Buying a wheelchair can be expensive and you may not even be able to buy the exact wheelchair you need, possibly because of a limited budget or your health insurance provider provides you little or no coverage.

Good thing there are other options available for you to meet your wheelchair needs. A common alternative is to rent or hire a wheelchair. This is a welcome option for individuals who are unsure or have a non permanent disability.

Some people only need a wheelchair on a temporary basis for example when a person has an accident causing a short term disability.

Wheelchair users with a permanent disability can benefit from wheelchair rentals as there are times when a specific wheelchair might be preferred for a short period of time or to test a wheelchair.

Should an individual be unwilling to commit themselves to a specific wheelchair, renting is a viable option because it is not a financially sound decision to make an investment in a wheelchair that could possibly be replaced due to it not being right for the user.

No matter what your situation may be, it would be best to consult with a medical practitioner who can make recommendations regarding your best option.

Wheelchair rentals are common among those wheelchair users who wish to travel and don't want to take their own wheelchairs with them. Renting a wheelchair at your holiday destination could prove to be more convenient and more economical.

When planning a trip to another country, you will have to pay larger fees to take your own wheelchair with you. It would be more practical to rent one at your destination and arrange for someone to have the wheelchair waiting for you when you arrive at your destination.

Although many wheelchair users still prefer buying a wheelchair, renting a wheelchair is a very viable option because it provides many benefits including saving large sums of money and having the ability to try out different wheelchairs in order to determine which wheelchair would best suit them.

You may already realize how significant being mobile is This may be especially true if you have already experienced breaking your leg or ankle. Surely, you did not like the feeling of being unable to move or at least go through your daily activities as you normally would. Lessening your ability to move around can not only lower your quality of life but also make certain medical conditions worse.

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.

Below are some questions many people who are unfamiliar with wheelchairs ask. Accompanying them are some answers that may help you realize how important wheelchairs have become in today's world.

Since when have wheelchairs existed?

Wheelchairs go as far back as 525CE among the Chinese craftsmen whose work was even depicted as being used by Spains King Phillip II. Although that device could not be propelled by its user, it did feature a chair on wheels.

The first folding wheelchair created using steel tubing, something more familiar to the modern day wheelchair, was created in the 1930s by a man named Henry Jennings.

Is there only one wheelchair size for all?

No. Wheelchairs are not one size fits all assistive devices. Although there are standard sizes, many have been created specifically for children. Wheelchairs come in multiple sizes to fit almost any user.

Wheelchairs can be custom built for those who do not find it comfortable using a standard sized wheelchair. Wheelchairs also come with different weight capacities to suit the needs of all kinds of users.

Will my insurance policy cover wheelchair costs?

This depends on your policy. Generally, if your doctor prescribes the use of a wheelchair, your insurance should cover all or some of the costs of buying it.

Those who do not have insurance opt to buy from medical supply outlets where good quality second hand wheelchairs can be purchased. Some foundations and other social groups also provide financial aid for mobility devices.

Can I make my home more suitable for wheelchairs?

Many find benefits in ensuring that each door's width is enough to allow wheelchair users in and out. Wheelchair ramps may also be placed where steps can be found. Sometimes, specific bathroom accommodations have to be in place. Very often, families with a wheelchair user opt for single-storey or bungalows.

This is no longer necessary because of so many wheelchair accessories have been developed. For those with limited or no knowledge about making home improvements to accommodate for wheelchair users, contractors are available to discuss and realise your requirements.

What can I do when I am using a manual wheelchair and my hands are becoming irritated by propelling the wheels myself?

Many manual wheelchair users have this problem. Most choose to use special gloves that can be worn for long periods of time without having any feeling of discomfort. These gloves are often made of leather.

Sometimes, they have padding in the palm area to really protect the hands of the wheelchair user. These often cover only the palms to allow its users to wear them and be able to still make full use of their hands and fingers. This way, they have no need to take the gloves off.

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, users can have both hands free to manoeuvre the wheelchair while also being protected either from the harsh sun, rough winds, or rain.

Wheelchair canopies are available in a variety of models ensuring that each wheelchair user finds the one that suits their preference(s). Wheelchair canopies are not wheelchair specific meaning they can fit any wheelchair no matter what wheelchair model or where it was bought. The wheelchair canopy comes with instructions and are simple to install.

