Manual Wheelchair Selection Guide

In order to choose the right manual wheelchair, one that does not cause secondary injuries, we must first define the user’s range of mobility, and according to his daily needs, we will choose the most suitable chair for him.

First, let’s start by answering a few questions about the user:

Does the user need assistance with mobility on bumpy and uneven roads?

When a potential user walks on an uneven surface, we will check whether he can make do with crutches or a walker, and if such aids are sufficient for his needs, he may not need a wheelchair at all, however, in many cases, especially in patients with cognitive impairment, there is a recommendation to use a wheelchair even when the patient is able to cross the road almost independently, in order to prevent him from the possibility of moving away uncontrollably. Get lost or, God forbid, get hit by a car. In the above cases, maintaining control over the therapist by sitting the patient in a wheelchair will better ensure the patient’s well-being.

Does the user need to cling to fixed objects in order to feel stable?

When moving around inside an apartment, on the way from the living room to the kitchen, for example, we will check whether the user is using furniture or walls on his way so as not to fall, if he manages to move around the home space in this way, chances are that a basic aluminum wheelchair will definitely suffice, while if the user is undergoing a period of rehabilitation limited in time as a result of an injury or accident, then renting a lightweight, ergonomic manual wheelchair can be enough and there is no need to purchase.

If the caregiver is an adult, we recommend a wheelchair that can be braked with the help of a handbrake, so that the caregiver does not have to bend to apply the brakes. In addition, an ultra-light weight wheelchair (weighing less than 10 kg) will be much more comfortable for leaving the house and folding into the trunk on the way to or from medical treatments, errands, etc.

If the user must use a manual wheelchair for more than 30 minutes a day, it is recommended that he choose a wheelchair with an ergonomic design, one that relieves pressure on the hips and is equipped with ergonomic arm pads that curve inwards, according to the position of the user’s arms and elbows. Ergonomic armrests provide much more comfort space for the wheelchair user, and the more we pay attention to these details before purchasing, the more we will ensure the possibility of sitting for a long time without getting tired or feeling unnecessary pain.

If the patient is unable to walk, can he sit comfortably and safely without ‘slipping’ out of the chair?

If the answer is “yes”, the buyer of the wheelchair should ask additional questions: How will the sitting and getting up from the chair be performed? How will the transitions to and from the bed be carried out? How will he get in and out of the shower? How will he move from the wheelchair to the driver’s seat in the car and how will he get out of it? And so on. whether the expectation is independent mobility or reliance on the help of others; Armrests and legs in a regular wheelchair may only interfere and therefore the user will need a seat as light as possible with as few handles and unnecessary inserts as possible.

The ERGO LITE wheelchair is an ultra-lightweight wheelchair with a compact design that allows it to be carried and lifted very easily into the trunk. ERGO LITE has a unique ergonomic design for comfortable sitting and non-slipping, maintaining stability and preventing the development of wounds that may be caused by prolonged sitting. In addition, the ERGO LITE passes safety tests for driving in the car and can be used as a seat in a suitable shuttle vehicle.

Who will the ERGO LITE chair be suitable for?

ERGO LITE is a lightweight, narrow chair that is comfortable to fold and lift into the trunk. The chair is mainly suitable for people who want to continue to lead an active lifestyle, without letting their physical disability prevent them from continuing to walk in nature or the city, get out of the house and enjoy life. The chair is also suitable for people with partial disabilities who cannot walk for long periods of time, who are looking for a light but stable chair with an innovative design.

The chair’s ergonomic and flexible design also allows the caregiver to move the chair easily while maintaining the health of the back, shoulder girdle and joints. This is in addition to its light weight, which allows any caregiver, at any age, to carry the chair very easily into the car or fold it for storage at home.

The chair’s unique ergonomic design, in the shape of the letter S, optimally dissipates pressure when sitting and prevents sores that may arise from prolonged sitting.

For more information, contact the exclusive retailer in Israel, R-Cure Medical: 03-5329157 or by email [email protected]

For the product page in Azarim click here