We sell many many wheelchairs over the course of a year and have done so for over ten years. We are very lucky with our staff, many of whom are family and have worked for us at UK-Wheelchairs for several years. Over this time their depth of product knowledge has increased and their ability to advise others on what type of wheelchair is most suitable has improved. We supply many different brands and many different types so there is a lot to learn about. From transit to self propelled or manual models, specialist models like tilt in space or reclining and of course models designed for children or pediatric wheelchairs as they are often referred to.

Our experience helps us to select the right wheelchair for you

Then each brand or manufacturer has its own quirks and intricacies. For some users, build quality is paramount whereas others maybe looking for a budget wheelchair as they only have short term requirements due to injury or operation. Either way, assessing ones mobility needs is key to supplying the right chair.

Lifestyle consideration and its impact on chair selection

Another big consideration is the lifestyle of the wheelchair user. We're all different and therefore have different requirements. Some of us have more active lifestyles than others, particularly younger users. Others simply want maximum comfort and ease of transfer. We pride ourselves in knowing the entire range of chairs that we sell. We are in a very good position to supply the right model once we have listened to you and understand how and where the wheelchair will be used. Many folk receive good advice from their doctors medical specialists or following accidents occupational therapists will often assist in selecting the right type and even model for your needs.

Once you have selected the right one you then have a massive range of wheelchair accessories to ensure that you are both safe and comfortable and for many the right look is also important. Luckily over recent years, design has become more important and the looks of mobility equipment has improved massively. There are now colour choices for most wheelchairs so users can now differentiate theirs from others. Similarly specialist clothing is now available in more vibrant colours. Cushions can be bought to suit both size and seat width but also have patterns designs and other features to make them more appealing.

Selecting accessories and clothing

So here at UK-Wheelchairs our quest to supply the most suitable mobility equipment goes on and we are confident that if you want advise that we can give you the time to make sure you select the right wheelchair. So how do we start ?

• The first choice is whether it is going to be self propelled, pushed by an other often referred to as an attendant or electric powered?
• Secondly is it for permanent or for occasional use ?
• Thirdly is it going to be used indoors or outside?
• Finally is it going to be transported by car?

With this information in place we can begin to narrow down the choice of wheelchair and start to propose some models to fit your budget and individual needs. There are pros and cons for each type of chair and with so much choice it can be difficult to know where to start without the right advice.

Your physical ability

We pay attention to your physical state and your ability to stand, your balance and of course stability. Depending on your disability these all vary enormously. We also consider the layout of your home and other places where you spend most of your time. We can then assess whether you need to go through narrow doorways or down corridors, whether you need to tackle steps or lifts etc. Even small intricacies like where your power plugs are sited can make a difference to the type of wheelchair that we would suggest as some are designed to make leaning and turning more easy.

Need more help ? Please watch these videos:

We could ramble on for a long time at this point but instead we encourage you to call us so that our experience can help guide your decision. But if you are interested and want to read on we look into more intricate things like frame design and wheel size, both of which affect the ease of manoeuvre. Basically, the larger the rear wheels are the easier it is for the wheelchair to manoeuvre. The positioning of the wheels in relation to the user also make a difference. Some wheelchairs have an adjustable axle for this reason, this allows the positioning of the wheels to be adjusted in relation to the users position, which means it requires less effort to move the chair forward. Other big considerations are storage and transportation. Many chairs spend most of their lives in use and rarely have to be folded. If this is the case then the ease of which this can be carried out is if less importance. If you are a user who travels frequently and or needs to fold the chair away for storage then we would propose a different model that caters for this.

Wheelchair seat size and seat angle also have an affect on the maneuverability and comfort for the user. In addition, the positioning of the feet in relation to the body also influences levels of comfort and accessibility. We often refer to standard wheelchairs which tend to be cheaper or active user models that do cost more but also allow a greater level of adjustment to ensure user comfort. This is more important when the user spends more time in their chair so that they receive better support and higher levels of comfort to avoid pressure sores.

