Power Through Life With Battery Mobility Scooters

October 29th, 2009 Bill Measures Posted in Wheelchair No Comments »


Do you find yourself getting out less and less? It may be something you have already given some though to, but if not a battery mobility scooter may be just the thing for you. These feature a comfortable and supportive seat fixed over the two rear wheels. Handlebars are at the front and there is usually a level are in between for your feet and bags. Most models have a seat that turns outwards making mounting and dismounting a bit easier with reduced mobility in your hips. Get out and about and show your mobility scooter pride!

They generally have all the controls you will need, mounted on the steering column. These may include a control to toggle between forward and reverse and another to alter the speed. These may be in the form of a switch, a lever, or even motor-sport style paddles! Electric models far outnumber petrol-powered models these days, given the efficiency and economy offered by electric motors. They are also, of course, much kinder on the environment.

Battery mobility scooters are, by and large, rear wheel drive, and are very simple to charge. Most are charged just by connecting them to a domestic power supply. It is generally for a period of many hours though to reach optimum charge.

When looking at their place in the market, it should be recognized that their main competitor is the conventional wheelchair. That said, their main advantage is that they look very different to wheelchairs!

They are great for people that lack the arm and shoulder mobility and strength to use a conventional wheelchair. The swivelling seat arrangement is also a lot easier to use than the movable footrests on a wheelchair. In all, they are particularly suitable for people with systemic illnesses but who are not, yet, at the stage where they require the additional torso support a wheelchair offers.

Their main disadvantage is the corollary of this last point. They do still require a fair degree of strength and mobility from user. They are also considerably bigger that conventional wheelchairs. As they are much longer, they need much more space to turn in, and are unsuitable for use with public transport.

To view our high quality battery mobility scooters, go to www.tga-electric.com/range/compact-scooters for a superb choice today

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Ease the Transition From Walker To Wheel Chair

October 26th, 2009 Nathan Mattel Posted in Wheelchair No Comments »


Making the transition to a wheel chair from a walker can be quite rough. Even though thousands of people make this transition every year, the patient can sometimes feel like their body has finally given out on them. But with a few simple tips, you can help to make the transition a little smoother from them.

One consideration is to not rush the transition. There are psychological and physical concerns that should be considered. Many patients don't need to be in the wheel chair full time, so it helps to assure the patient that they still have their walker. Often these early stages of the transition require sensitivity and understanding.

So if you have a friend or a loved one who is going through the transition, the first thing you need to do is to consult with a physician. Ask around for a physical or an occupational therapist whom you can get in touch with.

If the patient is at a hospital, an attending physician can be of great help. However, it is your responsibility to inform them of the patients condition and bring up any concerns you may have. Even something seemingly insignificant can influence the type of wheel chair the patient will need.

Through consultation with a trained professional you will also be able to find out the type of wheel chair that would be best for the person. Purchasing either a manual or electric wheel chair will be an important consideration. Aside from the fact that either of them can be on the expensive side, they also have particular features which may be beneficial for the actual user.

Although an electric wheel chair has its uses and is required for a lot of patients, a manual wheel chair should be considered. This requires arm strength, but also gives the patient much needed exercise for those confined to a wheel chair.

The environment the patient and the new wheel chair will be in is also a consideration. You should think about stairs, surface heights, doorway widths, bath rooms, and flooring options. This can be a tedious process, but is well worth it for the patient.

Finally you will want to determine whether a care giver will be required to assist the patient during the transition from a walker to a wheel chair.

There are lots of people available to help in the process. Always ask for help and remember that by keeping these considerations at the forefront of your mind, the process of moving from a walker to a wheel chair can be a simple one.

As a San Diego wheel chair consultant, Nathan Mattel primarily working with patients requesting a help determining which type of wheel chair is best for them. With over 15 years of experience in manual and electric wheel chair consulting for the San Diego California disability community, he can help you find the right wheelchair for you or your loved one.

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What to Search for in Purchasing Wheelchairs

October 13th, 2009 John Wretz Posted in Wheelchair 1 Comment »


Buying wheelchairs is not as simple as it looks. There are a lot of things that you have to consider before purchasing the first one that you find. In fact, you really have to criticize a wheelchair carefully before you buy it because failing to do so could cause disaster if you have selected to buy the incorrect one.

