Self-propelled wheelchairs

[Knittlng]

Self-propelled wheelchairs I find I am unable to walk far without getting very wobbly. I wonder if my arms would be strong enough for a self-propelled wheelchair, my grandson doesn’t think so. Has anybody tried one or what do you thinkM

[PatsyIpswich]

I have tried some that use very little strength.. do ask to try one. Google nearest mobility shop. X

[Telegraphist]

I have a powerchair. Useful for going for a "walk". Mine folds up and lives in the back of the car. Using it requires no arm strength, just fingertips for control panel and joystick. Us wobbly ones may need help though with unfolding and sitting on it, as it takes both hands and leaves none for holding on for stability.

[nigelrheath]

Even a lightweight self propelled chair becomes heavy the moment we sit in it! Look at motorised as it will give you more range and mean less reliance on someone to push you. Also provides a bit of future proofing.Nigel

[Knittlng in reply to nigelrheath]

Thank you Nigel, I was hoping to try and keep fit using both my legs and my arms. This doesn’t seem too promising does it, do you think it might be worth me trying a few out to the shop?

[nigelrheath in reply to Knittlng]

I think your idea to use arms and legs is fine. In practice this may not be as easy as it ought to.I applied for and got attendance allowance, and I use this to fund gym membership. There I can safely work on my muscle strength, without my balance issues getting in the way. It also funds a cleaner to take some pressure off my wife and a massage each once a month! Going to the gym gets me out of the house and I get there and back in my electric wheelchair. I wear a cycle helmet as if I should miss a curb and fall out it’s bound to be head first. To bring it some style and cause conversation I have a riding silk cover which is a bright green frog’s head. I am becoming well known.

Keep looking for novel ways to keep as fit as you can and enjoy life.

Nigel

[BrettDarby in reply to nigelrheath]

I request a photo of the helmet, please.

[nigelrheath in reply to BrettDarby]

I tried to send a picture but the box requesting a description for the poor of sight blocked me from sending it! I’ll try later on my tablet instead of my phone. Nigel

[nigelrheath in reply to nigelrheath]

Here ‘tis

Frog helmet

[BrettDarby in reply to nigelrheath]

Funky ears!

[nigelrheath in reply to BrettDarby]

Those are eyes!!

[BrettDarby in reply to nigelrheath]

Of course, sorry —I’ve seen too many bear onesies.

[suzie44na]

My arms are not good, so I have a supascoota. It folds to go in the boot too, so can go anywhere.

[Midori]

I have one, but I don't have the arm or back strength, so It lurks in my garage, only coming out when I have long Journeys and an assistant at hand!

Cheers, Midori

[Amynah]

HiI am wondering - If you have tried walkers they are in between a wheelchair and stick.

Thanks

[nigelrheath in reply to Amynah]

I use a simple Walker, wheels on the front and sliders on the back to get around the garden and avoid falling in the pond! I don’t have the stamina now to use this for any length of time.

[Knittlng in reply to nigelrheath]

Dear Nigel, I have a three wheeler four wheeler with a seat and an ordinary wheelchair. I want to try and keep my strength up so I thought it might be a good way to keep fit but perhaps not!I rarely have anybody to push me in the wheelchair and thought it might be nice to be more independent with a chair. Thanks for your help anyway

[Hidden]

I am unable to self propel. I find my tremor makes my arms weaker than my legs. I often joke it is a shame my legs cannot have attached pedals to self propelled wheelchair.

[BrettDarby in reply to Hidden]

I’m the opposite, arms stronger than legs—physically I’m like a chimpanzee.

[ww-wibblywobbly]

Hi, I tried a self propelled wheelchair a few times several years ago, but didn't go for one. The first time I tried it in the shop it was good. But when they bought the wheelchair out to me at home to try outside it was too difficult. I couldn't control it properly and didn't have enough strength in my arms. I was guided by the professionals and opted for a lightweight electric wheelchair with a joystick controller. I love my wheelchair, it enables me to go out and look around. Although I do have to concentrate a fair bit on my steering.

[Knittlng in reply to ww-wibblywobbly]

Thank you, that seems to be the general advice from most people. Unfortunately I can’t have an electric wheelchair as I have nowhere to keep it or charge it up as I live in a flat🙁