I need to help someone buy a wheelchair, perhaps for temporary but recurrent use.

He's early 70's but a bit on the weaker/frail side. Mostly will be used in-house but may need to use it outside as well (doc visits, what not).

I don't know anything about them. What brands to consider. What key criteria to look for. But likely don't want motorized as it may need to be used in a car or at least SUV. So needs to be able to easily loaded and fit into a vehicle (backseat, trunk, or SUV rear bed). Maybe be able to get a carrier for a hitch (would a bike carrier work?).

Help? What brands should be considered? What features / criteria to consider (must have, very nice to have)? What to avoid (brands, features)? How much are we looking at (new or used (like new or very nice condition))?

Thanks!

There are two basic styles of manual wheelchairs.

You have folding and ridged. I would think your friend would be looking for a folding chair that folds in half for easy transportation.

It sounds like he might be moving around himself at times but also get moved by someone helping him out, if not immediately probably eventually. This means you want handles at the top of the back support so the person pushing will have handle for pushing and steering.

Quickie is one of if not the biggest manufacturer of wheelchairs in the country. I’m sure others can give you some more pointers but you can go here and look around.


https://www.quickie-wheelchair...ng-Wheelchairs/731c0

You can also get the much cheaper standard wheelchairs instead of the lightweight but they are quite a bit heavier and if the person helping him is of similar age so the heavier chairs might be difficult for them to load.

https://www.quickie-wheelchair...al-Wheelchairs/541c0

Thank you - never heard of the brand. Checking them out now.

For 3 years, I took a VERY large lady to medical appointments and shopping and such and used an inexpensive folding chair like any of these with no issues.

It seems like the chair is for intermittent and possibly temporary use, I don't see a reason to drop a bundle on a high end chair.

Keep in mind they are not a one size fits all. Wheelchairs come in a variety of different sizes and styles. You probably don’t want to just pop down to your local Goodwill to see if they have one. Proper fitment will be as important as weight and style.

quote:

Originally posted by BB61:
Keep in mind they are not a one size fits all. Wheelchairs come in a variety of different sizes and styles. You probably don’t want to just pop down to your local Goodwill to see if they have one. Proper fitment will be as important as weight and style.

I just noticed that on the website. It has about two dozen customization options to buy a wheelchair. I don't know what most mean....

Be aware that medicare will cover wheelchairs.

They charge the government monthly. Something That is only a few hundred dollars gets paid for over and over.

But nothing has to come out of your friends pocket.

When it was time to return it the company, I asked the company to pick it up. They said I had to return it to them.

I said it was going out with the trash.
They picked it up in 20 min.

quote:

Originally posted by PHPaul:
For 3 years, I took a VERY large lady to medical appointments and shopping and such and used an inexpensive folding chair like any of these with no issues.

It seems like the chair is for intermittent and possibly temporary use, I don't see a reason to drop a bundle on a high end chair.

Cheap but reliable may be a good path for the short term. Still don't know which one to choose but I'll take a look at the list. Good to hear first hand experience - no issues for 3 years.

quote:

Originally posted by konata88:

quote:

Originally posted by BB61:
Keep in mind they are not a one size fits all. Wheelchairs come in a variety of different sizes and styles. You probably don’t want to just pop down to your local Goodwill to see if they have one. Proper fitment will be as important as weight and style.

I just noticed that on the website. It has about two dozen customization options to buy a wheelchair. I don't know what most mean....

^^^
I suggest your friend and you go to a hospital supply store and try things out. You can kick the tires so to speak and then buy online if you want after you find what he likes.

quote:

Originally posted by BB61:

quote:

Originally posted by konata88:

quote:

Originally posted by BB61:
Keep in mind they are not a one size fits all. Wheelchairs come in a variety of different sizes and styles. You probably don’t want to just pop down to your local Goodwill to see if they have one. Proper fitment will be as important as weight and style.

I just noticed that on the website. It has about two dozen customization options to buy a wheelchair. I don't know what most mean....

^^^
I suggest your friend and you go to a hospital supply store and try things out. You can kick the tires so to speak and then buy online if you want after you find what he likes.

That's what I would do also.

Fit is everything. When my wife broke her hip insurance sent out a chair for her. It was way too big and they had to send out another.

Folding is the only way to go if this isn't a permanent use item. It just makes it easier to get in and out of vehicles.

Weigh should be a major consideration if they intend to push themselves around. Most hospital wheelchairs are optimized for someone to push the patient around. You don't need a titanium ones that I've seen at matches, but generally lighter is better...especially if they are going to be on carpet

Habitat for humanity offers many home aid tools in their Restore facilities.

Yes they are donated wheelchairs , electric beds ,rolaters,etc.
But there are some good buys to be had.
One fella got an electric scooter for
30% less than retail.

Look at Transport Chairs--a lightweight alternative to a wheelchair. Much less $$

https://www.amazon.com/Drive-M...TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

I’ve used Nova wheelchairs for 4 different people. Transports are lighter weight. For daily use get a regular one. Don’t forget a good gel seat cushion. The chairs themselves are not that comfortable. Consider the persons weight, height and butt width. Also if they have handbrakes not just wheel brakes.

All good advice. How long will he be sitting in it? Get a better cushion if more than 6 hours. Gell is for less time use.

Measure the doorways in his house to see if it will fit into bathroom, bedroom, etc.