Self Propelled Wheelchairs
Self-propelled wheelchairs are intended for those who can push themselves. Having the ability to manoeuvre the chair by yourself means you can maintain or regain independence and be able to live life without being reliant on others.
Some self-propelled wheelchairs come with push handles, which means they can also be driven by a person else should it be required. This means that you don't have to exert a significant upper body strength to push the wheelchair, which could cause arm injuries.
Easy manoeuvrability
In contrast to power wheelchairs which are powered by an electric motor, self propelled chairs rely on the user's strength to propel them forward. This means they are able to maneuver around furniture, tight corners, and other obstacles with no assistance.
They are a great option for those who wish to keep or regain their independence. They can also be a good form of exercise. Through their upper body strength they can help engage muscles and improve cardiovascular health. Additionally, many self-propelled chairs come with adjustable features to suit individual needs.
Self-propelled chairs are much easier to move by hand than standard manual wheelchairs. They feature large rear wheels that have push-rims. Self-propelled chairs are lighter than electric wheelchairs, meaning they take up less room in your home and are easier to transport on public transport.
When choosing a self-propelled wheelchair, it's crucial to take into consideration the needs of the client and lifestyle. For example, they may require a wheelchair that is puncture-proof or outdoor tires to enable the use of the vehicle off-road or on rough terrain. Some clients might require a particular frame to ensure that their feet are able to easily reach the pedals.
It's also important to consider the height of the seat to the floor. For example, some people with hemiparesis, or who only have function only on one side of their body, need chairs with a low seat-to-floor height to allow them to propel their feet by using their hands.
Another thing to consider is whether the client is able to reach the front wheel with their hands. Ideally, they should be capable of touching the centre of the front wheel using their index fingers and thumbs, but it depends on the degree of their function and how they are situated relative to the ground that the wheels are.
Also, My Mobility Scooters should consider powered add-ons. They can ease the burden on the upper body of the user and give them more energy to perform other things. However, they're not suitable for everyone, and might not be a suitable fit for people who require a high-performance chair or have an extreme mobility impairment.
Increased independence
Self-propelled wheelchairs give the user the ability to move by themselves and allow them to be independent. It lets the user manage their movement, which means they can navigate crowded spaces and furniture effortlessly. They can also travel at their own speed and over difficult terrain. In the end, this freedom is essential to the health of the user and their social involvement.
It is important to keep in mind that a self-propelled wheelchair requires the use of both arms, which can lead to arm injuries when the motions aren't executed correctly. Request a therapist's help to ensure you don't be injured.
In contrast to a traditional transit wheelchair, which has small rear wheels, meaning that the user is unable to propel themselves, self propelled chairs have larger rear wheels fitted with push rims that allow the user to drive their chair on their own. This makes them better for outdoor use since they can be adapted to various kinds of terrain, and even climb and descend small curbs.
15 healthy adults who needed wheelchair mobility were recruited for the study. They were evaluated on three different scenarios including a straight forward (15 m) and a slalom track (nine cones aligned, separated by decreasing distances), and an agility test. They were required to propel their wheelchairs through each of these trials and then answer the Perceived Exertion Questionnaire. The consumption of oxygen, lung ventilation and heart rate were recorded continuously using an oxygen analyzer portable (Cateye Cycle Computer VELO 8; Osaka, Japan) during the propulsion trials and resting intervals.
The results showed that an electric wheelchair was less effective at navigating difficult terrain than a self-propelled wheelchair. This is due to the large rear wheels fitted with push rims, which allow the user to move their wheelchair with greater speed and accuracy. Additionally, the lightweight design of these chairs ensures that they can be stored and transported with little effort.
Increased fitness
Self-propelled wheelchairs are ideal for those with mobility issues, as they enable them to move without anyone else pushing them. This can allow you to retain or restore your independence and provide you with an entirely new outlook on life. You can also use your wheelchair in more situations, and you aren't limited to just indoor locations.
Self-propelled chairs, unlike transit wheelchairs, have bigger rear tires, as well as pushing handles the user can reach. This means that you can go further on your own, which can aid in improving your fitness and overall health.
This is especially important for those who have chronic mobility issues, since prolonged stress on the upper body can cause injuries and pain. This could prevent people from engaging in any physical activity, and could cause a sedentary way of life, which can complicate their health. A self-propelled chair can decrease the pressure placed on the upper body, and can help prevent such issues.
Wheelchairs can also be fitted with motorized accessories that help the user move forward. This reduces the amount of effort required by the user which allows them to conserve their strength for other tasks. This is especially beneficial for those who struggle moving on uneven or bumpy surfaces such as kerbs or slopes.
All types of manual wheelchairs are able to be equipped with powered accessories. Many of them can be controlled by Bluetooth or smartwatches. This makes them extremely popular among younger users who are accustomed to technology and appreciate the idea of using their mobile devices to navigate their wheelchairs.
Research has revealed that the height of the seat of the manual wheelchair is an important factor in the heart's response and mechanical efficiency during submaximal manual wheelchair propulsion. A study has found that the optimal seat heights for this type of wheelchair are about 100deg, which is ideal for reducing strain on shoulder muscles. This is particularly important for those with soft tissue injuries around the shoulder.
Convenient storage
Many people who decide to use a wheelchair for a long period of time need to consider how to keep it in their home and on the move. Many manufacturers offer storage solutions that are convenient. For instance, the XS2 Self Propelled Wheelchair has the front wheels swivel which makes it easy to manoeuvre indoors or in tight spaces. These wheels are also easy to maintain with puncture-proof tyres to ensure the most comfortable ride. The XS2 is also available in a range of seat widths to accommodate different types of users. To increase safety, the chair has two parking brakes, one to operate while seated in the chair, and the other that can be operated by an attendant.
The weight of the wheelchair is important. There are lighter models, but they may not be suitable for outdoor use like national parks and beaches. Some models also have armrests that can be removed to make moving the chair more convenient.
Self-propelled wheelchairs are primarily used to achieve independence and freedom. They allow you to move around freely without having to rely on others. Some people find that this makes them feel re-energised and gives them a fresh perspective on life. However, they will require some strength in the upper part of the body and it is important to know your limits before purchasing one.
Other benefits of choosing a self-propelled wheelchair is being able to manoeuvre the chair on flat surfaces. Some chairs can be adjusted to accommodate varying levels of ground, but this can only go only so far. If the chair is to be used outdoors, it might be advisable to select an electric chair with tyres designed for different terrains.
In terms of manoeuvrability, some models feature a rigid frame to prevent breakages and decrease the amount of energy required to propel the chair. They are lighter than folding chairs since they don't require an extension mechanism for the frame.
To allow a client to push the chair with their feet the rear wheels are usually larger and fitted with a push-rim. Certain clients who opt to push their chairs using their feet for example, those with hemiparesis, require the rear wheels to be positioned at a lower elevation to allow them to be able to reach them comfortably.