Tips to Buy the Most Suitable Wheelchair For Hospital or Private Use

Accidents and various health conditions can limit someone’s mobility. However, knowing that victims may have to mobile at one point or the other, a mobility aid has been designed; the wheelchair.

If you wish to buy a wheelchair, this guide will enlighten you on factors to consider to make the right choice. Also, you’ll be learning about the types, parts, applications, and where to buy wheelchairs in bulk at wholesale prices. Read on!

What is a Wheelchair?

A wheelchair is a mobility aid designed for persons who can’t move independently. This device helps to facilitate both indoor and outdoor movement when faced with temporal or permanent disabilities. These disabilities may be due to old age, neurological problems, paralysis, fractures, or illness. The wheelchair assists persons with the said conditions, offering comfort and improving the quality of life.

There are various designs of the wheelchair to cater to a wide array of patient needs. Generally, wheelchairs are of two major types; manual and electric. Some wheelchairs are foldable and light, while some have fixed frames.

Interestingly, the wheelchair doesn’t only facilitate regular indoor or outdoor movement. It has also been designed to be incorporated into sports like basketball, tennis, and the like, although sports wheelchairs are expensive. So, if you’re a sportsman, your disabilities can’t hinder your recreation, thanks to the wheelchair.

What is the difference between a transport wheelchair and a standard wheelchair?

Manual wheelchairs can be classified as either transport or standard based on the need for support. However, both models differ in their features and use.

A transport wheelchair has smaller wheels and requires external support to facilitate movement. Also known as assisted propelled wheelchairs, they are designed for patients who lack the strength to move the chair independently and thus need a caregiver to push it. Transport wheelchairs are compact, light, and easy to maneuver. As a result, they are a good choice for outdoor use.

On the other hand, a standard or self-propelled wheelchair has small front wheels but larger rear wheels. Unlike a transport wheelchair, you can move with a standard wheelchair without external support. Due to the design of the large rear wheels, occupants can use them to facilitate movement on their own with the strength of the upper body.

Standard wheelchairs are also easy to navigate and collapsible; thus, you can store or transport them conveniently. Also, the large rear wheels are helpful when moving along raised paths or bumps.

However, standard wheelchairs are also equipped with pushing handles. Therefore, users can get support from caregivers when the need arises.

Types of Wheelchair

There are two primary types of wheelchairs, manual and Electric.

Manual Wheelchair

A manual wheelchair has no motorized part; thus, do not require batteries. As a result, this wheelchair requires patients to use their upper limb strength to facilitate movement. Also, a caregiver can help push it from behind. This model of wheelchair is most suitable for temporal users and is classified majorly into self-propelled or transport wheelchairs.

Manual wheelchairs are light, compact, and foldable. Hence, they can fit into vehicle trunks, and you can transport them when necessary.

Electric Wheelchair

This is also known as a motorized or powered wheelchair. Electric wheelchairs have motorized parts and are powered by a system of rechargeable batteries. Therefore patients do not need to propel themselves or external support; instead, they move the wheelchair with a joystick.

Electric wheelchairs are designed for permanent users who may need them all day, both indoors and outdoors. Patients in this category include those with paralysis, fractured lower limbs, or weak upper limbs.

Generally, electric wheelchairs are the best in terms of independence, speed, and convenience. Unlike manual wheelchairs, the electrical models are larger, heavier, and more expensive. Due to their size, electric wheelchairs usually do not fit into regular car trunks. Thus, they may require a lift system to move into vehicles.

Components of a Wheelchair

The primary parts of a wheelchair include the footplate, armrest, wheels, brakes, backrest, seat, push ring, frame, and push handle.

Factors To Consider Before Purchasing the Right Wheelchair

Comfort

Whether for temporal or permanent use, comfort is an essential purchasing factor. Depending on the duration of use, both manual and electric are comfortable, although the latter is better.

Manual wheelchairs require a little labor from the user. On the other hand, electric models are automated, requiring little or no effort to navigate. However, you may not want to leverage the duration when the cost comes into play. Above all, regardless of the wheelchair type, proper posture while using it promotes comfort. With this in mind, check for the footrest configuration and extra padding on the seat and armrest.

