When using a wheelchair, it is necessary to use your extremities to operate it properly, especially when a manual wheelchair is being used. Propelling the wheelchair can be very physical and it is not always possible to keep track of all the things you have to carry around with you.

When operating a vehicle, it is not advisable to be holding things or have things moving around while the vehicle is mobile. This is the reason why storage space has been developed. A wheelchair, however, has no such compartments, good thing wheelchair users can now have backpacks for their wheelchairs.

Before wheelchair backpacks were developed, when wheelchair users took their personal items with them, they had to place them on their lap which meant that the items could fall on to the floor or cause discomfort or even injuries.

Just like normal backpacks, wheelchair backpacks come in a wide variety of colours and designs. The backpacks are made to fit any standard wheelchair, although customisation services are available. Wheelchair backpacks have straps that can be attached to the back of the wheelchair seat. They come in various forms including:

• Flap Covers
• Zipped - for more safety
• Velcro

There are also backpacks that feature many different compartments to help you keep organised.

Although quite the functional item, wheelchair backpacks can also be trendy. This is why they come in many different forms and designs. While there are many who prefer to have them in classic colours including black or blue, there are those who prefer them to be colourful or have bold patterns.

Wheelchair users also have the option to choose among different materials including regular fabric, nylon, or polyester. Regular fabrics are often trendier but nylon and polyester are waterproof and easier to clean.

Wheelchair backpacks can range in price between £8 and £25, depending on the style, size, and material. Because they are so functional, they are considered to be worthwhile investments. Just remember to be aware of those behind you at all times, especially when there are valuables kept inside.

Whether you were born with a disability or you have, through some form of accident lost the use of limbs, there is no use moping about your disability. The point now is to make the most out of the life you have. Being physically disabled doesn't mean that you have to deprive yourself and not have a quality lifestyle.

Many physically disabled people feel as if they can not go everwhere they please. However, wheelchairs and other mobility devices have made it easier for them to be more mobile. If you are the type of person who loves the beach but feel as if it would be impossible to enjoy because of your disability, a special type of wheelchair can address your needs.

Beach wheelchairs have been developed to aid physically disabled individuals in continuing to enjoy their love for the sea shore or beach and going on trips with friends and relatives. These wheelchairs now come in many different forms and it would be wise to choose one that would accommodate all your needs.

Various beach wheelchairs have become affordable making them an appealing investment. Just like regular wheelchairs, beach wheelchairs come in manual, electric and transport variations. Manual beach wheelchairs are controlled by the user by propelling its wheels by hand. In contrast, the electric ones have motors that can be controlled using a joystick or buttons.

Furthermore, beach wheelchairs are similar to traditional wheelchairs because they can now be customised according to the needs of the user. Customisation of beach wheelchairs often involves modifying some features, choosing colours, making them "fit to size", and choosing upholstery design and style.

More often than not, beach wheelchairs are constructed using durable steel tubing. The standard width is 34 inches so that it can easily fit the 36-inch standard width of doorways. Often, the distance from the seat to the ground would be about 22 inches. Capacity would really depend on what the user specifies but the standard would be a maximum of 350 pounds.

The option to choose the type of wheelchair wheels is also available. The standard diameter is 13 inches with a 6 inch width. Its rims are made of ply nylon to lessen worries about it corroding when it comes in contact with saltwater. Beach wheelchairs also feature special suspension to ensure that the device is more stable.

Beach wheelchairs feature sling type seats to ensure the user's comfort. Sometimes, they come with umbrella stands and umbrellas specially designed to protect its users from harmful UV rays.

Because of the mere existence of beach wheelchairs, there is no longer a need for physically disabled individuals to be deprived of holidays. These accommodate strolls along the beach alone or with those close to you. However, it is important to note that beach wheelchairs can also be used elsewhere.

Although these wheelchairs are specifically made for use on the beach, they can also be used to assist you in your daily activities. They simply have special features to avoid damage and injuries should you decide to go to the beach.

For this reason, it is not necessary to own different types of wheelchairs. If you love the beach and feel like you will visit one each time you have a chance, it is recommended that you choose a wheelchair that can be used even in the sand and by the water. Because of beach wheelchairs, you can enjoy the beaches you've always wanted to visit.

Children value their freedom and it is important for them to be able to move independently. Children who require a wheelchair are not able to walk due to various factors, to mention some factors: vitamin deficiencies, accident, birth deficiency or mental disability. In order to give these children a better life pediatric wheelchairs have been introduced.

