There are many different wheelchair manufacturers offering lightweight manual wheelchairs. With so many manufacturers, types, options, and features it can be confusing when choosing the lightweight wheelchair for you. These wheelchairs come in three main types. You will be able to choose from a rigid, a folding or a titanium model manual wheelchair. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Rigid Lightweight wheelchairs are the ultra light of these particular types of wheelchairs. These keep their shape and you cannot fold them down, which makes them harder to store should you need to do that. However, with out nuts, bolts and hinges to allow the chair to fold up it is kept at the lightest weight possible. This is the type of wheelchair you choose if you are interested in going fast, doing sports with your chair, or you will not need to fold it up in order to take it with you. These chairs also come with many great customizable features such as push handles, flip-up armrests and even light up casters if you wish.

Folding lightweight wheelchairs are designed to do just as their name suggests. They are still light, but they cannot be as light as the rigid chairs because of the parts necessary to fold it up. With a simple pull of the seat and a push of the arms, it folds up. It can then be put into the trunk of a car and it is easily stored folded up in a closet. This is a great option for those who don’t need to use their lightweight wheelchair everyday or who will only be in a wheelchair for a short period.

Finally, there are titanium versions. These lightweight wheelchairs come in both the rigid and the folding varieties. They are however made from titanium, which is lightweight, strong and more durable. The metal also has some shock absorbing properties. These are more expensive then the other varieties and they take longer to custom build, but they are the most luxurious choice for both rigid and folding lightweight wheelchairs. These should be considered if you feel that your chair might get a lot of use, you may be using it heavily, or you want it to last longer through regular use. These are more likely to be durable and to see less wear and tear with heavy use.

No matter which type of  wheelchair you choose, you will be able to get mobile again. These chairs are for those who have the ability and desire to be independent. Because of their lightweight design they are easier to propel, easier to maneuver, and easier to travel with. They are also less expensive then traditional wheelchairs. Each such wheelchair will be marked K0004 because this is the medical marking for the lightweight variety of wheelchairs. With so many advantages to the lightweight you now only need to consider what you will be using your chair for, how you will transport it, how often you will transport it, and whether you will use it indoors, outdoors, or both.

If you have recently been told you should use a wheelchair then you should consider several things before deciding to buy a used wheelchair. It is not usually recommended that you buy a wheelchair that has been owned and used by another because of the customized features that go into a wheelchair. Wheelchairs are usually chosen according to the fit of the person with height, weight and width taken into consideration when the wheelchair is purchased. Additionally the person’s limitations, needs and condition will also be taken in consideration when the wheelchair is chosen and fitted for the original user. Because of this, you should never buy a used wheelchair if you will be using it permanently.

If you are going to be using the wheelchair temporarily then a used one might work for you. There are still a few things that you should consider though. First, buying a used electric wheelchair is a bad idea. Warranties do not transfer with the ownership of the wheelchair and they are often sold as is. You may save money on the purchase only to find out that it is going to be expensive to repair it. You should always avoid buying highly customized manual wheelchairs such as those used for sports. Injury can occur from using a wheelchair that is not fit for you when you are doing intense activity. Used manual wheelchairs should only be purchased if they are basic and not highly customized.

The first thing to know is that shopping around for a used wheelchair is the best idea. It will get you a better deal; it will also give you an idea of how much you should pay, and will allow you to pick one that is at least comfortable to you.

Make sure you sit in a wheelchair before you buy it. You want to check your height and your width to the chair before you commit to buy. The wrong size could cause you pain and discomfort later on down the road. Additionally you should check all aspects of the chair for damage. Weak points, tears and damage to the metal could cause you dangerous problems later on. Buy a used wheelchair only if it is in good condition. Your safety is more important than saving some money.

You can find used wheelchairs online, in the classified sections, at garage sales, and you can ask around and often find someone who has one they would be willing to sell. Just make sure you check it out before you commit to buy. It is never advisable to buy a used electric chair or a used highly customized manual chair such as a sports wheelchair. However, it is safe to buy a manual wheelchair that is in good condition and feels comfortable to you as long as you will not be using it forever. One last tip though. It is a good idea to check with your insurance company before you start shopping for a used wheelchair.  Insurance companies, even for short-term use, pay for many chairs and that can save you even more money and get you a chair that is fit for you.

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