For the average user of wheelchairs you will have a wide range of manual wheelchairs to choose from, you can pick the heaviest to the more ultra lightweight types. Before you decide which chair to buy you will need to know the classifications. Normal wheelchairs are 36lbs or heavier, lightweight are 34 to 36lbs and high strength lightweight range from 30 to 34lbs. Lastly less than 30lbs are called ultra lightweight wheelchairs.
The basic standard wheelchairs are generally less expensive than the others, they are heavier and harder to propel. They are basic in their adjustment and come with backrests, arm rest and foot rests. The materials used are of a lesser standard and quality and for the above reasons they are not recommended if you require one for a long period of time.
A lightweight wheelchair will offer far more manoeuvrability than a standard chair, this type of light weight wheelchair are made for people who find it difficult to propel themselves around but the cost will be more than others due to the more expensive and lightweight materials. The features are much the same as other chairs but they may have more adjustments to suit your needs.
The high strength lightweight type of wheelchair would be recommended for people who can not perform their requirements in the standard or even lightweight wheelchair. Also if you require adjusting your requirements to more customize the chair width and other features too. With the improved materials you will find it easier to propel around than the heavier models of wheelchairs. With this weight saving the more manoeuvrability than other chairs.
Ultra lightweight wheelchairs are the lightest version available and will give you far more control and manoeuvrability than any other chair. This type of chair is the basic for most sports wheelchairs as they are light and are easy to move around. As they are so ultra lightweight wheelchairs they are easy to self propel around and are ideal for people who going spend a long time in one. Due to their weight and adjustments available they will be the most expensive type of wheelchairs.
The cost of the wheelchair will be directly related to the weight, therefore an ultra lightweight wheelchair will cost more than a lightweight wheelchair and so forth. Having added adjustable functions will also increase the price. Therefore a standard wheelchair is recommended for those who will spend a short time in the chair.
Due to the cost involved with buying a lightweight wheelchair, we need consider the features the chair will give us compared to the cost. If the user can use the standard wheelchair and still have their comfort, mobility etc then the lightweight wheelchair may not be required.
IF you will require the use of a wheelchair for long term then you should still consider the lightweight or ultra lightweight wheelchair. Choosing between these two models will come down to the users weight and requirements for activities he needs it for. If the user is on the larger size then the high strength version would be better, where as if the user has less strength then the ultra lightweight wheelchair will be better.
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