Lightweight wheelchairs are a convenient, portable type of wheelchair that allow people with limited mobility and stability to move around safely. Physical therapists, nurses and home care aides all utilize light weight wheel chairs in their business, and so do used lightweight wheelchairs vendors.

It's important for salespeople and workers in the healthcare industry to learn how to properly use and troubleshoot light wheel chairs. A lightweight transport chair requires proper use to be safe and efficient. Lightweight wheelchairs education and training should include the following:

1. Learning to properly use a lightweight folding wheelchair.

2. Understanding how to troubleshoot and maintain lightweight aluminum wheelchairs.

3. Gathering information about new technology and accessories for light weight power wheelchairs.

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Use manufacturer manuals to properly use a lightweight manual wheelchair

Ultra lightweight wheelchairs must be used properly in order to be safe and beneficial. Nurses and home care aides that use lightweight wheelchairs with their patients need to know how to correctly operate an ultra lightweight wheelchair. Learn the proper procedure for using these chairs.

I recommend: This guide from Apparelyzed explains the different types of lightweight wheelchairs and gives tips for basic use and operation. This informational guide from Abledata explains how to correctly use a manual or lightweight electric wheelchair. The guide is a good resource for beginning users and healthcare industry workers.

Learn how to maintain and troubleshoot light wheelchairs

Propler maintenance is necessary to keep a lightweight wheelchair in good working order. When working in the healthcare industry and using lightweight wheelchairs with patients, it's important to learn basic maintenance for these chairs, along with knowing how to trouble shoot and fix any problems. Learn how to keep a lightweight transport wheelchair in good working order so that you can be prepared for any malfunctions.

I recommend: Spinlife offers this easy maintenance guide for light weight manual wheelchairs, along with suggestions for building a repair kit that will be handy for any operating problems. Learn about common problems and trouble shooting solutions form lightweight manual wheelchairs with this helpful guide from Life Tips.

Learn about new lightweight wheelchair trends and technology

The world of lightweight wheelchairs is constantly changing and expanding, and it's important for nurses and home care aides to stay informed about these new innovations and technology. Attend trade shows and seminars and subscribe to regular newsletters to learn new information about light weight wheel chairs.

I recommend: Subscribe to Paraplegia News, a magazine devoted to topics like mobility technology and trends in lightweight wheelchair technology that benefits the physically handicapped. Attend medical trade shows from Columbia Medical and learn about new innovations in manual and electric lightweight wheelchairs. The Canadian Seating and Mobility Conference is an annual conference dedicated to new mobility technology and innovations.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Attend regular medical seminars offered by mobility product manufacturers to continue learning about new options for lightweight wheelchairs.

With lightweight wheelchairs, people who use wheelchairs no longer have to rely on someone else to lift their heavy chair when they need to take it with them. Lightweight folding wheelchairs have the additional convenience of folding away easily for storage in transit.

Wheelchairs typically classify as lightweight if they weigh less than 35 pounds, but some weigh much less. When shopping for a lightweight wheelchair, check out all of the options to be sure you can find a lightweight wheelchair to fit your needs.

When shopping, look for the following:

1. Check out lightweight manual wheelchairs for durability.

2. Look for lightweight transport wheelchairs for the lightest options if you want an ultra lightweight wheelchair.

3. Compare prices and specifications across brands for the ideal weight, weight capacity, and price.

4. Check out lightweight electric wheelchairs and scooters for power mobility.

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Look at lightweight manual wheelchairs for standard options

A manual lightweight transport wheelchair offers the best durability for the price, and comes in lightweight options weighing less than 35 pounds.

I recommend: Lightweight wheelchairs and the lightweight folding wheelchair are both lighter weight versions of standard manual wheelchairs, so they offer the same comfort and durability as a standard chair with a lighter frame.

Look at lightweight transport wheelchairs for the lightest choices

If you're looking for an ultra lightweight wheelchair, a transport chair will be your best option, but transport chairs are not meant for constant everyday use and typically scrimp on comfort in favor of lighter weight.

I recommend: Transport chairs and convertible transport chairs, which have easily attachable 12 inch wheels, are great options for ultra lightweight wheelchairs. Some transport chairs weigh less than 26 pounds, a significant decrease from manual lightweight chairs.

Compare prices and specifications across lightweight wheelchairs

Lightweight wheelchairs all have different exact weights, as well as weight capacities. Rather than just buying a chair that calls itself a lightweight wheelchair, compare actual weights and make sure the chair has a capacity that fits your needs.

I recommend: Compare specifications and order online from a variety of brands and models. Remember to check the weight limit on the chair you want; since lightweight wheelchairs have lower capacities than standard chairs.

Shop electric when looking for lightweight wheelchairs

Don't forget electric options, as well as mobility scooters. When shopping lightweight, manual wheelchairs aren't the only option.

I recommend: Lightweight electric wheelchairs disassemble and fold into easy portable pieces. Especially if you are leaving the house and want a lightweight travel wheelchair to get around, power options work well for mobility outside the home. Folding mobility scooters are another great power lightweight option, and you can even purchase mobility accessories in a single package when you buy online.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Lightweight portable wheelchairs are a convenient option for transport and travel, but don't overlook the importance of comfort. If you use a wheelchair most of the time, either plan to have another, more comfortable chair for use around the house, or invest in some medical cushions for your lightweight manual wheelchair to be sure an uncomfortable chair doesn't affect your body.

