What To Consider Before Buying A Heavy Duty Wheelchair
The purpose of introducing a heavy-duty wheelchair in the market is to ensure that the users can use it on a daily basis. You can use it rigorously even if you weigh more compared to other people. A heavy-duty wheelchair is a multipurpose wheelchair that can support you in both a professional care setting and in your home. These kinds of wheelchairs are extra wide which is beneficial for people who are big in size. The majority of these chairs are made of steel frames instead of using aluminum. That’s what makes a heavy-duty wheelchair far more superior when it comes to strength and weight capacity. A typical heavy-duty wheelchair has a lot in common with a normal wheelchair. You can buy a powered or self-propelled heavy-duty wheelchair. Your caregiver can push you around if you get a manual version.
A heavy-duty wheelchair can carry up to 700 pounds. Its seat widths vary from 20 to 30 inches which is far more than a regular wheelchair. A regular heavy-duty wheelchair comes at a reasonable price. When you select an upgraded version, you get many exciting features that also increase the wheelchair’s weight capacity. Its versatility is what makes it stand out among traditional wheelchairs. This is why they are popular in hospital settings since they can take patients with any weight.
How to Know If A Heavy-Duty Wheelchair Is the Right Option
A traditional wheelchair can only take up to 300 lbs. But what’s about the people who weigh more than that? Well, a Heavy-duty wheelchair is there to save the day. These wheelchairs are long-lasting, built on steel frames with high-quality wheels. So, it’s more than clear that the wheelchair has many benefits on its side but before committing to a wheelchair you must know if it fits you. Does the wheelchair have all the features that you require? Is it a good choice regarding your surroundings? These are the questions you need to ask yourself when you are thinking about getting a heavy-duty wheelchair. To ensure that you are the right match for a heavy-duty wheelchair go through the following information and see if it covers all your needs.
The User
Before choosing a heavy-duty wheelchair it’s important you know how much the wheelchair weighs. A regular heavy-duty wheelchair can weigh up to 127kg or more. This will help you realize if you would like to have a manual heavy-duty wheelchair or an electric one. You need to understand your own body and see if you have the strength to propel it. Again, if you have someone who will propel the chair for you then you must know if that person can actually do that.
Another thing to consider is your daily activity. What are the things you plan on doing with your heavy-duty wheelchair? Your wheelchair is there to make your life easier. So, it is given that the wheelchair you chose would be able to do all those tasks and more for you.
The Surrounding
The second crucial thing you need to keep in mind is the environment you would be using the wheelchair. Where would you use your heavy-duty wheelchair? Is it in your house or where your office? Heavy-duty wheelchairs are exactly what the name suggests, heavy and wide. This is why their turning radius is also more than the other wheelchairs. Thus, it’s only logical that they would need or fit places with more space having straight lines. So, if your home or your office’s corridors and doorways fit the description then you can get yourself a heavy-duty wheelchair.
For easy navigation, the floors carpet of your home or workplace plays an important role. Since we all know that these wheelchairs weigh much so when you have deep carpet in your home the movement process gets a bit difficult. These carpets create resistance which makes it hard to propel the wheelchair by you or even your caregiver.
The Wheelchair
The wheelchair you are buying has to be comfortable otherwise the things you are planning on doing with your wheelchair would turn out to be very discomforting. Choose a heavy-duty wheelchair that has a good quality wheelchair cushion. Having a high-quality cushion is not enough, they have to fit the chair perfectly. Many people prefer to propel their wheelchair than to depend entirely on their power chair. If you are someone like that then choose a that is lightweight. Lighter versions of these wheelchairs are also available in the market for you to pick.
Special consideration should be given to the wheels too when you are shopping for a heavy-duty wheelchair. You can choose either PU or solid tires. Both of these types are based on plastic or rubber which is why you can sit back and relax since they would never puncture. Although you should know that choosing a solid tire means your selected chair would weigh more.
Types of heavy-duty wheelchairs to choose from
Bariatric
It is a specialized heavy-duty wheelchair designed to carry people who weigh more than a normal heavy-duty wheelchair can carry. They ensure that these people are safe in their wheelchairs while navigating however they want around places. They too come in an electric or manual version commonly made of steel-clad titanium. Even if you weigh 1000 pounds, a bariatric heavy-duty wheelchair can take up the challenge while ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. You can customize them according to your needs. These chairs are usually much wider than a standard chair but you can make them even wider.
Pros
- Highly Customizable
- Solid Rubber-Based Tires
- Can Take Up To 1000 Pounds
- Never Punctures
Cons
- Not A Good Choice for Self-Propelling
Folding Heavy Duty Wheelchair
Folding heavy-duty wheelchairs are best for those who would like to travel around with their heavy-duty wheelchair. They would easily get fit in your car and are storage-friendly. If you want you can disassemble them. Foldability is a plus in this type of heavy-duty wheelchair but they are not exactly like other foldable chairs. You might face difficulty while transporting them.
Pros
- Can carry up to 500 lbs.
- Easy to fold
- Easy to store
Cons
- Can cost you about $1000
- Hard to transport
Individuals, Who Are the Best Fit for Heavy-Duty Wheelchairs?
