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.

For many wheelchair users, getting around town or traveling to far-off places such as another city for example, can be a daunting task. People with disabilities need to have their wheelchairs to make it easier when they travel. Traveling with a wheelchair, however, is not so convenient without a specialised wheelchair carrier.

Without a carrier for your vehicle, you will have to purchase a compact folding wheelchair while making sure that your vehicle's boot is spacious enough to fit a folded wheelchair along with the rest of your travel essentials. Or, if you are fortunate enough to have a pickup truck in your garage, you can just load up your wheelchair on the pickup bed.

Even if a folding wheelchair can fit inside your boot it may not be so convenient as folding and unfolding and fitting the wheelchair in the boot takes a few extra steps that you would otherwise not have to do with a wheelchair carrier. This is also the case with pickup trucks. In order to make sure that your wheelchair is securely placed in the pickup bed, you need to tie it down somehow to keep it from moving.

Luckily, specialised devices such as wheelchair carriers are now more widely available. Wheelchair carriers for vehicles are mechanical devices that ease the burden of loading and transporting wheelchairs. These devices are available in four main types: top-mounted, bumper-mounted, hitch-mounted and carriers designed specifically for pickup trucks.

Types Of Wheelchair Carriers

Top-mounted wheelchair carriers are driven by electric motors and operate with a switch or an optional remote. These types of carriers hoist your wheelchair, fold it, and keep it securely in place in a storage compartment on top of your vehicle.

Bumper-mounted carriers are mounted on your vehicle's rear bumper. There are two types of bumper-mounted wheelchair carriers. One version has the same working principle as the top-mounted model, but instead of a separate compartment, this devices make use of your vehicle's boot.

The other type of rear bumper-mounted carrier works in the same way as a bicycle rack and are also called hitch-mounted wheelchair carriers. They lift and fold the wheelchair and secure it on the rear bumper of your vehicle. They are easily removable to give vehicle owners easier access to the boot. Controlling a hitch-mounted carrier is usually done manually using release bars that will lower the rack to the pavement. This version is the least expensive option as it contains little or no electronic components.

Lastly, there are wheelchair carriers made specifically for pickup trucks. These electronic devices lift your wheelchair and secure it on the pickup bed with just a press of a button.

Before making a decision regarding a wheelchair carrier make sure that the carrier can accommodate not just your current wheelchair. Try to make the purchase of a carrier "future-proof" so to speak. You might, one day, replace your wheelchair with a different one.

With the wide variety of wheelchair carriers on the market today, wheelchair users can now travel more conveniently and can enjoy a greater degree of independence.

A physical disability that leaves you in a wheelchair can be one of the worst things that can happen to a person. Any type of disability is a miserable situation, but the loss of the use of the legs is especially devastating. Being dependent on a wheelchair is possibly one of the worst things that can happen to a person.

To prevent muscle atrophy it is important for a wheelchair user to get the body moving. There are special exercises a wheelchair user can carry out from their wheelchair. Exercise is important for everyone, but it is especially important for a person who relies on a wheelchair. A wheelchair user should incorporate exercise as a part of the daily routine.

You will find that the exercises designed for wheelchair users can greatly build a person's strength. Wheelchair exercise also serves to give the wheelchair user a sense of confidence and self esteem. The body will definitely become more flexible and the strength will increase in other parts of the body. The wheelchair will be doing themselves a great deal of good in developing healthy lungs and a healthy heart through pushing/turning the wheelchair wheels. Carrying out regular excercise will of course help to keep your weight at a healthy level.

There is a specific routine that should be followed when performing wheelchair exercises. The upper body will be the focus of attention. Arms, neck, shoulders and upper torso will all have their chance at a challenging workout.

It is essential that the wheelchair user warms up before beginning the daily workout. Just as it is important to warm up before exercise it is just as important to cool down after the exercises are completed. Also important is to start off at a slower pace and gradually build up to a more strenuous workout. Having a healthy attitude is everything when it comes to exercise. Set some goals that you want to achieve, start off nice and slow and build toward your goals.

Of course, you should consult with your doctor before starting any exercise routine. Your disability may not be suited to every exercise you wish to try. Find out which ones are appropriate for your condition.

