Manual Wheelchair Selection Guide: 4 Key Selection Points & Wheelchair Sizing Recommendations - All in One!
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How do you choose the right manual wheelchair? This article will share four key principles for selecting a manual wheelchair and factors that influence price. It will also explain in detail how to measure the seat, armrests, backrest, and other dimensions. Finally, it will recommend excellent rehabilitation supply stores to help you find the right wheelchair!
1. How to choose a manual wheelchair? 4 major manual wheelchair selection rules at a glance
Both manual and electric wheelchairs offer mobility assistance for those with limited mobility. However, manual wheelchairs are often preferred because they are generally lighter, more portable, and relatively affordable than electric wheelchairs. Below, we've outlined four key considerations to help you choose the wheelchair that's best for you.
(1) Use of manual wheelchairs
The user's living habits and physical condition will affect their needs for a manual wheelchair.
General daily life
If you only use a wheelchair occasionally and are looking for a more affordable option, a steel wheelchair is a good choice. However, if you use a wheelchair frequently, it is recommended to choose an aluminum alloy wheelchair or a carbon fiber wheelchair, as these are lighter, easier to carry and transport, and more comfortable to ride.
Need to go out frequently
If the user needs to go out frequently, it is recommended to choose an ultralight wheelchair. Ultralight wheelchairs are made of lightweight materials and usually weigh less than 10 kilograms.
Compared with traditional steel wheelchairs, ultra-light wheelchairs are lighter and more convenient for users to take on airplanes , trains, etc., or carry them by themselves when going out.
In addition to daily use and outdoor use, if there are special needs, such as users with problems with the cervical spine or back spine, you can choose a high-back wheelchair with more complete back support to help relieve pain and discomfort; for users with fractures, it is recommended to choose an orthopedic pedal wheelchair with detachable or adjustable pedals to avoid the wrong pedal angle, too high or too low, causing discomfort.
(2) Manual wheelchair rear tire size
The size of the wheelchair's rear tires affects the wheelchair's flexibility, comfort, and driving stability. Generally speaking, the larger the tire size, the lower the wheelchair's flexibility, but the higher the comfort and driving stability.
- Large wheels: Wheelchairs with larger wheels can better absorb road vibrations when encountering uneven roads, making the ride more comfortable. In addition, wheelchairs with larger wheels have less rolling resistance, so they are easier to push.
- Small wheel: The overall weight is lighter, and it is easier to carry than a large wheelchair. If you need to go out, it is also convenient to store it in the trunk.
(3) Safety certificate for manual wheelchairs
As a medical assistive device, the safety performance of a manual wheelchair is extremely important. Before purchasing, it is recommended to confirm whether the wheelchair has relevant safety certifications, such as those from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), to ensure that the wheelchair meets safety standards and reduce the risk of accidents.
(4) User’s living environment
The user's living environment is also an important factor in choosing a wheelchair. If the user lives in an elevator building, they need to choose a wheelchair that is suitable for the size of the elevator door. If the user lives in a smaller space, the wheelchair should be as small as possible. It is recommended to buy a small-wheeled wheelchair because it is more flexible and easier to turn and maneuver in narrow spaces.
Where can I buy a manual wheelchair? Click the link below to find the model you need at Tiantiandaibu!
2. How much does a manual wheelchair cost ? Five factors that affect wheelchair prices
The price of a manual wheelchair is affected by many factors, including function, origin, wheelchair surface coating, bracket material, etc.
(1) Manual wheelchair functions
The more features a manual wheelchair has, the higher its price.
General type
Wheelchair prices range from around HK$2,600 to HK$5,000. These wheelchairs have basic features like a seat, armrests, and footrests, making them suitable for users with limited mobility who still have some degree of independence.
Other additional features
- Designed for obese individuals : Prices range from approximately HK$3,880 to HK$7,200. These wheelchairs feature a larger seat, a higher load capacity, and height-adjustable footrests to accommodate users of varying heights.
- Designed for those with severe mobility impairments : priced around HK$9,800. These more complex features are designed to provide comfortable and secure support for users with severely limited mobility. For example, the wheelchair pillow is designed to follow the curve of the head and neck, providing additional support and comfort while reducing neck pressure.
(Photo source/Tiantian Daibu official website)
(2) Surface coating treatment of manual wheelchairs
The surface coatings of manual wheelchairs can be roughly divided into two types:
spray paint coating
Spray paint coatings are low-cost, simple to produce, and offer a wide range of colors. However, they are easily scratched, worn, and peeled, requiring frequent maintenance to maintain their appearance.
