Wheelchairs are basically designed to aid people who are having difficulty walking (due to illness) or those who have completely loss the strength on their legs. Since the use of these wheeled chairs is now common these days, manufacturers have introduced them in a wide variety of models and types. That being said, choosing among the existing options won’t be as easy as you thought it to be. Therefore, to aid you in making the right decision, here are some shopping guidelines that you should bear in mind when buying a wheelchair for you or your loved one.
You’d be happy to know that the various ranges of wheelchairs sold in the market today are each designed to reflect the individual needs of its user. Some manufacturers even offer customization of the wheelchair according to one’s specific requirements.

Wheelchair Type

Whether you are buying Bentley Fielden Wheelchairs or those made by other brands, the very first thing that you have to consider when acquiring one is the type that you have to settle for. In this case, be sure to acquaint yourself with the available choices, which will mostly likely include the following:

Manual Wheelchairs: This type is made to be self-propelled which means that user will have to move the chair by applying force on the rear wheels, or someone can push the chair from behind. Manual types typically come with rear wheels that are around twenty to twenty-six inches in diameter. The distance that the user can travel will be dictated by how much force they apply on the rear wheels.

Electric Wheelchairs: As the name implies, these wheelchairs are powered by electricity. Compared to the manual models, the electric wheelchairs are much easier to use and operate. However, since they are electrically powered, it means that they come with a higher price tag. Also referred as motorized wheelchairs, the electric models are equipped with an electric motor, and fitted with navigation as well as control systems. This type of wheelchair is ideal for people who don’t have the ability or are too weak to maneuver the wheelchair on their own. Most models charge the wheelchair’s batteries separately but modern types can now be directly plugged into an electrical outlet, like any other appliance.

Weight and Lifting Limit

Different types and models of wheelchairs have varied weight and lifting limits. Knowing that, you have to be sure that the model that you will be purchasing is capable of fully supporting the weight of the person who will be using it. For instance, if the wheelchair is intended to be used by someone whose weight is below three hundred pounds, then the standard model will suffice. It is designed to be used by people who have the ability to propel the chair on their own but it is also possible for the wheelchair to be pushed by someone from behind, whichever is more comfortable for the user. Standard wheelchairs are designed to lift up to forty five pounds of weight without any difficulty, and it is also the cheapest model sold in the market. That said, it would surely be a great choice for those who wish to save money.

Another type that you should look into is the lightweight wheelchair, which works exactly as the
standard model but it is ten pounds lighter. This is perfect for users who are having a hard time propelling a standard wheelchair. Though it may be lighter, it is still capable of supporting weights that won’t exceed 300 pounds. However, it can only lift up to thirty four pounds of weight when transporting the wheelchair.

For users who weigh more than 300 pounds, the heavy duty, bariatric or extra wide wheelchair is the best type to consider. In comparison to the first two types, this model is surely much heavier.

Brand

Different manufacturers now produce wheelchairs in varied styles, designs, models and sizes. It is imperative that you choose a brand that is known to manufacture quality wheelchairs. In this case, you should think about investing in wheelchairs made by a company called as Bentley Fielden. The company is not only known to manufacture high-quality wheelchairs but they also produce sturdy wheelchair ramps. It is advised that you settle for a trusted brand name to ascertain that you will be getting the best value for your money. But most importantly, you have to keep the needs and special requirements of the user in mind when buying the wheelchair.