5 Best Self Propelled Wheelchair in 2021
Self-propelled vehicles come in different forms that take care of various requirements. These types of chairs have bigger wheels at the rear. They have rings on the wheels of two sides for users that have strength in their upper limbs to move by rolling the rings. There are handles at the back which the helper uses for navigating the wheelchair for the disabled unable to control their upper limbs to navigate the chair.
The models have a large diameter, and they are ideal for the disabled who have the power in their upper limbs to navigate the chair. If you want the best model that will serve you well outdoors, choose models with wider rear wheels. This category will make movement outdoors easy in any terrain.
There are several models online, and you are advised to go for the models that will suit your needs. Several models can suit your individual needs. These chairs need a helper or they can be moved by the user that has the strength to do that. This is a manual option, and the person involved in moving the chair must be sound manual power. This is a model that gives the person exerting pressure that moves the model room to develop their muscles. The drivers of this model exert a lot of pressure on their muscles, and this often leads to issues of fitness for the driver.
How to Know If It’s the Best Option for Me?
If you invest in the self-propelled model, then you must be prepared to navigate the chair with both hands or get a helper that can use both hands to propel the chair. You must understand the technology in the movement schedule. If you propel the chair with both hands in the wrong direction, you will injure your arm due to the actions of the muscles moving in the wrong direction.
If you want to avoid the issues that come with moving this model, then you must seek expert advice on the correct position of your arms when moving the chair. When you follow expert advice, you will be able to navigate the chair without attracting injuries.
If you are in love with the features that come with a self-propelled or manual wheelchair and you want to improve its performance without exerting much pressure on your limbs, you have gotten a soft landing. There is a technology of a lightweight motor that will help the movement of the chair when it is ascending a hill.
One of the things that you should consider before you place an order for that manual chair is how to push it. Do you have the power to push the chair yourself, or will you need a helper? If you do not have the power in your upper limbs to navigate the manual chair around, then the best solution is to forget about the idea and go for an electric wheelchair.
In a situation where you can move the chair, it is best for you because of the obvious advantages that you will get from it. This maintenance is easy; it is a lightweight application that has a great user interface. You will get the best equipment if you seek advice from the pros before investing in any of the chairs.
Advantages of The Wheelchair
You must get this straight: the appearance of the manual wheelchair is not the same as the outward appearance of power wheelchairs.
Wheels
The rear wheels are bigger when compared with the front wheels. This is a big advantage in movement. They provide a more suitable ride when riding in rough terrain.
Flexible
This model is flexible. It can accommodate the efforts of the disabled user along with their helper that will be there to assist the user. When you are pushing yourself and have the benefit of having a helper that will push the chair with the handles, users will achieve a smooth ride on the manual chair.
Ride
The wheels of the power wheelchair make movement uneasy in terrain that is difficult to navigate outdoors because of the small diameter of the wheels. This is why people prefer manual options over electric models. You can move on rough terrain with ease.
Movement
If you want to get the most from this model, then you must learn how to balance it on the two wheels at the back. When you master this, it will be pretty easy to go through tight and difficult corners outside. Areas that are difficult to navigate without help will be overcome with ease if you master the technique of moving on the two back wheels.
This opportunity to go through difficult areas will give more freedom to riders and will boost their confidence levels. When you can control the wheels with your hands, you can go about anywhere without help from anyone. When you are out having fun outside, you will be free to mix with people and change the direction of the chair as it pleases you. The technology of push/hand rims in the manual machine allows the chairs to move on the road with little effort. It requires less power in the upper arm to move this model.
Best for Outdoor Use
The ideal choice for a disabled person that wants to move outdoors with a high level of freedom is a chair that is propelled by a human being. The two large wheels at the back of the chair make movement through the most difficult terrain easy. All the hazards that come with bumps on the road will not be transmitted to the chair. The rider will enjoy a cool ride even in the most difficult terrain.
Foldable Nature
One of the major attributes that you will get when you place an order for this type of wheelchair is the smooth folding technology. Of course, you have to choose a model that comes with this facility. It is easy to take along in the boot of your car when you want to go on that long journey.
5 Best Wheelchairs for Self-Propelling In 2021
You need a perfect buying guide to choose the best among the self-propelled options online. Several factors need to be put into consideration if you want to land the best, and it will not come easy. Our detailed research has brought up five of the best that money can buy in 2021. When you invest in any of the models on our list of the best in 2021, you will get a model that ensures the best value of your money. Let’s take a deep dive into the features of these wheelchairs to get a better idea of which model will suit you the best.
Medline Lightweight
Features
- Easy moving Mag Wheels, plus less-repairs Flat-free tires, a powered foot movement, and twin seat-length adjustments (Hemi-Height).
- It is durable and reliable because of its premium welds.