A wheelchair canopy consists of two main poles and five supporting poles, all of which interlock and constitute the main frame. The material used for a wheelchair canopy ranges from nylon to mesh fabrics. Once the canopies frame is in place, the material is simply hung over it.

The canopy can be drawn back should the wheelchair user have no need for it at any given time. Depending on the preferences of the wheelchair user, wheelchair canopies can also be bought with a variety of features including draperies and storage accessories.

The wheelchair canopy has done wonders for many wheelchair users around the globe. However, one must not expect it to protect against all types of weather. Much like how umbrella users can still get wet in heavy rain, wheelchair canopy users can experience the same. For this reason, it is still recommended to wear clothing that protects against harsh weather while using wheelchair canopies.

Wheelchair canopies can range widely in price. However, they often start at around £40. Should you be among those whose physical condition is heavily affected by harsh weather, try consulting with your physician who will let you know whether or not your insurance can cover the cost of purchasing a wheelchair canopy.

How fast can you ascend or descend stairs? If an answer pops into your head in a flash, you're likely to hesitate giving one, thinking you've been asked a trick question. But those who find this simple act strenuous and challenging may find the question testing, if not irritating.

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 themselves in a wheelchair.

People who find themselves in such unfortunate circumstances are the primary beneficiaries of special transporters such as wheelchair elevators, wheelchair ramps, and vertical wheelchair lifts. These systems allow the wheelchair bound to negotiate different floor levels without having to get out of their wheelchair.

Powered either by electricity or hydraulics, vertical wheelchair lifts or wheelchair platforms come in various models, including:

• Enclosed Wheelchair Lift:
  This model has walls completely surrounding the platform or stage so as to enclose the wheelchair and the wheelchair user within a chamber while the stage moves up or down. This type of wheelchair lift is practical for use outdoors where altering weather conditions may compromise safety or comfort.

• Shaftway:
  This model can be made to fit within pre-existent walls in much the same fashion as standard elevators. This type of wheelchair lift is best suited for public buildings as well as residential structures.

• Stage:
  The stage wheelchair lift model features an open stage. It is the most commonly used wheelchair lift for negotiating small heights or elevations, like risers, bleachers or vehicles.

• Opal:
  The opal wheelchair lift is much the same as the enclosed wheelchair lift but with one difference, the Opal wheelchair lift doesn't have a ceiling.

The following conditions demonstrate how wheelchair lifts or platforms may be utilized in various areas:

Confronted with divergent floor levels, it is the vertical stage wheelchair lift which gives the wheelchair bound an optimal solution for entering, move through and exit their homes. Stage lifts allow wheelchair access between a lower level and an elevated section of the house, as in the case of moving between ground level and stepped front or back porches.

While most tall buildings are fitted with standard elevators, many elevators can not accommodate a wheelchair. Often, building administrators choose to complement elevators with wheelchair lifts to address this special need for the wheelchair bound. Wheelchair lifts are especially suitable for old buildings which commonly have tiny areas where ramps can not be used. In this instance, building administrators may favor vertical wheelchair lifts over space taking wheelchair ramps.

Wheelchair lifts are of great importance to wheelchair users that have restricted physical capability. Such devices can improve the quality of life of wheelchair users, by enabling greater access to more activities and facilitating greater independence. Be they installed in homes or public buildings; vertical wheelchair lifts or platforms can effect the wheelchair user's quality of life.

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

Wheelchair users suffer from restrained mobility and may find it very inconvenient to have to move around with such bulky luggage. Nevertheless, travelling is not impossible for a wheelchair user. There are an extensive amount of wheelchair users that travel on a regular basis as they have become accustomed to moving themselves around without being dependent on much assistance.

Although the idea of travelling may sound quite discouraging, wheelchair users should not let the thought hinder them from going where they want to go. What may be encouraging are tips experienced travelers have taught others who would like to try travelling with their wheelchairs.

