Thinking about a wheelchair

[oldtimer]

I would appreciate any advice about wheelchairs. I'm having increasing problems walking (arthritis, asthma, sciatica). I'm old too!

I would like to be able to accompany my partner in the countryside, so was thinking about a sporting type that would cope with rough ground. I live on the edge of a small town, so it would need to be useful for shopping also.

I've found one called a Trekinetic -but it's very expensive! Anyone any experience of this one? Or another that would cope with uneven ground?

[Pippy25]

I was just wondering if it is more a mobility scooter than a wheelchair you were thinking of? Is it more for outdoor purpose than indoor? There are lots of options as you can no doubt gather and price ranges to go with that too! If it is more to accompany your partner in the countryside, it may be worth looking at a few options such as wheel type, some have soft wheels which may need pumping up or a harder wheel, again some have more wheels for stability than others, some like one I have here can be taken apart and put in the boot or as I do it is weighted down in the back of the adapted car. Again you can get hoists to take the physical pressure off getting a scooter or chair in and out of a vehicle. I don't know if you have a mobility shop or centre near to you that you could try and test a few out, as I know some feel more comfier and suited than others. For Example; I could never manage my dad's scooter and once took the door off between the utility room and garage due to not being able to handle it!!Again if it is more of a wheel chair you are looking for you can get one with a joy stick or similar that you could operate or there are ones that have a power pack to the back that another person pushing operates. In the coming months I am looking to change my scooter and am lucky enough to have a mobility shop in the town and know the chap which helps. Another thought is I've been looking into places in the countryside which you can hire Trampers which I know someone posted about a few months ago, I believe they are available in quite a few places so may be worth having a look out for hiring one as an option. I really hope that you can get something that helps and that you can continue to get out and access the outdoors with your partner, without all the pain and stress this can bring. Take care and apologies for a long reply!

[sylvi]

Have you thought about a scooter instead of a wheelchair darling. xxx

[Hidden]

Hi. There are ‘all terrain’ ones available. I would do some research and try a few out. If you get PIP mobility you can hire one for part of your benefit. Other sellers seem to do their own schemes if the upfront cost is too much; you just pay it off in bits. I did quite a bit of research on this a while ago, as sometimes I think I should get one. Look online for local dealers and also look at the Motability website to view the different ones available.

[Pippy25 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks CripLady for posting as I remember your post and am still looking more into the availability of Trampers nation wide at various sights.

[Hidden]

I did a post on ‘countryside scooters’ a while ago, so maybe read that thread.

[Hidden]

jorviktricycles.com/tricycl.... These electric bikes also available; depending on your need.

[tyncwmmarchhywel]

you dont look old to me

[Zara0123 in reply to tyncwmmarchhywel]

That's what I was thinking.

[weathervane]

I don’t know if you have an occupational therapist, they can give some advice. If you do get one make sure your partner can lift it in and out of the car as some are heavy and awkward. Best wishes, hope you find a suitable one xx

[rabbits65]

I went to a place called Hilliers today with my sister. They are a centre that have a lot of companies within it. Garden centre. Cotton traders, and much more, including a large department for wheelchairs. Thought I would let you know, so if you have a Hilliers place near you , you could visit it and have a look.

[Goldsky]

I have a scooter which is invaluable. I cannot walk very far at all and use it all the time. It also means that my poor old husband doesn’t have to push me about and I have a bit of freedom.Do hope you find wheels that suit your needs oldtimer