The Benefits Of Outdoor Wheelchairs
Why Choose an Outdoor wheelchair?
Any disabled person can move around outside with ease if they invest in the technology that comes with wheelchairs that are designed for outdoor use. Those that are faced with the challenge of mobility do not find it easy when they want to move around outdoors. According to Mr. Jones, life was not easy for his crippled child until he got the delivery of an outdoor wheelchair. Every disabled person needs a wheelchair that will make movement outdoors fun.
The fact that someone is disabled cannot ruin the fun that he is entitled to have outdoors if the benefits that come with an outdoor wheelchair are available to the person. The right wheelchair will open the world to every disabled person. The disabled person will be able to perform all the tasks that able-bodied people can do outside. There are various models with their own features that allow outdoor movement no matter the terrain of the surface. The best of the technology will ensure superb balance on the chair, irrespective of the terrain of the surface.
Though there are some shortcomings with this technology, there are features that come with it that will enable the disabled to have the independence that they lack outdoors. Here are some of the benefits that come with an investment in the chair.
- A confidence boost
- Social bonding
- Outdoor independence
These sets of wheelchairs give the user independence when they are outdoors. They are a brilliant aid for the disabled who want to enjoy life outdoor. There are many models available online; we will present some of the best that will assist you when you are outdoors.
Do not attempt to use a wheelchair designed for indoor use outdoors. The best among them are useful only on paved routes or sidewalks. For the best benefits outdoors, you need options that are designed to face all the terrains that are outdoors, and this can best be handled by outdoor technology. No matter the terrain outdoors, the outdoor wheelchair will be there for you. My niece was surprised at this technology that allowed her to maneuver through tight corners outdoors.
Things to Consider Before Selecting an Outdoor Wheelchair
You cannot trust every model online. This is why we are providing this buying guide. It will shed more light on how to get the best option online. If you want to place an order for a manual option, the following features must be considered:
Large Rear Wheels
There is something about the wheel. You must think about yourself and your helper. For the best results here, you must choose models that have roomy rear wheels. The wheels must be bigger than the measurement seen in the front casting wheels. It should have a rugged construction.
Adjustable Footrests
The best manual wheelchair should have technology that will accommodate the height of every user. The adjustable footrest technology will give room for the legs of the rider. Adjust the height to the level that will accommodate your leg and you will get all the comfort that you deserve in your leg region. The best of them can be removed or adjusted to suit the comfort of the rider.
Metal Frames
Take a look at the technology in the frame. If you are on the heavy side, go for models that have titanium frame construction. This is pricey, but it will definitely keep your frame in place when you sit in it. The common frames available are sourced from stainless or carbon steel. Some frames are constructed with aluminum.
Padded Armrests
Another must-have in the technology of manual models is padded armrests because of the stability they provide for every user. This will take hours of moving around the chair enjoyable. When you want to have breaks in-between, it will provide comfort for your hands.
Collapsible Seat Back for Convenience and Travel
Take a look at the following technology: foldable seat arrangement, comfortable backrest, and solid frame. They are must-have attributes in any portable wheelchair. You will need these attributes to move around outdoors, especially at recreational facilities.
Anti-Tipping Features
You must think about safety before placing your order for any wheelchair model. The majority of wheelchair accidents occur as a result of people falling off the chair. Make sure there are assurances on anti-tipping features in the model; this will guarantee your safety.
Seat Widths May Differ
Make sure the seat width is in line with the size of your frame. This will give you comfort when you are seated in the chair. The range is between 16 and 18 inches in breadth. Small chairs have options that range from 12 to 20 inches.
Let us look at the power wheelchair options. The following features must be in place:
Power Wheelchair features
Battery TYPE
The battery life is another important feature that you must consider. Options with long battery life are the best. The best batteries can be connected to the source even while the chair is in motion. Do not overcharge the battery. Connect it to a source when the charge gets below 50%.
The Capacity of Weight Holding
The weight that the option can hold should be considered before you place your order. If you are on the large side, go for the holding capacity that is a little higher than the suggested capacity.
Easy to Transport
Another feature that you must consider in your search for the best is the weight of the model. Considering the fact that it is an outdoor wheelchair that needs to be moved in the booth of your care or on-air, you need a lightweight model that can be carried along with ease.
Suitable for Any Type of Floor Or Surface
There should be consideration of the terrain outdoors when you want to pick your choice among the options online. The ideal choice should have the ability to move on any surface without hindrance. The electric models are best suited to moving over any terrain outdoors.
