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.

Redefining Mobility with a Power Electric Wheelchair

The world of wheelchairs has significantly evolved with time, and we have come a long way from ordinary manual wheelchairs. Even though manual wheelchairs provide adequate mobility, they are no match for modern power wheelchairs. These wheelchairs are equipped with cutting-edge technology that gives users a new sense of independence in terms of mobility.

We’ve compiled a list of the benefits of investing in a power chair and some recommendations for the best electric wheelchairs on the market.

Benefits of Investing In a Power Chair

Electric wheelchairs cost higher than standard wheelchairs, forcing some individuals to ask if they are worth investing in. Here are a few benefits of investing in power chairs to help determine if they are worth the investment.

Lightweight

Many individuals avoid purchasing electric wheelchairs because they think they are heavy and require disassembling. However, numerous lightweight electric wheelchairs are on the market, including the featherweight electric wheelchair, which weighs only 33 pounds and provides maximum mobility. The lightweight electric wheelchair folds to a compact size, and you can easily store it in tight spaces such as the back of your vehicle’s trunk.

Optimal Comfort

Most individuals prioritize comfort while purchasing wheelchairs. Electric wheelchairs, such as the Pride Go Chair, are built with comfort in mind. The wheelchair has large armrests with width and height adjustments, allowing users to adjust the armrest to their preference.

Furthermore, it includes one-hand feather touch disassembling to make the disassembling process as hassle-free and comfortable as possible. The wheelchair also has wide footplates on which users can comfortably rest their feet while traveling. They also include dual swing-away storage bins to allow users to store essentials such as water bottles or anything else they may require on their outings.

Injury Prevention

As people grow older, their mobility may become restricted, and they may be more prone to injuries from falling. Buying an electric wheelchair for your parents, grandparents, or anyone else in your family who may require one can give them a better chance at a normal life.

Furthermore, electric wheelchairs include safety precautions, so you won’t have to worry about your loved ones getting hurt while using them. For example, the WHILL Model Ci2 Power Chair can drive straight, even on curved routes, without the risk of tipping. The wheelchair has a 2-inch obstruction clearance, red tail lights, and a built-in horn for enhanced safety.

Top 5 Electric Wheelchairs

If we have convinced you of the benefits of investing in electric wheelchairs, here is a list of the top 5 electric wheelchairs to look into to start your search for the best one for your needs.

· Model H Hybrid Manual and Power Chair in One

· EZRide+ Lightweight Electric Mobility Device

· Pride Jazzy 600 ES

· Pride Jazzy 614HD Bariatric Power Chair

Final Verdict

We hope that the information above has convinced you of the value of electric wheelchairs and how greatly they may improve the quality of life for users. There’s a lot more where this came from, so visit the 1800wheelchair.com homepage to see different models of electric wheelchairs and pick which one is ideal for you or a loved one.

While there, don’t forget to look at our other mobility devices, such as mobility scooters and patient lifts.