Pediatric wheelchairs are more advanced than a standard wheelchair and they are sophisticated enough to help children in various ways who are not able to walk properly. With a pediatric wheelchair you can transport your child in a variety of positions, including sitting, lying down and standing.

With the different postures the wheelchair accommodates for a wide range of children's individual needs, allowing for comfort for the child and allows him/her to move around the whole day on it.

When buying a pediatric wheelchair some of the important considerations are:

• Which mobility controls are most suitable
• The extent to which the child needs independent mobility
• The physical abilities of a child and functional skills
• The ability of a child to control the upper and lower extremities, as well as the head and eye movements
• The ability of a child to use activating switches and joy sticks
• The needs of posture support and seating to keep the child secure and comfortable

The issues of child growth are taken into consideration when constructing the wheelchair to ensure that the wheelchair addresses the needs of the child as he or she grows.

Most pediatric wheelchairs come with adjustable brace supports and frame sections which ensure that the wheelchair can be adjusted in size as the child grows, the majority of pediatric wheelchairs can be used for around ten to twelve years depending on the child's growth.

The child's social life should be taken into consideration when you think about buying a wheelchair. This should ensure the child's temperament, social situations, how he/she handles the frustration of learning to use a wheelchair, etc.

The transport of the wheelchair is also one of the issues which are should be considered. These chairs are quite bulky and heavy when compared to other narrow chairs of the same stand. Considerations have to be thought through, for example:

• Is there a big car to handle this wheelchair?
• Is there any rack that can compensate for additional weight?
• Will there be any additional help required for transporting the wheelchair?

Such issues should be sorted out and the wheelchair should be selected matching the users environment.

Wheelchairs give an extensive amount of freedom and independence to the child. It helps the child to do all the activities at floor, table and higher levels. It is recommended that you take all aspects into consideration before you go out and buy a pediatric wheelchair for your child, good decision making ensures good performance. Thus choosing the right pediatric wheelchair makes a good balance against the versatile models of today's wheelchairs.

There are an extensive amount of wheelchair users that find themselves using their wheelchair for most of the day. Because of this, it is necessary for the user to keep searching for ways to be as comfortable as possible while seated in their wheelchairs.

On the market today there is a wide spectrum of wheelchair accessories available to choose from. Wheelchair accessories not only provide for individualisation and customisation they also provide the wheelchair user with a variety of choices when it comes to comfort and safety. Among the most popular wheelchair accessories are wheelchair cushions, which come in a wide range of materials, thickness, colour and size to provide comfort to the wheelchair user.

Wheelchair seat cushions are very important to wheelchair users. For this reason, it is necessary to make sure you buy one that fits your wheelchair correctly and your individual requirements, rule of thumb, an expensive cushion doesnt necessarily mean that its the best suited to you. While seat cushions are specifically made to minimise sores when sitting down for long periods of time, some quality seat cushions do exactly the opposite.

The right kind of seat cushion helps you maintain your seating posture and also helps those who have trouble breathing or have other respiratory illnesses. No matter what a wheelchair cushion is purchased for, it cannot be denied that many different benefits can be gathered from having one.

For these reasons, it is necessary to take extra precaution when choosing an appropraite cushion that can be used with your wheelchair. Although choosing from standard designs are alright, it would also pay to have them customised according to your own build and body weight.

Because it is of utmost importance for the wheelchair user to be comfortable in his/her wheelchair that you rely on so dearly, wheelchair cushions have become more and more important. Always make sure that you have a seat cushion that allows you to keep a good posture while being comfortable at the same time.

Generally, standard wheelchairs come with contoured seating that has proved to be quite uncomfortable especially if you sit on them for longer periods at a time. This is why many wheelchair users with these kinds of seats find themselves shifting around all the time trying to make themselves comfortable.

Furthermore, uncomfortable wheelchair seating can lead to muscular atrophy or even weight loss making standard wheelchair seating inappropriate for those who already have much to worry about. In addition to this, the contoured cushions are often very bulky and weigh a lot. They can also be hot and don't adjust to the ever changing needs of the wheelchair user. Because of this, it becomes more and more necessary to have the right wheelchair cushion which should adapt to the body type of the wheelchair user as well as accommodate all their movements whilst in their wheelchair.

