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Welcome to UK Wheelchairs - the home of value and quality

Wheelchair & Mobility News

  • Evaluating the Benefits of Manual Wheelchairs

    People have often argued about the benefits of electric wheelchairs against manual wheelchairs. In truth, the mere fact that a wheelchair user has the choice between the two types of wheelchairs is something to be thankful for. Because of the wide range of wheelchairs available today, wheelchair users tend to have more difficulty in choosing a wheelchair that is best suited for their individual needs. Many use the internet for information before making decisions especially when it comes to choosing between an electric wheelchair or a manual wheelchair.

    Because many tend to think that more modern technology is always better, the benefits of manual wheelchairs are often overlooked when electric wheelchairs come into play. More often than not, lightweight wheelchairs come in manual form. This is among the most important reason why manual wheelchairs are still often favoured by wheelchair users especially when the user will be someone who cannot exert much physical strength. Manual wheelchairs are also easier to maneuver. Because of this, they can be used just about anywhere. No matter what the terrain is like in the users' desired destination, manual wheelchairs can be used.

    However, using manual wheelchairs also has its own disadvantages. For one, it can cause a lot of physical strain to its user. Although the upper body exercise may be good for the user, it may also cause some injuries in the long run. Apart from this, manual wheelchairs often require regular maintenance for tires so as to keep the wheelchair and the user's body balanced.

    When it comes to choosing between manual wheelchairs or electric wheelchairs, many factors have to be considered. Buyers should not be blinded by the technology that electric wheelchairs offer. Although they may have a great deal of advantages, manual wheelchairs are considered more economical and more efficient especially considering the bulky form electric wheelchairs come in. Furthermore, several insurance companies opt not to cover electric wheelchairs making the task of choosing even simpler.

    The choice of a wheelchair should be dependent on the lifestyle and preferences of its user. No matter which wheelchair the user prefers, the fact that they can choose is a good thing. Wheelchairs today have significantly improved from three wheeled chairs of several years ago and a wide array of options are now available. Although this may lengthen the decision process, having a choice also means having the ability to choose the wheelchair that suits your needs.

  • Tools For The Wheelchair User

    The lives of people restricted to wheelchairs can be very complicated. Just picking up an object from the floor or ground while seated in a wheelchair can be quite a feat. But just like everyone else, the wheelchair restricted user wants to lead a normal life. No matter how independent minded a wheelchair user may be, they often find a little help in daily activities necessary. Simple daily chores like preparing a meal, cleaning the house or even bathing can become an ordeal when one has to perform them whilst restricted to a wheelchair.

    To the credit of thoughtful engineers and specialists, today's wheelchair users have access to a wide selection of items to help with daily tasks. Nowadays, with the right tools, a wheelchair user can go about his/her daily life with little, if any, help from others.

    Anyone seeking information on how to ease the predicament of a wheelchair user should start by looking and researching the internet. The internet is a repository of great tools for finding out what is appropriate for different wheelchair restricted individuals and their respective lifestyles. The wheelchair user can take solace in the fact that the internet offers a wealth of information on making life simpler. Among the websites that cover just about everything under the sun regarding this segment of society is UK Wheelchairs.

    When attending to their daily toilet, taking a shower is probably the most difficult routine the physically challenged have to perform. Mercifully, UK Wheelchairs provides links to sites offering practical advice and such accessories as shower chairs.

    This site also offers links that the physically challenged, their families and friends may find useful in their quest for an uncomplicated wheelchair user life. For instance, if personal grooming is tricky, the UK Wheelchairs site has on offer a variety of products that make this otherwise simple routine proceed more smoothly when undertaken from a wheelchair.

    If you are looking for a comprehensive website for the wheelchair user, then perhaps UK Wheelchairs is the site for you. Daily activities that challenge the wheelchair user are taken up in this site. With UK Wheelchairs, becoming a self-sufficient wheelchair user has never been so easy.

  • Types of Electric Wheelchairs

    The development of the electric wheelchair is perhaps the biggest help to people whom walking is difficult or impossible. Wheelchairs help people with mobility disabilities to regain some of their independence and freedom. The two main types of wheelchairs currently available on the market are elctric wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs.

