r/wheelchairs • • 25d ago

All Surveys, Research, and Product Design Questions Go HERE!

4 Upvotes

What Kind of Wheelchair User are you Poll

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r/wheelchairs • • 11h ago

I’m stuck. Help me decide.

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25 Upvotes

If I had my choice I’d go neon pink and black but they don’t have that color.

I’m using this to go back to school and might go back to professional situations (previous executive in clinical oncology R&D).

I love the glacier blue but don’t know if the dark plumb goes well with it or if it’s like Lisa Frank rode up in her chair. With the matte platinum, I figure I can add color when I want (spoke covers etc) and take it away when I want.

I am not in love with either color combination but I am drawn more to the plumb contrast.

Most of my abled body friends and family really do not like the plumb accents - I was surprised it elicited such a strong response.

It will have a smart drive attached to it.


r/wheelchairs • • 19h ago

Belated New Chair Day

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121 Upvotes

Hi!

I have been waiting forever to make this post.

I was supposed to pick up my chair in June, but the m90 wheels had flats that couldn't be filled. Then the reps kept ordering the wrong tires. (Pneumatic instead of solid to match the wheels it comes with. Mostly so the breaks didn't have to be fiddled with unnecessarily.)

So a process that was supposed to be April-June ended up being April-October. Better late than never! It came on Tuesday and here I am testing it out downtown!

My one immediate gripe is that during this long wait time, the techs took off my seatbelt, I want it back.


r/wheelchairs • • 8h ago

I’m about to become an ambulatory wheelchair user - and my workplace/job aren’t accessible.

5 Upvotes

Hi all,

I’ve just been prescribed a wheelchair for ambulatory/part time use. I’m currently getting by with forearm crutches, but it’s not long term sustainable. And I can only use one at work because I need to carry things and can’t do that with two crutches, so they only marginally help. My condition is dynamic, so some days I’m totally ambulatory, some days I can barely get vertical. I choose which days I need an aid at work, and it’s been okay. But when I get a wheelchair, I know I won’t be able to do functions of my job without getting up. The rooms I clean are too small for me to maneuver in a wheelchair. I clean and put sheets on and off treatment tables all day. So the questions are - do I just not use the chair at work? Do I use the chair all the other places I go and hope it conserves enough energy and symptom reduction to make work doable? Do I use it and get up and down repeatedly all day?

For clarity: this is not an issue of my employer not being willing to accommodate me. They have been so far very willing to accommodate me and have even helped make suggestions for things that might help. But they can’t make the rooms bigger, and cleaning them is an essential function of the job. There‘s no one else in my position on shift with me that could clean them for me. Also I’m not looking for medical advice, obviously, just like experienced or ideas on how to navigate this.


r/wheelchairs • • 18m ago

Looking for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle conversion / partner in Namibia - Want to offer transport for people with disabilities

• Upvotes

Hello everyone,I am based in Windhoek and I run a small transport service with a few cars.I have been getting requests from wheelchair users and other persons with disabilities, but my current vehicles are not equipped to safely load and transport a wheelchair.I want to start offering an inclusive service, so I am looking for:A workshop/company in Namibia (or SA if they work with Namibia) that can convert/equip a car - e.g. install a ramp/lift, lowered floor, wheelchair lock/clamps, swivel seat etc. If you have done it, what was the cost and which car model works best (Toyota Quantum / Hiace?)OR an existing wheelchair-accessible transport operator that I can partner with / subcontract for now - I bring the clients, you provide the vehicle.Any advice - NTA / Municipality requirements for transporting PWDs, insurance, etc.Goal is to provide dignified, safe and affordable transport for hospital visits, airport, work, school etc. in Windhoek and long distance.If you know someone who does conversions, or you own a WAV, or you are a wheelchair user who can tell me what you really need in a good ser


r/wheelchairs • • 31m ago

Are castors supposed to be equal to each other rather than the floor?

• Upvotes

I just got my castors squared but one of them is adjusted differently to the other. I think they were both technically 90° to the floor but they're at different settings.


r/wheelchairs • • 12h ago

Does castor squaring being off by 2° matter?

