Wheelchairs are mobility devices that are generally used by the physically handicapped or people who find difficulty in walking due to certain injuries or illnesses. Wheelchairs have come a long way since they were first invented, with advances in various aspects of their design. The wide range of wheelchairs can be a little confusing, especially when trying to decide which one suits you and your needs the best.

First of all concentrating on the size of the wheels of a wheelchair, you should be aware that wheelchairs with large wheels are meant for those users who prefer handling the wheelchair on their own. Users who need the help of an attendant tend to go for small wheeled wheelchairs.

In case you are an occasional wheelchair user, but still need your wheelchair to accompany you wherever you go, foldable wheelchairs are available and will probably suit you best. These wheelchairs are easy to dismantle and assemble, making it very convenient to carry around when not needed.

Wheelchairs are also available with motorised control that can also be handled by alternate parts of your body besides your hands. These wheelchairs are perfect for those people who do not have the use of their hands too, but still would like to handle their wheelchair by themselves.

Wheelchairs are not very expensive and are a great device to help you get your independence back. Your lifestyle will help you in determining the type of wheelchair that will suit you best. Therefore make sure that you consider all important factors of your life before you purchase a wheelchair.

If you want to move in a wheelchair without any aching arms or assistance of an attendant, then an upgrade to a power chair would be ideal. Power chairs are basically a wheelchair that has a battery operated motor. A joystick controller is present on the arm that helps in manoeuvring the chair. It can be controlled either by hand, mouth or even by a sip tube operated by the mouth. If needed, it can be adjusted to be controlled by any workable body part.

Power chairs are adaptable and can be customised to your individual requirements. These wheelchairs have a well cushioned seat and backrest. Arm rests and leg rests can be adjusted and are available in different colour options. Options such as a storage basket are also available in some power chairs.

Power chairs batteries are easy to change and come with a warranty. The newer versions are lightweight and easily folded for transport. Depending on your needs, a power chair can have various features that are helpful in mobility. While outdoors, they help in overcoming obstacles such as getting over a curb. You are always in full control of a power chair due to their tight wheel turning radius.

Along with individuals having mobility problems, these chairs are used by the elderly. Since the time spent by most power chair users is more than any other mobility device, they have a specialised seat and tend to be very comfortable. These chairs provide stability and give you independent manoeuvrability.

There was a time when the elderly and disabled people could not move out of their homes on their own as they needed someone to assist their every move. Themselves or their family and friends were unsure of their abilities and stopped them from doing things. Whatever might be the case, it confined them to their homes at times they would rather be out.

However, those days are long gone. With the available technology, there have been various things devised to make moving around, at any time of the day easy for these people. Through the use of power chairs, disabled and elderly people can get the independence that they have always desired. Power chairs are a sleeker looking version of electric wheelchairs and have motors and batteries that power them.

Power chairs are a bit taller, however, like usual electric wheelchairs they are manoeuvred by a joystick which is in the armrest. The seat of a power chair is very different from that of a usual wheelchair though. The back rest of these seats are a little higher and allow for a more comfortable sitting position.

The armrests on these chairs can be folded to make getting on and off it easy. There are also foldable models available which make storing power chairs better when not in use.

Wheelchairs are mobility devices used by people for whom walking has become difficult or impossible due to illness, injury or a disability. These devices can be propelled either manually or via various automated systems.

Since the development of wheelchairs, many changes have been made to modify these devices by updating some of their basic features. Wheelchairs in the past were heavy and bulky, but presently they have become more convenient and easy to use. Manual wheelchairs can either be operated by the user or by an attendant. A self-propelled wheelchair gives you the independence to decide the speed and direction and hence is a better option. But if users are too weak to operate it on their own, an attendant-propelled wheelchair is preferred.

Unlike conventional wheelchairs, modern ones come with soft cushions, are comfortable and very easy to operate. The wheels are bigger and lighter, providing efficient mobility.

They relieve you from depending on others and in time restore confidence with your new found mobility. Though they cannot replace the freedom of your own legs, they are a good substitute and a long lasting device that will keep you independent and on the move for as long as you wish.

A wheelchair is a wheeled device that is used to get around by people who have a walking or sitting disability or difficulty. It consists of a seat, backrest, foot rest, two small front wheels and two large wheels on either side.

Wheelchairs can be customised and accessorised according to the one’s own individual needs. The common types are the self propelled wheelchair and attendant controlled wheelchair. In the self propelled wheelchair, the occupant propels himself ahead by pushing the large rear wheels. An attendant is needed to push the attendant controlled wheelchair by the handles and the rear wheels are smaller.

Based on the occupants need, wheelchairs can be highly customised. They can have a detachable armrest, footrest that swing away, an adjustable seat or back rest. With the help of the latest technology, wheelchairs have become lighter in weight.

