Weighing Weight: Thinking Critically about Wheelchair Optimization What is your initial reaction when asked the question, "Does weight matter in terms of ultra lightweight wheelchairs (ULWC)?" This is a nuanced, even controversial, topic among experienced wheelchair prescribers. If you have a moment, make a few notes with your reaction before reading further. 11/12/2024 Keep Reading
Using a Visualizer to Assist with Wheelchair Evaluations Recognizing the importance of providing each rider with knowledge of all the options available to them, the team at Sunrise Medical has created visualizers for both the QUICKIE QS5 X and Nitrum manual wheelchairs. 11/12/2024 Keep Reading
Why Technology Matters for Folding Wheelchair Riders One of the biggest innovations since the original folding wheelchair has been the invention of "rigid folding" wheelchairs. These chairs use an "X" style side folding frame, significantly reducing frame flex for a stiff, rigid-like feel. 11/12/2024 Keep Reading
The Importance of Material Quality in Wheelchair Manufacturing Riders will often identify weight as a primary consideration when choosing a wheelchair and communicate a desire to pursue a wheelchair made of a particular material in an effort to reduce weight, improve propulsion efficiency, and increase the ease with which they can independently lift the unoccupied wheelchair. However, the weight of a wheelchair is not necessarily dependent upon the material selected. So, of all the products and materials available, the question is how can the quality of an ULWC be measured? 11/12/2024 Keep Reading
Technology and Wheelchair Energy Efficiency Wheelchair propulsion is an inherently high energy consuming task. Efficient wheelchairs reduce a person's effort in propulsion, leaving energy to do valued daily tasks throughout the day. An efficient wheelchair isn't only for ease of moving a wheelchair around, it's an integral part of fatigue management. This effect is even more critical for people who have underlying conditions associated with fatigue like multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, and long COVID. The longer and more challenging distances someone travels, the greater impact an energy efficient wheelchair has on all daily living activities. 11/12/2024 Keep Reading