When are thinking about getting a heavy-duty wheelchair you should know that these are quite beneficial if you have certain physical conditions. If you are buying this for a loved one then the following information would guide you in making the best decision. This wheelchair is for those who carry extra 30 pounds or more than their ideal weight. Following are the conditions that make a heavy-duty wheelchair the appropriate option available.
- Heart Muscle Disease
- Arrhythmias
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Osteoarthritis
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Heart Muscle Disease
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Emphysema
- Heart Attack
- COPD
- Heart Failure
Many of the above-listed conditions happen when you reach a certain age but they are not the only physical conditions that lead you to a heavy-duty wheelchair. People with extremely weak muscles can be benefited from this type of wheelchair. Take a look at the following condition and see if you or a loved one have any of them.
- Spinal cord injuries
- Huntington’s disease
- Muscular dystrophy
- Encephalomyelitis Disseminata
A wrong wheelchair can increase your hardship and put your safety at risk. A heavy-duty wheelchair is introduced in the market when conventional wheelchairs were not enough for certain individuals. These chairs can eliminate a lot of your problems while making sure you are comfortable, safe, and secure eradicating all mobility challenges.
Features to Look for In A Heavy-Duty Manual Wheelchair
Following are the most basic feature that you should look for when you are sure that you want a manual heavy-duty wheelchair:
Reinforcement
Wheelchair manufacturers would promise you many things but never believe whatever they say. Run your own inspection to make sure the best value of money. Find out extra welds around the joints to eliminate the chances of breaking. See if there is additional fabric on the back and on the chair seat for averting the chances of tearing. You should feel safe in your chair without any worries about toppling.
Maneuverability
Since heavy-duty wheelchairs tend to be bulky thus you should check how well the chair can move. See if the selected model is easy to move. It’s always better to test the chair but in case you are making a purchase online go through reviews. Check what people have to say about it and then place your order. The selected model should have solid tires. You can go for inflatable tires too for better maneuverability.
Comfort
If you are going to use the chair for long you cannot make any compromise when it comes to comfort. For that, check if the chair seat has heavy padding. Another thing to inspect is the quality of the pads. If the pads are not up to the mark, they would flatten after using the chairs for a few days. If you can get a model equipped with accessories like cup holders and such that would be even better.
Adjustability
Keep an eye open to find a wheelchair model that is adjustable. Heavy-duty wheelchairs are for heavy people. But the size still varies and your chair might not fit you well. If that happens then luckily many heavy-duty wheelchairs are highly adjustable.
Features to Look for In A Heavy-Duty Power Wheelchair
Heavy-duty power wheelchairs have some basic components that you should know of and they are:
- Battery
- Motor
- Drive
- Controller
These wheelchairs typically have 4-pole motor. They either have wet cells or dry batteries. If you want to drive the chair indoors, go for a rear-wheel power chair. For outdoor use choose a front-wheel-driven wheelchair. Heavy-duty power chairs navigate with the help of a joystick. It’s best for those who have little control over their body. You can pick a more advanced power chair in case of severe disability. These power chairs are built to ensure higher satisfaction to its users.
Key Features of Heavy-Duty Power Chairs
Mobility disabled people search for wheelchair options that can eliminate their mobility problems so they can go to places that might seem troublesome before. Heavy-duty wheelchairs are known for their versatility. They are a good choice to travel around with. You can select a power chair equipped with very helpful accessories which will enhance your wheelchair experience. A heavy-duty power wheelchair comes with the following features:
- Many of the chairs have a foldable seat
- Adjustable sizes
- Easy navigation with the help of a joystick
- Heavily padded seats
- Spacious
- Ample footrest
- Can pick 4- or 6-wheel power chair
- adjustable armrests
- Comes in a different color
- Can have a lap belt up to 60’’ or more
Some heavy-duty wheelchairs come equipped with many exciting accessories. You might see power chairs with cup holders, cushions for more comfort, phone holders, or a carrier for keeping necessary things. They make your traveling more enjoyable but of course, they would cost you more.
Ask These Questions Before Buying Heavy Duty Power Wheelchairs
To ensure that you are getting the very best offer with your hard-earned money being extra cautious is what you have to do. And to enhance your awareness, keep in mind the following questions.
- Where would you like to take the chair?
- Where would the chair mostly be outdoor or indoor?
- Do you need a storage-friendly chair?
- Does it have a foldable seat?
- What is the exact weight of the heavy-duty chair?
Bottom Line
A heavy-duty wheelchair comes with many exciting features because of its versatility. Not just disabled bariatric people but also individuals with serious physical conditions are the perfect fit for this kind of wheelchair. They are designed to eliminate the drawbacks of conventional chairs. For mobility disabled person mobility is the most important fact but comfort and feeling secure in the chair is no less important. They create a sense of independence among bariatric people. They can go on traveling, shopping, visit their families and more. They get back to the life they once had with more social interaction.
Though heavy-duty wheelchairs have a lot to offer that doesn’t mean it is a good fit for you. Whenever you are buying a wheelchair you need to consult with an expert. It can be a health care expert or someone with vast knowledge about wheelchairs. All the factors pointed above would guide you when you are considering to buy a heavy-duty chair for you or a loved one.
