Many people have a need for mobility devices because of a birth condition, some unfortunate accident or disease, or simply because of old age. Although some might need them temporarily, others require mobility products permanently. No matter how long they are required to use them, it cannot be denied that these products enhance the quality of the lives of its users.

The most common types of mobility product are wheelchairs. These come in two main categories; manual wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs. The manual type can be controlled by users through an outer rim attached to the wheel while the electric wheelchair can be controlled using a joystick or some buttons. This is made possible by its motorised technology allowing it to be powered by rechargeable batteries or wheelchair power packs.

Another common type of mobility product are scooters. These come either with three or four wheels. Although scooters with three wheels often provide more leg room, many prefer four wheels because they are known to be more stable enhancing safety. These mobility scooters can come in two types including the Class 2 on-road and the Class 2 on-pavement.

With these forms of mobility products, it is important for you to know how to decide which best suits your needs. To aid you in figuring this out, you must first identify your requirements as each type would be better suited to specific lifestyles.

What is the best method to decide which mobility device is be best for you?

• If you find the need to be very mobile, you will most likely use your mobility device for extended periods of time. Should this be the case, it may be best for you to decide on buying a wheelchair as its support features for your torso and extremities will make you feel more comfortable.

• If you have limited upper-body strength, choose between scooters or electric wheelchairs so you would not have to manually control your mobility device.

• If you often feel weak and find difficulty in sitting up independently, it is recommended that you avoid scooters that these require upright postures and a considerable amount of strength.

• If your lifestyle requires you to be traveling on uneven roads or surfaces, try getting a manual wheelchair as scooters and electric wheelchairs have difficulty being stable in uneven terrain.

• If you like to travel to far places involving the use of trains or airplanes, it may be best for you to choose a wheelchair with a foldable feature so you can easily store it while in transit.

Now that you know what type is best for you, the next step is finding a model that suits your preferences. In deciding this, consider the places where you would be using your mobility product and try taking measurements. You at least have to make sure that the model you would like will fit through your home's doorways.

Also think about what other features you may find useful. Some enjoy having headrests and other extra features for added comfort. Also consider what your insurance policy covers.

Although you may gain many tips simply by reading, it is recommended for you to seek the help of experts. The choice of which mobility product to purchase will definitely affect your life tremendously so make sure you get quality advice from those who really know about these things and where to buy them.

Life is difficult enough in a wheelchair. The pavements are crowded, shops are not wheelchair friendly, and everywhere you look there are stairs. Moving around in a crowded shop or mastering the turns in your own home requires a great deal of energy.

This can be a hot workout for many. Sitting in a wheelchair can become very uncomfortable when you are exerting yourself on a daily basis. There is now a product that has addressed that issue, a wheelchair cooling pad has been constructed to make life a little easier for wheelchair users.

A wheelchair cooling pad is just like a heating pad, except its cools instead of warms. The pads work by absorbing body heat that is generated from daily wheelchair activities. When your wheelchair becomes uncomfortably hot from sitting all day wheelchair cooling pads provide relief.

The typical cooling pad is 18 x 14 ½ inches and will fit nicely under the wheelchair seat cover or in a standard pillowcase. The pads can keep you cool and can also soothe your sore muscles at the same time.

When wheelchair cooling pads first came out they were inconvenient to use. They relied on water, had to be changed every two weeks and could be very difficult to deal with.

Todays wheelchair pads are made from a mixture of mirabilite, salt, herbs and water. A waterproof and very flexible material covers them. The material used inside the pad has the ability to absorb the heat from anything that is warmer than itself.

The pads work for a long time. During this time they absorb the heat providing the wheelchair user a nice and comfortable cooling sensation. When you want the pad to cool again, simply leave it out at room temperature, all of the heat that was absorbed into the pad is released into the air when left out.

You can use the wheelchair cooling pads over and over again. If you want the pad to disperse heat quicker just leave it in a cooler place. Or for even quicker regeneration put it in the refrigerator for a short period of time.

The pads come in their own carrying case so they can easily be transported. Cooling pads are not only convenient for wheelchair users. Take them on long trips or whenever you spend a lot of time sitting. Anyone can enjoy the benefits of wheelchair cooling pads.

Contrary to popular belief, wheelchair users also have the capability to drive their own vehicles. All it takes is the proper equipment specially made for the wheelchair user.