    To propel manual wheelchairs, the user must turn or push the steel tube hand rims on the outside of the wheels or with the help of a care person or friend they can be pushed. The wheels of electric wheelchairs, on the other hand, are propelled by motors.

    Electric wheelchairs are much heavier not only because of the added weight of the motor and battery but also because the frames have to be sturdier and more stable so as to support additional working parts.

    The complexity of electric wheelchairs differ widely - from wheelchairs equipped with standard batteries and joy-stick controllers to wheelchairs that have microprocessor controlled robotic circuitry allowing the chair to balance and move on only two of its four wheels.

    Prices of electric wheelchairs can vary dramatically depending on user requirements and the standard of wheelchair that is needed. The more complex the electric wheelchair, the more costly it gets. Standard electric wheelchairs may cost around £700 and the most complex as much as £15,000. Most users find the average cost of £900 for a reliable electric wheelchair practicable.

    Electric Wheelchair Propulsion:

    • Rear-wheel drive
      is the most common propulsion style for electric wheelchairs. The wheelchair travels fast but maneuverability may be a bit limited.

    • Mid-wheel drive
      provides outstanding maneuverability but the wheelchair can be unstable during starts and stops.

    • Front-wheel drive
      compared to rear-wheel drive, makes for a slower wheelchair with good maneuverability.

    When purchasing an electric wheelchair, consider trustworthy brands available from licensed dealers. This gives the assurance of full coverage in case the unit requires servicing. Users are cautioned against purchasing used electric wheelchairs as they may bear critical damage such as broken frames, depleted motors and/or defective batteries.

    When choosing among the various types of electric wheelchairs, take ample time shopping around and comparing wheelchairs. Ask dealers for product information in order to get more of the pertinent details needed to make an informed purchase decision.

  • Understanding Wheelchair Lifts

    Whether you or someone close to you uses a wheelchair, you should have been confronted with the difficulties for a wheelchair user when getting up stairs or other elevated areas. This task has become simpler due to the combined efforts of scientists and mechanics who have developed wheelchair lifts.

    The Wheelchair lifts technology is relatively new and has made it easier not only for wheelchair users but those aiding them as well. Before the development of wheelchair lifts, it was close to impossible for disabled individuals to be fully mobile. Today, wheelchair users are able to go almost anywhere they please.

    Wheelchair lifts aid disabled individuals significantly, with the use of a wheelchair lift the physical strain is no-longer a problem. In order to climb up a staircase, wheelchair users had to get out of the wheelchair and either climb the stairs alone or be aided by others. With a wheelchair lift the user can stay in the wheelchair while they are transported from the bottom of the staircase to the top.

    There are two main types of wheelchair lifts available on the market today.

    • Hydraulic Wheelchair Lifts:
      The hydraulic lift is the most preferred lift as it encounters fewer problems with power fluctuations and outages. However hydraulic lifts can be very pricey.

    • Electric wheelchair lift:
      Unlike hydraulic lifts, these are known to be more affordable. However, they rely heavily on electricity and would not be able to work without it. Some models compensate for electric shortage with a back-up source of energy in form of batteries or power packs.

    Many companies manufacture different kinds of wheelchair lifts. Depending on the make and model, these wheelchair lifts range in price from hundreds to even tens of thousands. Looking at the benefits of wheelchair lifts, investing in one that best suits the needs of the user will surely be a worthwhile investment.

    Although wheelchair lifts were created for use in disabled individuals homes, they are now commonly found in public areas including hospitals. Some countries have made it law for public buildings to feature wheelchair lifts for the benefit of those with physical disabilities. Having wheelchair ramps and wheelchair lifts has made a life that used to be very difficult for wheelchair users significantly easier.

  • Have Them Both: Mobility and Comfort

    For many reasons, people are often in need of a wheelchair in order to achieve mobility, and it can happen at any stage in your life. Thankfully, wheelchairs were specifically designed to provide freedom that mobility, enabling you to still have a full, active life, regardless of any injury or disease you may face.

