The Benefits Of Lightweight Wheelchairs (2024)

When it comes to choosing the right mobility aid to assist you with day-to-day life, it goes without saying that you will want to ensure you invest in the best possible option. If you’re unable to get around without a mobility aid then you will have lots of different things to consider when choosing from the vast selection on the market.

Often, if you think a wheelchair is the best option for your needs, you may feel as though you only have two to choose from; a self-propelled wheelchair or an electric wheelchair, when really nowadays this isn’t the case. Thankfully, there is a brilliant solution that works really well for lots of people in need of a mobility aid and this is a lightweight wheelchair. If you’re currently looking into the different options you have, keep reading today. Our team here at Karma Mobility has put together a list of reasons why you should be considering a lightweight wheelchair.

Very light to carry around

One of the biggest benefits of a lightweight wheelchair is that they are so easy to transport. Whether you want to pop it in the boot of a car or you’re getting on a bus and it’s easier to carry it on, then this isn’t an issue with this type of wheelchair.

They are a brilliant solution for anyone that still has some mobility and doesn’t necessarily rely on their aid at all times. You can take it wherever you need to without any issues and they are perfect for all forms of transport, even planes and trains.

Easy to self propel

If you have used a wheelchair before then you will know that self-propelling can be quite tiring, especially if you have a big heavy wheelchair. Thankfully, as expected, lightweight wheelchairs make self-propelling much easier and they don’t require as much effort to manoeuvre.

Of course, thanks to their weight, they are also much easier to be pushed by other people. If you require some assistance with manoeuvring then this won’t be an issue at all with a lightweight wheelchair.

Ideal for indoor and outdoor use

You may have noticed when looking into different wheelchairs that some are recommended for indoor use whilst others are designed specifically for outdoor use. This often means that people require more than one wheelchair, which isn’t always convenient.

Thankfully, lightweight wheelchairs can provide you with the best of both worlds. They are specifically designed to be used both indoors and outdoors, and with these chairs, there is no need to transfer from one wheelchair to another.

Easy to store

It goes without saying that wheelchairs are harder to store at home than other mobility aids like a walking stick, for example. If your wheelchair isn’t able to fold for storage then it can make things really difficult in this regard.

Again, when investing in a lightweight wheelchair, this isn’t something you will need to worry about. The majority of these wheelchairs are foldable and of course, because of their weight, you really can store them anywhere.

Gives you back your independence

The very best benefit of lightweight wheelchairs is that they can give you your independence back. When you have this type of chair, you won’t need to rely on anyone else to get out and about, you can go back to doing almost anything you’d like independently.

These days, you can get various accessories for your wheelchair too. Whether it is a bottle holder or a bag attachment, there are lots of different things you can get that will make day-to-day life even easier too.

Investing in a lightweight wheelchair

There is no denying that there are numerous benefits to purchasing a lightweight wheelchair as your new mobility aid and it will be able to greatly improve your day-to-day life. These wheelchairs have successfully helped numerous people and when you have a lightweight wheelchair, there really is nothing stopping you.

If you would like to find out more about these specific types of wheelchairs, visit the Karma Mobility website today. You will see that we have a vast selection of lightweight wheelchairs on our site, there really is something available to meet everyone’s needs. Of course, if you would like to speak to a member of our team about these wheelchairs in more detail, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, we will gladly assist you further.

The Benefits Of Lightweight Wheelchairs (2024)

FAQs

What are the benefits of a light weight wheelchair? ›

Easy to push and propel – lightweight wheelchairs are designed to weigh around 10kg less than a traditional wheelchair. This makes them much easier for users and attendants to push or propel the wheelchair. Portable – if you're looking for a more portable wheelchair, then lightweight wheelchairs are a great option.

What are the benefits of wheelchairs? ›

Benefits of wheelchairs

In addition to providing mobility, an appropriate wheelchair benefits the physical health and quality of life of the users by helping in reducing common problems such as pressure sores, progression of deformities and improve respiration and digestion.

Who would use a lightweight wheelchair? ›

Many people who have mild to moderate trouble with mobility, whether it's permanent or temporary, can use a lightweight transport wheelchair. For people who are unable to walk for long amounts of time, a transport wheelchair makes it possible to go on longer excursions without risk of a fall or injury.

