Wheelchair recommendation for the elderly in Hong Kong in 2022｜Whether the wheelchair size is suitable｜Wheelchair purchase teaching
There are a wide variety of wheelchairs on the market, including electric and hand push, large wheels and small wheels, different brands and functions, and prices vary widely, ranging from a few hundred yuan to over ten thousand yuan a piece. Customers may be confused when purchasing.
Le Qi’s peers have sorted out the 5 key points of purchase for you, so that you can choose the right wheelchair more clearly.
Contents: 5 Key Points of Choosing a Wheelchair
1. Appropriate size
When purchasing, you should pay attention to the seat width, depth, height, backrest and armrest height. A well-fitting wheelchair can bring high comfort, but an ill-fitting wheelchair may affect health or cause chronic physical strain.
Generally speaking, mainstream wheelchairs in Hong Kong have a seat width of 43cm (17”) or 46cm (18”) as the standard, which is suitable for most Hong Kong users (Asians).
2. Purpose and required functions
First consider the user's situation and purpose of use, and refer to the following examples of selection suggestions for different purposes:
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daily use
It is recommended to use a light and comfortable wheelchair to maintain good life functions.
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travel or frequent outings
An ultra-light wheelchair is recommended for easy transportation.
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Special functions or high comfort requirements
Optional functional wheelchairs for special needs or maximum comfort.
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Bracket Design and Materials
Bracket materials can be made of steel, aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, and even carbon fiber; PU solid, pneumatic tires and thick tires, ergonomically designed seats and cushions, thick cushions, lithium batteries, etc.
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type
Electric wheelchairs are suitable for people who need to use wheelchairs for a long time, can control the wheelchairs and go out by themselves; manual wheelchairs are suitable for people with short-term injuries, those who have caregivers, or those who have upper limb muscle strength enough to push the wheelchair by themselves.
wheelchair style
Hong Kong Le Senior provides a variety of wheelchairs from different origins for purchase. In addition to hand-push wheelchairs and self-service wheelchairs, wheelchairs are available in a variety of seat widths and wheel sizes to meet different usage requirements.
3. Size rear tires
The difference and function of big and small rear tires
| need/suitability | Advantages and functions |
|---|---|
| autonomy |
The user can push it by himself with the big wheel, but not with the small wheel.
|
| Living space |
The large wheel needs a larger turning angle, and the small wheel is smaller.
|
| Suitable for wheelchair users |
The user's upper limbs are strong enough to push the wheelchair by themselves, they are heavy and the road is bumpy.
|
| Suitable for small wheelchair users |
The wheelchair is pushed by the caregiver, the wheelchair needs to be transported to and from the car, the bed needs to be moved, and the home passage is narrow.
|
Dismantling the big and small wheel fallacy
| Fallacy | reason and explanation |
|---|---|
| The big wheel is more stable |
Stability does not depend on the size of the rear wheels, but the distance between the front and rear wheels, the contact area between the tires and the floor.
|
| Larger wheels are stronger |
Firmness depends on the material and thickness of the tire.
|
| Big wheels are better to push |
Big wheels are not easier to push, but more labor-saving. For the same distance, the big wheel needs to be rolled two times, and the small wheel needs to be rolled four times. For caregivers, it is less labor-intensive to implement. Whether it pushes well or not depends on the wheel bearings.
|
4. Price
Three main factors that affect the price: function, material (directly affect the weight), brand quality.
The more or higher the functions, materials, and quality, the higher the price; there are very few low-priced wheelchairs with many functions and high quality.
The mainstream brands of hand push wheelchairs in Hong Kong are mainly from Japan (such as Miki, Nissin, Ichigo Ichie) and Taiwan (Karma, Merits), and the quality is usually better than that of mainland brands. Electric wheelchairs mainly come from Taiwan, the United States and Europe, which are usually better than domestic ones.
5. Proof of safety and durability
The weight of the wheelchair has a great impact on the caregiver. In addition to considering the load during implementation, it also greatly affects the feasibility and safety of folding and transporting the wheelchair. A wheelchair made of ultra-light materials can prevent caregivers from being injured and strained when carrying it.
In addition, the design of the bracket, the quality of body materials and accessories (seat cushions, such as batteries and controllers) also affect the sturdiness and durability of wheelchairs. Wheelchairs that have passed testing and obtained professional certification can effectively ensure the safety of users.
wheelchair style
Hong Kong Le Senior provides a variety of wheelchairs from different origins for purchase. In addition to hand-push wheelchairs and self-service wheelchairs, wheelchairs are available in a variety of seat widths and wheel sizes to meet different usage requirements.Summarize
Choosing a suitable wheelchair can bring convenience to users and caregivers. If you still have no idea about choosing a suitable wheelchair, or want to know more detailed information, welcome to share with everyone on Lohas Elderly Facebook !
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