One of the better wheelchairs in the market are the emerging new ones using light materials and construction that increase their maneuverability even among disabled kids and geriatrics with weakened musculatures.

It is likewise easier for private nurses or caregivers to control and steer, not to mention the fact that they are smaller when folded and thus, facilitate storage handling when getting in and out of car trunks.

Things to Consider when Getting Light Wheelchairs

The lightest among the light wheelchairs in the market are of monocoque construction, meaning they are rigid one-piece designs where only the back can be folded away for storage.

Those constructed to fold in the middles are heavier as they need the additional buttresses to support the folding mechanism. Other models allow various types of adjustments for back rest angling and height, but they add to the weight. Consider weighing your needs. Ease of storage and adjustability can compromise weight versus a rigid frame that’s light and more maneuverable.

Get rid of the misconception that lightweight wheelchairs using space-age materials are not as tough or sturdy as their heavier conventional versions using aluminum or steel. Value engineering has designed them to have the least weight while maintaining the strength and durability for withstand normal stress of everyday use.

With regard cost, another misconception is that these light wheelchairs cost more. They are probably thinking about mountain or racer bikes that get more expensive using lighter alloys in their frames.

While this may be true for some lightweight wheelchairs on sale in many medical equipments stores as well as online, there are models that are competitively priced. You should opt to get them when charging against Medicare. In addition, there are used lightweight wheelchairs being disposed by families who are shifting to motorized wheelchairs or scooters for their handicapped household member.

Whichever wheelchair you get, be sure they have controls that can be operated by the patient. One safety feature that most have are wheel brakes that can be positioned on arm rests or anywhere else where it’s most convenient for the user. If the patient’s ambulatory problems are not expected to last and that recovery can come in a matter of 12-18 months, it is advised that pre-owned wheelchairs are a wiser investment, or one with which you can expect a good resale value later on.