8 Upvotes

I got my chair at wheelchair services and when I got it I got the rear seat height put down by 1cm I believe. I didn't watch them square the castor housing so I'm not 100% sure they did it. I managed to measure it today after like a year and it's 2° (well 1.8/1.9 if I'm measuring correctly). I have an appointment tomorrow, should I bring this up? Or does it not matter on such a small scale. I obviously appreciate that that any factory setting bolts will probably be in tighter and they're more likely to come loose in future if adjusted iirc.

Edit: I'm getting around 3° on the other side.


r/wheelchairs • • 16h ago

How do you stop yourself getting drenched in wet weather? - Looking for recommendations.

12 Upvotes

Hi guys, I'm a manual wheelchair user based in Wales - and this time of the year I get very very wet (and end up getting very sick as a result!!)

I'm looking for a durable, fashionable, weatherproof jacket/coat that is suitable for being a manual wheelchair user.

All my previous jackets and ponchos end up with giant holes in or getting caught in wheels! My wheelchair gloves also lose all grip when it's wet so looking for recommendations for that too.

Thank you!!


r/wheelchairs • • 2h ago

#amputados #adaptivesports #amputeeathlete #wheelchair #bionic

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0 Upvotes

r/wheelchairs • • 12h ago

Buying our first van used. Warranty and maintenance packages?

3 Upvotes

All my life my cars have been fun and generally unreliable…. This is a Toyota Sienna with relatively low miles. It’s out of warranty with Toyota though. I’m being offered $4500 for a warranty which seems crazy high to me. If it was a notoriously unreliable German car sure… but not a Toyota. I’m getting clarity if this includes covering the VMI conversion equipment too. If it does are the wheelchair components really that unreliable? I’m fully abled and do a lot of the maintenance on my own cars but this van is for my wife so if it’s worth it I’d like to know. They’re also offering a $2500 maintenance plan which also is crazy high to me. I’m pretty sure I’m going to reject it all but again it’s our first wheelchair van so I’d really like others opinions.


r/wheelchairs • • 19h ago

Wheelchair Accessories

8 Upvotes

Hi!
After borrowing a family friends wheelchair for a few years I am finally buying my very own!
I was wondering what accessories other people recommend such as cushions or phone holders etc.
What helps you when you’re in your wheelchair?
(I am a ambulatory user)

Thanks!!


r/wheelchairs • • 23h ago

Vicair 02 Vector leak aircells

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17 Upvotes

Just checked my Vicair cushion and found 6 aircells either completely airless or filled minimally with air. Wasn't expecting this at all, since it's not even 3 months old.

Used a similar Vicair cushion as a loaner from the supplier for over 4 months and never had any leaks with that one. Was told these cells are supposed to be indestructable, with lifelong guarantee.

To other Vicair users: how often do you experience leaky aircells?

Still really happy with this cushion, it's so easily adjustable and comfortable. Even my deformed legs and pelvis are completely supported.


r/wheelchairs • • 12h ago

Advice for bussing solo without your partner helping you up the ramp?

2 Upvotes

So I'm very excited to finally get a hotel again (it's been 2 months due to money issues and now he's got a job so it'll be more often) but I have to take the city bus downtown to the transit center by myself and wait for my husband to get down there after work then hop on the bus that drops us off at the hotel cause fuck Lyft & Uber. Only issue is I've never bussed alone in my wheelchair within my 2 coming up to 3 years being a wheelchair user. My main fear is tipping backwards while rolling up the ramp (Yes I have anti-tippers but Blackbird [my wheelchairs name] Does not give a fuck if I use anti-tippers he will make a show every time.) or a dumb driver that doesn't know how to get me set up but I have to find a way to manage because Miles (My husband) works a full shift tomorrow meaning he gets out at 7pm and gets downtown with 2 busses making him get there at 8-8:30pm depending if there's any delays and I'm gonna probably get to the bus stop by 6pm to try to catch the 6:20pm and get downtown by 6:30 and wait for him downtown then head off on the bus to the hotel.

I'm just a little anxious on bussing by myself


r/wheelchairs • • 14h ago

QS5X or Ottobock Avantgarde 4 (with ELR’s)?

