Choosing the right Equipment

Sourcing a wheelchair, orthopaedic knee trolley or scooter for the first time can be a daunting prospect with such a vast array of makes and models of equipment on offer. We have put together the following guide to help you make an informed decision as to the type of equipment you may require.
Before choosing a wheelchair, scooter or knee trolley you must assess your various needs. By asking yourself a few questions you can gain a clearer view of the equipment that would suit you. Below are a few questions that might be of use:

Do you require your equipment for indoor and outdoor uses?

Some wheelchairs are better suited for outdoor use due to having puncture resistant tyres and large wheels at the back allowing them to move easily across a wider range of terrains. If a wheelchair is going to be used indoors check to make sure it will fit through all the required doors. At the same time, some of our products are more suited for indoor use only. Our Orthopaedic Knee Trolley for example is perfect for helping you around the house, but is less sufficient on rougher terrain.

Will you always have someone to push you?

If you won’t always have someone there, you should look towards a self-propelling wheelchair to help move independently. Even if you are not looking to propel yourself a self-propelled wheelchair allows you to change the direction you are facing in social situations.

Will you need to transport your equipment in the car?

If looking specifically for a wheelchair, look for a wheelchair where the wheelchair’s backrest folds as well as the seat sling. The weight of the wheelchair should also be considered for ease of lifting in and out of the car, a lightweight wheelchair should weigh under 15kgs. Once folded down a wheelchair is likely to fit in the boot of most cars, however for small cars it may be worth selecting a wheelchair with quick release wheels. For scooters, you will need to opt for a “boot scooter” if you do not have a specially adapted car. These scooters are easily dismantled into a few manageable pieces that can individually be lifted into the car. Our Orthopaedic Leg Trolleys are small enough to fit into any car fully assembled, but can be dismantled with ease if necessary.

Where can the equipment be stored?

If storage space is an issue, look for a wheelchair that folds down to take up as little space as possible when not in use. Similarly, if you need to store your scooter indoors, look for one that can fit through the door into your house, either assembled or disassembled.

How often will you be using the wheelchair, scooter or knee trolley in everyday life?

Some wheelchairs are designed to be used permanently, and likewise some are to be used for a few hours a day. Be sure to select the right type to give you the maximum comfort for the right price. Standard folding wheelchairs are normally recommended for up to 4hrs use a day, if the wheelchair will be used for most of the day a bespoke wheelchair should be sourced. The use of scooters is obviously limited by the length of battery life. Lightweight scooters have a maximum distance of about 8 miles between charges, but they also have a battery saving mechanism to enhance the use of the battery. The Orthopaedic Leg Trolley can be used as much as required, and is often a very useful addition to the hire of the Elevating Leg Rest Wheelchair, as it aids rehabilitation of the upper leg muscles.

Do you require either or both your legs to be elevated?

Some wheelchairs have the capacity to elevate your legs for maximum comfort and support. If this is required make sure the leg extensions are adjustable to fit your legs as required. Orthopaedic Leg Trolleys allows users to keep their lower leg elevated whilst still standing, and walking around as per usual. This reducing the requirement for crutches and promotes “hands free” movement and independence.

Do you need to be able to transfer to and from your equipment from the side?

Some wheelchairs have removable or swing away armrests to allow side transfer, however many wheelchairs have rigid armrests and therefore do not allow side transfer. Likewise some scooters have seats that can swivel to allow easier access.

Do you have a medical condition that requires a specialist wheelchair?

Seek advice from an Occupational Therapist as to the specifics of the wheelchair that your disability requires.

Is the weight of the equipment important?

Everyday lightweight aluminium wheelchairs start at about 13kgs (including footrests) with steel wheelchairs sometimes weighing over 20kgs. The lighter the wheelchair the easier it is to manoeuvre and transport. Scooters are generally very heavy, but there are lighter models that help you transport them. Orthopaedic knee trolleys are light and easy to carry and manoeuvre.

What weight is the user?

Standard wheelchairs normally have a weight limit of around 18stone. Above this weight a specialist bariatric wheelchair will be required. Wheelchairs also come in a variety of seat widths, with 18inch being the most common. If a user is particularly slight a narrower wheelchair will offer more support and also allow for easier manoeuvrability, especially when indoors. Scooters have a range of capabilities. Lightweight scooters generally carry up to 16 to 18 stone, but their performance can be affected by the top end weight users. Orthopaedic Knee Trolleys have the capacity to carry up to 180kg, which is around 28 stone.

Do I need a self-propelling or transit wheelchair?

Self-propel wheelchairs have the large wheels on the back allowing the user to propel themselves for short distances. If the user will not be propelling themselves a self propelled wheelchair can often still be the right choice. If the wheelchair will be used outside and on uneven terrain the large wheels make pushing the wheelchair much easier and more comfortable. When in the wheelchair the large wheels also allow the user to change the direction they are facing. If a wheelchair user will not be propelling themselves, is not capable of changing the direction they face and will only be using the chair on smooth flat surfaces then a transit wheelchair may be more suitable due to reduced weight and cost of purchase.