Here are some things that you have to search for when you buy a wheelchair.

The Needs of the Individual

Of course, this is the very first thing that you have to look at - the requirements of the individual who is going to use the wheelchair. If the patient is completely paralyzed, he will do very well if you buy him an electric wheelchair that is controlled by buttons. There are also electric wheelchairs that can be controlled by a sip-and-puff mechanism.

On the other hand, if the patient has frail or paralyzed lower legs, then manual wheelchairs are the best ones for them. This way, they still get to use his upper arms and exercise them so as to prevent atrophy of the muscles.

The Price of the Wheelchair and Its Adds-On

The needs of the person and the cost of the wheelchair go hand in hand, particularly since the cost is also a significant aspect. The wheelchair will not matter if you have bought the costliest one only to find out that the wheelchair will not help the person who will be utilizing it that much.

Likewise, you have to consider the adds-on that can be attached to the wheelchair. These comprise seat backpack and bags, guard for clothes guard, safety guards for spoke, drink holders, trays, gloves, wheelchair tires, armrest covers, canopies, wheelchair weather chaps, and so on.

The accessories will also cost you cash, so you have to think about what the patient will really need before buying them.

The Dimensions of the Wheelchair

The dimensions of the wheelchair are also an integral factor to consider. You should purchase one that is comfy for the person utilizing it. This includes taking the seat height, the armrest length, the backrest, among others.

The appropriate dimensions of the wheelchair will save your patient from discomfort and complications like constraints of the muscles or pressure ulcers.

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Save Some Money When Buying Wheelchairs

September 12th, 2009 Ronald Smithson Posted in Elder Care, Wheelchair No Comments »


The reality cannot be ignored that wheelchairs can cause a person a big sum of money, especially if the patient is going to utilize the specialized ones. Some of these patients are those that are completely paralyzed and are in need of a special kind of assistant device to use inside the house as well as outside. But the wheelchair they require can be a bit costly. For this reason, you can turn to used wheelchairs.

The Benefit of Secondhand Wheelchairs

Obviously, used wheelchairs are those that have already been used by another patient. But just because these wheelchairs are already secondhand does not mean that its worth is poor. In fact, some of these wheelchairs are still in very good shape and appear almost like brand new. Apart from the assistant device itself, you can also purchase secondhand accessories to attach to the wheelchair to add more comfort to your patient.

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The very obvious advantage of buying a used wheelchair is that it allows you to put aside some cash that you would otherwise have spent on a brand-new wheelchair. You can even buy well-known wheelchairs at a very affordable cost, a great bargain for a quality product.

Because the prices of things and services are now going up, a used wheelchair is ideal for those who are on a tight budget, and couple this to the increasing health cost, and you have yourself some extra money to deposit back into your funds.

What to Look for in Secondhand Wheelchairs

Because this is a used item, you definitely have to ensure that the assistant device you are going to buy is still in excellent condition. You have to look at the wheelchair yourself before purchasing one if you need to ensure that it is suitable for the patients need.

The things that you have to look into include the frame of the wheelchair as well as its detachable parts. Make sure that the frame of the assistant device is still in good condition and that the detachable parts are in one piece. You also have to make sure that the mechanisms and technical capabilities of the wheelchair are functioning well. For practical reasons, try it out yourself first to ensure that it really is in good working form.

Doing so is important because used wheelchairs no longer have warranties, and you would want to purchase a quality wheelchair at a low-priced price.


Don't buy a wheelchair for your child before reading James' advice on wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

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The Best Types Of Wheelchairs For Wheelchair Users

September 10th, 2009 Moses Wright Posted in Elder Care, Wheelchair No Comments »


A wheelchair user can choose from numerous styles and types of wheelchairs. Types of wheelchairs give wheelchair users options when selecting the best wheelchair to meet their needs.

Electric wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs are the two main categories of wheelchairs. Since manual wheelchairs require upper body strength and control to maneuver them, they are not ideal for all wheelchair users.

Not all wheelchair users are able to use manual wheelchairs. In those cases, an electric wheelchair may be the best choice. If a doctor feels that the wheelchair user requires the use of an electric wheelchair, the wheelchair users insurance may cover at least some of the costs.

