A Comprehensive Overview and Buying Guide for Manual Wheelchairs

A person who has mobility restrictions in their lower limbs can benefit greatly from using a manual wheelchair because it allows them to propel themselves from one location to another. Additionally, manual wheelchairs make it simple for a companion or caregiver to offer temporary mobility support by pushing a wheelchair user in a transport chair.

Manual chairs are a mobility option that require more physical effort than electric equivalents; nevertheless, they are often lighter and more transportable, making them easier and more convenient to use.

To accommodate the mobility requirements of users in a world that is becoming more accessible, today’s manual wheelchairs are built to be user-friendly, lightweight, and comfortable all at the same time.

This Wheelchair Buying Guide provides some helpful insights and guidance when it comes to buying a manual wheelchair.

Expert advice for those looking to purchase a manual wheelchair.

Do I need a wheelchair?

However, if you are experiencing any worries about your mobility, you have probably already asked yourself this question. If you are unable to walk at all, the answer to this question is an obvious and unambiguous “yes.”

It is probable that you would benefit from using a wheelchair if you are unable to walk for any extended period of time, need frequent to continual help from family or friends, use an assistive device such as a cane, or can only go a short distance before you feel the need to rest.

Talk to your primary care provider about your mobility restrictions if you believe that any of the below situations accurately describes your condition. Your physician will be able to evaluate your circumstances and provide you with guidance regarding the most appropriate means of regaining or maintaining your mobility. This may take the form of a prescription for a wheelchair or other mobility aid, or it may simply take the form of a recommendation that you start looking into your available options.

Do I qualify for a wheelchair?

The requirements for receiving a wheelchair under Medicare and other insurance policies that include mobility solutions. In order to get a wheelchair on prescription from your health insurance company, you will first need to satisfy a predetermined list of criteria that they have outlined.

In the first instance, you will need to describe your experiences with mobility to your doctor so that they can determine a) whether you need a wheelchair to move around and b) whether you are physically capable of operating a wheelchair without assistance. In the first instance, you will need to describe your mobility experiences to your doctor.

To be able to use a manual wheelchair, you need to have the ability to sit and support yourself without help, effectively manage the wheels, and in certain cases, transfer in and out of the wheelchair on your own.

It is possible that you will be eligible to receive a prescription for either a transporter or a standard wheelchair, depending on how you respond to the two questions listed above, as well as the extent to which your mobility limitations are having an effect on the activities you participate in on a day-to-day basis. Your doctor is the only one who can evaluate your unique condition and establish whether or not you have a medical need for a wheelchair.

Do I need a prescription for a wheelchair?

No, a doctor’s note is not required in order to purchase or make use of a wheelchair. On the other hand, if you want to get a wheelchair covered by your insurance, then you will need to receive a prescription from your primary care physician in order to do so.

Can you get a wheelchair for free?

In some situations, your insurance can pay for all of the costs of a wheelchair. This will depend on your medical needs, your doctor’s prescription, and your insurance coverage, among other things.

If you have a prescription from your doctor, you can work with your insurance company and a company like Cura360 that sells mobility equipment to find a wheelchair that meets your medical needs and is fully covered by your insurance plan.

It’s also possible that your insurance plan will only cover the initial cost of your wheelchair. This means that you will have to pay for things like maintenance, upgrades, and extra mobility devices on your own.

How long do wheelchairs last?

A wheelchair usually lasts between two and three years, but some manual wheelchairs can last up to five years, depending on how often they are used and how well they are made. Due to normal wear and tear, your wheelchair will last less long the more you use it.

Before you buy a wheelchair, you should think about a number of things, such as how often, when, where, and for how long you will use it every day.

Will you use it once in a while, or will it be your main way to get around? Where will you mostly use it? Indoors, outdoors, or on different surfaces? Are you the kind of person who buys a good product and fixes it when it breaks, or do you tend to want a newer model after a few years?

These questions will help you choose the best wheelchair for your needs and the one that will save you the most money.

How much does it cost to buy a wheelchair?

Buying a wheelchair has a number of costs. First, there is the basic price of the chair itself. Then, there are any extra costs from modifications, extra parts like cup holders and footrests, or upgrades to materials or design.