Wheelchair selection assistance

Of course if you are dependent on being pushed we also like to consider the requirements of your carer or attendant. It is equally important that they too are comfortable if they are likely to be pushing you in your wheelchair for long periods of time. Push handle height and grip are key factors. These have to be just right to avoid the attendant getting either back ache or sore hands. Similarly wheelchair weight is a big consideration also, as they will be the ones pushing you and the chair and indeed lifting and folding it for transport or storage.

So where else can you get some useful tips ? Why not try these videos and informational articles for more advice - the NHS is a great resource of knowledge:

Looking beyond the standard wheelchair This video displays the options if you are not wanting an NHS model

Independent living How leading an independent life with a physical or learning disability is now more achievable than ever.

If its children's wheelchairs that you are looking to learn about why not visit here

Part two of the wheelchair selection video:

We hope that this article has been of help to you. Please call us if you want more help in the selection of yours - we're here to help!

Hypermobility syndrome victim sent home without wheelchair.

Nine year old Isaac was sent home from a hospital in Kent without receiving a wheelchair having been diagnosed with joint hyper mobility syndrome which leaves him unable to stand nor walk.

Instead he was forced to wait until the Red Cross was able to find him a suitable wheelchair albeit a rather old and worn one. Mum Natasha says red tape prevented Isaac, who was diagnosed with joint hyper mobility syndrome, from receiving a modern chair from the hospital when he left it on March 13, commenting “We just found it appalling that the hospital sent him home without a wheelchair.

“I asked the Wheelchair Service why he hadn’t been given one and they said it was because they hadn’t received a referral for one.

“They later said it was because they thought Isaac wouldn’t need one for as long as six months so therefore didn’t qualify for one.

“I felt like we were trapped in some sort of bureaucratic mess.

"We just found it appalling that the hospital sent him home without a wheelchair... I felt like we were trapped in some sort of bureaucratic mess..." - Natasha McIntosh
“But what it meant was that I had to pull the car right up to the house and carry in him in. Then he dragged himself around the floor and up to the sofa if he wanted to sit down.

“I would have to pick him up even though I suffer with a bad back.”

Eventually on the 16th the Wheelchair Service at the hospital rang her to apologise and to arrange for a modern chair to be delivered to him.

Joint hypertension mobility syndrome is often called being double-jointed and in Isaac’s case he can bend joints far more than other people. But it can create stiffness and pain in joints as well as swelling and makes standing and walking virtually impossible currently. Hopefully with the help of some physiotherapy Isaac will be walking soon and be able to say goodbye to his wheelchair! Good luck!

In the news again is the call for wheelchairs to be anchored in vehicles and particularly public transport including buses.

Over the past few years, there have been a number of incidents where wheelchairs have become unstable and even skidded about the floors of buses and trains when there is a moderate force applied such as breaking and cornering.

In Queensland Australia, a woman was traveling by bus in her electric wheelchair when it skidded across the aisle into the door as the bus negotiated a roundabout. The Australian authorities have called for compulsory restraints in buses by anchoring them to wither the floor or the wall to prevent such occurrences. Apart from possible danger to the wheelchair user, there is also potential danger to other occupants particularly where heavier electric models are in use.

Public transport should be accessible to all but also it needs to be safe. In addition, bus drivers must consider the needs of all passengers and drive with due care and attention to help avoid these instances wherever possible.

It's looking good for Britain Jordanne Whiley in the US Open wheelchair women's tennis. Jordanne has just reached her first grand slam final having beaten Aniek Van Koot from the Netherlands.

Whiley, 23, lost the first set on a tie-break but won the next two to complete a 6-7 (1-7) 6-4 6-3 triumph over the Dutch second seed, having won 6-3 6-1 against American Kaitlyn Verfuerth in the quarter-finals.
She will play her doubles partner Yui Kamiji in todday's final.

