Are you in the market for a new wheelchair in the Charlotte area? With 2.7 million wheelchairs users in the US alone, the choices available to buyers is bigger than ever. When it comes to picking the right one, do you know where to start?

Finding the correct one for your needs can be extremely daunting. Here, we discuss ten tips to help you find the perfect wheelchair for your needs.

1. Consider the User

When buying a wheelchair, there is no one size fits all approach. People of all shapes, heights, and ages use wheelchairs. This is an important consideration to make, as you don’t want to buy one that is not fit for purpose.

Teenagers and young children need a lighter frame for enhanced mobility. Smaller seats with less depth and width will ensure they are firmly in position. In some instances, special modifications may need to be made in consultation with a specialist.

For heavier wheelchair users, bariatric wheelchairs are the recommended choice. They often have larger seats and reinforced frames, making them much sturdier for when they are moving around Charlotte.

2. Power or Manual

Another wheelchair buying tip is to decide if you need a manual or powered wheelchair. This can drastically alter the cost and impact of where you need to shop. Make this decision before you even go out looking for the chair.

Manual wheelchairs are great for temporary injuries, or permanent ones where people require more mobility and physicality. It is important to try them out, moving around in a variety of situations.

Electric wheelchairs are for those that have limited mobility and need extra help. Check the battery life and make sure the salesperson gives you a thorough talk on its correct use and maintenance.

3. Cost of a Wheelchair

Costs can vary drastically depending on the type of chair you want. Lower priced options can be as little as $150, while an average priced, more suitable one will be around the $500 mark. All of this depends on the type, style, make, and model of the chair.

Rentals are also available. This is a great option if your injury is temporary, or you want to check how a wheelchair feels for a few weeks before making a permanent buy.

4. Are the Wheels Suitable?

The wheels are extremely important when it comes to your chair. One of the most important chair-buying tips is that their placement can tell you the difference between a transport and a standard wheelchair.

Large wheels at the front and small at the back mean they are designed to have someone else push the chair from behind. This is a transit wheelchair. The opposite, with large wheels at the back, let you move without assistance and are standard wheelchairs.

After this, check the tires. Foam-filled ones are less likely to go flat but may offer less cushioning. If you are planning to do lots of outdoor movements, then you want to have tires that are durable.

5. Is it Easy to Transport?

The first consideration people have when buying a wheelchair is mobility, especially if they need to move around Charlotte frequently. Once this is solved, they often make a purchase. However, storage and transportation can quickly begin to cause problems if not considered carefully.

If you only have a small vehicle, then it does not make sense to get a bulky wheelchair that will not fit inside. Make sure your chair folds up easily, is lightweight, and can be stored.

6. How is the Back Support?

The level of back support required will be governed by your individual needs. For some people, it might not be a deciding factor at all. For others, it could be crucial to their medical needs or rehabilitation.

For those who require a high level of support, adjustable backs will be imperative. These are known as tilt in space chairs, and you can angle the back for maximum comfort and support.

7. Are Arm and Footrests Suitable?

Both of these come in lots of different shapes, sizes, and designs. For example, some footrests are static, while others can move out of the way and tuck under the frame. Some might be longer or shorter than others.

When purchasing a wheelchair, make sure you put your weight on the foot and armrests. They need to be strong enough to hold you as you get in and out of the chair.

8. Material

Wheelchair frames also come in a variety of materials, each with advantages and disadvantages. Steel, for example, is very common because of its durability. However, it is also heavier than most materials.

Titanium and aluminum chairs are much lighter and also very strong. However, prices increase with these materials. Carbon fiber is very durable and weighs the least, but it will be the priciest option.

9. Accessories

Once you decide upon where to buy a wheelchair, you will notice they probably have a lot of other accessories available. One of the most useful is storage bags. Though they don’t carry large amounts, they can be very helpful for day-to-day use in Charlotte.

Some items are available to protect wheelchair users against adverse weather. They include rain sheets and leg covers and are advisable if you live in areas of rainfall or cold winds.

10. Comfort

Above all else, you need comfort in a wheelchair. You will be sitting in the chair for a long time, and the wrong one could cause muscle pains, sores, or even hinder rehabilitation. Luckily, most will come with some sort of cushioning.

Extra padding is available. Gel cushions, positioning cushions, and preventative cushions can all help you customize the chair and adapt it to your needs.

Where Can You Buy a Wheelchair in Charlotte?

Now you have the considerations, it is time to buy a wheelchair. Check shops in the Charlotte area and shop around. Each one may have a range of models or better pricing than others.

For power chairs and mobility scooters, Freedom Mobility Scooters could be a great stop for you. Serving North and South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and West Virginia, we have solutions for all your needs. Contact us here to discuss our range and let us find the perfect chair for you.