What is the difference between lightweight and standard wheelchairs? ›

Standard wheelchairs are commonly steel, weighing 15kg+ and are sometimes foldable but with limited adjustability beyond size. Lightweight wheelchairs are made of aluminium or steel alloys, weigh 13-16kg, are often foldable and offer adjustable features, such as removable armrests.

Why is a lighter wheelchair better for an athlete? ›

Streamlined in design, sports wheelchairs are typically rigid for strength and stability. They are adjustable, but since they do not fold up, they can be difficult to transport. Their light weight makes them responsive and easier to propel, which also helps athletes avoid wrist and shoulder injuries.

Are lightweight wheelchairs easier to push? ›

Increased Maneuverability: Thanks to their lighter construction, lightweight wheelchairs are more maneuverable than their standard counterparts. This allows users and caregivers to navigate tight spaces, make sharp turns, and maintain better control over the wheelchair.

What is the primary benefit of an appropriate wheelchair? ›

An appropriate wheelchair can support older persons to maintain independence and dignity as they age, mitigating against frailty and other health impacts. People with disabilities: Many people with disabilities experience mobility impairments, requiring access to an appropriate wheelchair.

What is better than a wheelchair? ›

If you're still able to walk, but have a difficult time doing so for long periods of time, a rollator is a good option for you. It's less bulky than a wheelchair or a scooter, and you're able to move into difficult locations that may not be accessible with a wider wheelchair or scooter.

What is the most difficult thing for wheelchair users? ›

15 Crazy Challenging Things For Wheelchair Users That Are No Big Deal For You
  1. Putting on Jeans. Or God-forbid, leather pants... ...
  2. “Fake-out” Handicapped Bathrooms. ...
  3. Reaching High Shelves in the Grocery Store. ...
  4. Random Spasms. ...
  5. Having People Park Too Close to Your Car. ...
  6. Inclement Weather. ...
  7. Knowing When You're in Pain. ...
  8. Cardio Workouts.

What is the disadvantage of a lightweight wheelchair? ›

Lightweight wheelchairs are manual and some people may find the physical exertion too much for their build, especially on longer journeys. This can be especially true on bumpy, hilly or irregular terrain.

Does Medicare pay for a lightweight wheelchair? ›

Part B (Medical Insurance)

covers wheelchairs and power-operated vehicles (scooters) as durable medical equipment (DME) that your doctor prescribes for use in your home.

What is the most comfortable wheelchair for the elderly? ›

Jazzy® Passport Electric Wheelchair

One of the most comfortable wheelchairs for elderly seniors is also extremely portable! The Jazzy® Passport is a lightweight, compact electric wheelchair is easy to fold for traveling or storing at home.

What is the weight limit for a lightweight wheelchair? ›

Most basic wheelchairs have standard weight limits than range from 250lbs to 350lbs. Lightweight wheelchairs typically have weight limits that max out at 200lbs-250lbs.

What are the benefits of a standard wheelchair? ›

They Promote Independence

Wheelchairs are easy to manage and control on your own! Manual wheelchair systems are easier to manoeuvre than ever, meaning that you can head out on your own without worrying about getting stuck. A powered wheelchair, meanwhile, will allow you to move around via motor.

What is a Type 5 wheelchair? ›

Type 5 wheelchair models do not fold and feature swing-away footrests, quick release axles for easy servicing and transport, anti-tippers and adjustable-height arms that can be removed. These wheelchair types are highly customizable for individuals with very limited mobility.

What is the difference between a transport chair and a lightweight wheelchair? ›

A: Transport chair

This is probably the biggest difference between the two devices – with its smaller-sized wheels, the transport chair is a two-person device meant to be pushed by a helper whereas a wheelchair can be propelled independently.

What is the difference between a standard and heavy duty wheelchair? ›

Regular wheelchairs can carry up to 250 to 300 lbs. For users who are over this weight limit, they will need to use a heavy duty wheelchair for mobility purposes. Some heavy duty wheelchairs can carry as much as 700 lbs. The seats on these heavy duty chairs are also wider to accommodate bigger users.

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