In addition to her singles results Jordanne also excelled in the doubles but lost in the last four of the US Open wheelchair women's doubles, while fellow Brit Gordon Reid did reach the final of the men's doubles. Having been disappointed with her performance in the quarter finals, Jordanne tweeted "Well that's what happens when you have an absolute shambles and play like an idiot" which seems a little harsh as she played well and covered the ground impressively well in her sports wheelchair adapted for tennis.

In days when there are apps for everything and many gadgets are going smart it was only a question of time before it would happen in the world of wheelchairs !

AT& T one of the Worlds largest network suppliers has teamed up with Swedish electric wheelchair manufacturer Permobil to produce what they can a connected wheelchair. Although only at proof of concept stage so far the model has been displayed at CTIA Super Mobility in Las Vegas.

Aimed at empowering folk with disabilities and improving their quality of everyday life, the wheelchair has the technology and Internet connection to monitor the chair for user comfort, overall performance, maintenance requirements and even the chairs location. The data that is gathered is then used by carers and developers alike to provide feedback allowing them to improve on all aspects of the performance.

“The connected wheelchair is a great example of how the AT&T Foundry can quickly collaborate with a customer on a proof of concept to bring connectivity and intelligence to a new range of devices,” said Mike Troiano, vice-president of AT&T industrial IoT systems. “We’re using innovative technology to solve real-world problems and, in this case, potentially improve quality of life,” he said.

GPS technology is used for what they call wheelchair fleet management whilst also providing data on battery status and performance and the more simple aspects of maintenance which i s then used to ensure the chair is serviced when required and kept in optimum condition. This in turn provides confidence for both the electric wheelchair user and the carers.

In addition to this comfort is monitored by saving data on many things including seating position, cushion pressure which will help to spot sings of misuse including bad posture or slumping both of which can lead to dangerous pressure ulcers, particularly important to users who may lack sensation below the waist.

So, here comes the App ! the Swedish manufacturer of powerchairs has developed the virtual seating coach App and cloud service, which provides seating system information and tracks if users are following recommended regimens.

“Our guiding star when developing any product comes directly from company founder Per Udden, who has stated that every person with a disability has the right to have his or her handicap compensated as far as possible by aids with the same technical standard as those we all use in our everyday lives,” said Olof Hedin, CIO at Permobil.

“Permobil’s collaboration with the AT&T Foundry is the epitome of how to bring today’s technology into the complex rehabilitation arena to benefit users, clinicians and stakeholders.”

Standing wheelchairs:
These are wheelchairs which offer user support in standing posture. These offer dual functionality as regular wheelchairs and standing frames. Depending on the user preference they can stand or sit on the chair. Using hydraulic pumps or an assist powered by electricity occupants can sit or stand.

Bariatric wheelchairs:
These wheelchairs can support heavier people and can provide support of people weighing up to 250 pounds.

Pediatric wheelchairs:
These are another type of wheelchairs.

Sport wheelchairs:
Many disabled sports persons use specialised sports wheelchairs to participate in disabled sports which necessitate usage of agility and high speeds. In sports like racing, basketball, tennis and rugby sports wheelchairs are used individually built for each sport. These do not offer folding convenience and have more stability. The have more angles on the wheels which offer better maneuverability. Lightweight components are used in designing such wheelchairs. These wheelchairs cannot be used on daily basis and are only meant for sporting action.

Beach wheelchairs:
These wheelchairs allow occupant to enter into the water and offer higher maneuverability on sand. Many varieties of beach wheelchairs are available in the market. In European countries Accessible Tourism is well developed and so beaches are easily traversable through wheelchairs. These beach wheelchairs are offered free of cost to travelers.

Mobility scooter:
These are motorised mechanised wheelchairs which are same as electric wheelchairs. These have steering tillers as opposed to joysticks. These also have much lesser medical support choices. You can get these wheelchairs without prescription if you go to certain markets. You can choose from powerful and spacious models to foldable and lighter weight varieties. Some companies do not accept insurance and only accept payment through credit card but you get a low price deal in exchange.