    The wheelchair as a mobility device can be very uncomfortable, and so that is a particular aspect to look at. It doesn't matter if you want to buy your first wheelchair, replace a wheelchair, or even keep the wheelchair you own, comfort will always be an issue. So, make sure that when you are looking for your new wheelchair, you consider a few factors that will help you find the best wheelchair that suits your requirements.

    First, take a look at how you feel when you actually sit in your wheelchair. By simply purchasing a quality wheelchair seat cushion for your wheelchair you can be assured that you will be confortable when sitting in your wheelchair. Different wheelchair cushions serve different purposes, as some add back support and more comfort than others. Seat cushions vary in color, style, width, depth and you can have custom-made designs for your particular wheelchair and needs.

    If the pain or discomfort you're experiencing is in your neck, then it's most likely because your neck isn't getting the right amount of support it needs. Purchasing a headrest can solve this, and there are several different types out there. If your neck needs to move as little as possible, you can find one that is used specifically for stabilising, or if you just want a place to rest your neck when you're using your wheelchair, you can find that too. The best part is that these particular wheelchair accessories are easy to install, as well as not being expensive. If you're concerned about your head leaning as well, when you don't really want it to, you can also think about buying lateral supports for your wheelchair, which will prevent this from happening.

    Maybe your concern or difficulties are with leg positioning in a wheelchair, you can consider wheelchair leg rests. Wheelchair leg rests can be either fixed or free-moving, the free-moving leg rests are designed so that they can be moved out of the wheelchair user's way when they're unnecessary, whereas fixed leg rests can not be moved and stay attached to the wheelchair.

    Generally speaking a wheelchair does not have to be thought as a restrictive device. Wheelchair accessories can be purchased to create a wheelchair that provides both mobility and confort at the same time.

  • Public Access for Wheelchair Users

    Those who find it hard to walk, whether due to permanent disabilities or temporary illnesses and injuries, have no choice but to use wheelchairs or other assistive devices to keep them mobile. Wheelchairs are currently considered to be the most popular type of mobility device.

    In many major countries, laws have been created that require public buildings to be constructed to accommodate wheelchair users. Public buildings are required to install facilities to accomodate for wheelchair users such as wheelchair ramps, wheelchair lifts and automatic opening doors. Furthermore, many amenities like sinks have been installed lower so that seated individuals can still make use of them without difficulty. Grab bars and large stall spaces can also be found in many bathrooms.

    In addition, hospitals have been adding wheelchair ramps across all floors. Ramps are even designed and installed carefully to ensure that wheelchair users will not find them to steep. For multi-storey buildings, wheelchair ramps can be found in most of the lower floors and lifts are made to be accessible to wheelchair users.

    Smaller portable wheelchair ramps are also available in some buildings that were built before legislation for accommodating wheelchair users. Even public transport has been more accommodating as wheelchair ramps that are portable are now featured in many train and bus stations. Airports have done the same.

    Regular lifts that are often found in small buildings or less frequented areas can generally accommodate 6 to 8 people at a time. However, larger building and public areas that are frequented by larger amounts of people have the need to make use of much larger lifts because wheelchair users must have enough space to manoeuvre their mobility devices in and out of the lift.

    Because buildings and public facilities have become more accommodating to wheelchair users, physically disabled individuals are now able to enjoy more areas in their neighbourhood. Although much more can be done in many different areas, the changes that have been made are enormous.

  • Wheelchairs for Independent Lifestyles

    Today's wheelchairs don't only provide mobility to individuals who are unable to walk or have difficulty walking. They allow users to move around and maintain more active and independent lifestyles and to project their personal styles or individuality. Current wheelchairs coupled with appropriate wheelchair accessories can liberate the user from dependence on otherse. To meet a myriad of users' needs, the two general types of wheelchairs in the market now come in many variations.

    Current manual wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs perform diverse functions and come in different sizes, shapes and colours to suit individual preferences and physical needs. Additionally, variations in equipment such as wheelchair lifts, ramps etc make more areas and activities accessible to the wheelchair user.

