with the washcloth.
Next, use non-abrasive wax on the wheelchair to make it shine and look brand new. (We recommend doing this once a few months)
Remember to carry out this throughout the cleaning process weekly. For daily cleaning and disinfection, all you can do is spray a washcloth with disinfectant spray and wipe down all the parts of the wheelchair that you or caregivers often touch

Important tip: We recommend carrying a washcloth and disinfectant or sanitizing sheets with a concentration of no more than 70% alcohol and using them to clean down the frequently touched portions of your wheelchair after leaving a crowded venue such as a hospital or a shopping mall.Important Parts of a Wheelchair

As discussed above, even though it is essential to clean and disinfect the whole wheelchair, it is crucial to pay extra attention to certain important parts of the wheelchair. Here is a list of the important parts of a wheelchair:

Armrests:Wheelchair armrests are the most commonly handled components. If you have a wheelchair, such as the Karman Removable Arm Transport Chair, which has removable armrests to help you get in and out of the chair, you and your caregivers may touch them frequently. Therefore, you must wipe the armrests with a diluted cleaning solution daily
Handles: If you own a wheelchair like the Excel Aluminum Transport Chair with 12″ Rear Wheelsequipped with handles you must disinfect the handles regularly. Since your family members or caregivers often come into touch with the handles to assist you in maneuvering around in the wheelchair, it is critical that you thoroughly disinfect the handles to protect yourself and the people around you from coming in contact with viruses
Cushions: Your wheelchair’s back and seat cushions constantly touch your body. Bacteria can build on these surfaces while you sit in the wheelchair throughout the day due to sweating and other body fluids. To avoid this, spray a disinfectant over the cushions for a few minutes before wiping them down with a clean washcloth
Joystick: If you own a power chair, such as the All-New Move Lite Folding Power Chair, it will come with a joystick that you will use to control the wheelchair. Throughout the day, you will touch the joystick several times, allowing germs from your hands to accumulate on it. So, it is best to wipe down the joystick using a damp towel sprayed with a light disinfectant
Rear and front wheels: Dirty wheels make your wheelchair look unappealing and reduce its efficiency. Furthermore, the wheels come in contact with the ground, whether it’s the floor of your home, the road outside your doorway, or a hospital corridor. The floors of all of these places have an immeasurable number of bacteria. Therefore, cleaning the front and back wheels of your wheelchair is critical to removing germs and ensuring no gravel or debris is stuck to it
Foot supports: Most wheelchairs feature foot supports where you may rest your feet to keep them from hanging on the ground. Foot supports come into touch with your shoes, which may be dirty and contaminated with bacteria. To keep the foot supports clean, wipe them down with a clean washcloth at the end of each day.

Important note: Never use a hose to clean the wheels of your electric wheelchair since it might cause the wheelchair to malfunction and stop operating.

4 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Wheelchair

Are you looking for a wheelchair but are overwhelmed by the options? The wheelchair industry has become so diversified, with new models released every other day, it can be difficult for buyers to decide which model is ideal. Here are a few questions to ask before buying a wheelchair to make it easier for you.

Key Takeaway

Before purchasing a wheelchair, consider the purpose, budget, must-have features, and the amount of time you will spend on it

What to Know Before Buying a Wheelchair?

Here is a list of questions to which you must know the answer before buying a wheelchair.

What Purpose Am I Buying The Wheelchair For?

The first thing you need to consider when buying a wheelchair is its purpose. Are you purchasing the wheelchair to travel? Are you buying it to have the freedom to go outside? Are you buying it to enjoy mobility around the house?

All these questions will help you determine what category of wheelchair you want, and you can choose the wheelchair of your choice from that category.

For example, suppose you wish to use a wheelchair to go outside. In that case, you may want to take a look at electric wheelchairs like Shoprider Smartie Power Wheelchair, or if you’re going to use it for sports, then you may want to look at the sports wheelchair category for wheelchairs like Invacare Li’l Excelerator Handcycle.