Wheelchair developments:

Many technical advancements have dramatically improved electric wheelchairs. The iBOT wheelchair has gyroscopic technology in-built with other developments which facilitate better balance and can run on two wheels only instead of four on certain surfaces. This raises the wheelchair height to that of standing persons. These also have stair climbing mechanisms and features facilitating four wheel driving also. These features are becoming popular and sophisticated on such motorised assisted wheelchairs.

It doesn't have to be difficult when you are faced with choosing a wheelchair. Here we have noted the basic features of a wheelchair as a guide to choosing the right wheelchair for your needs. Some wheelchairs such as sports or ultra light wheelchairs may have different measurements and specifications.

Wheelchair types

You will find two main types of manual wheelchairs in todays market:

1. Standard Wheelchairs
   This type of wheelchair is user propelled (Self Propelled wheelchair) but can also be pushed by someone else (Transit wheelchair). They also can be bought with various wheelchair accessories such as attendant brakes.

2. Transport Wheelchairs
   A wheelchair that is pushed by a third party - the wheelchair can not be moved by the wheelchair user as all four wheels are small casters.

Wheelchair Weight

When choosing a wheelchair the weight of the wheelchair itself has to be considered. While a lightweight wheelchair is beneficial for wheelchair users that need no attendance or support from others you need to consider the type of terrain they will be used in, not just the best solution for the user.

If the wheelchair user is out and about a lot, then in some cases a heavier wheelchair may be a better choice. A lightweight wheelchair is easier to maneuver, carry and easier to pick up for stowing away in a car boot.

Wheelchair Seating Capacity

When choosing a wheelchair the weight of the wheelchair user plays a major role. Depending on the users weight specific wheelchairs can be bought, a standard wheelchair can carry up to approximately 18 stone (135Kg). If the wheelchair user needs a stronger or heavy duty wheelchair then a Bariatric wheelchair may be the best solution, bariatric wheelchairs can carry up to 70 stone (440Kg) and more.

The weight of the user should be considered over a period of time as it is worth considering buying a wheelchair that is ready for heavier weights in the future.

Wheelchair Seat Size

The standard wheelchair cushion has a width of 18inches, but you can buy other sizes. The depth or thickness of a standard cushion varies from 5 to 6cm. If you need a thicker or thinner base then custom wheelchair cushions can be bought.

To establish what size wheelchair cushion you will need carry out the following; sit on a tape measure and measure the size from hip to hip, add a couple of centimeters on the overral size and you have your seat width. The added measurement is for comfort when moving, or getting in and out of the wheelchair.

Wheelchair Seat Height

The seat height can be determind by measuring the wheelchair user whilst sitting straight, the knees should be bent at a 90 degree angle. The measurement itself is taken from the heel to the bend in the knee. Preferably when taking measurements the user should sit on a flat solid surface, this ensures that all measurements are correct and not influenced.

After you have the basic measurement the depth of the seat cushion needs be added to the height and then a couple of centimetres for comfort and foot clearance.

Wheelchair Arm Rests

There are 4 main types of wheelchair arm rests:

1. Fixed or Permanent
   These can not be removed from the wheelchair at all, they are a permanent fixture

2. Adjustable
   The height can be adjusted to individual wheelchair users

3. Removable
   As the name says, the armrest can be fully removed from the wheelchair frame

4. Flip Back
   The flip back arm rests are similar to the removeable type, they can be moved out of the way when not in use or when the user wishes to sit down or get out of the wheelchair

Custom arm rests are also available, combining indivdual features provides the best solution. Arm rests also come in two different lengths:

1. Full
   Normal length - a standard wheelchair has these type of armrests fitted

2. Desk
   The desk type armrests allow the wheelchair to be positioned closer to tables or desks

Wheelchair Foot Leg Rests

Wheelchair legrests allow the wheelchair user to lift their legs and position them. Footrests are normally height adjustable to provide proper leg support.Leg rests can be bought as 'swing away' and detachable, either letting the user move them out of the way when getting in or out of the wheelchair or removing them completely.