    For those users with upper body strength, the more economical solution is the manual wheelchair. The majority of manual wheelchairs easily fold and fit into small storage areas such as the boot of a car, under the stairs etc, making it the optimal solution when the wheelchair is not being used.

    If the user has neither the strength nor the ability to operate a manual wheelchair or if operating one may aggravate their medical condition, an electric wheelchair is most probably the better option. An electric wheelchair has the benefit that its propulsion is carried out using an electric motor, making it ideal for users that are unable to propel manual wheelchairs themselves.

    Using a joystick or other form of wheelchair controller, the user can change the direction, speed and other wheelchair functions without physical exertion. In order to choose the electric wheelchair control system best suited to the user's physiological state, test drive a number of electric wheelchairs before deciding which to purchase. As with manual wheelchairs, Electric wheelchairs are also customisable to address the user's specific physical needs and taste.

    Compared to manual wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs are more costly owing to their complex functions and construction. However, electric wheelchairs have greater manoeuverability and superior suspension systems. Moreover, the ease of use and variety of functions provided with an electric wheelchair give the user a greater measure of independence.

    Rapid technological advancements give wheelchair users ever increasing capacity to participate in different wheelchair sports such as downhill racing, wheelchair skiing, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, etc. Each wheelchair sport involves a chair customised to meet the particular requirements of the sport (speed, agility, etc.).

    Regardless which wheelchair and wheelchair accessories are selected by any individual, all prescribed precautions and safety measures must be conscientiously followed.

  • Wheelchairs for Temporary Disability or Travel

    Renting wheelchairs is an appealing choice not only for those who suffer from temporary disabilities but for wheelchair users that wish to travel. There are an extensive amount of companies that provide wheelchair rentals. Through local services or over the internet, people interested in wheelchair rental services can can choose from manual wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs and scooters.

    If you only need assistance in moving around a small area like your house or office, you may have no use for wheelchair rentals. For those who travel considerable lengths a wheelchair may be a good option to provide comfort, convenience, and less strain. Should you be among these people, ask your physician to prescribe a wheelchair. This way your insurance provider should cover all or some of the costs. If you'd like to rent a wheelchair, you may want to check nearby hospitals and clinics. Telephone directories may also have listings on wheelchair rental service providers.

    If you need access to public transportation while having temporary injuries and limited mobility, check if the vehicles that you use are accessible for a wheelchair. If the standard vehicles arent wheelchair accessible then contact your local transport agency and they will be able to help.

    If you would like to go on a vacation and travel by airoplane, check for wheelchair rental services specifically for those who travel, in general your own or rented wheelchair will be placed in the hold of the plane and for the waiting period and boarding time you will be provided with a wheelchair from your travel partner. Wheelchair rental providers will be more than happy to assist you and make your vacation as comfortable as possible.

    The majority of wheelchair service providers will meet you at the entrance with your chosen wheelchair ready for you to use it. Some wheelchair rental service providers also provide you with other similar services such as car rentals which are wheelchair and scooter accessible.

    On cruise ships, mobility products should also be available for rent. Some cruise lines may even provide specific amenities suitable for those with physical disabilities. These may include wheelchair accessible rooms. Make sure that you have a room with a door wide enough for you to enter with your wheelchair.

    These rooms should also have light switches that are within your reach. Also, the bathroom should have handrails and wheel in showers for you convenience. If not, check another cruise line. Furthermore, make sure that the cruise you would like to go one has staff that are available to assist you whenever you need them to.

  • Wheelchairs for the Heavier Individual

    As obesity has increasingly become an international problem, wheelchair manufacturers have had to adapt the way they design and build their wheelchairs. Nowadays, special types of wheelchairs have been specifically created to suit the needs of physically challenged individuals who are heavier than average. These types of wheelchairs are called bariatric wheelchairs.

    Earlier, bariatric patients would find it very hard to keep mobile. Because of bariatric wheelchairs, they can enjoy daily activities while being independent.