Once you’ve bought the chair, you’ll have to pay for ongoing maintenance, which may get more expensive over time depending on how often you use it and how long it lasts. You’ll also have to pay for extras like cushions or wheelchair bags.

The price of a wheelchair starts at a different amount depending on the brand, model, and style. Costs can vary a lot between simple chairs, chairs that fold up, heavy-duty wheelchairs, and chairs with a lot of features.

On Cura360.com, basic transport wheelchairs start at less than $200, while the Karman XO-101 Manual Propel, Powered Standing Wheelchair starts at $7000.

Cura360 lets you rent some manual wheelchairs if you need a short-term, low-cost solution, like when you are recovering from surgery or an injury that limits your mobility. Go to Cura360.com to find out if there is a model that fits your budget, time frame, and mobility needs.

How long does it take to get a wheelchair?

The time it takes to get a wheelchair can vary a lot depending on whether you’re buying it outright or getting it through Medicare.

If you buy a wheelchair from Cura360.com, most of them will be shipped to you within 5–7 business days, depending on any custom changes you make, like changing the size or the material or adding extra features.

It might take you a while to choose the wheelchair that fits your needs and budget the best, but if you need help, you can talk to our team of experts who can give you advice and speed up the process for you. You can also rent a specific model to try it out before you decide to buy it.

Getting a prescription and putting in an insurance claim for a wheelchair can take a lot longer. From the first time you meet with your doctor to talk about your mobility needs to the time Medicare pays for your wheelchair, the process could take up to a month.

If you are getting your wheelchair through Medicare, the team at Insurance Provider can help you through the whole process, from uploading your prescription documents to choosing the wheelchair that is best for you and your needs.

Experts at Cura360.com and Insurance Provider can save you weeks of arguing about the pros and cons of different options, so if you’re thinking about getting a wheelchair, contact them now.

How do I get a wheelchair?

The main ways to get a wheelchair are to buy one or to get one through insurance.

To get a wheelchair through Medicare, you have to go to the doctor and get an evaluation for a prescription. If you get a prescription, your insurance company will pay for some or all of the cost of your wheelchair. To go this way, you might also need a certificate of necessity.

With these papers in hand, you can work with a local store or an online company like Insurance Provider to get insurance for your wheelchair. Insurance Provider is the first online DME marketplace in the world to offer a Medicare-integrated insurance programme.

If you want to buy your wheelchair outright, you can go straight to a local store or an online marketplace like Cura360.com.

At Cura360.com, we work with only the best vendors, so you can quickly and easily buy the best products online. For mobility and seating products, our virtual showroom lets you find the perfect fit without having to go to a store. Plus, our growing network of therapists, assistive technology professionals (ATPs), and carriers means that we can help you find the right professional, no matter where you are, to get the help you need.

How do I choose a wheelchair size?

Finding the appropriate wheelchair size is crucial for comfort and ease of movement, particularly when using a manual wheelchair that propels itself. The chair’s dimensions (from the size of the seat to the diameter of the wheels) should be suitable for the user, and it should be able to support the user’s weight without difficulty.

The wheelchair’s seat determines its overall design, including the dimensions of the wheel and any other detachable parts. The standard range for seat width is between 16 and 20 inches, with an average of around 18 inches.

The user’s comfort and usability will be affected by the way they are sat, which is determined in part by the seat’s depth. To get an accurate measurement of the seat depth, the user should sit up straight and then measure the distance from the back of the seat to the front edge.

The wheelchair’s total size is determined by the dimensions of the seat, which in turn impact how easily it can be manoeuvred through narrow passageways like doors and corridors. It’s important to consider the surroundings in which you’ll be using your wheelchair, since factors like seat width and wheel size impact the chair’s turning radius.

Wheelchairs that are foldable, lightweight, and compact feature seats that are thinner than those on regular manual wheelchairs, making them more convenient for transport and general use.

If you or a loved one are in need of a wheelchair and would like further information, please visit Cura360.com or contact us directly.

What is the difference between a transport wheelchair and a standard wheelchair?

