Mobility devices like a wheelchair are extremely important to people with disability or mobility issues. A good wheelchair offers optimal pressure relief and comfort. If you’re planning to buy one, you should consider the following:
- Your age
- Your body type
- Your condition
- The unit’s portability — its size, height, weight, design (e.g. if it’s foldable or not), etc.
- How will you use it — for indoors or outdoors or both?
Those factors will help you pinpoint the type of wheelchair and accessories suitable for your needs and preferences.
Wheelchair Accessories
These tools will let you use your chair and move around with ease. More importantly, they are designed for your safety. For example, installing ramps will help you make your way in and out of your home better. Tip: For ramps, look for models that have a textured or rubberized surface to prevent slides and slips. Portable ramps are also available.
Other wheelchair accessories you can buy are:
- Cushions
- Belts
- Backs
- Headrest
- Laterals
- Stump supports
Types of Wheelchairs
- Self-Propelled Wheelchairs – These wheelchairs have big wheels on their back that will let you push yourself for short distances. Self-propelled wheelchairs are a good choice if you can steer and push the seat alone using your upper body. Since they have big wheels, these wheelchairs are ideal for outdoor use. The size of the seats can range from 16 to 20 inches.
- Transit Wheelchairs – These models have handles on their back so your loved one, friend, or companion/caregiver can help you control your movement and momentum. Transit wheelchairs are a perfect choice if you need help in steering or changing your direction. As with self-propelled wheelchairs, the seat size of transit wheelchairs can range from 16 to 20 inches. Transit wheelchairs are compact and lightweight and are optimized for short-term use when travelling.
- Motorized Wheelchairs – These models are also called electric or powered wheelchairs. They are the best options when it comes to convenience and independence. Motorized wheelchairs have a treadle on their armrest that lets you control your direction and speed. Their motors make steering slopes easy while their tiny turning circle makes them good for both indoor and outdoor use. These wheelchairs can run faster, allowing you to join in on any outdoor activity.
- Complex Wheelchair – If you have been experiencing more difficult or severe mobility problems, then the best solution for you is a personalized wheelchair. This type of wheelchair is ideal for a patient with significant movement problems due to a neuromuscular disease, a traumatic injury, or a genetic disorder. A complex wheelchair is designed to address your special needs, providing you with the independence and comfort you deserve.
Which Model is Right for Your Case?
Seek the help and advice of a professional such as your therapist or doctor before buying a wheelchair. You can also consult a seating expert, who will carry out a comprehensive evaluation in order to recommend the best one for you or customize the wheelchair to make it more suitable for your needs.
Recently had my fourth vehicle adapted by Paul At Pb Conversions.always does a first class job and with first class service & always easy to deal with. Thanks for the great service Paul from you and your crew over the years.
Kiran was very helpful today explaining some of the issues I had with my hoist, and how to avoid them from happening again.
Dealt with the adaptations for my son's new motability vehicle - very friendly, efficient and helpful. Really pleased.
Very helpful and knowledgeable engineer, fast and efficient service
Thank you so much for all your advice, help and very professional job on adapting our car. Without your advice I would never have known to apply for a grant. You were excellent, thank again.
Due to my husband's condition we need a car with adaptions, we were advised by his paraplegic group to visit and this place is the best. Felt so relaxed talking about what we needed, all the staff were so friendly and so well informed, going above and beyond, especially Paul Berridge. I fully recommend this business. Honest and reliable. Thank you.
Staff are super super friendly, helpful, extremely informative and really nothing Paul & Co can’t do to any vehicle. PERFECTION is their middle name! Thank you so much for your outstanding service to me over the years and I look forward to using your company all my driving life.
Excellent work done on our car and very professional company. Great customer service and prompt response to emails.
I am very pleased with the left foot accelerator adaption. The communication with the team was excellent
Our second time of utilising PB Conversions and still as impressed with their skills and assistance! They listen to your needs, their aim is to get you mobile and ensure you are happy and safe. Fully recommend
Very happy with my Adaptations best company I have used
I recently had an under ring accelerator and hand brake fitted to my car and I am extremely pleased with it. All of the staff I spoke to were extremely knowledgeable and helpful, explaining exactly how they worked. I would have no hesitation in recommending this company for mobility assistance
I’ve been using PB Conversions for over 30 years and cannot fault their care and attention to detail with every adaptation I’ve needed. And if something isn’t quite right they quickly sort it. Truly professional and innovative service every time
I have used PB on 2 occasions and 2 different cars. I have found their staff efficient, caring and most pleasant to deal with. Their work on my vehicles has been completed on schedule, flawlessly, with no issues arising after 2 + years use
Very good work and customer service
As always a professional and with care job
Good and prompt adaptions fitted. Support offered and flexible. All staff were helpful and communicated
If you’re looking for 5⭐️ customer service and quality workmanship look no further. I was kept in the picture all the way through the build with photos and telephone calls. A date was set for completion and they delivered on that exact day. It was refreshing to deal with such a professional company. The personal emails from your staff made it a pleasurable experience which is hard to find these day!
Really speedy and flexible response from PBC to an emergency situation requiring hand controls being fitted to a new vehicle. I much appreciated their support
Always excellent service from PB conversions. They had fantastic knowledge of the adaption options available and whether they would fit
Friendly, first class, prompt and efficient service at a very competitive price. Would recommend the company to all.
Would you like an assessment?
If you are a disabled driver, or know a disabled driver in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire or Northamptonshire, please contact PB Conversions for a free no obligation quote to assess what products would benefit you.