Wheelchair Accessories - Where Do You Begin?

Shopping for wheelchair accessories may not be as simple as you think because there are over 200 different products to choose from. Wheelchair accessories not only serve functional or utility purposes, but they personalize the wheelchair, reflecting the tastes and likes of their riders. Wheelchair accessories allow users to make their wheelchair accommodate their daily lifestyle, whether at home, school, work or traveling. Unfortunately, power scooters and wheelchairs don’t have as many options, and given the higher price of these motorized wheelchairs many people find it unaffordable to purchase many options. However, there are certain wheelchair accessories that you may want to consider “must haves” for any wheelchair or scooter type

Wheelchair Accessories You Should Consider Buying:

1. Essential to safety, including life-saving, is a seat belt. They come in various configurations such as a common strap or more elaborate such as a cushioned lap belt.

2. Also critical to rider safety are brakes, particular the type where the rider can easily stop rolling. Consideration of brake operation should be given to the rider’s overall limitations (such as arthritis, weak arm strength).

3. Emergency Alert System (EAS). These systems are similar to the alert systems some people have in their homes, but they are adapted to the mobile environment of the wheelchair. EAS uses sensors to automatically detect problems associated with the wheelchair or the rider and then notifies caregivers of the situation so they can help.

4. Location-Based EAS. This is the ultimate wheelchair accessory, providing both GPS location information and an Emergency Alert System. This accessory is particularly valuable to power scooters and power wheelchairs, where riders can travel considerable distance. Caregivers can get location reports via telephone, cell phone, email, text message and internet. In addition, caregivers can identify geographical boundaries (called geo-fencing) such that if the rider is in or out of an area they will be notified. For riders that love their independence accorded by their wheelchair, Location-Based EAS is the “must have” accessory. There are very few solutions available with ScooterTracker™ leading the way.

5. Automated Care Management (ACM). This accessory is really a service that can benefit all individuals, not just those who use wheelchairs. However, studies indicate that people relying upon wheelchairs for mobility have a higher personal workload than those without. ACM systems provide automated reminders (via telephone or other methods) for prescriptions, doctor visits, wellness / therapy appointments, wake-up calls and the like). ScooterTracker™ offers ACM as part of their overall package.

6. There is a wide selection of bags that can be fastened to the back and sides of a wheelchair or under it. As with any items of baggage, the materials, quality and capacities fluctuate. The guiding principle for a wheelchair owner is to decide on a bag that meets their desires and their budgets.

7. There are various good wheelchair cushions on the market. These cushions are cut especially for the wheelchair and they are often made of medically-certified foam while several household cushions are stuffed with feathers, down, or alternative material. The cushion from home will get lumpy and there might be a reduction in how sanitary it is, while custom wheelchair cushions stay solid and supportive and much more sanitary. Medical cushions give you excellent comfort and assistance while reducing the danger of what may be called bedsores that are made by steady pressure. Your wheelchair will be more comfy with a cushion to support you. These wheelchair cushions are helpful if you wish just a couple additional inches of height, if you discover that you are banging your elbows when you would like to roll your wheelchair.

8. Wheelchair lifts are a sophisticated mobility systems that have revolutionized the way individuals with disabilities live and work. Depending on the manufacturer, lifts for disabled people can easily be customizable. Buyers can also choose the elevator, which would serve their desires the best way.There is a lift for every purpose.

9. The batteries today which are smaller in size, lower weight, longer cycle life and have quicker recharge characteristics, are wonderful for use in motorized wheelchairs. The majority of wheel chair batteries today are gel or dry type. But new types are emerging.

10. Double clip device that may be utilized for walking sticks and many different applications is fitted onto a wheelchair using a rubber ring system. The clip strongly grips walking sticks and other items.

11. You will be able to obtain a number of wheelchair accessories for children wheelchairs, like cup holders, umbrellas, cane or crutch holders, unique seat belts safety restraints, and special armrests and footrests. You can get customary accessories or have unique ones custom made, if needed.

12. Shock absorbers for wheelchairs. Frog Legs were developed to reduce the vibration in the frame of the wheelchair. Several wheelers experience pain or discomfort due to vibrations and road obstacles. Frog Legs will minimize the vibration in the frame due to riding over cobblestones, cracks in the road and alternative environmental imperfections. There are a number of different models that are planned to combine with normal wheelchairs, sports or lightweight wheelchairs, and power wheelchairs.

Similar to everything else in life wheelchair accessories are also developing and getting more sophisticated where the idea is to provide greater convenience to the users