Features of lightweight folding wheelchairs

The wheelchair has a lightweight steel frame which weighs an approximate weight of 13 lbs and has fully padded upholstery. The armrests that are foam padded can be folded down to the seat level. There are alternatives to the folding type of wheelchair as they also have a rigid frame lightweight wheelchair.

Lightweight wheelchairs are designed for older users.

A Lightweight folding wheelchair is actually more geared towards older users who require the ease to fold design. The wheelchair is not designed for the user to fold up, but actually from the assistant to do.

A weakness or disadvantage of lightweight folding wheelchairs is they can't be tailored to individual users as the need to fold and bend in certain positions and hence any customs sizes will affect the folding ability compared to rigid wheelchairs that don't require any folding can be completely costumed.

Due to the fixed design a lightweight wheelchairs aren't always the most comfortable wheelchair to sit in. But as the main selling point is the quick folding ability and store in the trunk of a car makes it popular among older users who are not traveling too often.

Maintenance and Care

Atypical lightweight folding wheelchair will require more maintenance than other types of wheelchairs. Due to the lightweight frame they are typically weaker and can crack and the front forks can bend easily which will make folding difficult.

Maintenance of all parts of your wheelchair is important and if not used often should be kept in the house and not left in the weather. You don't want the day you require the wheelchair you find the nuts and bolts rusty and unable to unfold.

With lightweight folding wheelchairs it is possible for users who don't normally use wheelchairs to use them for small durations as part of their daily lives.

Lager more bulky wheelchairs can only be fitted into the big cars, other can fit into a smaller car but need to dismantled and can be quite heavy even in small parts. Therefore most power wheelchairs or scooters will require a ramp or lift of some kind to help you get into the car.

The saller more portable wheelchairs are manual, but if your dsabilities stop you from self propelling yourself then you are unable to get yourself around,likewise a folding wheelchair has the same disadvantages.

Power wheelchairs are the big brother of manual wheelchairs and are built with motors. They come with portable vrsions that allow to load them into vehicles or other modes of transports. They can be be disassembly or folding, or a combination of the two: in some cases, the motor mechanism can be detached from the chair portion, which then folds up to save space.

Folding wheelchairs big advantage is they can be stored into small spaces, while a power wheelchair needs to be dismantled, folding wheelchairs can be folded and stored into a trunk of a car, compared to power wheelchairs which would require a small van to transport it around.

Folding wheelchairs can normally be loaded into a vehicle by one person or two smaller people with the heaviest piece can weigh as little as about 60 pounds, while it’s usually somewhere around 80.

A folding wheelchair is good cause it does not sacrifice comfort while traveling, because most wheelchair accessories can be attached just as easily to a folding wheelchair. As long as the combined weight of yourself and the items you’re carrying doesn’t exceed the chair’s capacity, you can carry all the bags and items you would normally use.

A good folding power wheelchair will provide an good combination of automated mobility and portability, and can be very useful traveling any distance by car.

Sunrise Medical Quickie 2 Foldable Wheelchair

The Sunrise Medical Quickie 2 wheelchair is the most popular ultra lightweight folding frame wheelchair on the market. The Qickie wheelchair comes with a variety of interchangeable frame components mean that the Sunrise Medical Quickie 2 can be adjusted to everyones needs or as your needs change. Coming with the Quickie's True Fit Program offers a one-time free growth adjustment with the purchase of every Sunrise Medical Quickie 2, so this Quickie wheelchair will fit you for years and years.

Features of the Quickie 2 Wheelchair

• Adjustable axle plate allows for center-of-gravity adjustments to provide improved stability and maneuverability.
• Integrated seat sling strap makes folding easier.
• Forward and rearward caster housing adjustments for wheelbase stability.
• Interchangeable footplate and hanger options.
• Angle-adjustable backrest provides 15 degrees of rearward and 3 degrees of forward angle adjustment.
• New tubular front frame gusset for improved strength.
• Black anodized chair parts look great and are durable too.
• Multiple wheel and caster options.
• Frame Type: Folding
• Weight capacity is 250 lbs.
• Weighs 27 lbs.

Click here for more information on Reviews on wheelchairs or Quickie Wheelchairs reviews

A folding wheelchair is a good choice for occasional use as they can easily be folded and stored when not required or being transported.As the rear wheels will usually be removable then it can be stored in a very small space. But this type wheelchair is ideal for the odd day out or a person who can’t walk for too long. By buying a motor for the wheelchair can make hill climbing a lot easier.A folding wheelchair can range from anywhere between 15-20kg

Folding wheelchairs are available in many different sizes, but often do not offer the specialized features that a prescribed wheelchair can offer to you. For others where its use is more it’s recommended to look for a wheelchair with comfort and maneuverability in mind rather than the cost. These type of wheelchairs will not be folding models but a more rigid wheelchair with a lightweight frame and wheels, and possibly come with a more specialized back, seat cushion, foot rests and arm rests.

Wheelchair users who lead active life and might play sports will require a different chair all together. These won’t be the heavy folding wheelchairs but a sports wheelchair will be constructed from titanium which is stronger and lighter than aluminum. The style of foot rests will be different as the foot rests will be built into the frame. The wheels on some rigid wheelchairs can be pushed inwards so that they lean towards the user to provide more responsiveness. These very lightweight wheelchairs are utilizing a lot of technology and techniques from mountain bike manufacturers. Indeed, some of these rigid wheelchairs resemble a mountain bike more than a traditional wheelchair, and depending on the model and specifications may only weigh 15-17lbs / 8Kg.

The process of choosing a wheelchair can be complicated and the manufactures will provide a prescription for some models. This is a step by step method of choosing the right wheelchair, based on the user’s condition, daily activities and any other special requirements.

Whatever style of wheelchair you choose, a wheelchair cushion will be recommended; this improves posture, comfort and can help to prevent pressure sores.

If you require assistance in choosing your wheelchair, why not let an experienced mobility dealer guide you into making the right choice

1. Rigid
2. Folding
3. Titanium Rigid and Folding

The following overviews and tips should answer some queries or questions that you may have and help get you on your way.

Rigid Ultra lightweight Wheelchairs
Rigid wheelchairs are by far the most popular choice in ultra lightweight wheelchairs. The rigid frame eliminates the additional hardware and mechanisms of a folding frame and therefore enables a lighter weighing which will increase the response and performance. These wheelchairs have a long list of options including the basics like push handles and flip-up armrests to Spinergy SPOX wheels and light-up front casters.

Folding Ultra lightweight Wheelchairs
This style of wheelchair is ideal for transporting your wheelchair behind the seat of your car or can't live without swing-away leg rests but don't want to sacrifice weight or performance, then a folding ultra lightweight wheelchair is the choice for you. These wheelchairs offer all the options of a rigid ultra lightweight wheelchair with the benefit of being able to fold up with a tug on the seat upholstery.

Titanium Ultra lightweight Wheelchairs
Titanium is the material of choice these days for its strength,lightness, durability and the built-in shock absorption of the metal itself. The wheel chairs come in both folding and rigid titanium chairs. Titanium wheelchairs are generally more expensive and may take a little longer to custom build.