Within the main categories of electric and manual wheelchairs, there are numerous different types of wheelchairs. Both categories of wheelchairs have adult and pediatric models.

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Many standard wheelchairs can have difficulty crossing certain terrains. A snow wheelchair has wide, rounded wheels to allow the wheelchair user to maneuver the wheelchair easily over snow. Beach wheelchairs or wheelchairs designed to cross sand also have wider wheels to prevent the wheelchair from sinking.

The needs of some wheelchair users may be based on the size of the wheelchair user. A pediatric wheelchair is often best for a child. A bariatric wheelchair provides more comfort for wheelchair users who are larger or obese.

Types of electric wheelchairs vary by the batteries they use, which wheels propel the wheelchair, and the control device. The standard control device for electric wheelchairs is a small joystick feature on one of the armrests.

Not all wheelchair users are able to control a wheelchair by using a device that requires the use of a hand. Some wheelchair controls are tubes that are mounted near the wheelchair user's mouth which allows the wheelchair user to control and steer the wheelchair by blowing and sucking on the tubes.

One of the types of wheelchairs is called a wheelbase electric wheelchair or mobility scooter. Scooters have a steering component, usually a horizontal bar, in front of the wheelchair user.

The wheelchair user may be able to turn the chair to allow the wheelchair user to get in and out of the wheelchair easier. Some mobility scooters are not able to turn corners as sharply as other types of electric wheelchairs.

In addition to the different styles and designs of wheelchairs, wheelchair accessories can further customize the wheelchair to suit the needs of the wheelchair user. Some wheelchair users may benefit from using wheelchair accessories such as oxygen tank holders or holders for there cane.


Always check your wheelchair parts regularly. Especially the wheelchair tires, as they are the only contact point of the chair to the ground. Be safe not sorry.

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Invacare Wheelchair Parts – Know When You Need to Replace Them

September 7th, 2009 Nan Bobby Posted in Elder Care, Wheelchair No Comments »


If you, or someone you care for, uses an Invacare wheelchair, you have probably had moments where your chair does not act the way it should. When that happens, have you wondered if you needed to replace any parts, or even get it repaired? Fortunately, many Invacare wheelchair parts are available to purchase online, and you will often find that replacing a part provides a quick and easy solution to the problem.

Are there signs that you may need to replace some wheelchair parts? Some common problems with the wheelchair are related to bad parts. They may affect the movement of the chair, and even the safety of the wheelchair if not addressed. Look into replacing some wheelchair parts if any of the following occurs:

* If the wheelchair seems inclined to tip over backwards, it might be due to unused or broken anti-tippers, a bent frame, or a seating system that is installed incorrectly.

* Does the wheelchair have difficulty folding properly? This also may be as a result of a bent frame.

* If the wheel locks do not function correctly, the hardware may be loose, the wheel locks may be broken, or the tires may be worn.

* If there is a problem pushing the wheelchair, it may be due to flat pneumatic tires, misaligned wheel axles, or a bent frame.

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Problems with your wheelchair do not necessarily mean an expensive visit to the repair shop. Many Invacare wheelchair parts are easily obtained online and can be replaced on your own without any difficulty. But before you ever get to the point of needing to repair your Invacare wheelchair, become familiar with all that your chair does as well as each of the various parts, research where you can obtain replacement parts easily and safely, and then follow the recommended wheelchair maintenance process recommended by Invacare. Then, if/when your wheelchair is not performing as it should, you will be prepared to easily obtain parts and probably make the repair yourself.


Planning to repair an Invacare wheelchair? Make sure you read Nan Bobby's guide to replacing Invacare wheelchair parts. As the caregiver & advocate for her aging parents for nearly a decade, she learned about the many challenges of adult children caring for aging parents, & now provides a resource center on eldercare and disability issues at Aging Parent Conversations.

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Wheelchair Parts – Doing Simple Repairs Yourself

September 4th, 2009 Nan Bobby Posted in Wheelchair No Comments »



A well-functioning wheelchair is a necessity in the life, mobility, and safety of the user. Insuring that your wheelchair continues to function at peak performance requires regular maintenance, periodic adjustments, and occasional repairs. It is also important to have a familiarity with the various wheelchair parts on your chair, and their function. This article will explore some simple "do-it-yourself" repairs that you can make, and some tips and suggestions for how to do them.

