Sports Wheelchair At A Glance
What is a sports wheelchair? For every disabled sport, there is a particular wheelchair that is designed for it, and such designs are different from normal wheelchairs designed for either indoor or outdoor movement. The following features come with sports wheelchairs:
- They are non-folding, which enables them to increase in solidity.
- They have an excellent angle of frame to sustain their stability when they turn on the track.
- sourced from lightweight materials.
This is not the type of chair that is used for everyday movement by the disabled. But the advantage this chair has over the everyday wheelchair makes the disabled prefer this type of chair for everyday use. Sports that demand speed and skill, like racing, rugby, tennis, and basketball, need a sports wheelchair. As a beginner, you will not need these customized chairs. But, the technology in the chairs makes sporting activities easier for the disabled, and they have more fun with the aid of the chairs.
Things To Consider Before Buying a Sports Wheelchair
Each sport has a specific wheelchair designed for it. The wheelchairs have technology that will take care of every aspect of the sports that you are involved in. The chairs come with special features that will take care of balance, safety, strength, and weight while the disabled person is on the chair. You need to have clear information if you want to make the best choice out of the options that are before you. This is important if you want to locate the perfect wheelchair that will be there for you. When you go in search of the best option online, the following information will be helpful. While you are on it, try to ask the following questions for making an informed decision.
- What did you need the chair for?
- Your body mass index
- Way of life and specific disability
We have below a comprehensive outline for you that you should keep in mind when you are thinking of buying a sports wheelchair which will help you choose the right one.
Select One That Goes with Your Size
Your body dimension is a strong factor if you want to place an order for your chair. If you are on the heavy side, you will need technology that is strong enough to accommodate your weight. Height is also a factor; what will fit in for a tall person won't be ideal for a short person. When you consider your body measurements before investing in a sports wheelchair, you will achieve results that will fit your needs.
Know Your Budget Range
Your budget is another very important aspect that you should think about when you want to place an order. The machines with extra features will cost more. What you need the chair for should determine the model that you will go for among the models online.
Speed and agility
The type of sport that you are interested in will determine the amount of agility and speed that you will need while on the field. There is a particular design that will fit the needs of each sport. For instance, if you are interested in basketball and tennis, for instance, the model that will give you full benefits should have easy maneuverability and speed. They need technology that will take care of sharp turns. They are lightweight and sourced from durable materials like carbon fiber composite, aluminum, or titanium.
Choose The Sport of Your Taste
There is a particular wheelchair that is designed for your sport. Take note of the technology in the chair before deciding on the one that will fit your measurements and provide you with the best performance on the field. Take note of the setup in the sports wheelchair and go for the one that will suit your needs. The entire setup should be appropriate for your needs. Models that have a fifth wheel and strapping technology will deliver super performance in any sport.
Give It a Try Before Buying
After you have put together all the features that matter in a wheelchair and decided on the model you want to invest in, you are advised to test the model before placing your order. You are going to get the best deal in this regard if you buy from the dealer. If you take the time to carry out a sampling of different manufacturers, you will land the one that will give you the best economic option possible online.
Types Of Sports Wheelchairs
It will not be possible to showcase your skills in any disabled sport if you do not have the benefits of a specialized wheelchair. These specialty chairs give speed and make users mobile. The disabled have special skills and talents, which will be enhanced with the aid of sports wheelchairs.
Tennis
The frames of the sports chairs designed for tennis must be adjustable, and the best ones are made from aluminum material. They must come with quick and maneuverable technology. The best should have two specialist castors in front, in the company of large drive wheels (two). The footrest must be adjustable; the angle position and backrest will ensure the stability of the chair. They are a must in designs that are targeted to deliver the best performance during the tennis game.
General Sports Wheelchair
If you have no particular sport in mind, then you can place an order for a general sports wheelchair. This can be a beautiful entry point into sports like basketball, rugby, table tennis, or hockey. The following features separate the general sports chair from active sports chairs:
- Positioning of the seat
- The footplates
- The style of tires
- degree of camber
Rugby
Rugby as a game is very physical and so requires a wheelchair that has front fenders that will act as protection for the feet and legs during game time. There are other technologies that can work in line with others during encounters. There are fenders located above the major reels to prevent tackles and safety measures to prevent the wheels from buckling. The best of them has castor technology that will prevent you from tripping on the chair. If you want to take the experience to the next level, go for models that have frames that are heat-treated and post-welded. You are sure of getting solid safety from such models, but you must pay more to enjoy the luxury.
