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Loading ...Mobility Solutions for Entrepreneurs with a Special Condition
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Whether through age, disease or accident, many people end up requiring a mobility device at some stage in their lives. For some it’s just a temporary stopgap, for others a permanent fixture in their lives. In either case, the choice of device is crucial to well being and the quality of life. Here’s an overview of mobility options for the disabled to help you make the best choice.
The traditional solution is the wheelchair. Wheelchairs come as manual items which the user powers via wheel rims or a lever. These devices are suitable for those with the good upper body strength needed to propel the device, thus best suited to people whose mobility problem involves only their lower body. Another type of manually-propelled wheelchair is a lever-drive one. The user propels the chair forwards by using a lever that is pumped back and forth. Some chairs allow the user to move using one or both feet instead of using the rims. Other manual wheelchairs are pushed along by an attendant.
Electric (powered) wheelchairs, which are powered by rechargeable batteries (by connecting them to standard electric outlets), are ideal for those who lack upper body strength as they’re steered by a joystick. The basic types are rear, centre, front-wheel driven and four-wheel driven. However a power wheelchair is not suitable for someone suffering from poor visual perception or coordination.
The second kind of mobility device is the mobility scooter. Mobility scooters blend the functionality of the wheelchair with the form of a scooter. They’re steered with a handlebar. Like power chairs, they’re suitable for people lacking the stamina or arm/shoulder flexibility needed to use a manual wheelchair. Compared to wheelchairs, they offer fewer medical support options. So they’re not suitable for those who have problems supporting their heads or bodies. They are helpful for users suffering from disabling conditions such as arthritis. Users just need to be able to sit erect without torso support.
Other advantages of mobility scooters include greater manoeuvrability compared to wheelchairs. This makes it possible to make tighter turns and navigate more types of terrain. The batteries, too, last longer than those in wheelchairs.
On the downside, the length of mobility scooters restricts their turning radius and the low ground clearance can make navigation of curbs difficult.
Mobility scooters are in two main classes. Class 2 scooters are for pavement use only and have a maximum speed of 4 mph. Class 3 scooters can travel on the road and have a maximum speed of 8 mph. To travel on the pavement, a Class 3 scooter needs to be fitted with a restrictor switch that limits the speed to 4 mph. They must also have front and rear lights, traffic indicators, rear view mirrors and a horn.
So how do you decide on the best mobility device for you? The best way to find out is to answer a few questions.
- Is your need for a device likely to be short or long term? If the latter, you’ll probably want an upmarket lightweight item with customised features.
- Can you use your arms or feet to propel your wheelchair? If not, you probably need a powered wheelchair or mobility scooter.
- How will you transfer to and from the mobility device? This affects the design of the devices. If you need to slide in sideways, then the seat will need to be moveable, for example.
- Another factor is your weight. If you’re obese, you may need a special bariatric wheelchair.
- Are you likely to need to stay in your device for long periods of the day? If so, the wheelchair is the better option as it offers better support for the torso, head and feet.
- Do you have the body strength to propel your device? If not, you’ll need a powered wheelchair or scooter.
- Are you able to sit upright easily? The scooter’s tiller steering mechanism requires an upright posture. It also needs some shoulder and hand strength together with some upper-body mobility and strength.
- What kind of terrain will you be traveling on? Scooters may have difficulties going over certain surfaces.
- Are you going to travel frequently by air or train? Scooters tend to be lighter but wheelchairs can fold up more easily for storage.
Having chosen your type of device you’ll need to consider the model you want to buy. For this, you’ll have to take into account how and where you’re going to use it. For example, you need to make sure the width will allow passage through your home. You’ll also need to consider if any special features you may need are available. For example, some users might require extended headrests, harnesses and similar adds on to provide greater support and comfort. You may need a model that can handle water it you’re going to have to use it in the bathroom.
Now let’s look your buying options. Firstly, always buy one with a recognised brand name. These include Pride Mobility Scooters, Shoprider Mobility Scooters, and Sunrise Medical. All these companies have head offices in the UK and dealers all around the country. This is useful for maintenance and spare parts. Next, always try and match your size and weight before you buy. In fact, try a number of devices until you find one that feels comfortable, as in legroom, etc. You can ask the sales person to make various adjustments to the tiller or the seat for you. Take one for a spin and see if you’re comfortable with the stability and the way it feels going over various surfaces.
You can buy new or second hand. Buying new is the better choice as you have a better chance of getting one that’s perfect for you. Plus second hand items which have been unused for a while can have problems with batteries and brakes. You also have to consider the matter of warranties. Repairing a mobility device can be expensive.
You also have to consider matters of servicing and spare parts. You need to be confident that if you have a problem with your mobility device, you can get it fixed quickly and easily. So it’s best to go for a brand name device that has a head office and many service centres in the UK. Nowadays, a lot of wheelchairs are imported into the UK from China. Servicing might be a problem with these.
Another option is to buy your mobility device at an online auction such as eBay. You might find bargains in the form of cheap mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs online. But such an important purchase really needs an inspection of the physical item. So unless you are familiar with the model being sold, and you have no special requirements, you should stay away from auctions when buying a wheelchair or scooter.
Other factors that influence your choice will be cost and the demands of 3rd parties such as insurance companies. The latter may well lay down certain conditions regarding your device when finalising any policies you may need to take out. If you cannot afford a mobility device then know that many insurance companies also purchase devices for people to use when medial problems make mobility difficult.
Considering the above, it’s clear that expert advice is needed before investing in a mobility device. Your choice will have a pivotal impact on the quality of your life so you need to choose both the right device and the right place to buy. For a happy buying process, look for a supplier who specialises in mobility devices and has a good track record. And make sure you’re buying a reputable brand name. Buying a quality product from a quality firm will ensure a trouble-free future of mobility.
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