When to Opt for a Lightweight Wheelchair

A lightweight wheelchair weighs 34 to 36 lbs. A high strength lightweight one weighs from 30 to 34 lbs. An ultra lightweight type is less than 30 lbs. And a standard wheelchair is more than 36 lbs. These are the classifications of manual wheelchairs according to their lightness or heaviness and from which an individual weighing up to 250 lbs can choose.
Standard wheelchairs are the least expensive of all the types mentioned and come with fixed back rests, foot rests, and arm rests, and thus are not adjustable. These are made from materials which have a less desirable kind of quality. These are also the hardest to propel and transport because of their weight. Users who will not need a wheelchair for a long time are the ones for which standard types are recommended.
Individuals who can not use a standard wheelchair are those for whom lightweight wheelchairs are intended. The lightweight types are usually made from materials of a higher quality and have customizations such as foot rests, back rests, and arm rests that are adjustable. Because they are light, they are easy to operate and control. They are more expensive than the standard chair types.
The most durable of the lightweight types is the high strength lightweight wheelchair. This type offers even more options, being very functional, highly adjustable, and exceedingly manoeuvrable. Those who have special needs such as atypical seat dimensions or regularly engage in activities that lightweight and standard types do not have the capacity for are the ones that need to use this type of chair.
For those who need to have a wheelchair for more than three months and must spend a considerable amount of time in it day after day, the most desirable type is the ultra lightweight wheelchair. It is durable, very easy to operate, and has optimum adjustability. Because it is made from expensive materials and can be highly customized for the needs of the users, it is the most costly.
The heavier and less customized a wheelchair is, the less expensive it is. Lightness and added features make wheelchairs more expensive. That is why the standard wheelchair is recommended for those who do not need special features, do not spend too many hours in it, and need it only temporarily.
The features of a wheelchair must be carefully weighed against the particular needs of the user. Those who definitely can not use a standard type must have a lightweight type of chair. This is because the acquisition of a lightweight wheelchair can involve a considerable amount. If an individual can use a standard wheelchair without discomfort, inconvenience, and reduced functionality and/or mobility, a lightweight type would not be necessary.
A stronger, heavier, and/or more active individual who must use a chair for an indefinite time should have a high strength lightweight wheelchair. One who is less active, lighter and/or not so strong but must also use a chair indefinitely should have an ultra lightweight chair. These two types are the most desirable kinds of chair but they are also the most expensive.