Percentage of A Slope
If you have sloppy terrain around you, then you must consider the percentage slope of the model as a serious factor. For best results, the electric wheelchair should have a safe slope of between 6 and 8 degrees. All the companies that manufacture electric wheelchairs will let their buyers know the angle of the slope.
So where are the best outdoor wheelchairs that will meet your specific needs? Do not worry; we have you covered with the list below.
The following are the outdoor wheelchair categories available on the market:
- Outdoor Pool Wheelchair
- Outdoor Wheelchairs for Sport
- The Outdoor Wheelchair for Adaptive Skiing
- The All-Terrain Wheelchair
- Beach's outdoor wheelchair
- Lightweight Sports Wheelchair
- Wheelchairs for Adaptive Skiing
Types of outdoor wheelchairs
Pool Wheelchairs
If you want to access the pool no matter your level of disability, with an outdoor wheelchair, you are good to go! You are going to have easy and comfortable access to every place both around and inside the swimming pool. They are made of materials that can withstand humidity outdoors. Corrosion will not have any effect on this model. They come with PVC technology and can be used outdoors. This model will not leave traces on the floor when it glides around the pool area. If you want to be outdoors in any of the listed places below, then you must invest in a pool chair:
- Poolside
- Beaches
- Spas
- Showers
- Aquatic therapy
- Exercise in the water
Lightweight Sports Wheelchair
Your passion for sports that are close to your heart can be realized if you get a sports wheelchair. This comes with some extra features beyond the regular outdoor chair that will allow the disabled to take part in sports. It is lightweight because of the need for the speed required for sporting activities, and it can be maneuvered around. They are sturdy and resilient and cannot be folded.
There is a difference in the wheel technology. The fronts are small in comparison to the rear wheels, and the rear wheels have angles that shoot out. The front wheels are designed in such a way that they will enhance smooth alertness during movement.
There are several models designed for various sporting activities. For baseball, there are anti-tip wheels, a bumper in the front, and features that sustain stability to reduce the impact of collisions on the court of play. This will allow riders to throw power shots without going off balance.
Your choice of this chair should go hand in hand with the sports that you want to take part in.
Wheelchairs for Adaptive Skiing
The technology in adaptive chairs has brought good news to the disabled during winter. This chair can glide with ease on snow and ice. You can trust the adaptive features included in this technology to move with ease outdoors during winter.
Adaptive skiing as a sport dates back to 1940 and is growing in popularity. You can enjoy this sport with fellow disabled athletes or with your family and friends. This sport will give the disabled much to cheer for during the cold of the winter.
If you get an all-terrain wheelchair and convert it to skiing, you are good to go into this sport. If you cannot improvise, you can go for models that are designed for skiing online. If you know how to go about it, you can use a particular wheelchair for several purposes.
All-Terrain Wheelchairs
When you put your money in an all-terrain model, you are good to go on any surface outdoors. It has wider wheel technology when compared to other designs. This is so to sustain the balance of the chair when it is navigating uneven slopes and hills. There are manual and electric options. But it is recommended that you go for the manual option because of the following features that come with it:
- They are more compact, making transporting them easy and they can navigate tight corners.
- The maintenance cost is low because of a few parts in the technology.
- No worries about the power source
- It is a means of exercise because it needs to be powered by the rider
Beach Wheelchairs
The heat of the summer makes people move towards the beach. With a beach wheelchair, you can move around on the sandy terrain on the beach. They have wheels that are far apart from each other, which makes movement on the sand easy, and the wheels can also float in the water with ease. You can get a beach wheelchair through a rental agreement. There are a few places in the US that offer rental services for the beach when you book ahead.
Final Thoughts
If you have an indoor wheelchair and you want to achieve freedom of movement outdoors, then you need an outdoor wheelchair. This is the best way to have the best outdoor experience and an opportunity to take part in adaptive sports activities. The design of the chair can withstand the uneven terrain outdoors. They can make their way across water, sand, snow, mud, or any rough terrain that you can think of. Some of the outdoor models can be indoors with slight maneuvering.
The outdoor models offer great comfort to the disabled who are on the chairs. This technology has the ability to take the disabled anywhere on any sloping terrain without altering the stability of the model. This is a system of suspension that is included that ensures stability. The function of the suspension can be likened to what the shock absorber does in a car engine.
If you want to invest in an outdoor wheelchair, then it is best to place an order for an all-purpose model. This can be used for several purposes outdoors. You are going to pay the price of one to achieve several purposes. You can upgrade it to suit your needs. This is why investing in this model is worth all the money you put into it.
