Ultra Lightweight Self Propelled Wheelchair
Ultra lightweight self propelled wheelchairs allow you to move with ease and confidence, providing freedom and autonomy. Ideal for use all day long, they can reduce stress on both the caregiver and the user.
The key is to choose an ergonomic chair with seating elements that meet the client's postural requirements and are as light as is possible.
Comfort
Our ultra-lightweight wheelchairs are designed to provide superior comfort for users, while reducing the stress on their bodies as well as caregivers. The footrests are movable and can be folded or swung away to make transfers more convenient and safer. The ergonomically designed seat provides support and posture, while the soft-touch fabric panels on the side panels offer an easy grip. You can also personalise your wheelchair by choosing from a variety of upholstery colors that match your style and personality.
A wheelchair is an essential mobility aid that can help you remain independent and to enjoy your favourite activities. It is essential to choose the correct wheelchair for your needs. If you are unsure about the choices, our team is available to help you.
Wheelchairs are available in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements and are constructed of sturdy materials that will last for a long time. A standard wheelchair is best for people who weigh up to 300 pounds. It gives you the option to be self-propelled when your energy levels are high, and pushed by an attendant when they're low.
The majority of standard wheelchairs have two large rear wheels and four smaller front caster wheels that serve as steering wheels and for stability. These wheelchairs are hard to push and can cause stress for both the caregiver and user. They are therefore better suited for short-term or travel purposes.
Lightweight wheelchairs are constructed from lighter materials such as aluminum and are typically more manoeuvrable than their heavier counterparts which makes them easier to push for both caregivers and users. They're also designed to fold compactly and can be easily transported in vehicles, making them a convenient solution for everyday use or for travel.
The lightweight wheelchair frame also makes it easier for users to get into and out of the chair, which is a common source of frustration for many. There are also features that help users use the wheelchair, including adjustable brake controls and an easy-to-use height adjustment to the seat.
Mobility
Our Ultra lightweight wheelchair is equipped with a number of features that are designed to make moving and transporting this chair much easier. The front wheels can be raised safely by a caregiver using two stepper tubes. The rear tyres feature long reach brakes that can be easily activated by the user or caregiver to slow down speed and provide secure parking. The solid Polyurethane (PU) 20cm (8") front tyres are durable and low maintenance, providing easy manoeuvrability over a range of surfaces.
Our studies have found that rigid ultra-lightweight frames have higher propulsion efficiency compared to folding frame wheelchairs, when measured over carpet and concrete. The performance of a wheelchair is significantly affected by its components, including the casters and tires, and also by its surroundings and usage. The environment of a wheelchair can introduce vibrational loads, torques and loads that impact during usage. These forces aren't evident in the tests that are currently being conducted for the failure of wheelchairs.
Real-world mobility is characterized by short, slow bouts of wheeling, with frequent stops, starts and turn maneuvers. This kind of mobility is usually not observed in current wheelchair failure testing, as it is rarely performed on the same surface at the same time. We used a convenient sample of users of wheelchairs with an electric seat switch to measure their level of occupancy, and an accelerometer to track their daily bouts of mobility.
The study revealed that the majority of participants wheeled 1.7 km each day, and that rapid (>1 m/s) and lengthy (>2 minutes) sessions of wheeling were uncommon. This finding is a strong argument for focusing on maneuverability in wheelchair prescription and training.
The results also showed that a wheelchair could improve its overall efficiency by using lighter tires and frames however any further weight reductions will not improve the efficiency of its propulsion significantly. This is because weight increases the metabolic cost of the frame due to vibration and flexion, and the relative motion of removable components that are not attached, such as footrests. When compared against concrete, adding 5 kg to the mass of the frame does not significantly impact its energy efficiency.
Ease of Use
Its appeal is mostly due to its simplicity of use. Relying on others to get you to places is a major limitation for a lot of wheelchair users and having the freedom to go wherever you want and whenever you want is crucial to keep your independence. You can shop and visit your friends or engage in your interests and hobbies without needing someone to drive you.
Wheel size is a key factor in determining the ease of pushing in a wheelchair. The size of the wheel is a key factor in determining how simple it is to push a wheelchair. The smaller front casters are simpler to push than the larger rear wheels as they require less force to travel the same distance.
The people who choose a lightweight wheelchair benefit from these advantages since they are more maneuverable, which means you can maneuver through tight spaces and turn sharply more easily. This lets you navigate bridges, kerbs, and other obstacles that normally cause issues for standard wheelchairs. supplemental resources allows you to gain access to areas of your community or home that were previously unaccessible, like cobbled or grassy surfaces.
Another thing to think about is whether you'll be using the wheelchair by yourself or with an assist. If you plan to to use the wheelchair for prolonged periods of time without needing assistance from an attendant, Spinlife recommends selecting a basic or light Wheelchair. If you'll be relying on an attendant to push you, we suggest you think about the features of a Transport Chair or one of our Heavy Duty options.
Our ultra-lightweight self-propelled chairs can be folded down and easily disassembled, making them easier to store, transport or clean. They can be transported in the boot of a car and are a great option for those who have to travel for long distances since they can be easily carried into restaurants and hotels. The footrests on these chairs can be turned up or swung out of the way to facilitate safe transfers into and out of the chair.
Customisation
While wheelchairs come with standard features, there are a variety of options to adapt them to each user's needs. For instance, certain models come with footrests that can be folded up or removed from the way, making more secure and easy transfers into and out of the chair. Certain models come with different armrests and seat heights to help reduce shoulder strain.
You can also look at wheelchairs that have suspension. This is especially important for those who spend much time in their wheelchair. It will reduce the vibrations transmitted through the frame which could cause discomfort. This also makes the wheelchair more stable and able to handle a range of types of terrain.
Wheelchairs that have suspension can reduce the effort needed to propel them. They are more efficient in transferring the energy of the wheels into forward motion. This can ease the burden on both the user and their caregiver especially when they have to push them over long distances or up inclines.
Lightweight and ultra-lightweight manual wheelchairs can be less expensive than their regular counterparts, so they are perfect for those who are on a tight budget. However, it's important to speak with a healthcare professional, as they can suggest the best wheelchair for your particular needs.
The category of advanced rehabilitation equipment includes ultralight, lightweight manual chairs for children and adults. This means that they are typically recommended by a Healthcare Professional who has ATP (Assistive Technologist) accreditation. They will be able evaluate your needs, recommend appropriate equipment, and provide all necessary paperwork to get the funding approval needed to purchase a new wheelchair. When your wheelchair is purchased, it will be delivered to you in order to begin using it right away.