First, it is important to be familiar with the wheelchair, whether manual or power, and to know about all aspects of the chair. Become familiar with each of the wheelchair parts, and learn what they do. In this way, you will know when something is not working correctly.

Always have a wheelchair repair kit available, whether at home or away. As the Boy Scouts would say, "be prepared". This simple kit can be made with items like a screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, pliers, and a tire-changing kit. In this way, whether you have wheel problems, need to tighten a bolt or screw, or possibly change a tire, you will have the tools that you need.

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Now, what are some simple wheelchair repairs that you can do on your own?

* Check to see if there are any adjustable straps of the back of the wheelchair. Over time, they may become loose, and will need adjusting.

* The seat upholstery also often causes problems, as it can sag over time, affecting your posture. This can be easily fixed on some wheelchairs by removing one side from the frame, pulling the material tight, and replacing the seat once again.

* It is not unusual for there to be problems involving the caster axles. Things like hair and thread often get caught, which interfere with the regular movement of the wheelchair. Repair this easily by removing the caster using two wrenches. One is used to hold the axle bolt in place and the other to unscrew the nut. (Do not lose the 2 small spacers located on either side of the wheel.) At this point, it is fairly simple to use a damp cloth or paper towel to clean the caster, and then replace it again.

* It probably goes without saying, but: Be sure to clean your chair on a regular basis, using a microfiber cloth to clean away dust and dirt particles.

* While a number of repairs are fairly easy to do yourself, for your protection, do not try to replace any electric wheelchair part on your own.

Regular maintenance will go a long way towards keeping your wheelchair performing at it's best, and reduce the need for costly repairs. Simple repairs can be done on your own however if you don't feel you can handle preventative maintenance or repairing wheelchair parts on your own, ask a family member, friend, or neighbor to assist you.


N. Bobby was caregiver & advocate for her elderly parents for nearly ten years, and has experienced many of the challenges of adult children who care for their aging parents. She provides a learning center on caring for the elderly and disabled at Aging Parent Conversations. Before you replace any wheelchair parts, learn more about easy wheelchair parts repair.

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Tips On Replacing Mobility Scooter Batteries

September 3rd, 2009 Ken Wainwright Posted in Mobility Scooters, Wheelchair No Comments »



Replacing mobility scooter batteries is typically not as difficult as a lot of people might think it is. Unfortunately though, you do need to replace the battery on a fairly regular basis, depending on the type of battery you have found the type of mobility scooter.

No batteries last forever, and mobility scooter batteries are no exception. They will need replacing sooner or later, and there are certain types might last a very long time, even they will need replacing eventually.

When you buy a mobility scooter, or if you are thinking about upgrading to a different one, make sure that you pay special attention to the sort of battery it uses. It is important that it is easy to replace and not overly expensive. There batteries are expensive to replace in general, some can be prohibitively so.

Also, if it is not too late and you haven't actually bought the scooter yet, or you are thinking of upgrading to a different one, make sure you pay special attention to the battery and how it is installed. Make sure that it is easy to get replacements and easy to install.

You also need to learn to take care of the battery properly. It should give you all the details on this in the manual which comes with the product. Batteries always have a finite lifespan and it is very difficult to give you a rough idea even of how long it should be expected to last. However, you can maximize the lifespan by looking after it carefully and doing exactly what the instructions tell you to do.

To replace your mobility scooter battery, have a look at some online shops rather than going down to your local store. It can be a lot more convenient to buy online and get something delivered to you.


To view our superb range of mobility scooter batteries, visit http://www.tga-electric.com/ today

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Let’s Learn About Electric Wheelchairs

September 2nd, 2009 Frederick Walton Posted in Mobility Scooters, Wheelchair No Comments »


The electric wheelchair was discovered by the greatest Canadian inventor of all time, George Johann Klein in the 1950s. The electric powered wheelchair came as a great aid to quadriplegics whereas normal wheelchairs were useful only to paraplegics. This instrument was the result of Dr. Klein's work with a lot of medical specialists, patients, scientists and engineers.

The electric wheelchair came as a great relief to the second World War veterans. Thousands of war victims were benefited by it. The electric wheelchair of Dr. Klein underwent many modifications. Today, there are many enhanced variants of it catering to specific customer needs.