Should you as a wheelchair user, be interested in driving your own vehicle, consult with an assessment centre near you about adaptive equipment. At the centre, your motoric functions will be evaluated as well as your medical history and road capabilities.

Once you have been evaluated, specific adaptive equipment will be recommended and you will be trained how to use the new equipment properly.

Many car manufacturers including Toyota, Ford, and GMC offer the type of equipment wheelchair users need to drive their own vehicles. The most commonly used equipment is a wheelchair lift that lifts the wheelchair and its user into the vehicle.

Other equipment used are controls that adapt to the wheelchair users driving needs, including controls which control the vehicles accelerator and brakes that can be used by the push of some buttons. Depending on the wheelchair user modifications to the foot pedals or steering can be carried out.

Apart from the standard modifications, the vehicle itself should be customised specifically for the wheelchair user who will be driving the vehicle. This means that space must be created to accommodate for the users wheelchair or if the user is not seated in the wheelchair whilst driving then space must be there to stow the wheelchair. This space is created by raising the roof as well as lowering the flooring.

When the wheelchair users is driving the vehicle, it is important to have safety features to make sure that the wheelchair does not move around whilst the vehicle is in motion. For this reason, different types of restraints have been developed.

Other features such as keyless entries with self opening doors are also available to the wheelchair user, this makes it easier for the user to enter the vehicle.

Electric wheelchairs help those who would be unable to move or achieve mobility. Electric wheelchairs give the physically disabled the freedom to be able to go anywhere they want or need to. Previously, those who needed to use wheelchairs had to use manual wheelchairs, propelling themselves or have someone push them.

Using an electric wheelchair, the mobility of the wheelchair user has been simplified to operating a button then moving a joystick, which enables easy and comfortable movement. Compared to a manual wheelchair, electric wheelchairs are different as they are propelled using hydraulics and electricity.

Unfortunately, electric wheelchairs maybe a fantastic piece of equipment, they can easily cost a few thousand pounds, which isn't something that the average person can easily afford. Most wheelchair showrooms now buy and offer used electric wheelchairs as long they have been kept in good condition.

As electric wheelchairs are durable items, most people will often change the wheelchair before it starts to wear out and so easily sell the used wheelchair to someone who cannot afford to purchase a brand new electric wheelchair. Due to the initial price of an electric wheelchair it is possible to sell the wheelchair for at least half of what you originally paid and that's a fair trade.

An important thing to note is the majority of wheelchair showrooms don't buy used wheelchairs that are older than three years old, and the wheelchairs they do buy back are expected to be in pristine condition.

In order to actually sell your electric wheelchair you will obviously need to look for somewhere that is looking for secondhand wheelchairs. For the most part, you should avoid looking at the classified ads section in the newspaper the majority of time you will only find smaller companies. More often than not, smaller companies are known to be somewhat unprofessional knowing that electric wheelchairs are expensive and pushing the price as low as they can.

Instead, you should consider using much more professional companies such as working through agencies such as the MDA or the Muscular Dystrophy Association. These particular organisations are able to match those who have specific needs to the wheelchairs they have available, most often through word of mouth or newsletters and other forms of communication.

The important thing is that they focus on finding a wheelchair user that suits your wheelchair. Your local rehabilitation centre is also a good place to go, as when you contact them, they should look at different sellers and be able to give them therapists they can work with, therefore finding a user that fits the wheelchair better.

In the long run, always look for serious buyers and you will find someone that will invest in the wheelchair which will help you to buy a new electric wheelchair or invest the money in something else.

One of the most popular types of wheelchairs that are currently available in the market are lightweight wheelchairs. Light weight wheelchair variants are the same as standard steel wheelchairs.

Although there are also electric light weight wheelchairs available, they will never be as light as the manual wheelchair as they are constructed differently to accomodate special features and have to carry the weight of the electric motors.

Lightweight wheelchairs vary dramatically in price, anything from £60 to thousands of pounds, this of course depends on the technology and the wheelchairs features.

Aluminium or titanium is used when manufacturing lightweight wheelchairs, the more expensive lightweight wheelchairs or specialist wheelchairs are built using carbon fibre.

Lightweight wheelchairs are the best option for those who place high importance on their mobility. Because of its lightweight features the wheelchair is easier for its user to move themselves or have others push them.