When booking flights the wheelchair user should inform themselves about who they will be flying with and what restrictions are made when travelling with a wheelchair. The majority of airlines cater for wheelchair users but may have their own restrictions and regulations that the wheelchair user has to abide to. Some airlines will provide a transport chair or basic wheelchair for the interim period and will place the private wheelchair in the hold.

Choosing the flight can be difficult depending on your destination, long distance flights which have one or more stops or where the wheelchair user has to change planes should be avoided where possible. When choosing a seat an aisle seat is most probably the most comfortable to allow for more space.

If you use an electric wheelchair and wish to take it on holiday with you then you will need to inform the airline, there are specific rules that have to be followed due to the batteries. Make sure the wheelchair batteries are secure. It may be necessary to remove them and store them in another container while the wheelchair is not being used.

Travelling with wheelchairs is not at all as difficult as some people may think. With todays allowance for custom accommodations, wheelchair users are no longer hindered from travelling wherever they please. All it takes is some careful planning and a cautious attitude. In spite of some difficulties a wheelchair user may face, wheelchair users need not stay immobile. Although they may still feel confined to their wheelchairs, what is important is that they can now enjoy the pleasures of travelling.

Wheelchair users often have a hard time showering and this is the reason why shower wheelchairs have become so popular. Often, those who do not have shower wheelchairs need assistance in order to bathe properly. Through shower wheelchairs, physically disabled individuals can feel more independent and have more privacy while bathing.

Although shower chairs are already available, shower wheelchairs are preferred because they allow users to travel to and from the shower. Furthermore, shower wheelchairs have added features such as foldable arm rests or even seat openings for better accessibility for all parts of the body. Most often, they are made of stainless steel but many have been developed in plastic. The wheelchairs also have seats made of some form of waterproof material.

Shower wheelchairs are very useful, but the shower must be able to accommodate the wheelchair. An ideal shower stall or shower area would be where the wheelchair user can directly enter it without any restrictions. Grab bars should be situated in a position that is easily accessable for the wheelchair user and the shower head if static should be at a sensible height - if the shower head is not fixed then it should be within reach of the wheelchair user.

To be truly safe, the wheelchair user's shower stall must be specifically made for his use. If not, adjustments must be made to make everything within reach and have grab bars and other features to accommodate the weight of the wheelchair user who will need them for support.

Wheelchairs are wheeled mobility devices that allow a disabled, injured or sick person to move about easily. These devices are essentially just a chair with wheels. It is sometimes required for people who are advanced in age, paralyzed or have ailments that hinder their ability to move around.

The two main kinds of wheelchairs are manual and electric wheelchairs. Electric powered wheelchairs or simply electric wheelchairs are motor driven and are powered by batteries. Such wheelchairs are very helpful for those with disabilities that leave them with limited mobility. Most electric wheelchairs can be controlled using simple joysticks. Furthermore, electric wheelchairs are very agile in that a wheelchair user can rotate 360 degrees on the same spot.

Electric wheelchairs can be further classified in to three types of drive layouts: rear wheel, front wheel and mid wheel. The most prevalent and quickest type of electric wheelchair is the rear wheel model. This type is generally more suited for use indoors especially on smooth and paved surfaces.

While slower than the rear wheel types, the front wheel driven wheelchairs are more agile and are easier to maneuver. Finally, mid wheel driven wheelchairs are even more agile than the front wheel models and can maneuver through turns very well. A great number of electric wheelchairs available on the market today are rear wheel driven models but front wheel driven wheelchairs are slowly gaining popularity.

Aside from the drive layouts, electric wheelchairs also differ in many other ways. Electric wheelchairs can also be categorized by weight, from the easily transportable lightweight models to the heavy duty variant. Specialized models such as pediatric wheelchairs and off road electric wheelchairs are also available.

To give wheelchair buyers more options when choosing an electric wheelchair, various features and new advances in technology have been integrated into the latest models. For example; spring type, pneumatic and hydraulic suspension technologies are now finding their way in to wheelchairs today.

Other features that give buyers greater customizability are height and angle adjustable or removable armrests and footrests, removable or reclining backrests, and manual or automatic braking systems. Wheelchair accessories such as food and drink trays, crutch holders and compartments for various nick knacks are also available as attachments to your basic electric wheelchairs.