Anodic oxidation coating
Anodized coatings offer strong corrosion resistance, high durability, and a long service life, making them suitable for outdoor use. However, they are expensive, complex, and require high-quality production equipment.
(3) Manual wheelchair bracket material
The material of the wheelchair frame will affect the price and performance. Below we briefly introduce 3 common materials.
6061 aluminum alloy
6061 aluminum alloy has the characteristics of moderate strength, good corrosion resistance, excellent processing performance and reasonable price. It is mainly used in mid- and low-end wheelchairs and is suitable for general daily use.
7003 aluminum alloy
7003 aluminum alloy has higher strength and hardness, is lighter in weight and has good corrosion resistance. It is often used in mid-to-high-end wheelchairs, especially those that require higher strength and lightweight design.
Aluminum-titanium alloy
It is mainly used in the high-end wheelchair market and is suitable for users who have extremely high requirements for performance and comfort. It has the characteristics of high strength, light weight, excellent corrosion resistance and good biocompatibility.
(4) Manual wheelchair brake system
The wheelchair's braking system also affects the price. If the wheelchair has a linked brake, the cost is relatively low, but the wheel covers are easily worn. If the wheelchair has a holding brake, the cost is higher, but the wheel covers are not easily worn.
Further reading: What is a linked brake? What is a holding brake?
(V) Origin and brand of manual wheelchairs
There are many brands of manual wheelchairs on the market, with Japanese and Taiwanese brands being the most popular, such as Miki, Nissin, Merits, Karma, etc. These brands are not only of high quality, but also excel in design, functionality, and safety, earning the trust and positive feedback of many users.
However, these brands are more expensive than wheelchairs made in mainland China, which cost less than HK$3,000, while Japanese and Taiwanese brands range in price from HK$10,000 to HK$3,000.
3. Manual wheelchair size is important! Wheelchair size measurement method revealed
In addition to the four major selection points and price mentioned above, the size of the wheelchair is also very important to make it more comfortable for users. It is recommended that you pick up a tape measure first. Below we will explain how to measure the size of the wheelchair.
(1) Wheelchair seat width
To choose the right wheelchair width, always remember to measure the width of the user's hips. Generally, the seat width should be slightly wider than the hips, but no more than 5 cm . A seat that is too narrow will cause the user to feel constricted and uncomfortable, while a seat that is too wide will affect the user's ability to maintain correct posture and operate the wheelchair.
(2) Wheelchair seat depth
Use a tape measure to measure the distance from the user's hips to the knee pits when seated (thigh length). Generally speaking, a wheelchair's seat depth should be approximately 3 to 5 cm shorter than the user's thigh length . A seat depth that's too long will cause the user's legs to overextend, while a seat depth that's too short will cause the user's legs to overbend.
(3) Wheelchair seat height
The wheelchair seat height refers to the distance from the ground to the wheelchair cushion . Usually, the appropriate wheelchair height can be selected according to the user's height:
- Height under 165 cm: It is recommended to choose a wheelchair height of 42 to 44.5 cm.
- For those over 165cm tall: We recommend a wheelchair with a height of 49.5cm or above.
(4) Wheelchair armrest height
Have the user sit in the wheelchair and place their hands naturally on the armrests. Then, take out a tape measure and measure the distance from the lowest point of the user's hips to the bend of the elbow. Add 2.5 cm to this measurement to determine the appropriate wheelchair armrest height. If using a wheelchair cushion , remember to deduct the thickness of the cushion! Generally speaking, a wheelchair armrest height of 23 cm is suitable for most users .
(5) Wheelchair backrest height
The height of the wheelchair backrest should be set about 10 cm below the user's armpits. This ensures that the user's shoulder blades are not compressed while providing optimal support for the waist and back.
If the backrest height is too high, the user will unconsciously lean forward after sitting in the wheelchair, which will cause hunchback and neck discomfort; if the backrest height is too low, it will not provide sufficient support, and the user's back muscles need to exert extra force to maintain a sitting posture, which can easily lead to fatigue and soreness in the long run.
(6) Wheelchair footrest height
The height of the wheelchair footrests should be at least 5 cm above the ground to ensure that the footrests do not touch the ground when pushing the wheelchair.
📢Reminder : The above measurements are for reference only. To ensure your comfort, safety, and overall health, it is recommended that you obtain a professional to measure your wheelchair for an accurate and appropriate fit.
Where can I buy a manual wheelchair? Click the link below to find the model you need at Tiantiandaibu!
