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Welcome to UK Wheelchairs - the home of value and quality

Information

  • Decisions on buying your electric wheelchair

    Not all users get the chance to select their first powerchair this decision is often made by the therapist. We have heard of some users only being able to select the colour of their new electric wheelchair and nothing else but we stress that the therapists are in the best position to assess your mobility needs and requirements to suit the lifestyle you lead. However powerchair users all know that until you have used the electric wheelchair for some time and in a range of circumstances you do not know how it is going to work out. For this reason we run an assessment where you and your needs are consulted to ensure the right model is supplied as this is a big commitment for most. When the time comes for a replacement model you will have much more idea about what you need and want.

    As the choice of powerchairs widens and the features increase the choice doesn't always become easier. Our team are on hand to advise you if needed on which model may suit you best and which features you should be looking for. One of the biggest considerations when buying an electric wheelchair is where is it going to be used most i.e. inside or outside. Comfort and mobility are the primary objectives so we work with you to ensure you find the model that is best matched to your lifestyle. Users buying their second powerchair generally have a far clearer idea of what to buy so their decision is generally based on price and after sales service, which we like to think we excel on both. Don't forget we have a price match promise so on most models of electric wheelchairs we are able to match a competitors price. Please see our Price Match Promise page for terms and conditions. Over and above price we are proud to offer an excellent assembly service to take the worry of getting your new powerchair ready for use. The assembly service includes delivery to your home, assembly, initial charging of the battery and a brief explanation of all features and advice on how best to use your new chair should you require it.

    In the ideal world we would spend a day in your life seeing what you get up to what your requirements both at home and when you leave, what your travel habits are and the sort of environment / terrain you encounter. This way we can best advise you on the powerchair. However this is not possible so our assessment is as thorough as is possible to address all the considerations you need to make when selecting the right electric wheelchair.

    In addition to medical factors there is an increasing move towards further considerations many of which are cosmetic ! At long last there is a move away from the powerchair looking like a medical device. This move is winning support from many users who may prefer not to be seen as having a medical condition. Many people we speak with are looking for a mobility scooter but need a powerchair so the convergence of design of these is increasing for this reason. The benefit being the functionality of the electric wheelchair but with some of the cosmetic looks of the scooter. As this happens there is a greater want for many users to get out of the house more and increase their mobility and quality of life.

    We will soon be looking at the main features to look for in your electric wheelchair but if you want some assistance in the meanwhile please do not hesitate to call us.

    Once the best model of chair has been found there is the question of wheelchair accessories which is in itself is a big consideration to make sure your comfort is maximised. We will be looking in to this soon and posting an article on powerchair accessories.

  • Electric wheelchair break down service

    We do receive quite a few enquiries from people who want some form of breakdown cover for their electric wheelchair or scooter. Mainly, these enquiries come from people who have suffered a problem leaving them without a working powerchair and want to know if they can rely on assistance.

    Most breakdowns occur because the electric wheelchair or powerchair runs out of battery power. This occurs because either the batter is old and no longer holds a full charge or the battery wasn't fully charges or the user failed to keep an eye on its status. Either way were keen to help, whether we supplied the wheelchair or not. So we have looked at what's available and what can be covered.

    ETA offer a comprehensive rescue service should your powerchair or electric wheelchair break down through mechanical failure, road traffic accident, criminal damage or other unforeseen event which renders the vehicle immobilised or unsafe to operate. Wherever you are in Britain their team will come and assist you you and your chair be immobilised and this covers flat battery scenarios.

    This is where their service stops however. They will get your wheelchair to the nearest suitable repair centre such as ours or alternatively deliver you and your powerchair to your home within a 15 mile radius. ETA will also get involved if you have had an accident but do insist that you liaise with your insurance company first as this service may be included in your existing policy as standard and might affect a claim if you do not.

    So let's hope you are not caught out in your electric wheelchair and don't need their services but if you interested you can enrol in their scheme here:

  • More roadside cover for your electric wheelchair

    Having written last week about one company who offer an electric wheelchair or powerchair breakdown service i learned from a colleague that there are a couple of other providers of this sort of cover and one in particular if you travel extensively including international travel in to mainland Europe at request.

