Disabled children or those with debilitating disorders do not necessarily have to be denied their right to a normal childhood. Parents must choose a wheelchair specifically for pediatrics in order to help their child experience a childhood that is as close to normal as possible. Although this task may sound simple enough, parents must first understand that there is a wide variety of pediatric wheelchairs to choose from and many factors must be considered in order to be choose the pediatric wheelchair best suited for their child.

Caring for disabled children involves carrying the child in order to transfer the child from one seat to another. This may cause back problems to both the parents and the children. To address this issue, a pediatric wheelchair that is not heavy and has detachable parts may be used. Before considering the purchase of a pediatric wheelchair, the child's lifestyle and social environment must be taken into consideration.

If parents have a specific wheelchair in mind, they should consider not only what the doctors have specified but also whether it would allow the child to be fully mobile in all day to day situations, such as school or at home.

Considerations When Buying The Wheelchair

Another issue to consider is that children quickly grow which means that they outgrow their wheelchairs. While some parents would opt for a one-size-fits-all wheelchair, some choose a pediatric wheelchair that is expandable which means that it can cater for your child as he / she grows. This is carried out by making alterations to the cross balance or even the front frame. Using this form of adjustable wheelchair, one wheelchair can last the child an average of 10 to 12 years.

Another important factor to consider is comfort. Of course, any parent would want their child to be comfortable in their wheelchair as they will be using it for long periods of time. A preferred choice is a wheelchair with a cushion that is no thicker that the width of three fingers. This way, it would be thick enough to allow for comfort yet thin enough to provide the needed leg support.

Leg support is very important and therefore, another factor to consider is having a footrest that would be at a level allowing the child's whole thigh to be supported by the seat. Should the footrest be too high, the child may feel awkward sitting for too long.

There are obviously a number of things to consider when purchasing a pediatric wheelchair that would be perfect for your child. It is not enough to choose the most costly one as this does not guarantee that it will be a worthwhile investment. Parents need to take time to go through every factor before actually choosing the wheelchair. After all, parents want what is best for their children and choosing the wheelchair best suited for the child is of prime importance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Wheelchair Spokes:
  Wheelchair wheels can have individualised spokes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Manual Wheelchairs:

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

Motorised Wheelchair:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wheelchair carrier variations:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.