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Who Should Use a Lightweight Wheelchair?
Lightweight Wheelchair Materials
Features to Look For
- Leg Rests. Leg rests on a wheelchair can either be “swing-away” or “elevating.” Swing-away leg rests often come standard and are helpful for people who have some use of their legs and might want to “walk” their chairs while sitting in them. Elevating leg rests let you lift the legs of the person seated in the chair and can be useful for those with blood flow issues.
- Armrests. Armrests typically come in two sizes: full length or desk length. Desk length armrests are ideal if you plan on pulling the chair up to a table or desk while eating or working. Additionally, some chairs feature fixed armrests, which don’t move, while others have arm rests that can flip down or that you can push out of the way.
- Cushions. The type of cushion a wheelchair has is particularly important if a person is going to spend hours at a time sitting in it. Memory foam cushions tend to be the highest quality, as they don’t flatten or compact with time. Traditional foam cushions are cheaper but do wear down more quickly.
- Wheels. The size of the wheels determines who can control the chair. If the user wants to self-propel the chair, large back wheels are a must. If someone else will push the chair, a transport style, with four smaller wheels, can be an appropriate pick.
- Safety Features. Some wheelchairs have more safety features than others. To protect your loved one from harm, you’ll want to find a chair that has anti-tip guards on the back, brakes to keep the chair from rolling forward, and a seatbelt to prevent a person from slipping out of the seat.
Wheelchair Size and Weight Requirements
Reviews of Some of the Best Lightweight Wheelchairs
Drive Medical Lightweight Steel Transport Wheelchair
Sale Drive Medical Lightweight Steel Transport Wheelchair, Fixed Full Arms, 19' Seat, Silver- Durable steel frame provides reliable stability when using independently or with assistance
- Superior maneuverability in narrow indoor layouts ,Back Height - 18 inches
- Cushioned armrests and swing away footrests ensure comfort
- Chair and backrest fold flat for easy transportation
- Nylon seat upholstery is simple to clean
Medline K4 Standard Lightweight Wheelchair
Sale Medline MDS806565 K4 Extra-Wide Lightweight Wheel Chairs- Seat dimensions is 18 x 16 inches. Weight Capacity Pounds - 300 lb, 350 lb
Karman LT-980 Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair
How Much do Lightweight Wheelchairs Weigh?
Choosing a Lightweight Wheelchair
Portability
- If you are looking to choose an ultra lightweight chair then an example is the Drive Cougar which weighs 27 lbs and can support a weight capacity of 250 lbs. This product has highly customizable features – from height and position to rear axle.
- If your requirement is a heavy-duty wheelchair, we have items with support capacity going up to 400 lbs. Aqua Creek’s Aquatic Wheelchair is sturdy, built for daily use in the pool and has weight capacity of 375 lbs.
Transport Wheelchairs/Manual Wheelchairs
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The Everest And Jennings Navigator from Graham Field is an example of this type. It easily converts from a transport chair to a manual wheelchair. With the push of a button, the rear wheels are attached or removed. It has a fold-down back for easy transport and storage.
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The Poly-Fly Transport Chair from Drive Medical can be used as a standard, self-propelled wheelchair or a transport chair. The quick release 24' wheels can be easily removed to transition from a wheelchair to a transport chair.
Features and Options
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The Drive Cruiser III offers multiple options - flip-back detachable desk arm, flip-back detachable full arm, flip-back detachable and adjustable height desk arm, flip-back detachable and adjustable height full arm, swing-away footrest and elevating leg rest.
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We also carry lightweight wheelchairs that can be used for sporting activities. Silver Sport from Drive Medical is equipped with state-of-the-art hydraulic reclining mechanism which can recline the chair up to 180 degrees.It features standard anti-tippers along with composite Mag-style wheels to prevent tipping thus ensuring user safety.
Overview
Who Should Use?
- Have decreased strength, endurance, balance and flexibility which affects their ability to walk safely.
- Are at risk of falling while walking (even with a mobility aid such as walkers for elderly)
- Have the ability and want to be able to self propel with both arms and feet.
- Will spend a fair amount of time in it so they would benefit from the option of a specialized cushion, backrest and other accessories.
- Want the ability to be easily pushed by a friend/family member.
Who Should NOT Use?
- Are walking but want a wheelchair for longer distances that their family or friend can push - they would be better off getting a transport wheelchair
- Cannot self propel with their arms or feet - they may be better suited to use a motorized wheelchair (if possible)
- Needs recline/tilt feature to decrease risk of skin breakdown - they would be better suited to a reclining wheelchair
Recommended Features
- Light weight - Heavy (usually older) wheelchairs are difficult to self propel and pick up to put in a vehicle
- Adjustable armrest height - It's more comfortable if the arm rests can be adjusted for a person's height and cushion thickness
- Removable or flip up armrests - Makes it easier to transfer in/out for some elderly
- Brakes are in reach - Some brakes are too low or tucked away that make it difficult for elderly to use - brake extensions can be handy for this
- Removable leg rests - Allows for safe transfers in/out of the wheelchair
- Firm seat platform - So the cushion is well supported and not drooping in the middle
- Anti tippers - To prevent the wheelchair from tipping over backwards
- High push handles - If caregivers will be pushing the senior regularly (so the caregiver does not have to hunch over to push)
Accessories
Super Light Wheelchairs For Older Adults Women
- Wheelchair backpacks - Attach to the back/side of the wheelchair to carry items
- Oxygen tank holders - Great for elderly who use oxygen
- Cup holders - To carry water bottles or any other drink container
- Cushions - From simple foam to high tech air/gel cushions
- Back supports - From simple to high customized
- Tires - From road slicks to mountain bike tires
- Bags - Attach within reach of the senior for small items such as money or lipstick.
- Seat belt - For positioning.
How to Fit
- Hip width - This is used to determine the width of the seat
- Thigh length - This is used to determine the depth of the seat
- Knee to ground height - This is used to determine the seat height and leg rest length
- Have the senior sit in a kitchen chair
- Measure hip width at widest part
- Measure from back of knee to lower back/bottom (keep measuring tape parallel to floor)
- Measure from back of knee to floor (have them wear their regular shoes)
- If they will self propel with their feet, this is the right measurement
- If they will not use their feet to self propel, add 2-3' to this measurement
How to Use
- Make sure brakes are on and leg rests are removed before having elderly get into wheelchair
- Have them walk up to wheelchair until back of legs are touching
- Have them reach back for armrests and sit down
- If propelling with arms - have them put leg rests on and push wheels forward with short strokes The middle of the wheel should be directly under their shoulder.
- If propelling with feet - keep leg rests off and have them walk with their feet (the chair will need to be low enough for them to put feet flat on the ground
How Much Do They Cost?
Other Types of Wheelchairs
- Transport wheelchair - Four small wheels meant for elderly who will be pushed by a friend or family member.
- Reclining wheelchair - Similar to a light weight wheelchair but has a recline/tilt feature to reduce risk of skin breakdown.
- Motorized wheelchair - Powered by batteries for elderly who have difficulty propelling a light weight wheelchair with their arms and feet.
- Shower wheelchair - Designed to roll into an accessible shower and get wet.