4. How to use a manual wheelchair correctly ? Summary of operating precautions and techniques
(1) Precautions for using a manual wheelchair
- Wear a seat belt: Before using a wheelchair, be sure to wear a seat belt. The seat belt can prevent the user from falling or sliding out of the wheelchair in the event of an accident.
- Lock the wheels when parking your wheelchair: Wheelchairs are equipped with brakes, usually on both sides of the rear tires. When parking your wheelchair, be sure to lock the brakes to prevent the wheelchair from rolling.
- Maintain a correct sitting posture: Your sitting posture is crucial to your comfort and health. Keep your back straight, feet flat on the footrests, and knees slightly bent.
- Pay attention to your surroundings: When driving, pay attention to your surroundings to avoid colliding with obstacles or other pedestrians.
- Do not modify the wheelchair without authorization: Modifying the wheelchair without authorization may affect its safety and performance.
- Do not put heavy objects in the wheelchair bag: Wheelchair bags can store light items, such as clothes, water, etc., but do not put heavy objects in them to prevent the wheelchair from losing its center of gravity and tipping over.
(2) Tips for using a manual wheelchair
Ways forward (caregiver-driven)
- Hold the wheelchair handles.
- Keep your back straight and try to push the wheelchair with your lower limbs.
- Apply equal force with both hands to propel the wheelchair forward. If the force is uneven, the wheelchair will turn to the side with weaker force.
- Be careful not to stop suddenly to avoid startling passengers.
Going up and down a slope (with caregiver pushing)
Uphill:
- Hold the wheelchair handles.
- Bend your knees slightly and lower your center of gravity.
- Push the wheelchair upwards with force.
downhill:
- Have the user face away from the slope.
- Hold the wheelchair handles.
- Slowly back down the slope.
- Be careful to control the speed of the wheelchair going downhill and avoid going too fast.
If the slope is too steep or wide, it is recommended to move forward in a zigzag pattern.
Folding wheelchair
- Remove the seat or back cushion.
- Flip up the footrest.
- Simply pull the seat cushion upwards.
Open wheelchair
- With your palms facing outward, push the sides of the handles apart.
- Straighten your elbows and press down to unfold the wheelchair.
- Then lay the footrest flat.
5. Popular with consumers! We recommend buying manual wheelchairs at Tiantiandaibu.com
The above is the information introduction of manual wheelchairs. If you want to choose a wheelchair that is easy to use, comfortable and well-received by consumers, we recommend you to go to Tiantian Daibu to buy it!
※Advantages and features of Tiantian Daiche
◆ Professional assessment, personalized solutions
Unlike other rehabilitation product stores, Tiantiandaimo adheres to the core concept of "focus on professionalism" and will first gain a deep understanding of your actual situation before providing you and your family with the highest quality mobility aids and services.
◆ Rich products to meet diverse needs
In addition to manual wheelchairs, Tiantian Daibu also provides electric wheelchairs, electric nursing beds , crutches and other mobility aids to meet the needs of different consumers.
◆ High-quality wheelchairs, allowing you to use them with peace of mind
Tiantiandaibu carefully selects high-quality wheelchairs, including the Japanese brand Miki, which has been awarded the ISO13485 medical device quality management system standard certification, allowing you to purchase and use with confidence.
※Customer praise sharing
It’s hard to understand the power and attentive service of Tiantian Daichu just by reading the text. Below are some real customer testimonials:
My husband recently suffered a stroke and needs a wheelchair, so we went to Tiantiandaimiao to look for one. They had about 20 manual wheelchairs to choose from, which was a very rich selection.
The salesperson was very polite and welcoming. They first carefully understood my husband's situation and recommended a suitable wheelchair model based on his needs. Because he frequently transfers from a wheelchair to a bed, they specifically recommended a wheelchair with thin wheels, a removable footrest, and removable armrests. These suggestions were very thoughtful; without their professional advice, we would have never noticed these important details.
I wanted to choose a high-quality wheelchair for my husband. The store staff patiently explained the differences between different brands, especially emphasizing the advantages of Japanese brands, which made us trust their professional advice even more.
In addition, the Tiantian Daibu store has the product in stock and can be taken away on the spot, which is very convenient. The store is also conveniently located near the subway station.
What reassures us most is that Tiantian Daibu has a dedicated repair area that directly handles future repairs and maintenance, so we don't have to worry about taking the wheelchair elsewhere for maintenance. Knowing that the repairs are done by the original manufacturer also gives us added peace of mind.
Where can I buy a manual wheelchair? Click the link below to find the model you need at Tiantiandaibu!