3 Upvotes

I had been contemplating my first custom manual to be the QS5X since Naidex in march, but I’ve heard some feedback that they’re not made the best :/

I would like to hear your personal experience with either model, pros and cons to help me decide whether the extra £800 base price is worth it.

I heard there are issues with the QS5X front frame and the castor wheels breaking.

I need the front of the frame to be durable because when I use elevated leg rests, it’s going to shift some of the weight forward. And I also plan on getting a power wheel aid, like the decon edrive or SD motion. Which is going to add extra stress.


r/wheelchairs • • 14h ago

TX22 Full Frame TORO Mount for Wheelchair

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2 Upvotes

r/wheelchairs • • 17h ago

Riding LA subway/red line?

3 Upvotes

So, I predominantly these days use a power chair-- Quickie Pulse 6, center wheel drive, tilt seating. My arms and shoulders haven't liked my manual chair since after top surgery, and admittedly I haven't been doing the work to get back in shape for it, but that's beside the point of this.

There's a gap between the platform and the cars that absolutely terrifies me with my wheelchair, because while up and down bumps are fine, gaps are what trips you, and I have no clue how to deal with it, or if there's a car that is specifically wheelchair accessible without as much of a gap and that's where you're supposed to board/disembark.

With my manual chair, the way I rode the subway/red line was, because I'm ambulatory, get up, bump the chair across the gap, sit back down, both for getting in and out of the car, and that way I just rode at whichever car is the one that was in front of me without worrying about it.

I'm doing travel training through Access Paratransit, but I'm not holding my breath, because when we were talking to him during the evaluation, he didn't seem to know specifically about how to ride the subway/red line with regard to our question. I was hoping that there was something like a dummy car set up somewhere that we would be practising on first, but that's not a thing, and so we're doing the travel training on a live train, which goes straight back to terrifying. So, I'm hoping that I can get at least some more guidance on here so I'm not going into this just terrified with no information.

Thanks!


r/wheelchairs • • 20h ago

Power assist suggestion

3 Upvotes

Good morning everyone, I am a full time manual chair user and I am looking at getting a rear mounted power assist for my chair. I’ve got a few weeks before I really would like to have it as I just had a major back surgery, and am still on bedrest. I am wanting one to help take some of stress off my body while I’m recovering and for later on down the road to help my shoulders stay healthy longer. l’ll happily take any suggestions and advice.


r/wheelchairs • • 14h ago

TX22 Full Frame TORO Mount for Wheelchair

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1 Upvotes

r/wheelchairs • • 1d ago

Built a site that rates places on grab bar side, door force, and transfer space instead of just "accessible"

8 Upvotes

Every accessibility listing I could find treats "wheelchair accessible" as a yes/no. That told my family nothing useful. Whether a bathroom works depends on which side the grab bar is on and how much transfer space there is, and no listing anywhere records that.

So I built mndaccess.org . Places get rated on nine specifics: door force, doorway width, transfer space, grab bar placement, parking distance, path surface, noise, lighting, staff awareness. Free, no ads, no account to browse.

It's built around motor neuron disease because that's my family's situation, but the measurements are the same ones anyone using a chair cares about. 64 places so far, which is nothing. I'd rather hear which of those nine fields are useless and what I should be recording instead


r/wheelchairs • • 1d ago

How do you manage sweaty/damp groin when in your chair all day?

22 Upvotes

I have a breathable cushion, I do pressure relief lifts, I wear 100% cotton underwear, but I’m still very sweaty and damp by the end of the day.
I’m getting skin issues that steroids from my doctor aren’t helping with from the constant dampness. I sleep in just boxers, or naked to give myself time to “air out” and be dry, but it isn’t helping either.


r/wheelchairs • • 1d ago

Robooter e60 pro on finance?

3 Upvotes

Hello has anyone from the uk got the Robooter e60 pro on finance? I need a new wheelchair and after researching this is the best option but I can’t afford £3k+ right now and I’m currently unable to get out and about until I get a new wheelchair 😢


r/wheelchairs • • 7h ago

Capstone Project Assistance!

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I'm a mechanical engineering student at the University of Houston currently working on my senior capstone project, and our team is seeking feedback from members of this community to help guide our design.