    First call motor breakdown offer a very competitively priced cover for electric wheelchairs an powerchairs that starts from just £59. This option covers roadside repairs wherever possible, a lift for you and your wheelchair to your intended destination or back to your home which ever you prefer as long as they are within 10 miles. This sum covers you for up to 4 breakdowns per year.

    Please note that although they make best effort to repair your electric wheelchair, the fee does not include any labour charges for time spent fixing the chair nor cost of replacement parts or materials used. Either way this is an invaluable service at an affordable fee and is probably something that all disabled users should consider. Finally, this service is intended for breakdown of your electric wheelchair and not simply getting stuck in mud snow or ice!

    To read more and see the policy wording click here

  • We're here to help!

    Following our recent meeting with our BHTA representative we thought it was good timing to confirm exactly what we have to offer here at UK-Wheelchairs.

    In essence our service focuses on you and your requirements so we always aim to supply you with the wheelchair that meets your requirements, fits your body, allows you to achieve your goals and daily objectives.

    We are your leading sales and service centre for your self propelled, transit, folding, paediatric and tilt in space (or reclining) wheelchairs. In addition we want you to be entirely comfortable so supply a range of accessories designed to make things better for you, whether its clothing, cushions or other wheelchair accessories.

    We appreciate that finding your ideal wheelchair is a specialised process. Because each person is different, your chair needs to fit you and feel as though it becomes a part of you. We have one of the biggest ranges of wheelchairs in the UK. We work with many of the top brands to supply a full range and aim to make these available at competitive prices. To make this process easy we also offer our price match policy which gives you the confidence to buy from us.

    Many of our customers come back to us time after time for advice and after sales care. Our wheelchair servicing department can keep your chair in tip top condition so that you're never let down. We can advise you on the best accessories for your chair and then fit, service and deliver your chair back to you in the shortest time possible and even lend you a replacement chair while yours is being serviced.

    At UK-Wheelchairs we service hundreds of individuals & organisations but lets us remind you that we are always here at HQ to chat with you about your individual requirements. If you live in the South Devon area you are also welcome to visit one of our shops.

  • Electric wheelchair battery care tips

    Does my electric wheelchair need a new battery ?

    An electric wheelchair or power chair is for most users an invaluable tool to enable freedom and allows users to get out and about and be more self sufficient going about everyday routine like our able bodies friends and family do.

    But your electric wheelchair is only as reliable as its battery and it is this time of year that this can become more apparent, as temperatures start to cool down and batteries have to work harder to keep you and your power chair moving. So we are looking at a few ways that you can maximise the life of your battery and get the most from your electric wheelchair.

    The first tip we learn from the battery manufacturers is not to continually charge new batteries as it will reduce its long term life. If you look after a new battery in the early days it will provide you with a longer stronger performance. The best way to do this is to make sure you give it a full charge but don't leave it plugged in after this period.

    Second tip is to only charge the battery once it is mostly discharged. Never be tempted to charge the battery when it is only partly used as this will reduce its capacity to accept the charge and the journeys in your electric wheelchair will become shorter in between charges.

    Our third tip is to try to get in to a regular charging routine to keep your battery in tip top condition. If, like most, you use your electric wheelchair or powerchair in a fairly routine manner this is all the more easy. Most users use their powerchairs by day and charge them at night. If you do not use your power chair one day don't be tempted to charge it as this will ultimately reduce the performance.

    Our biggest and best tip is to have a spare battery at all times and when you buy one get a durable battery. Electric wheelchairs tend to be used more hours of the day than scooters as users are dependant on them. For this reason powerchairs are sold with gel batteries generally which provide greater durability, allowing more miles from a single charge.

    If you are able to follow these tips then you should get at least 18 months from a battery or more if you are fortunate.