There are so many different wheelchair seat cushions to choose from making it easy enough for you to choose the one that perfectly addresses all your needs. Just make sure to take time when choosing.

Custom wheelchairs have provided a massive improvement to the quality of life of wheelchair bound physically disabled people. A custom wheelchair is designed with each individual wheelchair user in mind. A custom built wheelchair accommodates the individual's special and unique disability and also provides them with a bespoke wheelchair that is individualised reflecting their personality and taste.

A custom wheelchair can become much more than just a form of transport. The wheelchair provides physically disabled people with more comfort and helps the wheelchair user to use their wheelchair effectively. Every physically disabled individual has his or her special needs, sometimes it is the attandant or carer that requires the special function(s) of the custom wheelchair. Whatever the need, the custom wheelchair is built to help the wheelchair user.

Users who are confined to a wheelchair and have lost one of their arms, will find that a custom wheelchair can benefit them. A custom wheelchair can be designed to allow this person to propel him or herself without having to depend on someone else to push the wheelchair.

Wheelchair users that use their wheelchair in a variety of situations and locations can have a custom wheelchair built to meet these needs. Outdoor enthusiasts will be happy to know that a custom wheelchair can be built that will allow them to move more easily over rougher terrain.

Sports enthusiasts are can have a wheelchair designed with their particular sport in mind. There are a variety of custom wheelchairs available for most sporting activities.

Listed below are just a few wheelchair sports that use custom wheelchairs:

• Wheelchair Tennis
• Wheelchair Rugby
• Wheelchair Basketball
• Wheelchair Racing
• Wheelchair Skiing

It is possible for a custom wheelchair to be a fashion statement. Here are some elements that are fully customisable:

• Wheelchair Colour:
  Almost any colour can be used when designing a wheelchair.

• Fabric:
  The fabric used to create the seat, backrest and cushion can be chosen.

• Wheelchair Spokes:
  Wheelchair wheels can have individualised spokes.

Almost anything that can be dreamed up can be added to a wheelchair to make it the unique property of its owner

The advances in technology for physically disabled people have allowed a wheelchair user to go anywhere and do almost anything they want. This has given physically disabled people a great deal of independence and control over the lifestyle they want to live. Physically disabled people are athletic and not stopped by any obstacles anymore.

It is possible for physically disabled people who make use of wheelchairs to live a completely independent lifestyle because of the advancements of customised wheelchairs. It is a whole new world for the wheelchair bound person.

When it comes to wheelchairs and the amount of wheelchairs that are available on the market today - the choice isnt made easy. The various options are there to address the varied requirements of people with diverse combinations of physical disabilities.

To guarantee that you end up with the wheelchair that matches your needs, take your time scrutinising and weighing up the various options that the individual wheelchairs bring with them.

When choosing a wheelchair dont think short term, the long term factors are important, you are investing in a wheelchair that could possibly change your lifestyle. Your comfort and convenience are the primary concerns, so make certain you opt for a wheelchair you can really live with.

Whether you are looking for a manual wheelchair or a motorised wheelchair, spending wisely now may spare you additional expense and difficulty later.

Manual Wheelchairs:

Manual wheelchairs require the user to have upper body strength as the wheelchair user has to operate or propel the wheelchair themselves. If the user has neither the strength nor the ability to operate the a manual wheelchair or if operating the wheelchair aggrevates their condition, they should consider a motorised wheelchair.

Motorised Wheelchair:

A motorised wheelchair or commonly known as a "power wheelchair" has the benefit of an electric motor providing the propulsion, making it ideal for users who are unable to propel manual wheelchairs themselves.

As a rule, power wheelchairs are much more expensive than manual wheelchairs.

The reason why is because of the development and technology that is used. If your condition necessitates the use of a motorised wheelchair, it would be wise to check with your insurance provider. Find out if Personally Operated Vehicles (POV's) are listed within your policy.

If not, bear in mind that a wheelchair is normally a one-off acquisition, so the pricey power wheelchair may ultimately be worth it.

The standard power wheelchair is controlled via some form of joystick, there are other forms of control systems available, some more innovative than others.

Motorised wheelchairs can operate both indoors and outdoors, and may be customised with various features that enhance comfort and ease of use. So, analyse which features will really help you move about with greater efficiency.

Purchase associated wheelchair parts and wheelchair accessories at the same time as the wheelchair. An example could be a portable wheelchair ramp, it is a useful accessory in a location that limits a wheelchair users maneuverability.