    Bariatric wheelchairs are important because they have special features that not only involve larger maximum weight capacities but also accommodates for width, height, and depth of the seat making the user as comfortable as possible. Today, a wide variety of bariatric wheelchairs are available to suit the needs of just about anybody. Generally, these bariatric wheelchairs feature larger frames. They also have highly durable wheels accompanied by solid tyres that are airless so they won't deflate.

    Due to the variety of bariatric wheelchairs, it is necessary to learn how to choose the right wheelchair that best suits your needs.

    Among the most important factors to consider when looking for a bariatric wheelchair are as follows:

    • How much do you weigh:
      Make sure you choose a wheelchair that has maximum weight limits that accommodate your current weight. It might also be a smart idea to leave some allowance in case of weight gain or in case you would like to carry heavy things with you.

    • How wide should the wheelchair seat be:
      Measure yourself and once you have your size, add about two inches to the measurement. This would result in your recommended seat depth.

    • How high you need the wheelchair to be:
      This can be determined by sitting down and ensuring that your feet are placed flat on the ground. Your shins should also be perpendicular to the ground. From that position, measure the length from your heel to the back of your knee.

    • How deep you need the seat to go:
      Measure the length from your hip to the back of your knee while you are in seated position. You may want to add a few inches of space to keep you comfortable.

    • How high the backrest should be:
      Generally, the ideal wheelchair backrest height would be just under your shoulder blades. It is important that this is measured correctly because it can have significant effects on your posture.

    • How high the armrest should be:
      The height of the armrest can be determined by measuring the length from the seat to your own forearm. Just make sure that your forearm is perpendicular to your backrest while sitting upright.

    • What kind of tyres you need:
      More often than not, bariatric wheelchairs need airless tyres made from solid material. This will not only ensure that you will not have to replace them too often but it also assures you of your safety while you are mobile.

    For those who have difficulty breathing while in an upright seated position or those who have other types of respiratory illnesses, there are bariatric wheelchairs that recline.

    For those individuals who have heart problems and do not have the strength or capability to propel manual wheelchairs, bariatric power wheelchairs have been developed.

  • Wheelchair Guides and Mobility Information

    • Travelling for Wheelchair Users
      One can only imagine how difficult it is for those with physical disabilities who have to travel with wheelchairs. The entire process from planning to actually getting to a holiday destination can be stressful…

    • Belts for Wheelchairs
      Like vehicle seatbelts, wheelchair belts strap the wheelchair user in place and can quickly be released by the push of a button. Unlike seatbelts, wheelchair belts are made to be more comfortable…

    • Wheelchair Questions and Answers
      Although wheelchairs are often associated with the elderly, they certainly play bigger roles to many other people. The concept of wheelchairs may still be foreign to you if you or anyone close to you has not personally experienced using one…

    • Vertical Wheelchair Lifts
      Mobility challenged people including senior citizens, who spend much of their day in a wheelchair, have limited access to certain areas. As a consequence, their independence is likewise limited in comparison to their situation prior to finding themse…

    • Wheelchair Canopies
      Wheelchair canopies have become so popular because they are so effective in protecting wheelchair users from harsh weather and they are also very convenient to use. Since they simply attach to the wheelchair…

    • Power Wheelchair Motors
      Nowadays, the wheelchair bound that use power wheelchairs are no longer limited to travelling short distances or specific terrain. The wheelchair motors that are built into modern power wheelchairs…

    • Embrace the Wheelchair
      Wheelchairs have been available for over a hundred years. Initially, they were invented to move physically disabled individuals from one part of a room to another…

    • Wheelchairs, Sports and the Wheelchair Bound
      Anywhere you go, those who make use of wheelchairs continue to enjoy the competition and fun that wheelchair sport has to offer…

    • Showering with Wheelchairs
      Wheelchair users often have a hard time showering and this is the reason why shower wheelchairs have become so popular…

    • Scooters for the Disabled
      Scooters that are specially made for disabled individuals are often referred to as Mobility Scooters or Medical Scooters. The scooters come in various forms and each one addresses the needs of the physically disabled individuals…

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