I work in the Communications team at Ataxia UK - I hope you're all well.
I'm writing a story on wheelchairs/rollators/walkers for the Ataxia UK Magazine, to give some information and reviews for people thinking of using one (mainly positive and useful ones!).
I'm looking for some reviews/comments/opinions on wheelchairs, rollators and walkers. Any comments are welcome - thank you!
Please feel free to email me if you'd rather not comment communications@ataxia.org.uk
Many thanks,
Leanna
N.B - if you would like your name and age next to your review please let me know, if you'd prefer to be anoymous that's fine, too!
Hi Leanna..... I have Ataxia.... I started off using a walking stick to help me walk, eventually going to a wheelchair where my wife pushed me.
To save my wife having to push me as she got older, I was given an electric powerchair by the Royal Air Force Benevolent fund, because I am a Royal Air Force Veteran.
The powerchair they gave me is an Invercare “Mirage” which I’ve had for 18 months now, out of curiousity I googled the price of the wheelchair, its £2005.
It is easy to use and a godsend for my wife as she can lift it in and out of the car using a boot hoist( Motability car)
I realise it is expensive, but if any member has to use an electric wheelchair and can afford one, I would truly recommend the Invercare electric wheelchair!
You are welcome to use my name as and where you need, I am 75!
This Trionic veloped rollator is fantastic, my main problem is lack of balance and some visual problems that make me very unsafe. Most rollators are designed for slow careful movement and force you to take up an unnatural hunched posture, I walk in a very upright position with mine. I am physically fit so want to walk at speed, in deserted places. I have even jogged behind this one though a bit difficult holding on! It has been across Dartmoor on old stone roads and all over the place. I can sit and recover when I need to, and carry lunch or extra clothes in the carry bag. It folds to go in the car though I am not sure I'd be able to lift it in myself without scratching paint. I have the Sport one which suits me well. It has pavement setting and rough terrain setting. I cannot go into any populated areas at all, using a wheelchair if I have to do so. I use pavement setting as it suits me, unless on very rough terrain. We attached a 'lead' to the front which my spouse takes and just gives a little support if we go through deep sand or boulders. It is very thoughtfully designed and when I wanted to change something, I was given sensible help, freely. Thoroughly recommend, gave me freedom. As soon as it arrived I went out, on my own for the first time in a long while, in the snow, only stopping when it reached about 14" deep and it was getting to be hard work. Here is the link to the site, it is pricey but can be found for less, but worth every penny. trionic.uk/en/veloped-the-a...
ok you may have already read this - sorry if you have but here are my thoughts and good luck.
I used to walk with an extended walking pole, then 2. Now I use a walker/rollator.
For walkers and rollators definitely try to get 4 wheel rather than 3 - more stable. Good brakes essential, and bigger the wheels the better.
Although the brakes are awful I use a Stannah rollator for the width (narrower) and the net for all my essentials!
For outside (we have gravel and slopes), I need bigger wheels and better brakes - Topro Olympos
Upstairs I use a Nitro Rollator.
Wheelchair - Karma Ergo 125
I needed it to be foldable (fit in car), self-propelling, able to brake (pusher handle brakes and wheel lockable) and washable seat
I think all wheelchairs are hopeless on grave/level changes, and backwards always helps. I have a rather expensive addition which helps in fields and beaches called a FreeWheel x
By all means use my name and I am 57 xx
Lol - I completely forgot my adapted walker! When I was much more active I used to LOVE walking around our fields, but this became hard. I noticed that a disabled fireman used a 3 wheeled baby jogger.
I asked him for tips and he said second hand, biggest wheels. I found a baby jogger on Ebay, striped it and weighted the front.
I use a TOPRO TROJA extended to the max as I am over 6 feet tall. It is 4 wheel and folds onto the back seat of the car. I use a washing up bowl on its seat to carry things. It has a pouch with a 5 kg limit. The seat is at a slight angle so things slide off, but the pouch does not. There is also a stick holster which carries my Helping Hand grabber. The rear wheels are braked by a crude method. Braking is all or nothing.
Every month I tighten everything on my walker to prevent bits falling off. Ditto electric scooter.
Avoid gravel.
I now have a metal ramp filling the back yard which leads to the tarmac path to the car. And a low thresh hold rear door frame leading to the ramp.
Hello FFNick,
Thanks a lot for your reply and sharing your review!
If you are still writing your article on wheelchairs - a pusher’s perspective is very different - my husband often gets cross when people step in front and moans that they have obviously never pushed someone. Also my daughter gets terrible rage when people step in front x
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