Knowing the difference between a powerchair and a mobility scooter is somewhat harder than you would think, since they are typically lumped together because they are both forms of electric wheelchairs rather than the traditional manual wheelchair. The fact is you can still tell the difference between powerchairs and mobility scooters.

First of all, looking at a mobility scooter, you'll see that it typically has three to four wheels and is similar to a bicycle, as it has a handlebar to steer with. Mobility scooters are designed to go long distance(s), as they can travel longer distances before the battery runs out.

Most often, you'll see these devices used by those who still have some mobility but either tire from walking quickly, or are simply uncomfortable walking long distances. Also, depending on which model and make you consider buying, you might be able buy a mobility scooter that is foldable and thus transportable and can be stored easier.

Unlike a mobility scooter, a powerchair resembles a wheelchair much more. Some particular models actually are designed to look just like older manual wheelchairs, except that they have motors attached to the wheels and are powered by batteries. Instead of the handlebars used on a mobility scooter, powerchairs use a simple joystick that is located on the end of the powerchair's arm.

For the most part, powerchairs are used by users who will spend most of their time in the powerchair, which means that they are much easier to adapt for individual users, as opposed to scooters. Powerchairs can have modified seating and controls changed for hand, chin, or mouth use, making it a very versatile mobility product. Powerchairs are much easier to use indoors than scooters, even though they can be used outside as well.

One of the main features about powerchairs that makes them much better for indoors is that while a mobility scooter utilizes one motor to work the rear wheels, a powerchair has individual motors on each wheel which in turn creates a smaller turning circle. That also helps with control and increases traction, making the powerchair much more stable for indoor use.

For the most part, powerchairs are more expensive than mobility scooters, but that is because they can be adapted so easily, have better control features, and often, those who use powerchairs will be using them much more often than mobility scooter users. In some cases, these users will be unable to walk, or support themselves, so the powerchairs requirements can be vastly different than that of the mobility scooter.

Earlier days trying to dismantle a powerchair was a much more difficult process than that of dismantling a scooter, but things have started to change so that powerchairs can now fit into the car boot. As well as the size, the structure and manufacturing process of powerchairs are being redesigned to create a more sturdy and durable powerchair that can match the ruggedness of a scooter.

Wheelchair carriers are important for those wheelchair users that travel a lot, the carrier makes it possible to accommodate the wheelchair when the user is traveling for example by car on holiday.

Wheelchair carrier variations:

• Car Top or Roof:
  Car top wheelchair carriers are often powered by an electric motor controlled by switches. These carriers lift wheelchairs and place them into a storage compartment. When the wheelchair is in place the carrier closes and locks.

• Bumper Mounted:
  Bumper mounted carriers are attached to the vehicles bumper. They can simply be mounted then removed when not in use. However, installing this type of carrier requires holes to be drilled into the bumper, so professional help is recommended.

• Tow Hook or Hitch Mounted:
  Hitch mounts are attached to the vehicles tow bar/hook. Wheelchairs can be placed onto these carriers by simply releasing a bar that will allow the carrier to tilt. The wheelchair can then be rolled into/onto the carrier.

  When the wheelchair has been mounted, the bar should must be reattached and the carrier and the wheelchair will lock in place. This type of wheelchair carrier generally has a maximum carrying capacity of 75lbs.

• Pick Up:
  A pick up wheelchair carrier is specifically made for wheelchair users who own or use pick-up trucks for transportation. Pick-up carriers lift the wheelchair and place it safely onto the vehicles loading bed.

No matter what type of vehicle the wheelchair user owns or uses, there are suitable wheelchair carriers on the market to accommodate all needs.

Having the correct wheelchair is of great importance for those with a physical mobility disability. Although many of the factors seem obvious, it is often necessary to go through and review each element to make the right decision(s) when buying the right wheelchair.

Among the first things to consider is how the wheelchair user will be transferred to and from the wheelchair. Another related factor is how the wheelchair will be propelled, either by the wheelchair user him/herself or by an attendant. These factors have significant implications on the size of the wheelchair.

First of all, having the wrong height may cause the user to have bad posture which can lead to long term health problems including damaging the spine.

The seat's height is also important for the safety of the wheelchair user and the ease by which he can transfer to and from the wheelchair. Furthermore, those who have the need to propel the wheelchair with their feet may need to have a seat height that will allow them to use their heels while still comfortable.

