Wheelchair Buying Guide

A wheelchair is a mobility aid, designed to help make your life easier, keep more of your independence and continue doing the things you enjoy. If you have any mobility impairment that makes it difficult for you to walk or stand for extended periods of time, including moving around easily and comfortable, then a wheelchair may be a suitable mobility aid for you.

At Day’s Mobility our range of lightweight wheelchairs are suited to meet a variety of needs and abilities. We offer new & used wheelchairs for hire to buy and have a range of folding and self-propelled wheelchairs. There’s also a great range of wheelchair accessories available, from ramps and wheelchair cushions to wheelchair bags, at Day’s Mobility, we’ll make your journey comfortable.

Which Wheelchair is Right for Me?

There are a variety of wheelchair types available, all designed for different uses. Some are more suitable for indoor use and some for outdoor use. Each model also has different features, from tyre types, removeable sections, foldable sections and some are more suited for transporting in a car.

Choosing the right wheelchair can depend on several factors, including your mobility needs, lifestyle, and budget. Here are some things we think you should consider when purchasing a wheelchair:

• What support you need from your wheelchair, and whether you need a heavy-duty wheelchair or power wheelchair.
• What daily activities you like to carry out, the environment you will be using it in and if you will need the wheelchair to be frequently transported.
• Check it is comfortable and fits you properly, especially as you are likely to be using it for extended periods of time.
• Wheelchairs range in price and so it is also important to ensure the wheelchair you are purchasing is within your budget.

There are three main types of wheelchairs to choose from, transit/travel wheelchairs, self-propel wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs (also known as powerchairs).

Travel or Transit Wheelchairs

A travel wheelchair is a type of lightweight and portable wheelchair that is designed for easy transport and use while travelling. These wheelchairs are typically foldable and can fit into a car boot or an overhead compartment on an airplane. This makes them ideal for people who need a wheelchair for short periods or who are travelling by car, plane, or public transportation.

Travel wheelchairs are typically made of lightweight materials such as aluminium or titanium and are designed to be compact and easy to manoeuvre. They may have smaller wheels, which can make them more manoeuvrable in tight spaces. Additionally, travel wheelchairs may have features such as removeable footrests, flip-up armrests, and foldable backrests for easy storage and transport.

They are available in both manual and powered versions, and some models are even designed to be self-propelled.

Self-Propelled Wheelchairs

A self-propelled wheelchair is a type of manual wheelchair that is designed to be propelled by the individual. These wheelchairs typically have large rear wheels with push rims that you can grip and use to propel yourself forwards or backwards. Self-propelled wheelchairs are ideal for people who have good upper body strength and mobility.

They are available in a variety of styles and materials, including lightweight aluminium or titanium frames. They may also have a variety of features, such as adjustable footrests, foldable backrests, and flip-up armrests.

One of the advantages of a self-propelled wheelchair is that it allows the user to maintain their independence and control over their mobility. Additionally, self-propelled wheelchairs may be easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces compared to powered wheelchairs.

Electric Wheelchairs

An electric wheelchair, also known as a power wheelchair, is a type of wheelchair that is propelled by an electric motor rather than manually by the individual. These wheelchairs are powered by a rechargeable battery and controlled using a joystick or control system to direct the chair.

Some models may also have additional features such as adjustable footrests, foldable backrests, and flip-up armrests.

Electric wheelchairs are ideal for people with limited upper body strength or mobility, as they required less physical effort to operate compared to manual wheelchairs. Additionally, electric wheelchairs may be easier to manoeuvre over long distances and rough terrain compared to manual wheelchairs.

It’s important to note that electric wheelchairs may require more maintenance compared to manual wheelchairs, as they have a battery and motor that need to be regularly serviced and checked for safety.