♿️ 10 TIPS FOR CHOOSING A MANUAL WHEELCHAIR

AFTER SUFFERING A SPINAL CORD INJURY WHEN I WAS 9 AND MADE PARAPLEGIC, I HAVE HAD A FEW MANUAL WHEELCHAIRS OVER THE YEARS. I'D LIKE TO THINK I HAVE PICKED UP SOME USEFUL TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A MANUAL WHEELCHAIR.

There are lots of things to consider when choosing a wheelchair, like your budget, your lifestyle, and the level of your spinal cord injury, or the type of disability.
you may want to consider if you are going to do any sport such as wheelchair rugby, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis wheelchair boxing or even wheelchair tricks!! just not wheelchair fireworks!!!

My Rigid frame wheelchair is from Davinci Mobility

My folding frame is from Motioncomposite and is the Voloce

hyper links
Manual or electric: 2:04
Budget 2:34
Metal: 3:13
Rigid of Folding: 3:51
Types of Tires: 4:46
Types of breaks: 5:11
Fit in the car: 5:24
Cushion type 5:44
Back height 6:30
Foot plate: 7:25

VIDOES YOU MAY ENJOY

SURVIVING WINTER IN A WHEELCHAIR

STUPID THINGS PEOPLE HAVE SAID ABOUT MY DISABILITY

MY SPINAL CORD INJURY SROTY

WHEELIE VLOGS



All of the opinions in the video are my own, and suggestions only directed at my own experiences. I take no responsibility for any persons actions.

[goredknight]

I’ve just got my own first personal wheelchair after years of being stubborn and being pigheaded. I’ve missed out on so much that all my family kept onto me and threatened that they all would go to my doctor to get this sorted. I gave in and finally spoke to my ( Brilliant ) Doctor who was really understanding and understands it’s not all about that BLUE BADGE like so many others. My first chair is a NHS wheelchair so not much choice but let’s not forget that this is provided for free so no gripes here. Thank to the NHS I’ve finally will maybe be able to do some of the things I have missed.

[RebelliousStory]

Can you make a video on things you have re-learn how to do in a wheelchair? Like opening doors, getting in/out of cars, picking up items, etc. I’m new to wheelchair life and feel totally lost when it comes to do some every day things.

[Wheelsnoheels]

What is the most important thing you look for when buying a new chair? There were a few other points that i didn't have time to mention, such as camber, and "tipsiness" of the chair,  Don't forget to give me a thumbs up!! xx

[deeferry]

I'm in my 60's, so not necessarily a lot in common with yourself. I can only walk approx 40 yards before I have to stop. (Walking at home isn't really a problem) I can walk as far as my car but can't make it round say a supermarket or to the shops, so seriously considering buying a chair which would enable me to get out more. Thank you so much for this video, you've given me a lot to consider before purchasing.

[itsrileylyn]

OH HOW I WISH THIS WAS AROUND WHEN I GOT MY FIRST CHAIR. I think I'm going to post a video like this too. It's just so important.

[minimalzebra]

I'm coming to terms with needing a wheelchair so thanks for the tips.

[itsrileylyn]

I used to have the light up casters and I LOVED them. The issue is that they get caught on every bump so I have larger casters (that dont light up) so they are much smoother. Nothing will ever look as cool though.

[davidhickman]

Thanks Gem, just a couple of ideas for those that have a little extra to spend on their wheelchair. My wife is an active user and likes the outdoors so rather than compromise too much on one chair, we now have an indoor very lightweight narrow one and a slightly more robust one for outdoors. The outdoor one we fit with a freewheel unit that attaches to the front giving you a 24" wheel that lifts the caster wheels off the ground so you can traverse loose gravel, grass and higher kerbs without the caster wheels digging in. Not cheap (approx £500) but well worth it. We are also using loopwheels for outdoor main wheels, which have large flexible loops to attach the wheel hub to the rim instead of spokes. The loops flex over bumps giving you a degree of suspension and a softer ride. Expensive again but if you are in the chair for the rest of your

[TravelingwiththeGramkracker]

My chair is a TY and I like it.... however it was measured wrong... these chairs are custom built so measurements are crucial there are no do overs. I think your videos are totally hilarious and very informative keep making them thanks.

[dragonflymoon]

I chose an electric. I live in Maine. No one told me you can’t take electrics out in the rain and they do not work in ice, slush or snow. Eight months out of the year, it’s a paperweight.

[carasachs]

An idea for you - there are power drives and power assist drives that can make a manual chair more usable and easier on the body. I use an e-fix by Alber and it’s great. Takes a manual chair and turns it into a fully powered chair with a joystick.

[millymay]

Thank you for this, I’m choosing my first wheel baby and I’m really excited about it, but have no idea what to choose or what’s good and annoying when in use…..this is really valuable, thank you!

[disneymad]

I had a standard wheelchair and I now got a active wheelchair thanks for the vlog it helped me to find a new wheelchair

[billm]

I'm going completely off topic here and mention how absolutely gorgeous you look! Your hair...oh my...♥ Be well friend, and thanks for all your inspiring work.

[BrainSqueezeYT]

Thank you! It was a great overview for what things I need to consider with my first wheelchair. I was unaware of the leg angle options.

[DJPK]

Thanks Gem! I'm going next week for my fitting appointment for my first custom wheelchair, and these tips were really helpful!

[hannahduncan]

At some point in my CRPs life. I will need an electric wheelchair. This video has been very helpful.

[aliciahester]

Thanks for making this video I am coming to terms with needing a wheelchair

[notdaisyadoptme]

Well done. I really hope this will be useful to a lot of people. :)

[ReyOfLight]

Wheelchair width is super important as well, I see so many who sit in way too wide chairs and that makes pushing a lot more difficult as you have your arms further out from your body. A snug yet not tight seat gives a more ergonomically correct push which will save your shoulders and arms. Type of backrest is another important choice to make, rigid or slingback? I have the latter but have put the inner shell of my Aspen Vista TLSO brace in my chair to get better positioning and comfort, am going to switch to rigid backrest but I’m lazy and really hate calling my occupational therapist who deals with the contact with the wheelchair place, and I hate to say it but my occupational therapist is absolutely clueless when it comes to wheelchairs...

I have a whole list of things that needs to be considered when getting a wheelchair and help friends as much as I can, be it just coming up with good arguments to use when talking with occupational therapists and general advice. OT’s really love high backrests and every extra gadget in the book (like armrests, breaks handled by a carer and whatnot)