We are designing a dual-axis assistive shelf-retrieval mechanism aimed at helping individuals who use wheelchairs to reach high or hard-to-reach shelves at the grocery store.

Our concept uses a two-axis motion system (reaching vertically and extending outward horizontally) to bring items down to an accessible height and distance without requiring you to stretch, strain, or reach high overhead.

How You Can Help

While we are handling the mechanical engineering side, we want to ensure the final design is practical, safe, and truly user-centered. We’ve put together a brief, anonymous survey! We would really appreciate your input!

https://forms.gle/17BEzvtqaC5QoQF78

Thank you so much for your time and insights!


r/wheelchairs • • 1d ago

First Wedding and I’m freaking out.

6 Upvotes

I have a wedding in 10 days and I can’t believe I didn’t think of any of this. I’m terrified of how this wedding is going to go - dealing with the layout, wearing heels in the chair, I know the parking lot is already a nightmare because it’s gravel so I have to walk my chair in which is bad enough

Would it be wrong of me to call the venue? I’m worried about certain parts of the layout. I’ve been there before for a wedding so I know the reception hall/cocktail hour is fine. To the ceremony space there’s a pathway that’s next to the water/ possibly over it? And I can’t for the life of me remember what it’s made of. It’s very possibly like stone and gravel which would be hell

Then also like the ceremony space I don’t want to be fucking things up with my chair but I imagine imma have to just sit in the back which sucks this person is someone I’m very close to and it would just really suck to be set to the side kinda thing. Same with the reception hall at the chair.

This is a formal event and I’m really worried about how this is going to go. Is it inappropriate for me to call the venue? Just to get info? If anyone’s got any suggestions or experience I’d really appreciate it. I’m just so worried about all of it


r/wheelchairs • • 1d ago

Options for customizing this and/or making this less painful to use?

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16 Upvotes

I got my first chair today. The company that I was going through had me try an active chair where you can actually self propel. It was great, comfortable, and I was very satisfied with it. They told me that was what I’d be using. Ran it through my insurance, went to pick it up, very excited to finally be mobile again, then they revealed to me at that moment that my insurance only covers standard chairs, and they gave me a standard drive one. It’s clunky, hurts my shoulders, and is just horrendous to use. But I have to use it, I’m leaving town on sunday for a few months, my insurance will only cover the bare minimum standard wheelchair, I have no other options.

What can I do? How can I make this chair more comfortable, less unbearable to self propel, etc? I’m willing to get down and dirty with a screwdriver and modify it, but I don’t even know where to start..


r/wheelchairs • • 1d ago

Advice to minimize puncture risk with air cushions? Can puncture-resistent fabric work?

3 Upvotes

I'm a cat parent, and have a Roho air cushion that's ordered, but I haven't received it yet, delays and such.

But I am concerned about how often I've heard of peoples cat's puncturing holes in the cushions, and that the patch kits can only help so much, or sometimes dont at all, etc.

I was wondering it I could try and create a seat cushion cover made from puncture / cut resistent fabrics? Has anyone tried something like that?

Or has anyone noticed even just layers of less intense/thick fabrics ontop the cushion, being enough to reduce puncturing at all? (Like for my current cushion, I have two bathroom pads and then a double sided cooling mini-blanket-fabric over that too.)

I know we need to start getting her (my cat's) nails trimmed more, and refresh her scratch pads frequently too, but she still gets pretty sharp nails, and we realistically can't clip her nails as much as ideal.

So I'm trying to think of the best ways to protect the cushion from the very beginning. But I'm concerned if I use a puncture resistent fabric, I might struggle alot to actually drape it over the cushion well enough, and keep it anchored in place. And ensure that even with at least one layer of fabric over it, it wouldn't be too physically rough of texture. Or that it won't be so thick that itd prevent the proper pressure distribution intended. Or that it'd be really hot and lacking air flow, so then my skin may get too hot/sweaty and therefore at risk of breaking down more, etc...

Idk, I figured I can't be the first one to think about this a possible solution! So please, if anyones tried to do this, or has other "hacks" they've done to protect air cushions, I am all ears (or... eyes. cause reading your responses, lol)

Any advice and/or sharing of experiences is appreciated, thank you!