Lightweight Wheelchairs: What Are the Pros and Cons?
Lightweight wheelchairs typically weigh between 7 and 8 kilograms. They are lighter than standard wheelchairs because they are made of aluminium rather than steel, which is tougher, sturdier, and more rugged.
However, when shopping for medical supplies, you should know that lightweight wheelchairs are not suitable for anyone weighing more than 113 kilograms.
Lightweight wheelchairs are not meant to be used on a daily basis. They are, nevertheless, ideal for the elderly and/or individuals who have difficulty walking long distances.
They are best suited for individuals who can manoeuvre them without any help from another person.
Lightweight wheelchairs are extremely useful and provide several benefits to patients and caregivers. They may make routine chores easier and faster because of their lightweight design.
Lightweight wheelchairs offer several advantages that outweigh any disadvantages. The advantages of lightweight wheelchairs include:
1. Ease of Transportation
Travelling is considerably easier for the disabled as a growing number of people are using wheelchairs on aircraft, trains, and boats.
Wheelchairs are now easier to transport and manoeuvre in tight locations without sacrificing performance. Keep this benefit in mind when shopping for this medical supply.
2. More Room for Customization
Another amazing benefit of lightweight wheelchairs is that they can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient.
Users can choose from add-ons such as head and armrests, as well as attachable bags for storage, for further comfort and convenience. Because it is customisable, you can design your ideal wheelchair.
3. Allows for Self-Propulsion
Your lightweight wheelchair is easy to move thanks to the big wheels at the back of the chair.
4. Storage Convenience
One of the most significant advantages of the lightweight wheelchair is its ability to fold up for convenient storage in small places. It reduces the amount of space needed for daily life. Your chair is easily retrievable for travel.
5. Convenient Features
Lightweight wheelchairs provide room for several convenient add-ons, making them more comfortable and user-friendly. Some of the add-ons include:
- Leg Rests: They might be standing, sitting, or elevated. Elevated leg rests are not the same as regular leg rests. They are beneficial for patients who have circulation issues or who have had some form of injury.
- Armrests: Armrests are often available in full-length or desk-length configurations. Desk-length armrests are ideal if you want to sit at a table or at a desk while in a chair. Foldable armrests are useful if you need to move to a toilet or bed.
- Cushioning: The most important feature you need in a wheelchair is comfort. The lightweight wheelchair provides users with the best possible comfort every time. You can always add on additional cushioning for seats and leg rests. Shock absorbers can also be added to the structure to improve the sitting experience.
- Wheels: If you intend to self-propel your manual lightweight wheelchair, you will need the large back wheels. Smaller transport-type wheels make the chair lighter and easier to load and unload when it is being pushed. The larger specialist wheels are easier to turn. They require less energy to move.
- Safety Features: Depending on your posture and level of mobility, you may want to consider adding safety features to your lightweight wheelchair. If you intend to propel yourself, be sure to add anti-tip protection on the rear. These will prevent you from flipping your chair backwards.
6. Increases Your Self-esteem
When you can accomplish things for yourself, it boosts your self-esteem. The lightweight wheelchair allows for independence. Take charge of your daily engagement in what you enjoy doing.
The Potential Disadvantages of Lightweight Wheelchairs
When you shop for wheelchairs, bear in mind that lightweight wheelchairs have some size constraints and may not be able to accommodate bigger people or those with specific ailments. Although the frame is quite strong, it is limited to specific body weight.
While customisations are allowed, the standard model is fairly basic, ensuring that it is as light as possible. There is no additional cushioning on the seat, and if you use this wheelchair for a lengthy period of time, you may get uncomfortable.
Because these models are manual wheelchairs, those who lack the necessary upper body strength to use a wheelchair may struggle to go long distances. This is especially true while traversing steep, hilly, or bumpy terrain.
In Closing
By choosing a lightweight wheelchair, you get daily comfort, a lot more manoeuvrability, less risk of injury, and more durability. Although it does come with certain disadvantages, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
For further enquiries, please feel free to get in touch with our friendly and professional team.
