How to choose a manual wheelchair? Understand the price, size measurement methods and recommended styles of manual wheelchairs!
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How to choose a manual wheelchair? How much does a manual wheelchair cost? This article will introduce the 4 major principles for selecting a manual wheelchair, the 5 factors that affect the price of a manual wheelchair, and teach you how to measure the size of a wheelchair, as well as the operating skills and precautions of a manual wheelchair. At the end of the article, we will share where to buy high-quality manual wheelchairs!
1. How to choose a manual wheelchair? 4 Manual Wheelchair Selection Rules at a Glance
Both manual wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs are assistive tools that help people with limited mobility to move around. However, because manual wheelchairs are usually lighter, more portable, and relatively cheaper than electric wheelchairs, they are the first choice for many people. Below we list 4 selection points to help you buy the wheelchair that suits you best.
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 the user only uses the wheelchair occasionally and is more concerned about the price, then a steel wheelchair is a good choice. However, if the user frequently uses a wheelchair, it is recommended to choose an aluminum alloy wheelchair or a carbon fiber wheelchair. These wheelchairs 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 ultra-light 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 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 a detachable or adjustable pedal to avoid the pedal being at the wrong angle, too high or too low, causing discomfort.
2. Size of rear wheel tires of manual wheelchairs
The size of a wheelchair's rear tires will affect the wheelchair's flexibility, comfort, and driving stability. Generally speaking, the larger the tire size, the lower the mobility of the wheelchair, but the higher the comfort and driving stability.
- Large wheels: The wheels of a wheelchair are larger. If the road surface is uneven, they can better absorb road vibrations and make the ride more comfortable. In addition, large-wheeled wheelchairs have less rolling resistance, so they are less laborious to push.
- Small wheel: The overall weight is lighter and 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 wheelchair
As a medical assistive device, the safety performance of a manual wheelchair is very important. It is recommended that before purchasing, you confirm whether the wheelchair has relevant safety certifications, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) certification, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification, etc., to ensure that the wheelchair meets safety standards and reduce the risk of accidents.
4. Living environment of users
The user's living environment is also an important factor in choosing a wheelchair. If the user lives in an elevator building, he/she needs to choose an appropriate wheelchair according to 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 of its high flexibility and convenience in turning and maneuvering in narrow spaces.
Where can I buy a manual wheelchair? Click the link below to go to Tiantian Daibu to choose the style you need!
2. How much does a manual wheelchair cost ? 5 factors that affect the price of wheelchairs
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 more expensive it will be.
General
The price of a wheelchair ranges from HK$2,600 to HK$5,000. This type of wheelchair has basic functions such as a seat, armrests, and footrests, and is suitable for users who have limited mobility but still have a certain degree of self-care ability.
Other additional features
- Designed for obese people : price is around HK$3,880 to HK$7,200. The wheelchair has a larger seat, a greater load-carrying capacity, and an adjustable footrest to accommodate the heights of users of different sizes.
- Designed for people with severe mobility impairments : the price is around HK$9,800. They are more complex and are designed to provide comfortable and secure support for users with severely limited mobility. For example, wheelchair pillows are designed according to the curve of the head and neck, which can provide additional support and comfort and reduce neck pressure.
(Photo source: Tiantian Daibu official website)
(II) Surface coating treatment of manual wheelchair
The surface coatings of manual wheelchairs can be roughly divided into two types:
Paint coating
Spray paint coating has low cost, simple production process and rich color selection. But it is easily scratched, worn and peeled, and requires regular maintenance to maintain its appearance.
Anodized coating
The anodized coating has strong corrosion resistance, high durability and long service life, making it suitable for outdoor use. However, the cost is high, the process is complicated, and the requirements for production equipment are high.
3. Material of manual wheelchair support
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, superior 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 extremely high strength, light weight, excellent corrosion resistance and good biocompatibility.
4. Manual wheelchair brake system
The wheelchair's brake system will also affect the price. If the wheelchair has a linked brake, the cost is relatively low, but the wheel surface is easy to wear; if it has a holding brake, the cost is higher, but the wheel surface is not easy to wear.
Further reading: What is linked brake? What is a holding brake?
5. Origin and brand of manual wheelchairs
There are many brands of manual wheelchairs on the market, among which Japanese and Taiwanese brands are the most popular, such as Miki, Nissin, Merits, Karma, etc. These brands are not only of high quality, but also excel in design, function and safety, and have won the trust and positive feedback of many users.
