Class 1 and Class 2 wheelchairs in the United Kingdom
Class 1 and Class 2 wheelchairs are standard and powered carriages, respectively. Wheelchairs afford the disabled or injured a level of mobility and independence that might otherwise be lost. Users must make their homes accessible and care for their chairs so that they get use of them over many years.
How to make a house wheelchair‑friendly
The first thing to do to make a home wheelchair-friendly is to widen the door frames to accommodate the chair. There must also be a wheelchair ramp that complies with building codes up to each outside door if those doors are elevated. If they're not elevated, there still needs to be a gradual slope up to each jamb on either side so that the wheelchair can go up and down without hindrance. Inside the home, the furniture must be spaced as far apart as the door frames. To be most accommodating, the bathroom should have a door on either side so that the wheelchair user can enter without having to go all the way through the home to get there.
Types of wheelchairs
Manual chairs
Manual wheelchairs are powered by the user, who grasps the rims to move forward, backward, and to turn. Of course, self-propelled chairs have handles for someone else to push them. These carriages come in a variety of designs, including lightweight wheelchairs.
Electric wheelchairs
Also known as powered chairs, electric wheelchairs come in a different styles appropriate to a range of disabilities or injuries. They are almost all Class 2 carriages and are limited to a speed of 4 mph on pavements. They may not be driven on the road unless there is no pavement, any relevant pavement is blocked, or the rider must cross at a zebra. Some are steered with joysticks while others are steered by suction tubes. There are a few powered chairs that count as Class 3 carriages without being full-fledged mobility scooters. They are generally very expensive.
How do powered chairs work?
Powered chairs are battery driven, usually with direct-drive motors. They need daily recharging. Since they are motorized, it?s important that they are sized appropriately for their users. You must be able to sit upright in the chair without causing self-injury or pain. You should also be able to strap in with the safety belt and be comfortable in the chair.
How far can motorized wheelchairs go on a single charge?
Standard batteries provide about 10 miles of range under normal use. Rider weight, terrain, number of hills climbed, and other factors will affect the range. High-capacity batteries might even give up to 25 miles of range, but they're affected by the same variables.
How wide is a wheelchair?
Most wheelchairs, manual or powered, are either 25 or 26 inches wide when measured from the outside edge of each wheel. Some powered wheelchairs, and bariatric models of standard wheelchairs, are 32 inches wide or more.
The importance of wheelchair-accessible vehicles
Aside from specialized powered chairs, none of these carriages may be driven on a motorway. To get around other than locally, you would have to get a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. Such vehicles might be equipped with lifts, ramps, or both. Many don't have driver's seats, which allows for the driver to use their chair as the driver's seat. Universally, they will require hand controls for braking and gear shifting, including a clutch for motorcars with a manual transmission. Vans are generally the best vehicle to accommodate all carriages.
How to look after a wheelchair
All of a chair's moving parts need periodic maintenance. Axles must be oiled, brakes must be adjusted, inflatable tyres may need to be patched, etc. The front wheels must be kept in tip-top shape, too, because they can cause uncontrollable turns to the right and left that could be dangerous for the occupant and nearby persons alike. When repairs are necessary, you can find wheelchair parts and accessories on eBay.
Keeping it clean
It's also desirable to keep the chair clean. If the chair is metal, this will prevent rust. If the chair is made from composite material, then regular cleaning will keep it looking spiffy. Additionally, if you have hired a wheelchair, then you will certainly have to clean and disinfect the chair before returning it.
Pumping up tyres
Some chairs have the aforementioned inflatable tyres. These provide a smooth ride, but you need to ensure they?re properly inflated and refill them as needed. Other chairs have solid tyres. These will last for the life of the wheelchair, but their ride is bumpier. Still, other tyres are filled with foam instead of air. These are firmer than inflatables but softer than solid tyres. eBay sellers offer many wheelchair tyres at great prices.
Powered chairs almost always have solid or foam-filled tyres because of their weight. A composite manual chair might weigh 40 pounds. A powered chair could weigh 20 stone.
Additional maintenance
Always check the safety belt and replace it if it is frayed or loose. Also, be sure to fully charge the battery every night. Clean and disinfect the chair regularly. Wise chair owners have a set of Allen keys and a set of sockets available to tighten any loose bolts or other connectors while out and about. Finally, check for corrosion on the electrical connections as time goes by.
Which wheelchair is best for me?
Aside from materials and cosmetic differences, one manual chair is very much like another. Of course, you need a chair of the correct size. You don't want to cause rashes, sores, or other injuries because of an ill-fitting chair. It is usually wise to pick out a few wheelchair hires to do test drives. For example, you might think that solid tyres are the best, but when you roll over rough pavement with comfortable inflatable tyres, you could decide differently.
Unless your disability requires the use of a powered chair, having one is a matter of personal preference. They're generally easier and less tiring to use. They can usually handle semi-steep ramps with little problem. They are, however, much more expensive. Rather than 100 or so pounds for a manual chair, powered chairs cost up to 40 times as much.