Football
The powerchairs are designed for disabled people that want to take part in wheelchair football. It has bent fenders that help knock the ball around. The bumper kit technology will allow players to display all the tricks that go on during football matches. Two types of powerchairs have been developed through the collaboration of designers and the WFA (the Wheelchair Football Association). They come complete with accessories sanctioned by WFA. You can get them through Invacare. The intensity in wheelchair rugby or basketball is not seen in wheelchair football, hence it is played with powerchairs. They are controlled by a complex system. The features must include:
- Manual tilt in space
- Adjustable tension upholsters
- Recliner with adjustable angle
- Anti-tippers
Racing
Your choice of a racing wheelchair should be determined by your racing style or the makeup of your psychology towards the game. The design has a mud protection device with many levers to control the brake. The best frames are made of aluminum or a lightweight composite. The wheels must have a camber angle of 11–13 degrees. These sets of wheelchairs are very light, and the rules guiding the game are controlled by IPC. The guidelines concern the design of the gears, the wheel diameters, steering design rims, and the allowance of the machine from the ground. When you get into racing as a beginner with a basic racing chair, you are going to have a good start. You can take things up from there by following the IPC guidelines while you change things that you are not happy about. You will see two large wheels at the back of the racing chair and one small version in front that is connected to each other through a lengthy but small shaft. The arrangement is dependent on seating or kneeling technology.
Hand cycles
The best technology here is sourced from carbon fiber and aluminum. They are lightweights and the ideal setting for speed, which provides the opportunity for strength development. Go for designs that can be used for recreation, which have excellent speed and are comfortable for every user. There are designs meant for competitions. Take your time to look at the features and you will get things sorted out. For those who are concerned about fitness issues, all you need is a handcycle. It will boost your energy, increase your heart rate, and build great muscles and stamina.
Basketball
Companies produce basket and tennis wheelchairs with minor differences between them. They have technology that ensures stability like the one seen in tennis wheelchairs. They have adjustable frames that are made from aluminum. The best technology bets have two big push wheels, including no more than custom castors; there should be an extra castor that will prevent tipping at the back. The footrest and backrest, as well as the axle positions, are all adjustable. The players are usually saddled into the chairs at their waist and ankles. These sets of chairs are like tennis wheelchairs. They do the same thing. They are sturdy because of the physical approach involved in basketball.
All-Rounder
This is the darling of several sports clubs. They place orders for them because of the adjustable technology that is seen in their design. They are lightweight with delicate designs that are useful for various sports. If you do not own your own, connect with a sports club and you will get a spare through them.
Keep These Questions in Your Head?
- Is it possible to get a better upgrade with kits, castors, or wheels?
- Can the chair perform in line with the rules of the sports I am participating in? (This should not be an issue if you invest in a sports-specific chair.)
- How do the push-rims operate? This technology should be sorted out. The movement of the chair is a crucial factor in this sport.
- Can the sports chair take care of my sporting desires? Reliable models should be easy to maneuver, speedy, lightweight...
- What is the right size for me? (The seat depth, width, height, and several others must be considered before making a choice.)
- Will I be comfortable in it?
- Can I adjust this model? This is necessary if you are still in your early years.
Organizations That Offer Funding for Your Sports Wheelchair
Many disabled people carry a spirit strong enough to break any glass ceiling and live their life on their own terms. What really becomes a barrier is resources. To solve this problem many organizations are trying their best to help people who need funding regarding wheelchairs.
America’s Fund
The injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces can get their sports wheelchairs through America’s Fund. It is a non-profit program of the Semper Fi Fund. It was founded in 2004 and has given out more than $76 support to disabled servicemen. It has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator—the highest you can ever think of.
High Fives Foundation.
Athletes who have been injured while participating in winter action sports can get a sports wheelchair from The High Fives Foundation. They are passionate in their drive to raise money for athletes in this category.
Team PossAbilities
The members of Team PossAbilities that are suffering from one disability or the other are qualified for scholarships and grants. The aim is to improve the quality of life of the members. Such wheelchair grants will provide a lifeline to disabled members who are facing one or more challenges.
The National Association of Injured and Disabled Workers
If you are disabled and in need of a sports wheelchair, then you can look in the direction of NAIDW. They are recognized at the national level and are registered 501 (c) (3) public organizations that are devoted to helping the disabled in society.
Final Thoughts
When you are disabled and engage in sports that are after your heart, you will get a boost in both mental and physical health. When you get the right sports wheelchair, the fun and excitement will be taken to the next level. No matter your disability, you have a chair that is custom-made to take care of your challenge. There are sports wheelchairs, general wheelchairs, and manual or powered options that will take care of your needs. Take action and move out. The risks are worth it because your safety on the chair is guaranteed.
