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Lightweight Wheelchair Review - Benefits, Features and Types

Info_lover | May 21, 2010 |

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While there are many different types of wheelchairs available these days, the lightweight wheelchair remains the most popular option. A lightweight wheelchair is easier to maneuver and use as compared to a standard mobility chair. It is also a lot easier to transport and store this type of mobility chair. Lightweight wheelchairs typically weigh 15 to 30 pounds, and they are sometimes described as transport chairs. They feature four small wheels with two large wheels in the rear and two small ones in the front.

Lightweight Chair Types

Lightweight wheelchairs generally have rigid frames than folding ones. Folding wheelchairs have their own set of advantages. For a start, they are good choices for people who don't use a wheelchair all the time, as they can be rather easy to store in the trunk of a car. That said, rigid frame wheelchairs often break down for storage in the trunk. For example, the rear wheels can be dismantled. It is simply not as convenient as just folding the chair up. However, there can be many benefits to using rigid frame chairs. These wheelchairs can be customized to meet the specific needs of the user. For instance, they offer customized seatbacks and foot pedals. Also, its light-weight nature can be of benefit in many ways. There are some folding chairs that are considered to be lightweight folding wheelchairs. A lightweight folding wheelchair tends to weight around 30 pounds which isn't much of a difference from a typical folding chair. But it does offer the benefits of a folding chair and some of the benefits of a lightweight chair.

Features

Certain lightweight mobility chairs come with adjustable frames that allow you to change the angle of the seat back to achieve many different seating positions. Lightweight transport wheelchairs with desk-length armrests allow users to sit closer to a table or a desk, while those with full-length armrests can provide complete support of the arms. Most models of lightweight wheelchairs tend to come with removable swing-away footrests which provide leg support for the user while he/she is seated. Do note that swing-away footrests usually cannot be raised or lowered. To support and elevate each leg to the desired position, you will need to find a wheelchair with optional leg rests that feature calf pads.

Benefits of a Lightweight Wheelchair

There are many benefits to having a lightweight transport wheelchair. Simply being of a lighter weight is a benefit in itself. It's also easier to push a lightweight wheelchair around and to lift it up and down the stairs. Lightweight chairs are usually smaller and much more compact than folding chairs, thus making it easier to maneuver them in tight spaces. They are also a lot more responsive than folding chairs. A lightweight wheelchair is typically a good choice for those who have an active lifestyle. As a matter of fact, there are lightweight wheelchairs that are specially designed for sports.

Cost of a Lightweight Wheelchair

As compared to a standard folding chair, a lightweight manual wheelchair can be much more expensive. A lightweight chair, such as those weighing only around 20 pounds, is generally more expensive than a one that weighs a bit more. Rigid frame chairs may cost more than folding lightweight chairs, particularly if they come with certain modifications. A lightweight electric wheelchair may also cost more than a regular wheelchair.

In an ideal world, cost would not be a factor in selecting a wheelchair. However, the reality of the world is that cost can be a huge factor for many people. Having said that, if you have Medicare or health insurance, they may help to cover part of if not all the cost associated with buying a wheelchair. If you have to buy the wheelchair, make sure you don't just buy the least expensive one. Rather, you should choose the wheelchair that will best suit your needs. After all, most wheelchair users will be using the wheelchair for a long time to come and this an investment which can make your life a lot easier and more enjoyable.

Recommended Products

You can find a wide selection of lightweight and ultra lightweight wheelchairs at 1800-Wheelchair.com. This online retailer is the largest online seller of wheelchairs, and you will find that most of their products are reasonably priced and of excellent quality.