How the user will transfer to and from the wheelchair also has significant implications on the kind of wheelchair arm rests that are required. Should the user be able to stand and walk to the wheelchair, full length and stable arm rests are recommended. On the other hand, swing away, folding, or removable arm rests are recommended for those who have to slide on to their wheelchair.

For users who have no trouble transferring to and from their wheelchairs, it might be more beneficial to use shorter arm rests especially when the wheelchair user works from the wheelchair in front of a desk or table. Shorter arm rests allow the wheelchair user to get closer to the table they are using.

Adjustable arm rests can be requested when customising wheelchairs so that the height can be perfect for every immediate need of the wheelchair user.

The wheelchair users height is significant in determining how high the back rest should be. Although the typical wheelchair back rest ends just below the users shoulder blades, other factors have to be considered. The strength of the wheelchair users upper body determines what type of wheelchair frame and wheelchair type is needed.

Those wheelchair users that have limited upper body strength a lightweight wheelchair is recommended to lessen the strain on the arms and shoulders.

The weight of the wheelchair needed depends on the weight of the user. A standard wheelchair has the maximum load capacity of 250 lbs. Should the user weigh more than this, a bariatric wheelchair is recommended as they hold users up to 700 lbs.

For those with weight and height requirements that exceed the average, custom made wheelchairs are an option - these wheelchairs can be more expensive than the standard "off the shelf" wheelchair that can be bought almost anywhere.

The wheelchairs seat size depends on the wheelchair users physical build. Standard wheelchairs have seats from 14" to 30". The standard depth is 16" and goes up to 20". Should the wheelchair user need a wheelchair seat cushion that is wider custom made cushions can be bought.

In order to measure the perfect seat size, the wheelchair user must be measured in two ways. First, the width of the hips should be measured. The resulting measurement plus an inch is the recommended seat width. Second, the length from the users hip to the knee must be measured. This measurement should be taken while the user is sitting down. Subtract an inch from the resulting measurement and you will get the recommended seat depth.

Lastly, the kind of wheelchair foot rest(s) should be looked at. Wheelchair leg rests come in all shapes and sizes, fixed, swing away, light weight and steel, the majority can be adjusted according to the height of the user. Other wheelchair leg rests can elevate to allow the user to raise or stretch the legs. These are often used by those who experience leg swelling. For those who do not experience this problem, a regular type of foot rest can be used.

Considering all these factors have significant effects on the type of wheelchair to be purchased for or by a wheelchair user as these also will determine just how comfortable and effective the wheelchair can be used.

Sports wheelchairs were specifically developed for use in physical activities including basketball, tennis, and even racing. They weigh very little making them easier to control and maneuver. However, sports wheelchairs are certainly not limited for use in sports. In truth, physically disabled individuals have much to gain by using sports wheelchairs for everyday use.

Sports wheelchairs are a popular choice because they are a lightweight wheelchair. It is recommended for individuals who still have full upper body functionality to use manual wheelchairs and sport wheelchairs are a common choice among them.

However, not everyone can make use of a sports wheelchairs especially if they are over 250 pounds as sports wheelchairs often weight only 19 to 30 pounds so they will not be able to carry individuals that are heavier than average.

The reason why sports wheelchairs are so light is due to the lightweight material(s) used to build them. Whether the sports wheelchair you choose is made from aluminium, chrome, or titanium, you can be sure that they are manufactured to be both lightweight and sturdy.

For the seating material, plastic, vinyl, and spandex are often used. Because of such light materials being used, sports wheelchairs have become easy to control with features that allow them to shift direction easily and move speedily.

There are many different types of sports wheelchairs to choose from and the best choice would really depend on its purpose. Several types of wheelchairs are available for specific types of wheelchair sports but there are also standard wheelchairs that can be used for daily activities.

Whenever sports wheelchairs are bought, it is common to purchase wheelchair accessories at the same time. The most common sport wheelchair accessories are safety or constraining belts that keep the user safe on the seat when playing sport, wheelchair bags for personal belongings or sport accessories, and others such as gloves and upper body supports.

Remember that buying a good sports wheelchair is not always about choosing the most popular brand. It is always good to evaluate your needs before buying a sports wheelchair. Make sure that you read user reviews and general opinions about the durability and useability of the wheelchair that you want to buy. Test the wheelchair to make sure that you can use it properly, they are similar but not the same as a standard manual wheelchair.