Although the process of buying a wheelchair may seem relatively simple, there are some important points to consider. The weight capacity of the wheelchair, turning radius and the upper body strength required to push should all be taken into consideration before buying a wheelchair.

Wheelchairs can be a good thing for the physically challenged but the selection of the best suitable option is important. If any help is needed in the selection, it is best to take the advice of a certified medical or health consultant.

Often, it becomes difficult for the disabled to perform activities like able bodied people. With the use of mobility aids, disabled people can move around with ease. There are several disability products currently available. All disability aid products are manufactured keeping the comfort of users in mind.

There are many different mobility aids available. All products manufactured are medically approved. Mobility aids products make the life of disabled people easier. Using mobility aid products, disabled people can reclaim their independence again.

There is a variety of disability aids products presently available. These products include wheelchairs, walking canes, stair lifts etc. Wheelchairs are very light weight, have a chip-proof finish, maintenance free and are very simple to use. Wheelchairs are mostly made of chrome steel and aluminium to provide greater stability and durability. Wheel chairs are basically of two types; one with a folding frame and other with a rigid frame.

These wheelchairs have ergonomic designs. They are ultra compact, lightweight and also provide great comfort to its users. Wheel chairs are designed for users of all ages. Light weight wheelchairs are made of aluminium, chrome, titanium and other lightweight materials. One of the most important things to consider before purchasing a wheelchair is its cushion. Having a good cushion can ensure a much higher level of comfort.

Standard power chairs are available in various designs and you can get rear or centre as well as front wheel drive. Different standard power chair models have different features. For instance, some models include suspension that is handy for comfortable and easy outdoor use, whereas others are designed specially for indoor usage.

Accordingly, their features are designed to offer a comfortable ride.

Following are some more aspects to be kept in mind while buying a standard power chair:

•    Some chair models provide a short turning radius.
•    Low-end models usually do not fold. In other words, they do not come apart easily for transportation. Usually they are carried from one place to another using various manual or electric lifts and ramps.
•    However, you can go for a compact, lightweight design and make that breaks down into four parts for transportation.
•    Check manoeuvrability so that the chair lets a user access even the smallest of spaces.
•    Check battery travel range.
•    Check the main body weight.

Broadly speaking, standard power chairs will offer a wide array of options for suspension, seating, driving and accessories. Standard power chairs are a highly useful device to aid mobility.

Lightweight powered wheelchairs have many luxury and utility features. There are economy models which incorporate features normally found only on the most expensive wheelchairs. If you do your research well, you can get wheelchairs that are surprisingly affordable yet highly functional.

Make sure that the power wheelchair is easy to handle. It needs to be extremely responsive. Ideally, the wheelchair should have a very small turning circle. It should be comfortable such that a user should find it a pleasure to sit in. Of course, one should also know how to use a wheelchair to their maximum benefit. Following are some tips for the safe usage of a power wheelchair.

•    First a user should make sure that he or she is absolutely comfortable.
•    One should feel relaxed in the power wheelchair before operating it.
•    When turning a corner, one should take extra care to leave sufficient space. This will make sure that a user is safe and that the rear wheels do not come across any dangerous hurdle or obstacle.
•    Make sure that enough clearance is allowed when turning sharp corners.
•    Take your time in learning how to use the wheelchair.

Wheelchair tap dancing is a rather new endeavour. Traditional wheelchair dancing involves the smooth movement of the chair across the dance floor, whereas wheelchair tap dancing largely focuses more on the movements of the limbs even while in a seated position. It is an exciting form of dance, which can prove to be a great physical activity for those in wheelchairs.

Here is how to get started with wheelchair tap dancing:

•    Consider locking the wheels. You may feel great as the wheelchair moves and you try to tap at the same time, but it can get frustrating to have your chair rolling unintentionally.
•    You might watch a videotape or attend a class to know more about the various tapping techniques or patterns. Depending on your physical ability, you will need to gradually adapt them.
•    Since wheelchair tap dancing does not really require the shifting of balance and weight, you might pick up new patterns and techniques quicker than regular tap dancers.
•    Do not forget to make that ‘tap face’, smile and have a great time.

When selecting a power chair you should consider where you are primarily going to use it: indoor, outdoor or both?

Also, ask yourself the following two key questions so that the power chair you buy will exactly meet your mobility needs:

1.    How often will the chair be transported in a vehicle or used outdoors – will it be for short or long distance trips?
2.    What specific seating and other accessories are needed?

If the power chair is foldable, it becomes convenient to carry. Also, detachable batteries are easy to store. Lifts or ramps compatibility is another important factor. You should check parameters like its weight carrying capacity and various optional extras, such as attendant controls, elevating leg rests and kerb climbers.

Ensure that the power chair model you get is easy to operate. It should have a small turning circle and should be smooth to use. In other words, it should be responsive. On a full battery charge, these can easily move up to 20 miles, with a top speed of 4mph.

Nowadays, the chairs are not only functional but also attractive thanks to their fine finish.