Wheelchair Buying Guide – What to Look for in a Wheelchair

Wheelchair buying can be overwhelming when you don’t know what to look for. You need to ask yourself multiple questions, such as how often and on which surfaces you will use the wheelchair, whether you will have to transport it often, etc. You also need to determine your fitness and mobility level and buy a product that suits your needs and checks all the boxes.

This wheelchair buying guide will help you determine what to look for when buying a wheelchair and guide you toward the ideal wheelchair for your mobility needs!

Determine the Right Size

The first step in wheelchair buying is to determine the size of the wheelchair you will need. The ideal size will keep your posture correct while making it easy for you to propel the wheelchair. To assess the size, check the width and depth of the seat to ensure you will easily fit into the wheelchair.

Armrest Height & Type

The armrest height and type can affect your comfort level when using a wheelchair. You must consider the armrest height and compare it with your ideal armrest height by folding your elbow at 90 degrees while sitting straight and measuring the distance from your elbow to the seat.

Then, you can choose between full-length and desk-length armrests. The former covers the full length of the seat and is ideal for people who need support to push themselves up. The shorter ones are ideal for individuals who perform a desk job. You can also look into height-adjustable armrests.

Weight Considerations

Wheelchairs are manufactured to accommodate specific weight limits, so you must choose one that suits your weight. You must also choose a wheelchair that weighs less and is foldable if you need to travel frequently. This way, the wheelchair can be easily folded and placed in your vehicle whenever you have to step out.

Wheels and Rims

When it comes to wheels, you can choose various options for your wheelchair depending on the surface you need to use the wheelchair on and how often you need to use it. Ideally, you must choose durable and low-maintenance wheels and rims that are easy to grip for convenient self-propelling.

Apart from the aforementioned factors, you should consider the height of the backrest and footrest and choose a wheelchair that can support your back and help elevate your feet when needed.

Now, let’s look at the Featherweight wheelchair that is ideal for easy mobility!

Featherweight Wheelchair in Matte Black

This sleek black Featherweight wheelchair weighs merely 13.5 lbs without its wheels and 19 lbs with the rear wheels. It makes the wheelchair easy to fold and put in the trunk of a car. This wheelchair has a custom seat cushion and an uber-comfortable back with stylish orange piping. You can also invest in its heavy-duty, extra-wide version that provides a weight capacity of 350 lbs and a 22-inch seat width. The wheelchair comes with removable, durable wheels and adjustable armrests.

You can explore other Featherweight wheelchairs as well and use this wheelchair buying guide when to find a wheelchair that suits your mobility needs.