The two kinds of exercise that is performed in a wheelchair are resistance training and strength training. Lifting weights is involved in strength training. Resistance training utilizes large sized rubber bands. They are used by tying one end of the rubber band to a door and pull the band toward you. This is a great way to build strength in your muscles.

Exercise is a great way to improve your body and your mind. Don't let a disability take that opportunity away from you.

Because physically disabled individuals are heavily dependent on their wheelchairs, it is necessary to know how to properly maintain the wheelchair. A wheelchair is an expensive piece of equipment and costly when it has to be replaced. Damage or even accidents can be prevented through looking after a wheelchair correctly and on a regular basis.

Proper wheelchair maintenance should be carried out on a weekly basis or depending on the amount of time the wheelchair is in use it is a good idea to take a look every day.

General cleanliness of the wheelchair should be looked at, cleaning the wheelchair wheels of dirt and grime can help the smoothness of the ride. If the wheels aren't kept clean it can result in damage to the rim and spokes which in turn could cause rust.

Also, make sure to tighten the wheelchair's axel and its plate. This is important because when axles are loose, there is a tendency for them to snap while the wheelchair is moving which compromises the safety of the wheelchair user. Other parts of the wheelchair that should be looked at are the backrest and the seat. Not only will these parts compromise the safety of the user when loose they can also affect the seating position.

Take a look at the wheelchair tyres at regular intervals. Make sure to add more air whenever it is needed. When pneumatic wheelchair tyres don't have the correct air pressure set they can be harder to maneuver and when used with an electric wheelchair the wheelchair battery is put under a larger load.

If you cannot perform wheelchair maintenance by yourself, you should ask someone close to you for assistance. Should there be no one to assist you, you should enquire about a local wheelchair service center or find someone that can carry out the work on a fee basis.

At the end of the day it doesn't matter who carries out the wheelchair maintenance, the main factor is that it is carried out correctly providing the wheelchair user a safe mobility product. It also helps in preventing costly repairs to the wheelchair or in the worse case scenario having to buy a new wheelchair.

A wheelchair is the primary form of transport for a physically disabled person. The wheelchair needs to have all the correct parts to ensure that it runs smoothly and effectively. The maintenance of your wheelchair is imperative to making sure you have a smooth and safe ride.

Here we take a look at some of the major parts of any standard wheelchair and customised wheelchairs. Each section will inform you how to make sure you have the right part on your wheelchair and why it is important to have it.

The major or most important part that can be found on or in an electric wheelchair is the battery or in some cases a power pack. If you are out in your wheelchair and far away from a source to charge the battery then you have to ensure that the battery has been charged correctly. If the wheelchair battery goes flat when you are underway it is not only inconvenient it can also be dangerous.

There are three main battery chargers available:

1. For Wet Batteries:
   You will need a charger that is specifically designed to cause a reaction between sulphuric acid and lead to create the charge

2. For Gel Batteries:
   The gel contains sulphuric acid, pure water, fumed silica and phosphoric acid

3. For AGM Batteries:
   The battery that has a glass mat between the plates, it is absorbent and becomes saturated with acid electrolyte

Ensure that you use the correct battery charger for the different battery types, it can be dangerous when this precaution is not looked in to.

Having the correct wheels under you is another important part of your wheelchair. The casters on your wheelchair are the smaller wheels on the front of the wheelchair, which give support for the base. These wheelchair casters come in a variety of sizes and shapes. It is important that you use the correct size for your particular wheelchair. The size can be determined by checking the wheelchairs turning function and its capability of handling bumps.

For wheelchairs that are primarily used at home, wall guards should be taken in to consideration. These wheelchair accessories are important to help prevent you from bumping into the wall with your wheelchair and causing both injuries to yourself and damaging the wheelchair or the walls. The different sizes will protect the wall from different parts of your wheelchair. For example if you install three inch rails the bottom of the wall will be protected from your wheelchair, while larger wall guards protect the wall up to the level of the arms of the chair.

It is a good idea to do a little research on the parts that are on your wheelchair. Get the information from your wheelchairs manufacturer. Once you know what is available for your wheelchair you can begin to shop around for different styles and brands for your personal preferences and requirements and to modify your wheelchair.

Wheelchair lift ramps can make the life of a wheelchair user a lot easier. The majority of wheelchair lift ramps are made of some form of durable material and can aid anyone using any kind of manual wheelchair or electric wheelchair.