Having a lightweight wheelchair would be a big help to those who, despite being disabled have an active lifestyle. This way, even those with physical disabilities can take part in sports such as wheelchair basketball and even wheelchair tennis.

Although it cannot be argued that the wheelchair users would not be as active as the able bodied, the wheelchair allows the user to push themselves further and enjoy physical activities. Although the wheelchair sports are played differently, lightweight wheelchairs allow for more physical hobbies and sports.

The folding wheelchair is also considered as a lightweight wheelchair and these are most appropriate for those who like to travel on a regular basis. Visiting friends and relatives would not be a problem because light weight folding wheelchairs are compact making them easier to transport.

They even fit in the boot of standard vehicles. Although a folding wheelchair may have less features than any regular lightweight wheelchair, it is still a popular option because of its portability.

Hopefully, this simple introduction to lightweight wheelchairs will help you to make better choices when deciding on the wheelchair that will best suit your needs.

George Klein was the first person to invent electric wheelchairs. He was an employee of the National Research Council of Canada and helped veterans injured in World War II.

There are four major types of electric wheelchairs: center, rear, four wheel or front wheel drive. Each individual wheelchair type has its own handling attributes. The types of electric wheelchairs differ based on seating type.

Some of the electric wheelchairs look like manual wheelchairs with a frame and sling seat while others look like a captain's chair with a car type seat. There are portable and small sized models which allow easy folding to heavy weight and large sized electric wheelchairs also known as rehabilitation chairs.

Electric wheelchairs are manufactured for indoor, outdoor or dual functionality use. Wheelchair users who find it difficult to use a manual wheelchair due to shoulder, arm or hand disorders, or those who lack sufficient leg strength to move the wheelchair, need electric wheelchairs. People who have sufficient upper body functionality tend to use manual wheelchairs as their insurance policies may not include electric wheelchair costs.

Using joystick controllers the occupant is able to maneuver the electric wheelchair and control the wheelchair speed. If coordination between fingers and hands is poor then other control mechanisms can be used to operate the wheelchair. Chin controls or sip and puff scanners for people with C2-3 type spinal cord injury and head injuries are available. By blowing into tubes located beside the occupant's mouth the wheelchair is can be moved.

These controllers are not only fragile but very expensive. You can have different powered functionalities built in the electric wheelchair such as leg raising, tilting, reclining, elevation of the seat etc. as well as other functionalities to improve seating posture.

Electric motors are used to propel the electric wheelchairs. Rechargeable batteries of 4 or 5 amperes capacity power the wheelchair. You can use both dry and wet batteries with the wheelchair, whereby dry batteries are morepopular. Charging facilities are present on the electric wheelchair, which you can plug into wall outlets. The older electric wheelchairs have separate units for charging the batteries.

There are a wide variety of wheelchair accessories on the market that wheelchair users can choose from. Among the most popular accessories are wheelchair bags which are specially designed for wheelchair users to be able to travel around in their wheelchairs while also being able to comfortably take some of their personal belongings with them.

Wheelchair bags come in several types, shapes, sizes, and have a variety of functions. The most popular bags include armrest bags, down in front bags, glove boxes, and cargo shelves.

As the name suggests, armrest bags hang from the wheelchairs armrest, to the side of the wheelchair. They are widely preferred because of their convenience and accessibility to the seated individual. When buying this type of wheelchair bag, make sure that the bag is the right size to give you maximum storage space without it touching the wheelchair wheels.

"Down in front" bags are those that are installed directly onto the frame of the wheelchair and are located right in front of the seated user. These often come with flaps to ensure the security of the items inside, preventing the items from falling out of the bag.

There are also glove boxes available for wheelchairs. These can be attached beneath the seat where valuables can be kept. These are often made to fit standard sized wheelchairs but they can also be customised to ensure that they fit properly.

To store bigger things, cargo shelf bags can be attached to the wheelchair frame. These often come with additional, smaller-sized pockets to accommodate the storage of smaller items.

For individuals who need to store and transport even larger items, other types of bags can be customised. Even standard wheelchair bags can be custom made according to the needs and preferences of the wheelchair user. Additional features like zippers or extra compartments can be requested. Buckles, flaps, and straps can also be used for the stability and security of the items being stored.

When customising wheelchair bags, the options are limitless.

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.

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.

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.