The wheelchair today is found useful not only by the invalids and quadriplegics; but also persons with cardiovascular irregularities. The models now available are meant for both indoors and outdoors. Some models are compact and portable with various features.

Users of electric wheelchairs do not bound within the limit of quadriplegics and paraplegics, many doctors have suggested it for patients with cardiovascular issues. One desirable feature of the wheelchair is that any one can customize it with their use. They can use it indoor and outdoors as well. Some of them can port easily.

The electric wheelchair is regulated by means of joysticks; puff/sip controls or chin controls. Besides controlling the speed, direction and such other parameters, the electric wheelchair can be made to perform the essential functional motions and movements such as tilting and stretching out which would not have been possible otherwise.

But electric wheelchairs are very expensive with the prices ranging between 1000 and 3000 dollars. Advanced models can cost up to 10,000! They may also require constant servicing. However, transporting someone on a non-powered wheelchair can be quite a task, so in cases where the person needs extra help from a motor to move along, an electric powered wheelchair is great to have.


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Freedom From Stairway-phobia With The Wheelchair Stair Lift

August 28th, 2009 Ned Dagostino Posted in Residential Stair Lifts, Wheelchair No Comments »

Accidents happen, diseases strike, and then sometimes it's simply a question of age. Whatever the cause, some of us are unable to navigate a staircase on our own. We just have to wait for someone to come along to assist us navigate the stairs. If there's no one around then we're practically tied to that single floor of the building. Even if someone is around, we often feel hesitant to disturb them every now and again. The wheelchair stair lift comes as a godsend for people like us. They score over regular elevators because they cost so much less and they require so much less structural change in the building.

The wheelchair stair lift is the most affordable device to navigate between floors. It is installed with the existing stairway. It does not require a separate well, nor does it obstruct the normal stairway usage.


What does a wheelchair stair lift cost? The cost depends on whether the stairway is straight or curved. A wheelchair stair lift costs less than $5000 for a straight stairway, with a commonplace 12-foot floor-to-floor clearance. The curved stairways are more complex to cost because the type of wheelchair stair lift also comes into play. The contractor will have to do a physical inspection of the stairway before quoting the cost. A ballpark figure ranges from $5000 all the way to $25000.

A number of options are available regarding the manner in which the wheelchair stair lift is driven between floors. The usual system is the rack-and-pinion system. It is well-suited to light-duty residential usage and is widely used.

A cable-winched wheelchair stair lift uses a strong steel cable to move the wheelchair stair lift up and down the stairway. This tends to be a little jerky, but improvements are expected soon.

Wheelchair stair lifts meant for heavy-duty use in institutions like hospitals use a chain drive. They are generally too noisy for residential operation.

Another type of wheelchair stair lift uses a screw-drive system, and usually carries a rechargeable battery-pack. It is very good but not very popular for individual use.

The rack-and-pinion system is well-suited to light-duty residential usage and is widely used. The rack is mounted on the wall along the sides of the stairway, and the chair carriage has a pair of motor-driven gears which engage the rack on either side. These systems are very reliable, do not require maintenance, and have the least amount of complaints going against them.

A variation on the theme is the wheelchair stair lift that runs on tracks that are laid along the run of the stairs, on either side.

Most modern wheelchair stair lifts use a self-contained rechargeable battery power supply. This system eliminates the use of cables needed by mains operated wheelchair stair lifts. Since the safety of the wheelchair stair lift is a major concern, this installation of a wheelchair stair lift is regulated by state laws. So please do find out what the law requires before installing a wheelchair stair lift.

The user can choose between a wheelchair stair lift that allows the chair to be turned at right angle to the axis of the stairway, and one that allows the chair to be turned right around. Modern electronic technology ensures that these systems are able to "self-diagnose" themselves, and warn the user about potential problems. This eliminates big maintenance bills for the user.

Wheelchair stair lifts are doubtlessly a big boon for people like us who have a problem in navigating stairways by ourselves. The wheelchair stair lift is an example of a positive application of technology. Now we are no longer limited to moving about on a single floor. Nor is it necessary to move to a single-storied house just because of our disability to navigate stairways on our own.


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