A folding wheelchair offers great convenience along with its main purpose of providing the user with mobility and more independence. The folding wheelchair is far more flexible than its rigid counterparts and also provides the additional advantage of being able to move safely over uneven surfaces, a benefit that is unheard of with traditionally framed wheelchairs.
Types of Folding Wheelchairs:
A folding wheelchair will generally be one of two types of designs, either a heavy-duty model or the more expensive lightweight version. Both of these folding wheelchair designs have the ability to be collapsed for easy transport and range in price, on average, from one to four thousand dollars.
Wide Range Of Features:
Folding wheelchairs are available with a wide range of features to choose from. Some folding wheelchairs have an X-shaped frame that allows for collapsing the chair sideways when not needed and conveniently storing it in a closet or trunk of a car. One of the most noticeable features of these moving chairs is their specially designed cylinders made from lightweight metals to provide strength along with flexibility.
Adjustable Height and Parts:
Adjustable back height and position, detachable foot, leg, and armrests, toggle brakes, removable footplates, along with adjustable seat-to-floor height are just some of the other main components of the typical folding wheelchair.
Weight Considerations:
The weight limit of thewheelchair is another rather important factor to take into consideration as models may vary in this area greatly. Some wheelchair manufacturers are very specific on the weight limit a folding wheelchair is able to support.
Advantages Of The Folding Wheelchair:
Some of the primary advantages many cite include the following:
- Quickly folds down for easy transport without the need for disassembling the chair
- Has more adjustable features like swing-out leg rests
- Provides flexibility while traveling over rough or uneven terrain
- More comfortable for the user
- Easier to push manually
- Some models can actually be lighter than standard-framed wheelchairs
- Able to be stored in small spaces, such as hall closets and under beds
Some Disadvantages Of The Folding Wheelchair:
Although the benefits generally far outweigh the disadvantages, there are still a few cons to consider when it comes to the folding wheelchair, such as the weight. Some of these wheelchairs are quite a bit heavier than the rigid, manual type of folding wheelchair because of the folding and locking mechanisms needed as well as the special reinforcements that are necessary for both safety and mobility.
The removable and adjustable parts associated with folding wheelchairs are more likely to break easily or become lost. The seat of a folding wheelchair is not as adjustable as a more rigid wheelchair. It should also be kept in mind that a flexible wheelchair is not as durable as a rigid wheelchair model. They tend not to have the ability to roll over tougher terrain like rigid wheelchairs or deal well with the associated wear and tear of using a wheelchair for mobility purposes.
Some Folding Wheelchairs May Be Unstable:
Despite their versatility in terms of the terrain, some folding wheelchairs can be unstable on hard, even surfaces, making it important to take extra care when using these types of chairs in certain areas. Also, because of the various moving parts, a folding wheelchair may need repaired more often than a rigid, manual wheelchair would.
The American Medical Association has stated that the X-frame common to folding wheelchairs tend to cause some issues regarding stability. The X-frame was designed to allow the wheelchair to fold from side to side. This causes a number of issues with the rigidity of the wheelchair when it is opened. As such, some wheelchair manufacturers no longer make the folding wheelchair with an X-frame, but many do because it is sturdy, simple and seen as functional.
Who Should Not Buy A Folding Wheelchair:
For those individuals with little or no upper body strength or abilities, a folding wheelchair would not be the most suitable choice because of the force and strength required to propel the wheelchair forward and maneuver it about. Activities, such as participating in sports will also require a wheelchair with a rigid, non-collapsible frame or better yet, one specifically intended for playing sports and being active.
Make Sure The Wheelchair You Buy Fits Your Specific Needs:
Before buying any of these particular types of folding wheelchairs, be absolutely sure that the folding wheelchair model you choose will suit your specific needs, both now and in the long term and will be worth the money spent.
Do research on the different wheelchair manufacturers that produce folding wheelchairs. Read over customer reviews and ask professionals in the medical industry what brand of folding wheelchair they would recommend to purchase. Just because a folding wheelchair looks nice does not mean that it will fit your needs or last for a long time. Because of the price tag associated with a folding wheelchair, it is an important investment and you should take the time to consider options before purchasing one.
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