  • Using your electric wheelchair or mobility scooter on the roads

    Were frequently asked by customers who call uk-wheelchairs about the legislation regarding electric wheelchair, powerchairs and scooters. People want to know what the rules are when it comes to using these on the roads, footpaths and other pedestrian areas including precincts and shopping malls.

    Electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters are categorised in to class 1 or class 2. Depending on how and where you intend to use yours it pays to do your homework and consider which if these two types best suits your needs.

    Whilst you don't need a any form of licence to use either an electric wheelchair (powerchair) or a mobility scooter you may have to register it and apply for a nil value tax disc to be compliant. Although many users do not do this, we encourage all users to apply for one so they are on the right side of the law.

    If you do not have a licence then you should not use your mobility aid on the roads. To help you assess whether yours is a class 2 or a class 3 please follow this guide.

    To be class 3 compliant your powerchair or scooter must comply with these rules:

    * Not exceed maximum weight of 150 KGs unladen
    * Not exceed the maximum width of 0.85 meters
    * Have a device to restrict speeds to 4mph
    * Not be capable of speeds over 8mph
    * Have efficient brakes
    * Front and rear lights plus reflectors
    * Direction indicators
    * A working horn
    * A rear view mirror

    With the above considerations in place, you may then decide to take your mobility scooter or electric wheelchair on to the roads but you must also bare these things in mind:

    * Do not use bus lanes
    * Do not use cycle lanes
    * Do not use motorways nor dual carriageways where the limit is over 50mph.

    If you do decide to go on the dual carriageways then an amber flashing light is required to comply and to ensure that you are as visible as possible on the carriageway.

    On public footpaths and in pedestrian areas, all mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs are allowed but you must engage your speed restrictor to make sure you do not go faster than 4mph.

    Where there are parking restrictions and any other road markings you will need to respect these as would any other motorist including not parking on double yellow lines.

    With all this in mind please make sure that you are aware at all times and respect both pedestrians and other road users while out and about in your electric wheelchair or mobility scooter.

  • Stair climbing wheelchairs - or perhaps not

    In the past few weeks there has been a lot of chat and speculation about the new generation of stair climbing wheelchairs and their miraculous capabilities.

    Much of this rhetoric has occurred on social media sites where a video animation of a man in his wheelchair shows the chair climbing stairs. However i think there is little reality in this animation and the information is sketchy and written in Turkish.

    It would appear that the whole saga stems from a prototype that was built about 6 years ago that had a wheelchair with tracks that allowed the chair to mount, climb and descend stairs as well as reclining and extending the users legs out straight. This prototype was named Galileo at the time.

    The second stair climbing wheelchair has Swiss origin and looks like it may become more of a reality and is the creation of a group of students studying mechanical and electrical engineering at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH).

    As and when i find more information on this i will be reporting back!

  • Ultra light electric boot scooters

    Having sold many of the Zinger electric wheelchairs we have been on the search recently for other chairs that come in the same category. That is lightweight, easy to fold making them ultimately portable and reliable. These are sometimes referred to as Boot Scooters !

    The good news is that other manufacturers are coming up with designs that are similar and that get away from the traditional setup with cumbersome steering yolks and heavy chassis making them anything but portable. There is a large proportion of disabled users who want and need the ability to arrive at their destination by car or train and be able to easily deploy their electric wheelchair to allow them to get on with their day. This means that the unit has to be light enugh to be lifted in and out of the boot, bus or train carriage.

    On a recent visit to Naidex at the Birmingham NEC we were able to find a few models that fit this bill. The use of new and different materials is making this type of chair easier to manufacture. Clever designs that allow removal of parts is becoming more common, making the chair lighter and less bulky. One one such model we were amazed to see how light the battery unit was which has made significant weight reduction possible making the chair about 20KGs which is in the range of what most folk can lift without difficulty.

    Models like the Genie, the Smarty and the Mobie from Monarch were some examples of this new ultra portable powerchair coming to the market. The Smarty is so called because not only is it fairly compact and lightweight but it also folds itself at the click of a button, making it ready to be lifted in to the boot of the car or on to the train. Once folded all of the models form very compact units that have easy to reach handles ready to be carried or wheeled to their storage.

