What Is a Lightweight Portable Wheelchair?
When you're visiting a new destination, you might face some accessibility challenges due to the unfamiliar environment. Whether you plan to visit an amusement park, a museum, or even take a day trip, having a portable wheelchair means you won't have to worry about the potential consequences of not having the support you need.
Why Choose a Lightweight Portable Wheelchair?
A few reasons to choose a portable wheelchair include:
- Medical Needs: Some people may not use wheelchairs all the time but require a mobility aid for longer distances. These individuals may choose a portable wheelchair, so they don’t have to worry about the availability of wheelchairs at different destinations.
- Lightweight and Compact Design: Portable wheelchairs are typically lightweight and foldable, making them easier to transport and store.
- Air Travel: If you want to avoid damage to a custom mobility aid, which can be common in air travel, you may opt for a portable wheelchair.
Features of Portable Wheelchairs
Unlike custom wheelchairs, portable wheelchairs are universally designed to fit the needs of most people. Because of this, you'll generally find the same features across most portable wheelchairs. Common features of portable wheelchairs include:
- Foldable Design: Portable wheelchairs are typically foldable, making them easy to fit in a rental car and convenient for storage in common travel locations, like hotels.
- Lightweight Design: Portable wheelchairs are generally lightweight, typically around 30 pounds.
- Footrests: Portable wheelchairs have footrests, which are often removable for easy storage. Some footrests are adjustable, depending on which wheelchair you use.
- Brakes: For safety, all wheelchairs should have brakes, so you can get in and out of the wheelchair with ease. The location of the brakes can change depending on the type of wheelchair.
- Self-Propulsion Capabilities: Some portable wheelchairs, known as transport wheelchairs, have small wheels, requiring a person to assist with pushing. Other wheelchairs, like standard manual wheelchairs, can be self-propelled.
It’s important to note some wheelchairs have adjustable parts while others do not. If you require adjustable leg rests, arm rests, or an adjustable back rest, be sure to consider wheelchairs that can accommodate your needs.
Tips for Selecting the Right Lightweight Portable Wheelchair
Choosing the right wheelchair is essential to ensuring individual mobility needs are met. There are a few things you’ll want to consider when choosing a portable wheelchair including:
Consider Weight Capacity and Size
Choose a wheelchair that is compatible with the user’s weight. Choosing a wheelchair with improper weight capacity can affect overall safety for the user and the usability of the wheelchair.
Evaluate Mobility Requirements
If someone cannot propel their own wheelchair, consider a transport wheelchair. These have smaller wheels and brakes near the push handles, so propulsion and braking are controlled by the person assisting the wheelchair user. For those who can propel their own wheelchair, a standard manual wheelchair may be sufficient. Additionally, consider the wheelchair's adjustability and comfort, as well as alternative mobility aids. If a powered device is needed, a mobility scooter may be best, or a walker with a seat, often referred to as a rollator.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portable Wheelchairs
A few common questions and answers to help you determine what you should look for when purchasing a portable wheelchair include:
1. What's the difference between a transport chair and a wheelchair?
Standard manual wheelchairs have large rear wheels, allowing users to propel themselves. Transport wheelchairs have small wheels and require someone else to push the wheelchair user. The only way a transport wheelchair could be self-propelled is if the user removed or folded the leg rests and moved the chair using their feet, but this is less common.
2. Will Medicare pay for a lightweight wheelchair?
Medicare Part B typically covers both transport wheelchairs and standard manual wheelchairs if they are medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor. If you need a wheelchair more frequently, a doctor may prescribe a custom wheelchair. Regardless of the type of wheelchair you need, know that Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance can cover all, or part of the cost, so you may need to pay a percentage of the cost out of pocket. If you do not have Medicare, Medicaid, or insurance, you can typically find non-custom wheelchairs through retailers for $100-$300.
3. What is the difference between lightweight and ultra lightweight wheelchairs?
Lightweight wheelchairs are often store-bought, generally weighing about 30-35 pounds. Ultra-lightweight wheelchairs are usually custom made, often weighing less than 30 pounds.
Whether your mobility needs are temporary or permanent, multiple resources are available to support individuals with mobility disabilities. From lightweight wheelchairs ideal for travel to custom options designed for long-term use, and from rental wheelchair accessible vehicles for family trips to purchasing your own, there are multiple mobility solutions to meet individual needs. Contact your local BraunAbility dealer today to learn more about wheelchair accessible vehicles and mobility products.
