If you’ve just suffered a temporary or permanent injury to your lower extremities, a wheelchair should help you get around and with utmost ease and independence. These two-wheeled mobility aids have been developed to help injured or disabled individuals engage in meaningful activities despite the limited use of their lower limbs.
Wheelchairs can be uniquely designed for a specific individual or purchased ready-to-use. For many, especially those who don’t expect to use their wheelchair for long, ready-made chairs are the easiest and most accessible alternative.
Get a comfortable, convenient, and easy-to-use wheelchair by discovering more on how to choose the best wheelchair here.
Top 10 Wheelchairs Comparison Chart
Learning the Specifics of Wheelchairs
If the wheelchair you choose doesn’t position your body in the best possible way, you risk developing contractures, body pain, and potentially poor healing of the affected limbs and parts of your body.
For that reason, making sure you consider these specifics behind wheelchairs will help you find the best wheelchair suited for your body and needs.
- Wheelchair Measurements. There are several important measurements that will determine how comfortable you are with your chair. Even if you plan to use your wheelchair for a short period of time, ensuring that all measurements are suitable for your body size will prevent further complications and the development of new aches and pains.
The most important measurements to make a note of are:
- Back height. From the base of the backrest to its uppermost edge. Proper measurement should be an inch below the lowest edge of your shoulder blade.
- Seat Width. The distance between both of the lateral edges of the seat. Proper fit should allow up to 2 inches of excess width to accommodate bulky clothing, casts, any other orthoses.
- Seat Depth. Measured from the base of the backrest to the fold behind the knee. Total measurement should then be reduced by 2 inches to provide clearance between the crease behind the knee and the seat material.
- Arm Rest Height. The distance between the seat and the elbow of the user flexed to 90 degrees plus one inch; this allows the user to relax the shoulders and rest both arms on the armrests with comfort.
- Leg Length. This is measured from the heel of the user to the back of the knee, and is then adjusted to include 2 extra inches for foot plate clearance.
- Type of Wheelchair. Different types of wheelchairs serve a multitude of various purposes. Changes in design and measurements leave room for use in many different situations and settings.
The most common types of wheelchairs are:
- Transport Wheelchairs. Have very small rear wheels that are just about the same size as the front castor wheels. These wheelchairs are made to be pushed by a caregiver as the small rear wheels can’t be reached by the user for self-propelling.
- Standard Wheelchairs. Are those that can be propelled by the user, with the rear wheels large enough to reach up to the height of the armrest; this allows more independent use and is ideal for people who have greater upper body strength.
Standard wheelchairs can come either as lightweight or heavy duty chairs. The former is ideal for lighter users that intend to propel themselves independently during use of the chair. The latter is ideal for larger individuals who need a strong chair to support their weight.
Most of the wheelchairs you’ll find in hospitals are heavy duty wheelchairs.
- Reclining Wheelchairs. Do exactly as the name implies, and allow users to push the backrest to a reclined position for various functions and purposes.
- Sport Wheelchairs. Are used by athletes with lower limb disabilities, such as those in the Paralympics. The angled wheels make them easier to maneuver which is ideal for different sports that require lots of moving around.
Top 3 Best Wheelchair Reviews
1. Drive Medical Lightweight Steel Transport Wheelchair
This wheelchair was designed with efficiency and ease of use in mind. The Drive Medical Lightweight Steel Transport Wheelchair is light, compact, and portable, ideal for users who often find themselves outdoors.
The chair itself is made from durable steel, while the seat is made with easy-to-clean nylon that resists stains and moisture. The armrests are amply padded for optimal comfort, and a safety seat belt can be secured comfortably around the waist for added support.
Lightweight, simple, and easy, the Drive Medical Lightweight Steel Transport Wheelchair Fixed Full Arms is the best wheelchair for users and caregivers who want a mobility aid that will help ease the process of getting around.
2. Invacare Veranda Manual Wheelchair
Well padded, comfortable, and durable, the Invacare Veranda Manual Wheelchair was made for self-propelling individuals who want a stable chair that offers maximum support.
The frame is robust and highly durable, able to take on larger individuals with ease. The fabrics and padding are comfortable to use for extended periods of time, making it a reliable mobility aid that won’t cause further complications, aches, and pains.
As for downsides, a single minor issue has arisen among buyers. This wheelchair comes with a very noticeable factory smell fresh out of the box. While it does fade with time, some users find the odor to be unappealing and objectionable.
3. NOVA 22″ Heavy Duty Transport Wheelchair
The NOVA Medical Products 22” Heavy Duty Transport Wheelchair was engineered to give larger users a reliable mobility aid that can last for many years without wear and tear.
This heavy duty wheelchair can support up to 400 pounds of weight, giving larger users a comfortable way to get around without worrying about breaking the frame.
Designed with shortened armrests, this chair can be pushed up to a table or desk so users can engage in mealtime or desk work with ease. The chair also features a very portable design that can greatly ease the process of moving from one area to the next.