Because of the different types of electric wheelchairs available and their many options, the price range of such devices is understandably very wide. Your most basic, no-frills electric wheelchair can go for an average low of £1,000 while the more feature-packed and technologically advanced models can be bought for prices well above £15,000.

When faced with such a wide price range, it is important for buyers to consider the wheelchair users exact needs and adjust their budget accordingly. Most buyers will find that a budget of between £800 and £3,000 for a reliable electric wheelchair is reasonable and will buy them a good model fit for the needs of the user. As always when making such an important purchase, it is highly recommended that electric wheelchairs be bought from trusted and licensed dealers and retailers.

Whoever faces neuromuscular disorders has their own individual requirements which are dynamic in nature and constantly change with progression.

Any neuromuscular disorder can prove to be a major restriction to a person and can cause tremendous dependency on others. Even with basic daily activities the person will need help from others. One of the aspects that can be worked upon is the mobility of the person. If this aspect is supervised appropriately then a neuromuscular disorder affected person can move about independently.

For those who suffer from a neuromuscular disorder a wheelchair is probably an absolute must. If the wheelchair is provided at an appropriate stage it can prevent bodily deformities from occurring. If there is a delay in providing a wheelchair, the delay could possibly cause permanent deformity and can result in an excessive financial waste, whereby the money could have been used for other mobility products or general improvements. In addition, the occupant will feel even more helpless and this can have adverse impact on the health of the person.

By providing the right kind of wheelchair in the initial stages a person with neuromuscular disorder can improve overall movement and posture. Besides this, it will lessen the work of the attendant. Fatigue and social reclusive behavior can be prevented by using a wheelchair which helps to prevent solitude and depression.

The issues about using a wheelchair can differ from one person to another depending on the age group of the person. For a young person it maybe about using the wheelchair to go out with friends, while for children it could be about going out with the family. Adults with a neuromuscular condition can with the help of a wheelchair continue work and have a career.

Since each persons requirements are so unique wheelchairs need to be bought, modified and adjusted accordingly. Thus, it needs to be an iterative process with several reviews where problems are taken into consideration.

These issues also need to be solved as quick as possible. The occupant of the wheelchair needs to have access to a contact person in whichever wheelchair service section he or she is getting the wheelchair from.

For centuries, wheelchairs have been helping people with their mobility. However, the wheelchair was originally developed for the sole purpose of assisting physically disabled individuals to move around. With the increasing technology put into the development of wheelchairs the wheelchairs standard function changed.

Today, wheelchairs are not only considered as mobility equipment but also a means for disabled individuals to express themselves. People can learn more about the wheelchair users because of the customisation and wide range of choices now available.

The most significant development was in the 16th century when a sketch was made portraying Spain's King Phillip using a chair with wheels and rests for the arms and feet. This drawing still exists today and proves to be the oldest artifact linked to wheelchairs.

Although very similar to the modern wheelchair, this ancient sketch showed something more similar to highchairs that are used by infants. By 1665, a man named Stephan Farfler was documented to have invented the first self propelled vehicle that resembles today's bike.

After significant improvements, the modern wheelchair began to take shape and by the 19th century, push rims, sling seats and backrests were part of the wheelchairs standard features. Throughout the 20th century various types of wheelchairs were developed., this led to today's choices which include :

• Foldable Wheelchairs
• Motorised Wheelchairs
• Sports Wheelchairs
• Lightweight or Aluminium Wheelchairs

For the past twenty years, wheelchairs have been built to be lighter and more efficient. It is now also possible to customise each feature (from frames to suspension systems) to suit the preferences of the wheelchair user. Depending on their lifestyle, wheelchair users may customise their wheelchairs according to physical needs, special performance, styles and images they would like to portray.

When it comes to customising to suit special needs wheelchair users can choose from simply modifying standard wheelchair features or designing the wheelchair from scratch. For this reason, even triple amputees can use wheelchairs because they can choose dual hand rims that will allow them to have total control of the wheelchair using only one arm.

For mothers who have this feature on their wheelchairs, they are able to care for and enjoy their infants more because they also have the option to further customise and add extended seating allowing them to keep their babies with them at all times. Apart from this, the wheelchair frame can also be customised according to the body frame of its user.

