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I am looking for balloon-type tires to construct a beach wheelchair. Any advice or direction is appreciated.
Jim
Answer:
Jim, the same strategy we recommended to Debbie will also work for you: use Google to search for the term "beach wheelchair" into the search box.. You’ll come up with a number of resources that should be able to help.
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Question: I am interested to know about Cyclical Lever drives for a wheelchair and the cost.
Answer: Unfortunately the options for cyclical lever drives are limited. Invacare makes the CLD Lever Drive LH6, which retails for $1256, but they don’t really seem to have much competition. The closest product I found other than Invacare’s was a product made by a company called Wijit; it’s a lever drive and braking system that can be attached to most manual wheelchairs.
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Question: hi my name is tony williams and i am 39 and a keen fitness person having been a bodyguard in the royal military police. i lost my left leg A/K in 2000 but wish to remain active i have recently returned from holiday were i met a german wheelchair user who had a pedal cycle attached to the front of his chair and i believe it was manufactured by a german company called streicher (exact spelling N/K) but am interested in finding out more here in the uk or abroad. your assistance is greatly appreciated
~tony
Answer: Sunrise Medical has something called the Cyclone (or Cycl-One) that attaches to most wheelchair makes and models. There’s a similar device called a Funbike as well - it’s a German product distributed by Oasis LLC. Several companies also make stationary pedaling systems that you can use for exercise while in your wheelchair - Endorphin Corporation and E n’ Flex, for example. If you’re looking for a cycle with mobility, there are also several models of stand alone hand cycles - Sportaid and Invacare are two of the many manufacturers that offer them.
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Question: Hello. My brother-in-law has MS and we need help. Do you have any ideas on how we can protect our wall heater from his wheelchair? He is constantly knocking it off the frame. One day I know it is going to explode. I need some ways to build or cover the heater to make his home safer for him.
Thank you,
Linda
Answer: Your options depend to a certain extent on what kind of heater you have, how large it is and how far it sticks out from the wall. If it doesn’t protrude very far, it might be enough to install wall guards or rails on either side of it to prevent his wheelchair from bumping it. Another option is a heater guard that looks like a wire cage; many of them are plastic-coated for a more attractive finish, providing the heater’s output isn’t too high. Such guards are widely available through electrical and heating companies, and you can get them in a variety of standard sizes or have one custom made. If the heater is in a corner and you prefer the look of wood to wire you might have something built that functions along the same lines as a box-like sauna heater guard.
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Question: Could you please help me. My neighbor has MS and is becoming unable to sit upright in her wheelchair for even short periods of time. We are trying to find some kind of support system that will help her from slouching in her wheelchair. Something that will support her shoulders and keep her from slipping down in the chair. She is still able to hold her head up and has some use of one arm. We feel she is starting to spend to much time in bed because it is such an effort for her to sit in the wheelchair.
Thank You,
Cindy
Answer: Have you seen our blog post about Postural Support Systems? It sounds like that’s the kind of product she may need. There are several companies that manufacture postural support systems and positioning aids, including Adaptive Engineering Lab, The Comfort Company, Innovative Concepts, Therafin and Varilite. These wheelchair accessories include back supports, lateral supports, hip belts and chest or shoulder harnesses - all of which can make it easier and more comfortable for your neighbor to sit upright in her chair without slumping or slipping. Working closely with her physical therapist and the postural support provider, she should be able to find a system that’s comfortable and allows her to spend less time in bed.
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Question: Hi and what a marvelous product - I had never heard of this before! How cold does the cooling pad get as compared to an ice pack? Are smaller ones made?
How about the same principle for a cordless heating pad?
Thanks.
Beth
Answer: Cooling pad manufacturers don’t always offer temperature specs for their products; but one company, Stay Warm Stay Cool, claims that their cooling technology provides “long-lasting cooling relief” at 58 degrees Fahrenheit. Several of the businesses that make cooling pads or cushions for wheelchairs offer additional cooling devices of various styles and sizes - small pads, neck wraps, vests or blankets, for example. Some of these companies (like Body Cooler, CoolSport and Stay Warm Stay Cool) make warming pads that work on a similar principal - that is, without batteries or power adapters. For more information take a look at our article on wheelchair cooling pads.
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Question: My fiancé has a non-folding wheelchair. I am looking at installing a class 1 hitch, which kind of rack should I be looking at? ~Laura.
Answer: There are numerous types of wheelchair racks that can mount to a class 1 hitch. There are various styles, sizes and designs of racks available. They also come in assorted materials and weights. Some of the racks are the platform variety and most of them are relatively easy to install without any wiring. Most of these racks have weight carrying capacities, so make sure the rack you choose can support the weight of the wheelchair. The best thing to do is to choose a rack that you can load the chair onto easily and comfortably. Make sure the rack holds your wheelchair safely and securely.
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Question: My daughter is handicapped with C.P. I have a van with a lift and on the floor it has four straps. My van is an '86 and I'm looking for something newer. I received a brochure in the mail about a product called GOVAN+ Wheelchair and Docking System - a system that works with the existing plates on the floor. But I can't find a number or web address, do you know it? ~Yo
Answer: GOVAN+ Wheelchair and Docking System was developed by a company called SMD AbiTech (Abilities and Technology), located in Canada. For more information on GOVAN+ Wheelchair and Docking System contact:
Marshall Ring, CEO
SMD AbiTech
825 Sherbrook Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, R3A 1M5
Email: mring@smd.mb.ca
Toll Free 1-800-225-9180
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Question: I have recently bought a Toyota Rampvan and would like to remove the passenger seat in front to be able to clamp down a power wheelchair into the passenger space. ~Wanda
Answer: Please read 'Shopping for Adaptive Mini-Vans', an article featured in the Wheelchair Articles section of our site for more information and resources on properly adapting a vehicle.
