Lightweight Adjustable Wheelchairs

Lightweight adjustable wheelchairs are an upgrade of the lightweight style. While the sizing, options colours and basic design is similar to the lightweight styles these chairs allow for more adjustability. This adjustability is primarily centered around wheel and caster placement both vertically and horizontally which can be fine tuned to enhance propulsion and positioning. These chairs are most commonly owned by active teens and adults who desire the adjustability.

Frame - Lightweight adjustable wheelchairs have folding frames made of aluminum available in many different colours. They are available in many sizes from 14" to 22" seat widths, various seat heights from 14" to 20", and can be adapted for the use of most types of seating products. Their wheels are mounted to adjustable brackets to enable optimum wheel placement.

Upholstery - There are options for colour and material for lightweight wheelchair upholstery however most people get the basic black upholstery which is standard. People who purchase this type of wheelchair almost alway purchase some type of seat cushion and backrest for comfort and positioning which effectively hides the upholstery from sight anyway.

Armrests - The armrests available are fixed or adjustable height, full length or desk length, flip back or removable. Adjustable height full length are the most commonly chosen arms as armrest height is important for comfort.

Footrests - Both regular footrests and elevating legrests are available with this style of wheelchair. There is a charge for the footrests on this type of wheelchair from most manufacturers however most dealers will blend the price of the most basic type into the cost of the wheelchair and give a discount if they are not needed or charge extra if legrests are needed.

Wheels & Casters - The options for wheel size and type are quite good on this style of chair. The rear wheels most commonly ordered are 22" and 24" but 20" and 26" are often available. The front casters are available in 6" or 8" diameters. Both rear wheels and caster are available with air or solid tires however casters almost always work better when they are solid.

Pros

• Well fitted to user
• Many options
• Many accessories
• Very adjustable
• Excellent positioning ability

Cons

• Moderately expensive ($2,000.00 - $3,500.00)