Wheelchairs are used by so many different people, from young children who have physically limiting disabilities to older adults who are no longer able to confidently walk independently. They are an incredibly versatile mobility aid and thanks to the vast range of different wheelchairs available; it is easy to find something that is perfect for all individual circumstances, preferences and needs.
That being said, not only are there several types of wheelchairs, but these types have a considerable range of subtypes and variants too so that the market can be undeniably overwhelming to anyone purchasing a wheelchair for the first time. To help those who are trying to navigate the vast market, our team here at Karma Mobility have listed some of the most popular types of wheelchairs. This list can give you a starting point when narrowing down your options.
Lightweight self-propelled wheelchairs
This is probably one of the most popular types of wheelchairs available, and there are so many benefits to choosing a lightweight self-propelled wheelchair. For many, they are the first choice simply because they are practical and more comfortable to use than more substantial alternatives.
Just because these chairs are lightweight, doesn’t mean that they aren’t durable or comfortable too. With a vast selection of different lightweight chairs, including lightweight fold-up wheelchairs, to choose from, they are a brilliant solution for many.
Mid wheel drive electric wheelchairs
You can get lots of different electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters, but for those who want to remain independent, a mid-wheel drive powered wheelchair is a popular choice. The wheel positioning on this type of chair allows for greater control and manoeuvrability.
No matter what type of terrain you travel over daily, it is likely that this type of chair will be able to accommodate your needs, both indoors and out. The compact size of these chairs also means you will be able to move around without too much hassle.
Prescription transit wheelchairs
If a user has specific requirements for their wheelchair and a standard chair isn’t right for them, then a prescription transit wheelchair is likely to be the most popular option. It is important to note that these chairs aren’t controlled by the user, an attendant will be required to push them.
This type of wheelchair has numerous adjustments available which allow the user to configure the wheelchair to suit them. They can also be ordered specifically with the requirements in place, so it can be used straight away when it arrives.
Fold up wheelchairs
In general, fold up wheelchairs are becoming increasingly popular and, for many, there is no better option available. These days, you can get both propelled fold up wheelchairs and electric fold up wheelchairs too, not to mention they can be both attendant and self-propelled as well.
Of course, there are many benefits to a fold-up wheelchair, such as being easy to store and transport them, and if you live an active lifestyle, then it is one of the best options available. Thankfully, the majority of fold-up wheelchairs tend to be ultra-lightweight too.
Heavy-duty transit wheelchairs
When needing something more durable, many will automatically turn to a heavy-duty transit wheelchair. This type of chair can provide complete peace of mind to the user, especially if they require a wheelchair with a higher weight limit.
In general, as the name suggests, heavy-duty transit wheelchairs are much more durable and able to handle almost anything thrown at them. They can, however, also be lightweight, so the attendant won’t need to worry about the ease of use either.
Purchasing your first wheelchair
Now that you know what some of the most popular types of wheelchairs are, hopefully, you will find it a little bit easier to differentiate between the many different options available on the market these days. From reading this list alone, you may have an idea of what type of wheelchair is most suitable for you and your needs, so you will know where to start looking.
If you would like to view some wheelchairs that fall into the categories of any of the types mentioned above, please visit the Karma Mobility today. On our website, you will find a vast selection of wheelchairs, all of which are categorised to make your browsing experience much more straightforward. To see any of our wheelchairs in person, find your closest retailer by entering your location on our site. If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to contact us today, a member of our team will happily assist you further.
** This post was originally published on https://www.karmamobility.co.uk/the-most-popular-types-of-wheelchair-available/