Both footrests and legrests are manufactured for both types of wheelchairs, either the lightweight version in aluminium or the heavy duty or standard version in steel.

Bucket:
This describes the seat angle where the angle can be measured by checking the difference between front seat floor height and back seat floor height. If the front seat floor height is 20 inches and back seat floor height is 17 inches then the bucket would be 3 inches.

Wheelchair Camber:
Depending on the wheelchairs frame the angle present on rear wheels is called the camber. In cases where back wheels are parallel to frame of the wheelchair camber will be zero degrees. If there is an angle facing the frame then there is a camber element and the figure will be calculated in degrees. The camber ranges from 1 degree to as much as 20 degrees in the case of sports chairs. Typically most wheelchairs have cambers ranging between 1 and 5 degrees. Higher cambers get used in cases of sports wheelchairs.

Higher cambering facilitates faster turning of the wheelchair and offers more stability laterally which can be useful on undulating pavements. Higher cambers also mean better tilting backwards and a wider base under the back wheels. This means difficulty in moving through narrow areas. Each 2 degree increase in camber means 1 inch increase in base size. Negative cambering means back wheels are placed angularly moved away from wheelchair frame. This has negative effects.

Wheelchair Castors;
These refer to the front wheels of the wheelchair. These have smaller sizes compared to the back wheels and come in various widths called footprints and circumferences. The smaller the size and narrower the castors are the higher is the chair's maneuverability but can be difficult riding through rough areas.

Rigid Framed Wheelchair:
This refers to wheelchairs which cannot be folded conventionally. Instead the back wheels are detached and backrest gets folded. The rigid framed wheelchairs represent better maneuverability and have a lighter weight compared to foldable chairs.

Lightweight Wheelchair:
These describe most wheelchairs that have lighter weight that government manufactured wheelchairs. Initially the term was coined to describe newer lighter wheelchairs that facilitated easy pushing. However, today it symbolizes the weight needed to lift up the wheelchair to shift to a vehicle.

Transit Wheelchair:
These wheelchairs have small sized rear wheels and restrict the occupant from turning the wheelchair himself. These are lighter in weight and can be stored easily but traveling over bigger kerbs means difficulty for the attendant.

Self Propelling Wheelchair:
These have larger rear wheels measuring 20 to 27 inches in diameter. These allow the occupant to maneuver the wheelchair him/herself. Most of the varieties allow the person to be removed from the chair with a release pin on the middle of the wheels which uses a push button mechanism.

Wheelchair ramps have been developed to assist wheelchair users to move between different levels. For this reason, steps and road curbs have become easier for wheelchair users to deal with. For even more convenience, miniature ramps have been created to minimise or eliminate renovations.

There are various types of wheelchair ramps available. These can be classified into four groups:

• Horizontal Folding Ramps
• Longitudinal Folding Ramps
• Fixed Dimension Ramps
• Telescopic ramps

Telescopic ramps can even be further classified into U-shaped gutter ramps and reverse profile ramps.

The most common wheelchair ramps are:

• Track Wheelchair Ramps:
  These are anodized aluminium made telescopic ramps that can be used for climbing onto steps and curbs. These can also be used to climb aboard cars and other vehicles. Any type of wheelchair can use this type of ramp.

• Threshold Wheelchair Ramps:
  These are aluminium ramps that can be used both indoors and outdoors. Wheelchair users sometimes install these as permanent features of their homes or offices, they also come in portable forms.

• Modular Ramps:
  Modular Ramps are often not as portable as others. For this reason, they are usually installed as permanent or semi-permanent fixtures. They come with many different parts that have to be assembled using bolts or clamps.

• Single Fold Wheelchair Ramps:
  These work as any other wheelchair ramp. However, it provides for better portability because they can be folded once. This makes it more convenient for those who would like to carry their ramps wherever they go.