Transport Wheelchairs

Transport wheelchairs are designed for those with mild to moderate mobility impairments who need just temporary assistance. They’re easier to move around than regular chairs, weigh less, and take up less space. Its tiny wheels aren’t suitable for self-propulsion, but are fine for being pushed by a carer or partner. Transport chairs are not meant for extended periods of time, therefore they are best reserved for shorter outings to places like the mall, a restaurant, or a doctor’s office.

Standard Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs are constructed with smaller front wheels and bigger back wheels so that the user, if able, may drive the chair forward with little assistance from a caretaker or partner. These chairs are built to withstand regular, extended use by people with mobility impairments, so they are more sturdy, comfortable, and equipped with features like swing-away footrests and armrests.

Which are the best wheelchairs?

The greatest wheelchair is the one that helps you go where you need to go in style, doesn’t break the bank, and can handle the rigours of everyday life.

However, if this is your first time buying a wheelchair, you may feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available.

The five most popular wheelchairs on Cura360.com are listed below to give you an idea of the features that wheelchair users find most helpful when making a purchase decision.

Which are the easiest wheelchairs to push?

Due to the fact that they distribute the user’s weight equally, manual wheelchairs are quite simple to propel. Wheelchairs built for travel and transport are the most user-friendly for caregiver propulsion. To facilitate transport, they employ a wheelchair with a lightweight frame, basic styling, and a small seat.

Which is the best wheelchair for seniors?

If the goal is for the senior to push themselves, the wheelchair should be lightweight, user-friendly, and simple to operate. The chair has to be simple to fold and move about, since it will likely be carried by a caretaker or friend on day excursions or to medical appointments. Seniors who use wheelchairs who satisfy these standards may enhance their mobility and keep their independence with little support from others.

When first opened, the Drive Medical Viper PlusGT is the most adaptable wheelchair on the market, and it’s also lighter and simpler to use than the norm. The new Viper Plus GT’s interchangeable armrests make it simple to switch between a desk arm, a half arm, and a full arm configuration. The patient’s comfort may be increased by adjusting the back’s angle and height.

Which is the best lightweight wheelchair?

Most people who use manual wheelchairs choose lightweight models, which are, as their name implies, both lightweight and portable. This makes them a convenient mobility option for everyday life.

The following models of lightweight wheelchairs are among the most sought for on the website Cura360.com. Each of these chairs has a weight of 55 pounds or less, and they all differ in a wide variety of other ways from one another that you should take into account while choosing the ideal one for you:

Ki Mobility Catalyst 5

Ki Mobility’s Catalyst 5 manual wheelchair is lighter and highly adaptable. You may tailor it to your needs by choosing from among 44 distinct categories and a plethora of available options. Moreover, you can simply fold it up and carry it with you wherever you go. The lightweight Catalyst 5 is made from premium aluminium. Incorporating a set of ROWHEELS, which allow you to pull yourself along in your lightweight wheelchair, can further improve your health.

TiLite 2GK Series 2

The TiLite 2GK Series 2 is another ultra-lightweight manual wheelchair that may be modified in the same ways as the Catalyst 5. This titanium wheelchair is a more lightweight option. It has a starting weight of just 16 pounds. With just 36 areas to tweak, it falls short of the Catalyst 5 in terms of versatility. If you’re searching for something lightweight and comfortable, go no further than the 2GK Series 2.

Motion Composites Veloce

When compared to our other manual wheelchairs, the Motion Composites Veloce offers one of the lowest base weights. With a starting weight of less than 12 pounds, it is one of the most portable manual wheelchair choices on the market today. The frame can be folded and carried about with little effort due to its small weight. The Motion Composites Veloce, like the preceding two, offers extensive configuration options.

Karman Flexx

As far as lightweight, adaptable manual wheelchairs go, the Karman Flexx offers the finest value. This chair folds effortlessly and provides the same advantages as a regular lightweight wheelchair, albeit having fewer customising options. Ergonomic hand grips and a movable fulcrum point are also standard features.

Karman Star 2

The Karman Star2 manual wheelchair is the lightest and most affordable option on our list; unfortunately, it cannot be customised in any way other than the size of the seat and wheels. If you are searching for a dependable basic lightweight manual wheelchair for day-to-day usage, you want to save some money, and you don’t need all of the adjustable categories, then this product is still a good alternative for you to consider. It is available in a chic pearl silver hue and has a storage bag on the back of the garment. In addition, it may be folded up for easier travelling.