- weight capacity of 300 lbs. | item weight of 33 lbs. minus leg support is free from latex but not Mri Safe.
- The nylon seat technology is very user-friendly.
- It can move under tables because of the length of desk arms and Flip-Back raised leg relief, which makes removing it fast and provides luxury for riders.
Drive Medical Blue Streak Wheelchair
Features
- Leg support comes as a separate accessory in a box.
- The tires are sturdy and are safe because of the technology that allows them to lock. There is a calf strap for extra safety measures.
- The seat can be tidied because of the 18" stuffed polythene, which delivers the best comfort ever. Avoid detergents that will ruin the beauty of the surface
- Removable desk arms and custom elevated leg support ensure personal delight.
- It makes self-movement easy because of its cutting-edge technology.
- A comfortable change of 19.5 inches is included in the seat to floor height.
- A look at the dimensions of this model is incredible: the weight capacity is 250 pounds. Seat measurements: 16" (D) X 18" (W) X 19.5" (H). Dimensions: 42" (L) x 24" (W) x 36" (H).
- It has a closed width of 12.5" and an armrest height of 8".
Drive Medical Cruiser III Light Weight Wheelchair
Features
- The double axle ensures a smooth transformation of the seat to hemi-level
- Seat dimensions are 16X22X16 inches, with a height of 16 inches.
- Detachable Roll-Back Arms enable a smooth transition out of the chair.
- Seat height can be extended up to 18" starting from 16".
McKesson Lightweight Wheelchair
Features
- Seat depth can be adjusted up to 18" starting from 16" because of the technology seen in the seat arrangement.
- The seat's width is 18 inches.
- Has a height of 35 inches.
- It has a folding width of 12 inches.
- Have a comfortable raised leg rest.
Drive Medical K320DFA-ELR Cruiser III Lightweight Folding Wheelchair
Features
- The cushioned seats are made from nylon material. This technology provides a comfortable ride.
- It is a handy and sturdy technology with excellent change in the height of the seat. The seat can be prolonged through in-built technology aided by the twin axle.
- It has excellent dimensions, including a seat width of 20 inches, an armrest height of 8 inches, and a weight capacity of 350 pounds. It measures 42 x 28 x 35 inches (L x W x H) and has a closed width of 12 inches. This model is lightweight, and the detachable flip-backs make it easy to move in and out of this model.
- This is a lightweight, easy-to-fold technology that makes the transfer from it easy for adults. The following features make this model a winner anytime: swinging foot support, padded armrests, raised leg rests.
Sources for Getting Free Wheelchairs
If you are interested in any of the models above and you cannot afford it at the unit price, there is good news for you! No matter your level of disability, you need a wheelchair to move around with some measure of independence. Some charity organizations have an uncommon passion for helping the disabled get the wheelchair they need, no matter how much you have in your budget. The overarching goal is to enable disabled people to live their lives to the fullest.
These kinds of models are quality options that come at a hefty price. For the sake of our readers that cannot afford the unit price of the models, the following ideas will relieve our readers of the financial burden involved in getting the chair.
Your Insurance Company
Those that have insurance cover can look inwards by asking the relevant questions. Some of the brokers have provisions for wheelchairs for the handicapped. Consult your insurance provider for inside details. Or you can search for the insurance policy if there is room for a free manual or electric wheelchair in the deal. Those that do not provide free chairs for their members will have their professional guide bring down the unit price of the chair.
The Wheelchair Foundation
You can look to the Wheelchair Foundation for a free wheelchair. This foundation was created to help the disabled who needed a wheelchair but do not have the money. They have given out over 750, 000 wheelchairs to disabled people across several countries over the last 21 years since their entry in 2000.
They work with the following in the US:
- The Salvation Army
- Goodwill Industries
- Catholic Charities
Others give out the chairs for free to the disabled in need.
Free Wheelchair for Seniors and the Disabled Programs
You can look in the direction of some communities for free chairs. If you are a senior and disabled, you can get one for yourself. The charity is organized by churches or charity organizations. How do they get the money for the chairs? It is through money gotten through fundraising activities.
Government Assistance Programs
There is the door of opportunity opened through Medicare Part B. You can get a chair for free through them; included in the list are DME electric wheelchairs. When you come up with a doctor’s note and fulfill other conditions, you will either get a chair for free or a discount on your target scooter or chair.
If you can come up with convincing proof that you need the chair because of your daily movement needs, you stand the chance of getting one for free through Medicaid. The eligibility for this will change from one state to the other.
Bottom line
When you get delivery of your chosen wheelchair, you will need time to master the tricks of riding it before you can exploit the technology for your needs. When you talk to the experts about the perfect fit for you and you go for it, after some time, you will achieve total command control when you step into the chair. With your knowledge of the use of the manual wheelchair, it will be easy for you to move around with ease.