Wheelchair lift ramps are made to allow for simple usage and for easy transportation. When buying wheelchair lift ramps, it pays to be familiar with the available choices in order to find the one that best suits your individual needs.

You shouldnt solely rely on the information provided to you from a sales person, a sales person may no know all there is to know. The list below will help you evaluate your options and select only what is perfect for your needs.

Important points to remember:

• It is not enough to choose a familiar brand. Take the time to examine the ramp and evaluate whether it is a quality mobility product or not.

• If you use your wheelchair both indoors and outdoors, look for ramps that are weather resistant.

• Always take in to consideration that you may in the future need heavier duty ramps which can carry a heavier load.

• Wheelchair ramps should always feature anti-slip to avoid accidents.

• The person who will be laying the ramps also needs to take precautions, lift ramps should have smooth edges to prevent any injuries.

• To ensure that your wheelchair will not be fall off the lift ramp, look at haveing supporting beams or side borders.

There are many different types of wheelchair lift ramps to choose from, some are foldable or portable. No matter what type you choose, they are generaly simple to use. More often than not, these lift ramps are priced economically.

Some wheelchair users prefer wheelchair ramps that are cheaper because most of them allow for adjustments making them usable anywhere, no matter how much space is available.

When the guide above is used, you can be assured of safety when using your chosen wheelchair lift ramp.

The homes of physically disabled individuals have to accommodate for the wheelchair user. Each area should be accessible for the wheelchair user and the wheelchair should be able to be used around the home without any problems.

Depending on the shape and width of hallways, doors and rooms are, manuvering around your home in a wheelchair may be challenging for the wheelchair user. When using a wheelchair within a house the walls may suffer from scratches and scuff marks from the wheelchair. For this reason, wall guards have been developed. Wall guards ensure that damage is restricted to a minimum.

Before going out to buy wall guards an understanding of the different types and variations, as well as the needs of the user and the users home is important in choosing the right type of wall guards.

First of all, it is important to determine which rooms require wall guards. Depending on the area and the preferred function, wheelchair users may have a lot of wall guards to choose from.

Wall guards come in a variety of sizes to suit every kind of wall. They range in height from 3 inches to 6 inches. The smaller wheelchair wall guards are used low on the walls as these serve to protect from damage made by the wheels of the wheelchair. The taller variants are used to protect against potential scratches from the wheelchair arm rests.

Wall guard are often made of aluminium, they also come with a layer of vinyl to help them become more impact absorbent. Depending on the taste and preference of the home owner, they can have smooth or grooved surfaces. They also come in a wide variety of colours and designs to blend into any room.

When looking to buy wall guards, make sure you first consult with other wheelchair users for recommendations, check out similar products online, and evaluate those in nearby stores. It is always important that you take all factors in to consideration, buying the wrong wheelchair wall guards means that the walls will still be damaged.

Wheelchairs need to have quality seating because wheelchair users spend most of their time on them. Quality wheelchair seat cushions should protect against sores and bruising and be comfortable for long periods of times. Wheelchair backrests can also be cushioned out which can help with the seating position and prevent or minimize any form of back strain.

Depending on the type of wheelchair seat cushion they can cost anything between £20 to £200. When choosing your seating requirements there are three main types of wheelchair cushions to consider that are available on the market today. All three have their own advantages and disadvantages.

The three types of wheelchair cushions are:

1. Foam Wheelchair Cushions:
   These are the most economical. They are light and can easily be customised according to the shape the user needs. However, they are known to wear out quite quickly making them lose their shape after some time.

2. Gel Wheelchair Cushions:
   Although more expensive, they are preferred because they are not only more comfortable because they contour according to the posture of the user but also make space for the legs. However, these are known to be less impact-absorbent. They also weigh more and they may leak when punctured.

3. Air Wheelchair Cushions:
   The most expensive wheelchair cushion on the market. These cushions are preferred because they can be inflated to the wheelchair users requirements. They are very comfortable because pressure is evenly distributed allowing it to better absorb impacts. They weigh less than the gel cushions and are often waterproof. However, air cushions need special attention as they can be easily punctured or deflated.

No matter which type of cushion you choose ensure that all aspects have been considered and that functionality and comfort are taken in to consideration. It is important that the wheelchair doesnt cause any problems that can irritate your physical disability. The seat is probably the most important part of the wheelchair as your posture can be affected dramatically.

