Tips For Choosing the Best Manual Wheelchair

According to the data collected by World Health Organization (WHO). Approximately 65 million people worldwide require a wheelchair for mobility and out of this number, around 10% require a manual wheelchair. Now you can understand the high demand that surrounds the manual wheelchair, choosing the right manual wheelchair is not easy as it sounds. Selecting the right wheelchair is crucial for ensuring maximum comfort, safety, and mobility. It can be deciding factor that decides between having a fulfilling life or a life that is limited by mobility.

Fortunately, there are several factors that you need to consider before choosing the right manual wheelchair for you. You have to consider factors like size, weight, material, design, and several other factors.

In this blog, Cura360 will share tips for choosing the best manual wheelchair that suits your need and lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a Manual wheelchair for daily use or occasional travel, we got you. So let’s dive into the tips that will help you make a good decision regarding a manual wheelchair.

Considering The Size & Weight of The Wheelchair

This is one of the essential factors that you have to consider when choosing a manual wheelchair, It’s the size and the weight of the wheelchair. You can determine the size of the wheelchair by several factors such as the individual’s height, weight, and shape of the body. A wheelchair that is too small or too big for the user can cause discomfort, pressure sores, and other health issues. So it’s essential that you choose a wheelchair that fits your body like the last puzzle piece.

Now moving onto another important factor, that’s the weight of the wheelchair. Especially if you’re someone who likes to travel and plans to travel with a wheelchair. Considering the weight of the wheelchair will become the most important factor because of transportation. Lightweight wheelchairs are easy to transport and maneuver, making them ideal for travel. However, heavy-duty wheelchairs are sturdy and can accommodate heavy users.

Comfortable Seating

Now this goes without saying even if you pick the best manual wheelchair and you’re not comfortable seating on it, it’s your money wasted because you’re going to be using a wheelchair for a period of time and it should be comfortable.

The seat and backrest should be well-padded and designed to support your whole upper body. The width of the seat should be enough so you can sit comfortably and the backrest it should be comfortable enough to provide support for your spine. The armrest should be adjustable and extra padded so you can lay your arm on it comfortably.

Choosing The Right Wheel Type

Nowadays wheelchairs don’t come with just a single type of wheel. There are many wheel types that you have to consider before investing in a manual wheelchair such as solid, pneumatic, and semi-pneumatic wheels.

Solid wheels are very durable and require close to little maintenance but they are not good with shock absorption. On the other hand, pneumatic and semi-pneumatic wheels provide good shock absorption support, making them an ideal choice for outdoor use but they require regular maintenance and can be punctured easily.

Considering The Material & The Durability of The Wheelchair

This is another important box that you need to check because if the wheelchair that you purchase is made of bad material you’re increasing the risk of you getting an injury. The manual wheelchair comes in different materials including aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber as well. Aluminum wheelchairs are one of the most common a wheelchair because they are affordable but they are not durable compared to titanium or carbon fiber wheelchair.

I would suggest going with a manual wheelchair that’s made up of titanium or carbon fiber because they are durable and durability is essential if you plan to use a wheelchair for an extended period. A durable wheelchair will be able to withstand wear and tear and will last for many years, saving you money in the long run.

Adjustable Features

The manual wheelchair comes with adjustable features such as seat height, armrest height, and footrest height, and additional plus when picking a manual wheelchair. Adjustable features will allow the user to customize the wheelchair so it can fit their body perfectly, ensuring maximum comfort and mobility. So look for a manual wheelchair that comes with as many adjustable features as possible.

Choosing The Right Design 

Wheelchairs come in different designs so does manual wheelchair. Some designs like rigid, folding, and tilt-in-space. Rigid wheelchairs are the lightest and the most efficient but they are not as comfortable as folding or tilt-in-space wheelchair. If you’re someone that likes to travel consider purchasing a travel folding wheelchair as they are easy to transport and store. Tilt-in-space wheelchairs are designed to provide better posture support and pressure relief, making them an ideal choice for people with severe mobility issues.

Now here are some of the most commonly asked question that comes after purchasing a manual wheelchair.

Can I Customize My Manual Wheelchair?

In short, Yes you can, you can customize your manual wheelchair to fit your specific need and preferences. There are various accessories and modifications available in the market such as specialized seating, footrests, and extra padded backrest to make your wheelchair as comfortable as possible.

How Do I Maintain My Manual Wheelchair?

Every user wants to make sure that their manual wheelchair last as long as possible. It’s important to maintain it properly. This means regular cleaning of your wheelchair, proper lubrication of moving parts, and checking of tire pressure. Also, it’s important to schedule regular check-ups with a specialist so they can identify any issues early and it can help users prevent them from becoming more serious and ruining their wheelchairs.

How Long Will A Manual Wheelchair Last?

Various factors play a role when it comes to the lifespan of a manual wheelchair such as the material used, the frequency of the wheelchair being used,  and the maintenance of the wheelchair. A well-maintained manual wheelchair can last for several years, while a poorly maintained wheelchair won’t last even a year.

Final Words

Choosing the right manual wheelchair isn’t easy as just picking anything, it will have an effect on the quality of your life so before selecting take some factors into consideration that we discussed in this blog. By carefully narrowing it down you’ll be able to find the right manual wheelchair that fulfills your need. However, we understand that selecting a wheelchair can be an overwhelming process if you have no idea that’s why encourage you to contact us and get in touch with our specialist so we can help you.

You can also browse the Cura360 website, we offer a wide range of manual wheelchairs from reputable brands. All are designed to provide you with excellent comfort and independence. By purchasing from our website you can be confident that you’re investing in a high-quality product that fits your need.

Don’t let lack of mobility hold you back. Browse our selection of manual wheelchairs today and take the first step toward freedom.