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Fold Up Wheelchairs
Fold-up wheelchairs are great for those who need to move around every day or for those who want an easy chair to take with them on a holiday.
Frames that are rigid don't bend when you move the chair, which could waste energy and cause loss of tone.
Look for footplates that swing in and out and a power to manual switch that flips up away from the chair.
Rigid Manual Wheelchairs
Manual wheelchairs with rigid frames are designed with the user in mind and with a focus on stability. They tend to be lighter than a custom-made manual chair that folds, and are more maneuverable, like in doorways.
Rigid wheelchairs use an efficient rigid frame, which is typically based on sports and athletic chairs to maximize the energy transfer through the wheels. This ensures smoother, faster and more responsive ride.
Many rigid frame wheelchairs come with swing-away legs that allow the user to transfer into and out of the chair. Alternatively, some models use quick release axles to simplify maintenance and transport by decreasing the weight of the wheelchair for easier loading into vehicles.
Certain rigid frames may be made from ultralight materials, such as titanium. This can help reduce the weight of the chair, while increasing its efficiency. This is particularly crucial for those who require chairs that are lightweight to help with mobility.
The rigid frame design of these wheelchairs is generally more durable than folding models, making it a more suitable option for long-term and frequent use. The greater durability of the chair could reduce the frequency at which components like seats and footplates require replacement which saves time and money for both the user as well as the caregiver.
The rigid chairs that are custom built to measure can provide better support for the spine and a better fit for the user that can increase the comfort of the user and reduce pressure sores. This kind of wheelchair can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are active and require a high-performance seat to suit their specific needs.
Choosing the right wheelchair for your needs is an essential step to maintain your independence and improving your quality of life. With a variety of options, QUICKIE can create a rigid or folding wheelchair that is suited to your lifestyle. It is recommended to get the most value from your wheelchair and reduce the chance of injury, add safety features like the seatbelt, a chair harness with heel loops, anti-tippers and heel loops.
Manual wheelchairs that fold
A manual chair that folds is one that can easily be folded and stored away when not in use. This kind of wheelchair can be stored in the trunk of your vehicle or in a storage compartment when you are taking public transportation. This type of wheelchair also is generally lighter than a rigid one which makes it easier to handle and transport.
Consider the features and functions you value most when you're thinking about buying a manual folding wheelchair that will fulfill your mobility needs. It could be that you require a chair that has a specific height or weight or a particular type of seating system. You might also require a compact, lightweight wheelchair that can be folded and unfold, or a more functionally advanced chair for use outdoors.
When you're looking at your options, you need to consult with your physician or physical therapist to determine the kind of manual wheelchair that will be the most suitable for you. They can help you choose the best wheelchair for your health and mobility and offer tips on how to use it safely and effectively.
To get the most of your new wheelchair it is essential to know how fold and unfold it correctly. This will help you avoid being injured or damaging the chair especially if you are unfamiliar with the procedure.
In the beginning it is necessary to prepare the area where you'll fold and unfold your wheelchair. This is important because it ensures that you have plenty of space to work in and also ensures that your wheelchair doesn't get damaged or caught by any obstacles in your way. It is also recommended that you secure the brakes of your wheelchair prior to trying to fold it. this will stop any abrupt movements that could cause injuries to anyone else who is in the vicinity.
Once you've prepared your space, you can start the folding process by grabbing the back and front handles (or the seat tube handles if your wheelchair doesn't come with armrests). Simply pull the handles in a steady, smooth motion. The chair will slowly unfold and become easier to lift when you're done.
Rigid Folding Frames
Known for their sturdiness, rigid frame wheelchairs are a good option if you're looking for a chair to perform at its best. They are also more efficient than folding frames, as the weight of the mechanism for folding is not an issue.
You can select from a wide range of materials for rigid frames, which include lightweight titanium, aluminum, and carbon fibre. They are also lighter than a conventional or custom wheelchair due to their sleek design. reduces the amount of materials that are used to construct them.
If you're unsure whether a rigid frame wheelchair is right for you, ask your doctor for a test drive. It's essential to find the right chair that fits you well, as the positioning of your backrest and feet can make a big difference in the way you feel. It's also important to check that the hoist-point is located in the position that allows you to use it with your chosen vehicle and if there are any quick release axles that can be used to reduce the dimensions of the frame when taking it on and off an automobile lift or similar device.
Another advantage of a rigid wheelchair is that its frame doesn't fold side-to-side, which could sometimes be a problem with folding frames that have to be able to flex to fit into vehicles. This can cause the casters to move further forward from the footplate, which can negatively impact your driving experience as it makes pushing harder due to increased drag.
Additionally the rigid wheelchair can be tapered from the hips to the knees or the aluminium between the footrest and knees could be made narrower, which can help with making it more suitable to your body and making it more comfortable. This isn't always feasible with a folding chair, since the X mechanism needed to allow them to fold may limit their configurations and adjustments. A rigid frame wheelchair can provide more options, such as strap-based backrests, as well as fully-fitted backrests.
Folding Rigid Frames
Rigid frame wheelchairs offer an energy efficient propulsion and a light-weight construction. The frames are made without a cross-brace which eliminates side-to-side folding and helps to reduce the overall weight of the chair. This lets users transfer more of their energy into pushing the chair forward, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the propulsion system.
The rigid frame of a wheelchair could also be constructed using lightweight materials such as titanium. It is more durable and lighter than aluminium, but also more corrosion resistant. Certain rigid frame wheelchairs incorporate foldable footplates to allow the user to have a wider range of motion. These features are able to improve the overall comfort of the wheelchair, and make it easier for users to move themselves on rough surfaces.
They are also less likely to flex, which can reduce effectiveness of the propulsion systems. The frame of the chair will transfer less energy to move because it is flexing.
Another benefit of rigid wheelchairs is that they can be configured to fit the individual user. Seat widths, depths, and angles can be adjusted to suit the user's needs. This flexibility allows users to find the perfect wheelchair for them and to be able to adapt their chairs as they get older.
While ultra lightweight folding wheelchairs may be more durable than folding ones, they can also be heavy to store and transport. They generally require a larger vehicle such as a van to transport from one location to another and could require to be disassembled prior to being put into the vehicle.
If you are considering a rigid wheelchair it is essential to test several models before making a final decision. These chairs aren't suitable for everyone, and they can be difficult to use for those who are new particularly when they don't have the upper body strength and trunk balance to manage the chair. If you decide to buy a rigid wheelchair look for a model with back canes that fold down to reduce the size of the frame when not in use and "quick release axles" to allow the wheels to be removed to reduce the size of the frame when it is being stored.