Lightweight wheelchairs come in a variety of models and styles, each designed to meet a specific health need or requirement. This list of key terms can be helpful in choosing the right kind of lightweight wheelchair to buy or sell.

Medical equipment suppliers often use a lot of interchangeable terms and healthcare equipment jargon. If you are not familiar with the terms, then buying and selling the right equipment can be frustrating or risky.

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Hill holder brakes

Lightweight wheelchairs come equipped with different kinds of brakes depending on the model, but hill holder brakes are found on almost all new models. This safety feature prevents the chair from rolling backwards if the user repositions his hands when wheeling uphill.

I recommend: Wheelchair.ca explains the different kinds of lightweight wheelchair brake systems and the advantages of hill holder brakes.

Transport chairs

Transport chairs are a lightweight wheelchair requiring that someone stand behind the wheelchair and push the rider and steer the chair. These chairs are often used for transportation of individuals with limited upper body strength.

I recommend: AirGo Transport offers this lightweight transport chair and explains its uses, benefits and product specifications.

PVC wheelchairs

PVC is a light-weight, yet durable plastic that allows designers to create unique shapes. When combined with wheelchair technology, this versatile material allows a variety of functions.

I recommend: Access Able Designs has developed some wheelchairs using PVC to create some all-terrain wheelchairs capable of traversing sand, snow, and other soft soils.

Heavy duty lightweight wheelchairs

Some wheelchairs are lightweight while still being heavy duty. Heavy duty wheelchairs are specially enforced to sustain a higher weight capacity, ideal for users over 300 pounds.

I recommend: Edmond Wheelchair offers a wheelchair purchasing guide that explains the differences between standard and heavy duty lightweight wheelchairs.

Pediatric lightweight wheelchairs

Pediatric lightweight wheelchairs are smaller, lighter, simple versions of a standard lightweight wheelchair designed to be used by children or smaller patients.

I recommend: Learn how pediatric lightweight wheelchairs help children with mobility limitations lead normal, happy lives with this easy guide from Abledata.

Lightweight wheelchair assistive steering device

A lightweight wheelchair is often equipped with an assistive steering device for people with limited upper body strength, dexterity or mobility. Assistive steering devices vary based on individual capability and can often be operated by hand, finger or even mouth control.

I recommend: The Wheelchair Site offers an easy to understand definition of a lightweight wheelchair assistive steering device.

Lightweight wheelchairs are mobility devices that provide portability and flexibility inside your home or for travel outside the home. There are various types of light weight wheel chairs for various needs. Lightweight portable wheelchairs allow you to fold it away for travel, while ultra lightweight wheelchairs provide ease of maneuverability and self-propulsion. While most lightweight wheelchairs allow for independent use, a lightweight transport wheelchair allows others to push you in it instead.

When looking for a lightweight manual wheelchair, it is important to know the types of chairs available and the options that come with it. Lightweight wheelchairs range in price from $200 for basic lightweight manual wheelchairs, up to $3,000 for a high-performance ultra-lightweight wheelchair. Here are some factors to consider when looking at lightweight wheelchairs pricing and costs:

1. Functions of lightweight manual wheelchairs

2. Customization of a wheelchair

3. New or used wheelchair pricing

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Consider options of a lightweight folding wheelchair or a transport wheelchair

While both lightweight folding wheelchairs and lightweight transport wheelchairs are made to fold for transport in and out of cars or up and down stairs, these two types of chairs do differ in the wheel sizes and price. For your facility, you will want to consider whether having a large wheel for self-propulsion is useful, or whether you will only need four small wheels for transport aided by a guest's companion. Lightweight transport wheelchairs have less features and ability to add options, but do offer a lower price than standard lightweight folding wheelchairs.

I recommend: 1800wheelchair.com has a selection of lightweight folding wheelchairs starting from $190 ranging to $1,800 depending on the standard features it contains. At Wheelchair Depot, transport wheelchairs prices range from about $100 to $300.

Factor in the costs of added options to a lightweight manual wheelchair

Like cars, lightweight wheelchairs have standard items that come with the wheelchair. Then you can add options, such as elevating footrests, adjustable arm rests or extended brakes. These options range in price and will add to the overall cost of your lightweight manual wheelchair. You will also need to verify the dimensions of the wheelchair seat that you will need, both width and depth; often, dimensions greater or smaller than the standard 16 inches by 18 inches may cost extra.

I recommend: At Sportaid, if you scroll down the page for a lightweight manual wheelchair product, you will see the various options you can add to customize your chair. For example, adjustable arm rests (either desk length or full length) will cost between $120 to $150 and adjustable back rests will range in price between $50 to $120. At Preferred Health Choice, options for increased seat dimensions, greater than 18" wide can add an extra $150 to $200, while seat widths less than 16 inches can cost between $55 to $90.

Look into open-box or used lightweight wheelchairs for better prices

Many medical supply companies offer open-box wheelchairs, which are brand new, but the box has been opened for one reason or another, generally for demo purposes. They offer discounts for open box lightweight manual wheelchairs. The down side is that such wheelchairs are sometimes not customizable. Also, some companies offer used lightweight wheelchairs as inventory becomes available.

I recommend: Sherman Oaks Medical Supplies offers open box and used lightweight wheelchairs, ranging in price from about $180 to $300. These are a cheaper option than buying a new lightweight wheelchair, but the availability is often subject to change. Spinlife.com also offers open box lightweight wheelchairs, ranging in price from $350 to $600.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Remember to look into shipping costs for the purchase of your wheelchair. Many medical supply companies offer free shipping for light weight wheel chairs.