Features to look for when buying a wheelchair

When you go to buy a wheelchair, there are a lot of important characteristics and details that you need to evaluate and contrast to make sure that the wheelchair you choose fulfils all of your requirements.

Comfort

A wheelchair that is used continually and on a daily basis has to be comfortable, and the seat is a significant contributor to the overall level of comfort provided by the wheelchair. The vast majority of seats are fabricated from nylon or vinyl, and the degree of comfort offered by some chairs may be improved with the addition of a cushion or an individualized back support. Seat width and depth are also key aspects since they need to exactly suit the user in order to provide the highest level of comfort and the easiest mode of operation.

Cushion

A cushion may be used to boost the user’s comfort, stability, and support; they are often manufactured with a foam insert, but you can also acquire a gel cushion for additional comfort and support. Cushions can be purchased online. Gel cushions. Cushions. Positioning cushions can be used to correct posture and improve the user’s ability to manoeuvre comfortably. Preventative cushions are a helpful solution for reducing friction and pressure sores during extended use. Positioning cushions can be used to correct posture and improve the user’s ability to manoeuvre comfortably.

Seats

The majority of wheelchair seats are constructed of either nylon or vinyl since these materials are long-lasting and simple to clean. The framework and design of your gadget will determine which of the seats may be modified or updated, and you will have those options.

Seat Size

The dimensions of the seat are measured in width and depth respectively. Seat depth refers to the distance from the backrest to the front border of the seat, whereas seat width refers to the space between the left and right armrests on a particular seat.

There is a wide range of seat widths available for wheelchairs, ranging from 14 inches to 20 inches, with 18 inches being the most typical width. Seat depths are also vary and should be determined by having the person who will be using the wheelchair sit up straight in a natural active posture. This will help decide the seat depth that is most suitable for that person. The majority of websites devoted to mobility equipment retailing provide configurable choices for seat width and depth within the product specs section of their sites.

Height of the Seat The height of the seat is determined by how much the bottom of the seat is elevated off of the ground. Wheelchairs often have a seat height that ranges from 20 to 21 inches, which is suitable for people with a height of at least 5 feet. If the user is shorter than 5 feet, transferring may be problematic because the seat height of the wheelchair will be too high; thus, it is essential to choose the seat height that is appropriate for you.

Chair Dimensions

The height of the chair refers to the total height of the wheelchair, measured from the ground to the highest point of the chair. This may have an effect on the chair’s agility from a structural standpoint, but in a more practical sense, it dictates how readily the chair can be stowed, moved, and driven by a partner or carer.

Weight of the Chair

If you often need to carry your chair or are shopping for a wheelchair that will be simple for you to control while you are travelling, then the total weight of the wheelchair is going to be an essential element for you to take into consideration. The typical starting weight for lightweight wheelchairs is one pound, but this number may rise to as high as sixty-five pounds based on the modifications and accessories that are added to the chair. Manual wheelchairs are often a great deal lighter than motorized wheelchairs.

Armrests The wheelchair user receives an increased level of comfort as well as support from armrests. They are often detachable or have the ability to be flipped up in order to facilitate simpler transit and transfer. The height of many armrests, either at a table or at a desk, makes it possible for them to be tucked away neatly beneath a typical table-top surface.

Leg Rests Much like armrests, leg rests are designed to provide the user a higher level of support and comfort for their legs. They are available in a wide range of designs, but the most essential aspect to take into account is whether or not you want the legs to be able to swing or adjust, since this might have an effect on how easily the chair can be moved.

Wheels The chair’s movement may be made more stable and convenient with the addition of wheels. Wheels Because the majority of wheels are composed of rubber or are semi-pneumatic, the rolling characteristics of the wheelchair may be altered depending on the terrain. Some of the most long-lasting wheel alternatives do not need any kind of care, while others do, since their wear and tear over time requires them to be changed at regular intervals.

Shop Now

If this guide has inspired you to search for your perfect wheelchair, browse the many options available at Cura360.com with our guidance in mind, or speak to a member of our team who will be happy to help you find the right solution for you.