I want to get a very light weight wheelchair that I can load by myelself. Am small 145 lb What kind should I get and where?Hollywood,Calif.

[allenallen]

[robo1]

Hi Allen

I recently had to get a lightweight chair, not for me as the wieght is not a problem but it is due to loss of balance that I cannot lft without a free hand to hold on, so my wife has to do all the lifting and, as she recently hurt her back, could no longer manage my old steel chair.

I bought an aluminium model which only weighs 10.5 kilos. It is called a 'swift' and supplied by 'days', dayshealthcare.com. Problem solved! ~ Bob

[HarryB Administrator]

Hi Allen

I am afraid I know very little about wheelchairs. I am not sure how things are done in the States but I would advise anyone in the UK to get an Occupational Therapy assessment to assess individual requirements and offer advice. Lightweight wheelchairs can be so expensive it is important to get the right one to suit your needs.

Best Wishes

Harriet

[silkwood]

I am to be given one on the NHS. I live in England and a lady came today.She was from the wheelchair service and I was referred to her by my Neurophysio.

I am hoping the right chair will lead to greater independence,more exercise of the upper arms and more safety.

I can no longer walk safely and I have to be very careful and am slow using the rollator.

I have to be careful turning my head and changing direction.

Maybe a wheelchair is applicable to me now.It has to be lightweight and portable.

Yet another piece of kit.It is so difficult to know what sort of wheelchair to go for as they all have their pros and cons.Of course on the NHS you will get what you are given.

[robo1 in reply to silkwood]

You do not have to settle for what they give you. They could only offer me a steel chair which was still too heavy but they have a voucher scheme where they give you a voucher to the value of the chair they have offered you, and you can put it towards a chair of your choice. The lightweight 'swift' (see above) only cost me an additional £19.00.

~ Bob

[edic]

I live in Seattle, have SCA6, and have a Pride GO-GO Elite Traveller Plus bought from Wheelchair Select for about $1100. It works fine. Get the bigger, at least 17 Ah, battery.