What Is My Budget?

Once you have decided on the category of wheelchair you want, next, you have to determine your budget before exploring the category. If you skip this question and begin exploring the category, you may have your heart set on a wheelchair, which could be way out of your budget.

What Features Are Important To Me?

Every wheelchair buyer will have some features that they will not compromise on. For example, it could be a removable armrest, portability, or extra thick cushioning, which may be essential for people with specific medical conditions.

Let’s say you cannot compromise on the portability and weight of the wheelchair; you may want to look into portable wheelchairs or the lightweight electric wheelchair category. Here is a list of a few wheelchairs that might interest you:

How Much Time Will I Be Spending In The Wheelchair?

If you have certain medical conditions where you cannot walk on your own and have to have a wheelchair with you at all times, then comfort must be a priority. Whereas if you can’t long walk distances and want a wheelchair for traveling, you won’t have to pay that much stress on comfort since you will be spending a limited time in the wheelchair.

Therefore, always ask yourself how long you will be in the wheelchair and choose one according to it to ensure optimal functionality and comfort.

Featherweight Electric Wheelchair – The Epitome of Comfort

You will come across multiple electric wheelchair types in the market. Unfortunately, most electric wheelchairs are heavy and difficult to handle or move due to their large batteries and motors. However, what if we told you that there is an electric wheelchair that only weighs about 33 lbs.? Continue reading to learn more about the revolutionary lightweight electric wheelchair.

Featherweight 33 Lbs. Power Chair (Brand: Feather)

The featherweight 33 lbs. power chair is nothing short of a groundbreaking invention, with its 33lb weight ranking first among all lightweight wheelchairs developed to date. The lightweight design makes this wheelchair suitable for the elderly, who may have difficulty lugging heavy wheelchairs and transporting them from one location to another.

Almost anybody can easily lift and place the wheelchair in the trunk of their car. Furthermore, the power chair can be folded down to a more compact size thanks to its foldable technology. The seat moves down 13 inches and the back 28 inches, allowing it to be stored in even the smallest spaces.

This feature makes the featherweight electric wheelchair from all other power chairs on the market since other power chairs must be disassembled for convenient storage, which can be time-consuming.

Another noteworthy feature is the long-lasting battery. The power chair can go up to 13 miles on a fully charged battery. The lithium-ion battery is removable and accepted by almost all airlines, allowing you to travel with the wheelchair without issue.

It is also ideal for people looking for comfortable wheelchairs since it comes with cushioned armrests for maximum comfort, which can be folded back so you can get in and out without bumping into the armrests.

Featherweight Electric Wheelchair Customer Reviews

On 1800wheelchair.com, you will find several positive customer reviews for the Featherweight 33 lbs. Power Chair. Here is what customers have to say about the wheelchair:

James M.: “I am especially satisfied with the battery and ease of getting in and out. Everything else I expected to work well, and it does. I judge everything I buy based on “would I buy it again.” Yes, I would. Yes, it loads fine into my vehicle.”

Manuel P.: “Lightweight and easy to transport.”

Additional Lightweight Electric Wheelchairs to Explore

Here are a few additional lightweight electric wheelchair alternatives for those who want to look into other options before settling on one.

· All-New Move Lite Folding Power Chair

· eVolt Traveler Power Chair

· Model H Hybrid Manual and Power Chair in One

· Model X 35 lbs. Travel Power Chair

· WHILL Model Ci2 Power Chair

Final Verdict

We hope the information on the Featherweight Electric Wheelchair provided above helped you decide whether or not it is the appropriate wheelchair for your requirements. If not, you may go to the 1800wheelchair.com homepage, where you can find a large variety of wheelchairs.

We sell additional mobility devices besides wheelchairs, such as mobility scooters, patient lifts, and walkers. If you have any further questions regarding the Featherweight 33 lbs. Power Chair or any of the other lightweight wheelchairs described above, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-320-7140.