Ultra Lightweight Self Propelled Wheelchair
Self-propelled wheelchairs that are ultra light let you move with ease and confidence giving you freedom and autonomy. Ideal for use all day long they reduce stress on both the user and caregiver.
The most important thing is to select the right chair with seating components that meet the client's postural needs and are as light as possible.
Comfort
The unique design of our ultra lightweight wheelchairs offers users superior comfort, helping to reduce the stress on their bodies and caregivers. The features include footrests that move and can be folded inwards or removed to facilitate safer and easier transfer into and out of the chair. The seat is specifically designed to offer support and posture, while soft-touch fabric side panels provide a comfortable grip. You can also personalise your wheelchair by picking from a variety of upholstery colors that match your style and personal preferences.
A wheelchair can be an invaluable mobility aid that allows you live independently and continue enjoying many of your most loved activities. However, it's important that you choose the right model that is suited to your individual requirements. If you are unsure about the choices we are here to assist you.
Wheelchairs are available in various sizes to meet your requirements and are made of robust materials for long-lasting performance. Generally, a basic wheelchair is suitable for people who weigh up to 300 pounds. It also offers the option of self-propelled when your energy levels are high or pushed by an attendant when they're low.
Standard wheelchairs have two large rear wheels and four smaller front wheels. These wheels are used for stability and steering. These wheelchairs are difficult to push, and can be a strain for both the user and caregivers. lightweight folding self propelled wheelchair are thus better designed for short-term or travel purposes.
Lightweight wheelchairs are constructed from lighter materials like aluminium and are often more maneuverable than heavier counterparts which makes them easier to push for both caregivers and users. They can also be folded up and transported in vehicles. This makes them a convenient option for everyday use or travel.
The lightweight wheelchair frame allows for easier access into and out of the chair. This is a major frustration for a lot of people. There are also features that help users use the wheelchair, like adjustable brake controls and an easy-to-use height adjustment for the seat.
Mobility
Our Ultra lightweight wheelchair is equipped with several features that make it easier to move and transport. The front wheels can be raised by a caregiver with two stepper tubes. The rear tyres have long reach brakes that can be activated by the user or caregiver to reduce speed and ensure safe parking. The solid polyurethane (PU) 20cm (8") front tyres last for a long time and are low maintenance, providing an easy maneuverability on a variety of surfaces.
In our studies, we found that the new rigid ultra-lightweight frame offers superior performance in propulsion compared to folding frames wheelchairs tested on carpet and concrete. The performance of a wheelchair is significantly affected by its components, like the casters and tires, as well as the environment and use. The wheelchair's environment can cause vibrational loads, torques, and impact loads when it is in usage. These forces aren't apparent 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 turning maneuvers. This type of mobility is typically not reflected in existing tests of wheelchair failures, since it is not often done on the same surface at the same period of time. We instrumented a convenience sample of users of wheelchairs with a seat switch to measure their level of occupancy, and an accelerometer to document their daily activities.
The results of this study revealed that the majority of participants wheeled only 1.7 km per day on average, and rapid (>1 milliseconds) and long (>2 min) bouts were uncommon. This research highlights the importance of paying attention to maneuverability when prescribing and training wheelchairs.
The results also showed that a wheelchair can increase its overall efficiency by using frames and tires that are lighter however, any further weight reductions will not improve the efficiency of its propulsion significantly. This is because weight adds metabolic costs due to frame vibration and flexion, and the relative motion of the removable components that are not attached, such as footrests. Adding 5 kg to the frame's mass will not significantly alter its energetic performance when measured against concrete.
User-Friendliness
The ease of use of an ultra lightweight self propelled wheelchair is a key aspect of its appeal. It can be difficult for wheelchair users to keep their independence when they are dependent on others to get their needs met. You can go shopping, visit friends or pursue your passions and hobbies without requiring someone else to drive you.
One of the most important factors in determining how easy it is to push a wheelchair is the wheel size. Standard wheelchairs for adults have two large rear wheels, which can range from 20 to 26 inches in size and are designed to propel the user, while the front casters are usually smaller and are primarily responsible for stability and steering. The smaller front wheels are simpler to push compared to the larger rear wheels, since they require less effort to travel the same distance.
These advantages are for those who opt for a lightweight wheelchair. They are more mobile and can be used in tight spaces. This lets you navigate kerbs, bridges and other obstacles that would normally cause problems for regular wheelchairs. This allows you to access areas in your home or community that were previously difficult to access, such as cobbled or grassy surfaces.
Another thing to take into consideration is whether you will be using the wheelchair yourself or with an accompanying person. If you plan to be able to use the wheelchair for prolonged periods of time without needing assistance from an attendant, Spinlife recommends selecting a Basic or Lightweight Wheelchair. If you will depend on an attendant to help you then we recommend that you look at the features of our Heavy Duty or Transport Chair options.
The ultra-lightweight self-propelled wheelchairs we offer can fold down and be disassembled with little effort, making them much easier to transport, store and clean. They can be carried in the trunk of a car and are a great choice for those who need to travel for long distances since they can easily be rolled into hotels and restaurants. They have footrests that can be flipped or moved to help you get in and out.
Customisation
Wheelchairs are available with a wide range of standard features. However they can be modified to meet the needs of each individual user. Some models have removable footrests which can be folded or removed to make it safer and easier to move into and out of a wheelchair. Some models provide different armrests and seat heights that help reduce shoulder strain.
You may also consider wheelchairs with suspension. This is particularly important for people who spend a lot of time in their wheelchair. It can reduce vibrations transmitted through the frame that could cause discomfort. This can also make the chair more sturdy and able to withstand different types of terrain.
Wheelchairs with suspension also help in reducing the effort required to propel them, as they are more efficient at transferring energy through the wheels and into forward motion. This can reduce stress for both the wheelchair user and caregiver particularly when they need to push the chair over long distances or up steep slopes.
Ultra-light and light weight manual wheelchairs can be less expensive than their standard counterparts, meaning they are ideal for those on a budget. However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional, as they can suggest the best wheelchair for your specific circumstances.
The category of advanced rehabilitation equipment includes ultralight, lightweight, and pediatric manual chairs. This means that they are typically recommended by an Healthcare Professional who has ATP (Assistive Technologist) accreditation. They will be able to evaluate your needs, recommend the best equipment for you and submit all paperwork required to obtain the funding approval needed for your new wheelchair. After your wheelchair has been ordered, it will be delivered to you so that you can begin using it right away.