    So what are the downsides of the new electric wheelchairs and what should be we looking out for ? As with all things that are made to become lighter in weight, there is a tendency for the strength to decrease in line with the weight. Many of the more traditional powerchairs will easily accommodate users up to 21 stone. They are built with a sensible gauge of steel or aluminium frame and all the components that are married to the wheelchair frame are of a similar duty build. This provides strength and stability.

    Another consequence of reducing powerchair weight is often reducing the range it is capable of between charges as manufacturers resort to smaller batteries. The use of lithium based cells are now more commonplace in electric wheelchairs.

    Finally look at the number of parts the model breaks down in to. The main focus here is generally the battery. Most of these are removable so that the weight can be reduced prior to lifting. You need to be confident that you or your helper are comfortable with lifting the biggest and or heaviest chair component.

    We will soon be adding some of these models to our online store once we have tested the units and been able to assess exactly what and who they are suited to. In the meanwhile please visit our selection of electric wheelchairs by clicking here.

  • Chair selection - we revisit this important topic

    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:

    [embed]https://youtu.be/S5CvZP6k8l8[/embed]

    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:

    [embed]https://youtu.be/8HEVruGqG-s[/embed]

    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!

  • Transporting Assistive Devices

    Wheelchair carriers are used to transport different types of assistive devices including wheelchairs and scooters. Wheelchair users need carriers especially when they need to travel long distances. For this reason, wheelchair carriers should always be at hand. However, owning a carrier is not the only thing to note when transporting mobility devices. Because of this, it is important to first be familiar with the different types of carriers available.

    Generally, carriers can be placed at the top, inside, or in the trunk of vehicles. They have become so convenient because they are simple to mount. Because of wheelchair carriers, it is no longer difficult to load wheelchairs onto or into vehicles. Furthermore, they ensure ease of travel and peace of mind.

    Most people who travel often use foldable wheelchairs making them easy to transport. By simply folding the wheelchair and placing the wheelchair in the boot or in the back of any vehicle, wheelchair users can travel with ease. Those who do not use foldable wheelchairs attach the wheelchair carrier to the vehicle where it can be permanently installed. This way, there is no need to install the carrier each time the wheelchair user wants to travel.

    Wheelchair carriers come in a variety of models. One of the most common types is the automatic "car top" carrier, they are operated using an electric motor controlled by switches. This is preferred by people using standard wheelchairs and have vehicles large enough to carry the weight and bulk of the wheelchair on its roof.

    Another form of wheelchair carrier is mounted on or to the vehicles bumper. The installation of such a device requires drilling holes into the bumper - this should preferably be carried out by a professional. They can be easily moved to access the back of the vehicle. These types of carrier are best suited for standard wheelchairs.

    Other types include the "Tow Hook mounted carrier" and the "pick up carrier". The tow hook mounted carrier simply tips to one side for easy loading of the wheelchair and tips to another side to store it, in comparison the pick-up carrier lifts the wheelchair using a motor and places it on the vehicle bed for transportation.

    Although carriers are mainly used for standard wheelchairs (manual or attendant wheelchairs), they can also be used for carrying electric wheelchairs and scooters. Standard sized carriers can safely lift up to 350 pounds. Carriers are often made of aluminium making them lightweight and rust proof. After installation, they can be used by physically disabled people without assistance.

    Other common features of wheelchair carriers include foldable platforms and handles. Furthermore, straps and locks are available to keep the wheelchair in place while it is being lifted and transported. Sometimes, people prefer those with special features that keep the wheelchair from rattling while being transported. This feature also ensures that the wheelchair will not be damaged during transportation. Weather resistant covers or canopies are available to allow anyone to transport their wheelchairs whatever the weather conditions may be.

    Because of the wide variety of wheelchair carriers available on the market, it is best to first evaluate your needs and choose one that will suit not only your preferences but your lifestyle as well. Wheelchair carriers can cost a considerable amount of money so it would be smart to shop around before plunging in at the deep end.

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