You could also contact Toyota directly, as they offer an array of adaptive equipment online and work in conjunction with Adaptive Equipment Assessment Centers to provide customers with the best suited design for their adaptive vehicle.
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Question: I've used a manual wheelchair for 15 years and have now bought a wheelchair accessible van. I feel my head is not supported enough, for example I'm afraid that if I fatigue I would be in an accident. Would a wheelchair headrest fix this problem?
Answer: There are various companies that manufacture head support products for wheelchairs. These are usually fully adjustable head support systems that should help you out with your dilemma. Before buying a headrest, make sure you check these products out well as you will need complete head support without hampering your mobility or vision. The head support will also have to be durable and easy to mount onto your wheelchair. Many head supports can be washed in soap and water as they are made of strong tear-resistant polyurethane. The headrest's outer material covers a sturdy, full length metal insert. These head rests and supports are available in assorted styles, designs and sizes. Make sure your head fits into the headrest properly and is comfortable, but remember its main function is to support your head and neck and to prevent whiplash.
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Question: Can you help me find a rack for my car bumper on which to store a folding wheelchair? ~Brenda
Answer: You are referring to a bumper-mounted wheelchair carrier that attaches right to your vehicle's bumper. Most bumper-mounted carriers can be easily removed and reattached to grant you trunk access. Cars with molded bumpers may require a couple of drilled holes in order for this carrier to be installed. Wheelchair carriers can easily be found for sale online and delivered right to your home. Wheelchair carriers typically range from about $350 to $1,600.
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Question: My wife doesn't normally need a wheelchair unless we have to go a long distance. We now have a motor-caravan and are looking to do a bit of touring, which implies a fair distance to walk. The snag with the Karima chair she was given is that it has no foot support. Can you please advise me of two things -Where can I obtain suitable foot supports for this chair? And do you know of a device like a 'bicycle rack' for the carriage of a wheelchair? ~Dave
Answer: I'm not familiar with a Karima make of wheelchair. However, if you'd like to keep the wheelchair it's possible that you may be able to find foot supports somewhere or even have them welded onto the chair. You will have to inquire at a wheelchair supplier to find out if any type of foot support can be attached to the existing wheelchair. If you don't find anything suitable I would ask to have something custom built. However, keep in mind that you should get the opinion of a certified medical equipment supplier and not just a welder. Any modifications or additions to a wheelchair will usually void any warranty or guarantee that the chair has. You must also make sure that any modifications or additions to a wheelchair are technically sound and safe. So make sure that any work done on your wheelchair is performed by certified and capable professionals. You can also buy racks and carrying devices for wheelchairs that mount onto your vehicle. Some of these fit onto a car's bumper.
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Question: How can I get a wheelchair to hold a completely flaccid person upright? I would need something to hold the head, legs, etc. ~Waldo
I have an 11-year-old daughter who is autistic with severe learning difficulties. She uses a major buggy but will need a chair soon and either a lap belt or similar strapping. Can you point me in the right direction as I haven't got a clue what to look for? ~Debbie
Answer: Seating and positioning aids, also referred to as Postural Support Systems, are designed to provide wheelchair users with greater body stability - for example, upright posture, trunk/head support, etc. Postural support devices may include adaptive seating, cushions and wedges, contour seats, lumbar support seats, standing tables, positioning belts and braces for legs, shoulders, chest and neck, bolster chairs, etc.
Postural support providers will work closely with you, your physical therapist/doctor and mobility provider to provide the most comfortable and effective wheelchair for your everyday use.
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Question: Do they sell grip covers to fit over the inside steel ring on a wheelchair? ~Dave
Answer: There is various removable and changeable wheelchair grip ring covers on the market. They are made of assorted fabrics and materials such as leather and come in numerous colors, styles and designs. The covers are designed to provide a softer, larger, grip ring surface area, along with making the grip ring easier to hold. The covers enable you to increase your grip strength and provide you with more traction. The covers don't slip over the rings or your hands. The fabric covers are washable and leather covers can be wiped clean. These covers will also cushion and help to protect your hands so you don't have to wear gloves while propelling your wheelchair. If you do an internet search for wheelchair ring covers or wheelchair accessories you may be able to buy them online or at a local store.
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Question: I am trying to find out if there is an electric wheelchair that has the controls at the back? My mother is looking for one so she can take my 88 year-old Dad, who is suffering dementia, out for walks. He is very unsteady on his feet, and she feels he would get confused if he had to operate the controls on a chair for himself. Mom is very fit, but is in her eighties and doesn't want to have to push a non-motorized chair. ~Christine
Answer: After doing a quick search on the Internet I did find some instances of wheelchairs built with what's called 'rear attendant controls'. Another alternative is purchasing an electric wheelchair with removable joystick controls, so that the joystick can be moved for operating by either the rider or attendant. The best person to consult is your father's doctor/physical therapist, who can put you in touch with the proper mobility provider.
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