What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Manual Wheelchair?
Are you trying to decide between a manual wheelchair and an electric one? Before I explain the pros and cons of owning a manual wheelchair as opposed to an electric wheelchair, here are some important considerations to take into effect.
A manual wheelchair requires you to use your own muscles to propel yourself forward. So if you have decent to good upper body strength, these may be ideal for you. You can get manual wheelchairs that are lightweight. You can also get sports chairs and outdoor chairs too.
Here are the pros and cons of owning a manual wheelchair:
Pros:
- More affordable.
- Great for temporary/short term use.
- May maintain upper body strength and endurance, as it is a self-propelled wheelchair requiring upper body ability.
- Most common models are lightweight and fairly easy to transport.
- May require less maintenance.
Cons:
- If you lack upper body strength or ability, and the ability to self-propel yourself throughout the day, on a daily basis - manually, then this may not be the wheelchair for you.
- Harder to get around than in an electric wheelchair. You lose the luxury of "automatic" mobility the electric wheelchair offers.
- Depending upon your condition, you may require a helper to push you around if you own a manual wheelchair.
When talking to a sales rep at a wheelchair store, it's important to let him or her know your physical condition. What you will and will not be capable of.
Let him or her know if you have a nurse or someone available who can push you and if temporary, for how long you expect to be in the wheelchair. (If it's not to long, you may want to look into getting a used wheelchair or even wheelchair rental.) With that information, he or she can better help you pick out the model and brand perfect for you.