Ultra Lightweight Self Propelled Wheelchair
Self-propelled wheelchairs that weigh less than a pound allow you to move around freely and independently. Ideal for all-day use they reduce stress on both the caregiver and user.
It is important to choose an office chair that has seating components that are lightweight and that meet the posture needs of the user.
Comfort
The specialised design of our ultra light wheelchairs offers users superior comfort, reducing the stress on their bodies and caregivers. The footrests are movable and can be folded or removed to make transfers simpler and safer. The chair has been specifically designed to offer support and posture and soft-touch fabric side panels offer a comfortable grip. There are also options to personalise the wheelchair by selecting a variety of upholstery colours that match your individual style and personality.
A wheelchair can be a useful mobility aid that helps you to live independently and enjoy all of your favorite activities. However, it's essential to select the best model to match your unique needs. If you're unsure of the choices, our team is available to assist you.
Wheelchairs are available in various sizes to meet your requirements and are made of sturdy materials that will last for a long time. A basic wheelchair is best for people weighing up to 300 pounds and offers the option of self-propelled when your energy levels are high, and assisted by an attendant when they're low.
The majority of standard wheelchairs come with two large rear wheels as well as four smaller front casters that are used for steering and stability. These wheelchairs are difficult to push, and can cause stress for both the user and caregivers. They are therefore better designed for short-term or travel use.
The lightweight wheelchairs are made from lighter materials such as aluminum. They are also more maneuverable than heavier models. This makes them easier to push by caregivers and users. They're also designed to fold compactly and are able to be easily carried in vehicles, offering an ideal solution for daily use or travel.
The lightweight wheelchair frame also makes it easier for users to get in and out of the chair, which is the frustration that is a common issue for many. For further ease of use there are features like adjustable brake controls, easy-to-use height adjustment for the seat and a simple folding mechanism that allows the wheelchair to be collapsed in a matter of seconds.
Mobility
Our Ultra lightweight wheelchair comes packed with features that make it easy to move and transport. The front wheels can be raised safely by a caregiver with two stepper tubes. The rear tyres feature long reach brakes that can be activated by the user or caregiver to slow down speed and provide stable parking. The 20cm (8") solid Polyurethane (PU), front tyres provide an easy maneuverability on different surfaces. They are durable and low maintenance.
In our studies we discovered that the new rigid ultra-lightweight frame provides superior performance in propulsion compared to folding frames wheelchairs when measured on concrete and carpet. The performance of a chair can be affected by its components like the casters, tires and its environment. The wheelchair's environment can create vibrational forces, impact loads, and inertial torques during use that are not reflected within current wheelchair failure tests [1010.
Real-world mobility is characterised by short, slow stretches of wheeling that are punctuated by stops, starts and turning maneuvers. This kind of mobility is typically not observed in current tests for wheelchair failure, since it is not often done on the same surface over the same period of time. We fitted a test sample with a seat switch to measure the occupant's occupancy and an accelerometer to record their daily movements.
The results of this study revealed that the majority of participants travelled only 1.7 km per day on average, and rapid (>1 milliseconds) and long (>2 minutes) bouts were uncommon. This finding shows the importance of paying attention to the ability to maneuver when prescribing and teaching wheelchairs.
The results also revealed that a wheelchair can improve its overall efficiency by using lighter frames and tires however, any further weight reductions will not improve the efficiency of its propulsion significantly. The reason is that extra weight increases metabolic costs because of frame flexion, vibration, and relative motions of removable, loosely-attached parts like footrests. The addition of 5 kg to the frame mass does not significantly alter its energy efficiency when measured over concrete.
Easy of Use
The ease of use of an ultra-light self-propelled wheelchair is an important factor in its appeal. It is difficult for wheelchair users to maintain their independence when they rely on others to take them to their destinations. Selecting a lightweight manual chair gives you the ability to go shopping or visit friends without the need for someone else to drive you around, making it possible to keep in touch with loved ones as well as to pursue your favourite hobbies and interests.
Wheel size is a key aspect in determining the comfort of moving a wheelchair. The size of the wheel is an important factor in determining how easy it is to push a wheelchair. The smaller front casters are simpler to push than the larger rear wheels since they require less force to move over the same distance.
These advantages are available to those who choose the lightweight wheelchair. They are more maneuverable and are able to be used in tight spaces. This allows you navigate bridges and kerbs that would normally be an issue for regular wheelchairs. This allows you to access areas of your home or community previously unaccessible, like grassy or cobbled surfaces.
Another thing to consider is whether you will be using the wheelchair yourself or with an attendant. Spinlife recommends the Basic or Lightweight Wheelchair if you plan to use it for a long time without needing an attendant. If you are going to depend on an attendant to push you, we suggest you consider the features of our Heavy Duty or Transport Chair options.
The ultra-lightweight self-propelled wheelchairs we offer fold down and are removed with minimal effort, making them much easier to transport, store or clean. They can be transported in the trunk of a car and they are also an ideal option for those who need to travel long distances as they are able to be easily carried into restaurants and hotels. The chairs come with footrests that can flip or swung to make it easier to get into and out.
Customisation
Wheelchairs are available with a variety of standard features. However they can be adapted to meet the needs of each user. Some models have removable footrests that can be folded or removed to make it safer and easier to get in and out of a wheelchair. Certain models come with various armrests and seat heights to reduce shoulder strain.
Another option is to look at wheelchairs that have suspension. This is particularly important for those who spend much time in their wheelchair. It can reduce vibrations generated by the frame that can cause discomfort. This also makes it more stable and capable of handling different types of terrain.
Wheelchairs with suspension can also help to cut down on the effort it takes to propel them, as they are more efficient at transferring energy through the wheels and into forward motion. This reduces stress for both the wheelchair user and caregiver particularly when they need to push the chair for long distances or on steep slopes.
They are cheaper than standard manual wheelchairs, making them ideal for people who are on a budget. However, it's essential to consult a medical professional, since they can suggest the best wheelchair for your specific circumstances.
Lightweight, ultralight and children's manual wheelchairs fall under the category of Complex Rehab equipment, which means they are typically recommended by a Healthcare Professional with ATP (Assistive Technology Practitioner) accreditation. They will be able evaluate your needs, suggest appropriate equipment, and submit all paperwork needed to secure the funding approval needed to purchase a new wheelchair. Once your wheelchair has been purchased, it can be delivered to your home to use right away.