Also, when choosing a wheelchair, you have to make sure that the materials used for its construction are antibacterial.

You can use the wheelchair for several hours a day, and it is normal for it to come into contact with sweat or parts of your body. Therefore, the fabrics need to be antibacterial and easily washable.

Wheelchair size

We are not all the same, so you need to choose the wheelchair that best suits your patient.

Some wheelchairs are designed for people who are thinner and smaller in stature, while others are wheelchairs for larger sizes.

Weight

After checking the dimensions, the user's weight is another factor to consider when buying a wheelchair. There are numerous wheelchair models on the market. However, not all models have the carrying capacity to accommodate users of varying weights.

Also, you have to consider the weight of the wheelchair. Generally, lightweight models are easier to maneuver and transport.

Storage

Space is very vital in every home, work, or hospital setting. Whether the wheelchair is for short or long-term use, there are times when this equipment will not be needed, especially when the user needs bed rest or when traveling. Because of this, you may need to keep the wheelchair aside for some period. Therefore, opt for foldable wheelchairs as they can fit into small spaces and car trunks when you need to travel with them.

Pricing

The price of a wheelchair depends on its production quality. Generally, electric wheelchairs are more expensive than manual types. However, your budget will determine your choice.

Although nowadays it is easy to rent a wheelchair for a shorter or longer period. Given the low prices of wheelchairs, in many cases, it is still preferable to buy one, to be able to have it at home but also to be sure that it is hygienic.

Warranty

After choosing the wheelchair with the best features and price, ensure the product comes with a warranty that lasts for a few months to years. The warranty covers repair or maintenance costs during the designated period. However, not all brands fulfill their warranty requirements. Therefore, ensure you buy from reputable brands as they offer quality products and active warranties.

Some of the top brands in the wheelchair market include Invacare, Medline, Drive Medical, Quantum rehab, OttoBock Healthcare, Numotion, Quickie, and Pride Mobility, among others.

Also, ensure these brands are duly certified with CE, ISO, or FDA to assure safety and comfort.

Wheelchair Price Guide

There are numerous brands and models of wheelchairs with different prices. Some are listed below:

• The Hospital Wheel Chair AG-LY001costs about $90.
• The MW-Y207 Electric Folding Wheelchair (With FDA)costs about $1,300.
• The AGLY-LR8550 Non-magnetic Wheelchair (Aviation Aluminum Model)costs about $5,000.
• The Invacare Tracer SX5 Wheelchair, Flip-Back Desk-Length Arms cost about $1,000.
• The Invacare Tracer IV Wheelchair costs about $1,200.
• The Medline Lightweight Transport Wheelchair with 12” Rear Wheels costs about $160.

Medwish.com sells various models of wheelchairs in bulk at wholesale prices. Also, this wholesale price advantage applies to other medical aids and laboratory supplies available on the Medwish.com platform.

Interestingly, these wheelchairs and other products have insurance coverage in addition to their warranty to cover for unforeseen cases, especially during delivery. The Medwish.com team also has exciting loyalty programs for frequent customers.

Where To Buy Wheelchairs in Bulk With Wholesale Pricing

You can purchase wheelchairs from an online vendor like Medwish.com. There are various models of wheelchairs on Medwish.com, from the manual to electric, foldable and rigid models.

Medwish.com is one of the leading bulk suppliers of medical equipment, including wheelchairs, hospital beds, microscopes, etc. Private hospitals, laboratories, and international agents are major recipients of Medwish.com’s supplies.

All products are meant to be delivered via secure supply chain channels. With this in mind, the Medwish.com team works with relevant bodies that provide logistics, insurance coverage, and customs clearance.

Conclusion

The wheelchair is an essential device for persons with mobility problems. Asides from being a regular mobility aid, the wheelchair has also been applied in sports like basketball and tennis. Therefore, consider factors like weight, price, comfort, size, and quality when purchasing one.

Contact Medwish.com today for your wheelchairs and other medical equipment.