However, compared with wheelchairs made in the mainland, the prices of these brands are also higher. The price of wheelchairs made in the mainland is about HK$3,000 or less, while the prices of wheelchairs made in Japan and Taiwan range from HK$10,000 to HK$3,000.
3. The size of a manual wheelchair is important! How to measure wheelchair size
In addition to the 4 major selection points and price mentioned above, in order to make the user more comfortable, the size of the wheelchair is also very important. 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
If you want to choose the right wheelchair width, you must first remember to measure the width of the user's sitting hips. Generally speaking, the seat width should be wider than the hip width, but not more than 5 cm . A seat that is too narrow will make the user feel oppressive 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 from the hips to the knees when the user is sitting (thigh length). Generally speaking, the seat depth of a wheelchair should be about 3 to 5 cm shorter than the length of the thigh . A seat depth that is too long will cause the user's legs to overextend, while a seat depth that is too short will cause the user's legs to overbend.
3. Wheelchair seat height
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.
- Height over 165 cm: It is recommended to choose a wheelchair height of 49.5 cm or above.
4. Wheelchair armrest height
Ask the user to sit in the wheelchair and place his hands naturally on the armrests. Then take out a tape measure to measure the distance from the lowest point of the user's hips to the bend of the elbow. Add 2.5 cm to the measurement result to get the appropriate height of the wheelchair armrests. If a wheelchair cushion is placed , 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, which ensures that the user's shoulder blades are not compressed and provides 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 effort 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 footrest should be at least 5 cm above the ground to ensure that the footrest will not touch the ground when pushing the wheelchair.
📢Reminder : The above mentioned measurement data is for reference only. To ensure your riding comfort, safety and overall health, it is recommended to measure the wheelchair size with the assistance of a professional to obtain an accurate and suitable size.
Where can I buy a manual wheelchair? Click the link below to go to Tiantian Daibu to choose the style you need!
4. How to use a manual wheelchair correctly ? Summary of operating precautions and techniques
1. Precautions for using a manual wheelchair
- Wear your seat belt: Before using your wheelchair, always wear your seat belt. The seat belt prevents 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, always lock the brakes to prevent it from rolling.
- Maintain correct sitting posture: Sitting posture is crucial to the user's comfort and health. Keep your back straight, feet flat on the footrests, and knees slightly bent.
- Pay attention to your surroundings: When driving, please 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 backpack: The wheelchair backpack can store light items, such as clothes, water, etc., but please do not put heavy objects in it to avoid the wheelchair 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 force evenly 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 the passengers.
Going up and down a ramp (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 seat or back cushions.
- 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 open the wheelchair.
- Then lay the footrest flat.
5. Deeply loved by consumers! Manual wheelchairs are recommended for purchase at Tiantiandaimo
The above is the information about manual wheelchairs. If you want to choose a wheelchair that is easy to use, comfortable and well-received by consumers, we recommend that you go to Tiantian Daibu to buy it!
※Advantages and features of Tiantian Daimo
◆ Professional assessment, personalized solutions
Tiantiandaibu is different from other rehabilitation product stores. We adhere to the core concept of "focus leads to professionalism" and will first gain a deep understanding of your actual situation before providing you and your family with the best 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, among which the Japanese brand Miki has been awarded the ISO13485 medical device quality management system standard certification, allowing you to purchase and use with confidence.
※Customer reviews
If you just read the text, it is difficult to understand the power and thoughtful service of Tiantian Daibu. Below are the real experience sharing of customers:
Recently, my husband needed to use a wheelchair due to a stroke, so we went to the Tiantiandaibu store to choose a wheelchair. The store offers about 20 manual wheelchairs for us to choose from, which is a very rich selection.
The store staff was very polite and enthusiastic. They first carefully understood my husband's situation and then recommended a suitable wheelchair model based on his needs. Since my husband needs to move from wheelchair to bed frequently, they specifically recommended a wheelchair with thin wheels, removable footrests, and removable armrests. The suggestions were very thoughtful and we would have never noticed these important details without their professional advice.
I wanted to choose a better quality wheelchair for my husband, and 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 products are in stock at Tiantian Daibu stores and can be taken away on the spot, which is very convenient. The location of the store is also very convenient, close to the subway station.
What reassures us most is that Tiantian Daibu has a maintenance area that is directly responsible for future repairs and maintenance, so we don’t have to worry about having to take the wheelchair to other places for maintenance. We also feel more at ease knowing that the car was repaired by the original manufacturer.
Where can I buy a manual wheelchair? Click the link below to go to Tiantian Daibu to choose the style you need!