Choosing the Right Wheelchairs And Mobility Equipment
By: Macharia Kamau
The Wheelchair and Mobility equipment industry, like all others, experiences
the same phenomena of consumerism including choice, independence, competition, variety etc.
People with various handicaps need to/ would want to make decisions, and of course informed decisions on the type of wheelchair they buy. Access to reliable information on wheelchairs and mobility equipment is in many cases not readily available unless one has access to a reliable provider of the information or therapist. Of major concern in the choice of wheelchair/seating equipment is the level of disability and dependence/independence.
Other limiting factors in choosing the right wheelchair is cost. Wheelchairs and mobility/seating equipment can be quite expensive and may sometimes require arrangement with third party players (e.g. donors, life insurance providers, Medicare providers, family etc) who may feature quite prominently in its acquisition. The implication is that the equipment purchased must meet the minimum requisite for the particular person/purpose. This is because third party players may not be available for recourse if the equipment purchased is not befitting the purpose or need of the intended owner(s).
People needing rehabilitation equipment such as wheelchairs will therefore require to consult widely and gather as much information from the market as possible on what is available, flexibility, accessories, maintenance & servicing, durability and of course pricing before making a choice. The difficult part is that in many instances the buyer may be limited in their search and would therefore need the guidance/participation of their families and therapists at various levels of the process.
A glimpse at what is currently available in the wheelchair industry can be accessed on the Internet with interesting new developments.
All in all a wheelchair must suit its owner, whether he/she is able to take care of himself or is largely dependent on support from others. Additional features and accessories will always reduce the level of dependence on others. Where possible a manufacturer may even customize a wheelchair for a particular person or purpose. The most recent wheelchair has such enhanced functions as ability to climb stairs, curbs, traverse gravel sand and so on. But then you part with $30,000.
Remember they say that a return to normality is immeasurable, irreplaceable and priceless.
About the author:
Macharia Kamau is a medical representative
For more articles on wheelchairs and mobility equipments Please visit http://www.merpetsales.com.]

Macharia Kamau is a medical representative with a leading pharmaceutical company in Nairobi.

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Our standard design scooter cover is a great low cost option for keeping your moped, vespa or scooter clean, dry and out of the elements. This vespa moped scooter cover has double stitched seams for durability in use inside or outside to protect your scooter from the elements during storage or between rides. This scooter cover also includes a integrated elastic hem with bungee cord bottom for a tight fit, storage bag. The inside of the vespa, moped and scooter cover has non-scratch material to keep your scooter scratch free and looking like brand new.
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The Invacare IVC Tracer EX2 wheelchair sets the new standard in manual wheelchairs. The Tracer EX2 combines the design and technology of the Invacare 9000 series and incorporates it into the Invacare Tracer series.

A true dual axle position allows for repositioning the 24″ rear wheels and 8″ casters for adult and hemi seat-to-floor heights. Hemi spaced footrest and a full range of accessories. The new design also makes it possible to interchange components with the 9000 series chairs.

Meets RESNA standards for manual wheelchairs in product performance.

14-gauge crossbraces add strength and durability

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Durable, low-maintenance, triple chrome-plated, carbon steel frame is long-lasting

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Seat To Floor Height: 17.5″, 19.5″

Back Height: 16″ fixed

Product Weight: 36 lb.

Product Weight Capacity: 250 lb.

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A wheelchair is a mobility device that enables a sick or a disabled person to move. It’s basically a chair mounted on wheels, which can be propelled either manually or electrically. Wheelchairs propelled electronically are known as electric wheelchairs.

Electric wheelchairs are powered by motors. They can be used indoors and outdoors and cost at least $1,500. Depending on the kind and extent of use, there are several kinds of wheelchairs available on the market. Some features to consider when buying a wheelchair are the weight and size of the person using it, convenience of both indoor and outdoor use, the chair’s weight capacity, power source, warranty and cost.

Electric wheelchairs are generally used by people who have limited or no mobility due to many different ailments. Some people can be required to use a wheelchair because of old age, paralysis, weight, degenerating muscle diseases, broken or weak bones or other illnesses. Electric wheelchairs are easy to use because they are powered by batteries and can be controlled by a joystick. They are also highly maneuverable as they can turn 360 degrees in one spot. They are also very quiet but they require more maintenance than manual wheelchairs.

Electric wheelchairs are now being designed according to the users’ requirements. Advanced technologies like spring suspension, pneumatic wheels and hydraulic systems are being applied to increase the wheelchair’s strength and durability. There are basically three types of electric wheelchairs, including rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, and mid-wheel drive.

Rear-wheel drive wheelchairs are the traditional and most common type. They are faster then front-wheel models but are not as flexible while turning as the front-wheel drive and mid-wheel drive wheelchairs.

Front-wheel drive wheelchairs are becoming more popular because they are more flexible and maneuverable. They are slightly slower than the rear-wheel drive wheelchairs because of this.

Mid-wheel drive wheelchairs are the tightest-turning wheelchairs. However, they tend to be slightly unsteady while stopping and starting.

Other types of electric wheelchairs are based on weight, ranging from ultra lightweight to heavy-duty wheelchairs; transport wheelchairs; tilt-in-space wheelchairs; wheelchairs with an elevating seat; rough terrain wheelchairs; pediatric wheelchairs and specialty wheelchairs, among others.

Various options are available for almost every part of an electric wheelchair. The wheelchair frame can be foldable or rigid while the wheels can be front-wheel or free wheel. Various foot and armrests are also available including, detachable, swing-away or elevating. The footplates and armrests can be customized to adjust for both angle and height.

When purchasing a wheelchair the above considerations are only the start of choosing the right design. Other important considerations are the dimensions of the chair’s backrest and whether it will be foldable and/or able to recline; the dimensions and upholstery of the chair’s seat; automatic or hand brakes; the type of controls; kerb climbers and whether or not the wheelchair will be outfitted with lights. Other options that can be attached to electric wheelchairs include a tray, crutch holders, seat belts, bags, drink holders and anti-tip bars.

Electric Wheel Chairs Info provides detailed information about electric wheelchair lifts and scooters, used electric wheelchairs, electric indoor wheelchairs, Medicare, electric wheelchair reviews, and more. Electric Wheel Chairs Info is the sister site of Scooters Web.