It doesn't matter if the wheelchair user is short or tall, they dont have to make do with standard wheelchair features as wheelchairs can be sized according to the wheelchair user. The user will find the wheelchair more comfortable to use if it is built for their specific needs. No matter what special needs a physically disabled individual may have, wheelchair manufacturers can address them.

When individualisation comes into play, users can customise their wheelchairs according to their personal tastes and lifestyles. Active wheelchair users often find it better to have customised wheelchairs so they can do what they want without feeling limited in their movement. Even sportsmen can modify their wheelchairs to suit their athletic needs. For this reason, wheelchair bound tennis players have modified wheelchairs with features such as reverse tilt-seating that help them use full arm and body strength whilst playing.

Wheelchair dancing has come about due to modifications on a wheelchairs centre of gravity to accommodate graceful moves without compromising the full functionality of the wheelchairs. Those suffering from limited control of their motorics can still dance if they have special handles that allow them to have their able-bodied dance partners assist them.

Although wheelchair customising is generally carried out by athletes, other wheelchair users customise their wheelchairs to improve comfort and daily use. Custom wheelchair frames can be made to order so that they fit the wheelchair users body type exactly. Furthermore, many prefer to customise the weight of their wheelchairs to balance both the wheelchairs performance and the wheelchairs capacity. The majority of standard or commercialised wheelchairs are built with adjustable features for easy customisation.

The personality of the wheelchair user is reflected in the users wheelchair, not only with the look of the wheelchair but also with the style. Today, wheelchairs can be custom made with colours and designs chosen by the wheelchair users. Apart from these, spoke guards, lighted casters, rims, and spinners can also be customised. Today, users can purchase leather bags, zip-ons, and wheelchair frame covers that can match the style of their wheelchairs.

Because of major developments in assistive devices, physically disabled people are able to not only become functional but also feel they are limitless in terms of their place and role in society. However, even with these recent developments, wheelchair users would not be able to do what they can today without public access and financial capabilities.

Thanks to the progressive action of society in creating ramps, special amenities, facilities, and infrastructure, the life of a wheelchair users has become somewhat easier. Some countries have even authored laws to help physically disabled individuals. Even countries without such laws have helped wheelchair users to some extent. If not because of such progressive considerations, wheelchairs could not have developed into what they are today.

You may wonder about what exactly the deal is with the most common line of mobility devices known as wheelchairs. First of all, wheelchairs are used, for the most part, by those who have restricted mobility, such as people with weight problems or even heart problems.

A wheelchair provides freedom of movement for people who have limited or no movement in their legs or are unable to move or simply cannot walk. In many cases wheelchairs are also used by those who can still walk, but are more comfortable and mobile with a wheelchair.

Todays wheelchairs are not at all like the first wheelchairs, which were made from wood and were highly uncomfortable. Thankfully, modern day wheelchairs are much lighter, made from stronger materials and can withstand a lot of stress.

Modern wheelchairs come in various models, manual self propelled and attandant or care wheelchairs. Manual wheelchairs being propelled by the wheelchair user or by an attndant and attendant wheelchairs being pushed by the carer.

Electric wheelchairs are now another opportunity for wheelchair users, these particular wheelchairs are battery powered and operated by a convenient joystick for the user to utilize in order to move. This provides much more freedom than a normal wheelchair does, and this way, that freedom doesn't come at the price of your comfort. Operating an electric wheelchair is much easier, smoother and less exhaustive than that of a manual wheelchair.

The biggest concern that one must keep in mind when deciding to purchase a wheelchair is actually not the fault of the wheelchair, but actually with the design of streets and business establishments.

Even though accessibility laws have been put in place to ensure that businesses, streets, and buildings need to be accessible for wheelchairs, the fact is that this law has had minimal implementation as of yet.

Many places, establishments and transport facilities are still not wheelchair accessible which makes it very difficult for the wheelchair user. Thankfully, one particular innovation is that designers are looking to make wheelchairs a little more accessible for narrow passages.

Of course, wheelchairs are not the only tools on the market for you to use, there are other forms of mobility products to choose from. Scooters, walking aids, tri walkers are all available and can help with your day to day mobility.