Like vehicle seatbelts, wheelchair belts strap the wheelchair user in place and can quickly be released by the push of a button. Unlike seatbelts, wheelchair belts are made to be more comfortable because the wheelchair user has to use them for long periods of time.

Wheelchair belts often come with soft padding ensuring comfort and safety. Also unlike the seatbelt, wheelchair belts are made to secure the wheelchair users lower extremities and not the torso. Most often, these types of belts are fastened using locking devices made of plastic, Velcro, or metal.

There are several ways to install these types of wheelchair accessories onto a wheelchair. Among the most common are through grommet holes and through metal brackets. While it is easy enough to create grommet holes on the belt, metal brackets are often preferred because they are known to be more secure and more comfortable.

This is because they still allow for limited natural movement while being strapped in. Nevertheless, when you buy a wheelchair belt, there are instructions on how to install, adjust, and maintain the belt.

How wheelchair belts are installed have significant effect on what part of your body will be most secure. For example, belts installed onto the wheelchairs back rest will make your lower waist more secure. In contrast, your hips will be most secure if you install your wheelchair belt onto the seat frame. Many wheelchair users prefer to strap the belt across the lower hip in order to still have the ability to bend or move whilst in the wheelchair.

There are an extensive amount of wheelchair belts to choose from, going to a store and picking one out is easy enough. However, what is more difficult is choosing one that will suit and fit your physical disability. For those who have used wheelchair belts in the past, it is recommended to use an old one as a comparison for measurement.

When you have purchased your wheelchair belt, you may choose to cut off or secure the extra nylon so it won't be left hanging about.This could cause safety problems when pushing the wheelchair as it may get caught in the wheelchairs wheels.

Although there are professionals who can install wheelchair belts for you, much can be saved if you can do it yourself along with the assistance of a friend or relative. The instructions are easy enough to follow and all it takes is a little common sense.

Your safety whilst in your wheelchair should be taken seriously, with the help of a wheelchair belt you know that you can improve your safety.

Wheelchairs have been available for over a hundred years. Initially, they were invented to move physically disabled individuals from one part of a room to another. The variety of uses became much more apparent as physically disabled individuals became more integrated into society. Now, a wheelchair can help most physically disabled individuals to get about by their own means, instead of being dependent on others. In todays society the role of the wheelchair has become much more than it was originally intended to be.

When you look at the amount of wheelchair types available you will find that there is a wheelchair for every conceivable use. There is a strong trend towards individualised custom built wheelchairs in todays society. A wheelchair manufacturer can custom build a wheelchair specific for the individual who is going to be using it. They are able to create a wheelchair that is perfect for their specific disability and needs, this is great news for all users of a wheelchair.

There are three main categories of wheelchairs:

1. The Manual Wheelchair:
   Which relies on the user to power it under their own strength
2. The Attendant Wheelchair:
   Which relies a carer to push the wheelchair
3. Electric Wheelchair:
   These wheelchairs allow the user to move about their life without assistance and no/minimal physical exertion.

The electric wheelchair allows for greater mobility and ease of use for someone who spends a lot of time in a wheelchair. They come in all sorts of colours and sizes. The basic electric wheelchair models have rear wheel drive, mid wheel drive and front wheel drive.

There are two types of manual wheelchair:

• Wheelchairs that are transportable or attendant based (Transport wheelchairs - which can only be moved by someone pushing the wheelchair).

• Standard wheelchair which is propelled by the user but can also be pushed by a companion or carer.

The transport wheelchair is the cheaper of the two and might be a better choice for someone who doesnt have sufficient upper body strength to propel themselves. Both of these wheelchair models can be bought either as fixed or as a folding wheelchair.

It is always a good idea to keep a medical identification card with your wheelchair in the unfortunate event of an emergency or when you hav the wheelchair repaired. This identification card should contain your name and address as well as a phone number where you can be reached. The name of your doctor in the event you are involved in an accident should be in your wheelchair.

Other contact information should be on the card such as a family member or friend who can be reached in the event of an accident. The card should also contain the make and model of the chair, the contact details of a wheelchair repair shop where you have your chair repaired. Finally, your insurance policy number and a contact number for the insurance company should also be contained on the card.