• Multi Fold Wheelchair Ramps:
  These can be folded at least twice. For this reason, they can be easily carried around and laid out in case the wheelchair users encounters elevated areas. Because they are so portable, manufacturers have also made longer versions to allow wheelchair users to access higher elevated areas.

• Roll Up Wheelchair Ramps:
  These are among the most portable ramps as they feature hinge designs. As the name implies, they can easily be rolled up for storage and portability.

• Telescope Wheelchair Ramps:
  These are highly favoured because they serve several functions as they can be extended and retracted according to the immediate need of the wheelchair user. More often than not, they are made of aluminium that have been treated to keep it from sliding.

• Van Wheelchair Ramps:
  These are specifically made for wheelchair users to climb into vans. These are easy to use and are known to be durable, having a standard maximum capacity of 800lbs. Although they are strong, they are lightweight.

To date, no wheelchair ramp can be used to address all the needs of any wheelchair user. However, the variety available can be used in various combinations to provide the wheelchair user the convenience that they need.

When a physically challenged individual still has the capacity to stand upright, mobility products such as walkers and rollators can be very useful. However, choosing between the two would depend on the needs of the user. In order to make the right decision, it is necessary to have some knowledge on each product.

Walkers are among the most commonly used mobility products. They are often made of aluminium making them sturdy and durable. Walkers provide support to the user who needs assistance to stand and walk upright. Most standard walkers have to be lifted and moved towards the direction the user wants to go to. However, wheeled walkers have now been developed in order to make moving easier for its users. These feature caster-type wheels that make for easier gliding.

Apart from the standard walkers, other types have also been developed to address the needs of different users. These include the Bariatric types and the Specialty types.

Bariatric walkers are specifically made for users who weigh more than the average individual. While standard walkers can support individuals up to 350 pounds, Bariatric walkers can support a users weight up to 600 pounds. Furthermore, Bariatric walkers also have wider frames to accommodate individuals with a larger build.

Specialty walkers address other kinds of needs. Most often, they are used by those who have problems with their posteriors. Specialty walkers help in such a way that they feature safety and anterior rollers to ensure that its users can balance and walk straight.

Those who have greater need sometimes prefer rollators. Many also say that they are easier to use than standard walkers. Rollators are very similar to walkers but, apart from having wheels as a standard feature, they also have additional features. These features, depending on the type, may include seats, baskets, trays and brakes. The design can also be customised according to the preferences of its users.

Rollators come either with three or four wheels. Three wheeled rollators are preferred because they are smaller, easier to maneuver and can easily go through narrow spaces, four wheeled rollators are larger and provide more stability which can be very useful for those who like going outdoors or have to walk through uneven terrain. Furthermore, since four wheeled rollators are larger, they also feature bigger baskets or trays allowing its users to move around with more items. Lastly, four wheeled rollators also often come with seats which can provide for better comfort.

Like the walker, rollators also come in Bariatric versions so anyone over 300 pounds can also enjoy using this type of mobility product. Other types include light weight models which are most useful for those who walk significant distances on a regular basis. Because they are designed to be light, they can be up to sixty percent lighter than the standard rollator. This not only makes them easier to use but also easier to transport.

When choosing between the two, other factors come into play. Earlier, many would prefer rollators because they allow individuals to glide. However, now that there are wheeled walkers, choosing has become more complicated. Often, buyers who prefer to have wheels on their disability products but have a limited budget choose the wheeled walkers because those are often cheaper. On the other hand, some prefer rollators because of special features that allow them to move around with their personal belongings and they also have the option to sit wherever they may be.

In contrast to this, those who need better support prefer to use non wheeled walkers so assuring sturdiness and stability. Having no wheels and having rubber caps on the legs of walkers will ensure that they will move only when they are lifted by the user.

After becoming more familiar with the differences between walkers and rollators and also finding out the types from which to choose from, it is now necessary to determine the needs and preferences of the user and compare that with the benefits of each type.