Best wheelchairs for 2024

For many people with spinal injuries, a wheelchair is not just a necessary thing, but a vital necessity. After all, a correctly chosen mechanism makes the life of a sick person much easier. But not many people know how to choose the right wheelchair. Some people generally think that you can buy the first mechanism they come across. This opinion is fundamentally wrong. There are many parameters to consider to make the chair comfortable to use. Before you go shopping for a wheelchair, it will not be superfluous to familiarize yourself with the ranking of the best wheelchairs.

Types of wheelchairs

Transport for disabled people can be of several types:

Active strollers used by patients to move independently. For the manufacture of such chairs, metal of increased strength is used so that it can withstand large and prolonged loads. The design of such a chair is lightweight and allows for many maneuvers.

Chair with mechanical or lever driveequipped with pneumatic tires. These tires improve damping properties on rough roads. Chairs of this type have a tilt-adjustable backrest that allows you to change the position of the body. This model is especially convenient for people whose capabilities are partially limited, as well as for sports. The design of the stroller is reliable and stable, which ensures the best contact with the surface.

Electric seat is the most convenient. It's easy to manage. Such devices can be used for movement both indoors and outdoors. The electric seat is powered by a battery and can be controlled using a special remote control. Moving on such a device does not take a lot of energy from a person, since in order to start the chair in motion, you need to press only 1 button on the remote control. The only downside to electric models is that they are expensive.

Wheelchairs also differ in model designation. For example, children's wheelchairs are almost all custom made. When performing such a stroller, the structural features of the child's body, the specificity of the disease and the purpose are taken into account. There are also sanitary wheelchairs, which are equipped with useful devices that can be used to change the boat, help the patient to shower, and do some other things.

Features of choosing a wheelchair

Before proceeding with the selection of a wheelchair for a specific person, you should know that all wheelchairs have several differences:

• The armrests can be removable or fixed. The removable or reclining design of the armrests is convenient if there is a need to quickly transplant a patient. Some models provide the ability to adjust the height of the armrests.If this element of the vehicle is securely fixed, then the design is simple and reliable. This stroller is very sturdy and stable. When using such a chair, you can not be afraid of accidental breakdown of the mechanism, so it is absolutely safe to move in such a chair. The disadvantage of fixed armrests is that they complicate the transplant process.
• Tires can be pneumatic or solid. The last option is reliable and durable, but you can only move on such a wheelchair on a flat solid surface, since at the slightest unevenness a person will definitely feel it on his body. Therefore, wheelchairs with solid wheels are preferable to use only at home.

The seat with pneumatic tires is designed for outdoor movement. When hitting an unevenness, the unpleasant sensations are smoothed out by the shock-absorbing effect of the tires. The disadvantage of these tires is that they need to be regularly inflated and replaced from time to time. But such models of wheelchairs are constantly being improved, new components are being developed that make movement in a wheelchair as comfortable as possible.

How to choose a wheelchair

To make it comfortable for a person to use a wheelchair, it is necessary to take some measurements before buying:

• seat width, height and depth;
• the length of a person's legs;
• the height of the forearms;
• back height.

The width of the seat is measured with a tailor's meter, placing the tape over the widest part of the hips. For freedom, add another 5 cm to the resulting number.If the stroller is bought for street walks, it is recommended to make an additional increase for thick clothes. Insufficient width of the seat will cause pressure ulcers. And excess width is dangerous due to incorrect body position. It is quite easy to determine the correct selection of the width: the palm of a person should effortlessly pass between the person's body and the stroller.

In order to determine the depth of the seat, the tape is placed from the edge of the buttocks on the outside of the thigh to the knee. To obtain the correct value, from the obtained number, from 5 to 7.5 cm is subtracted. If the depth of the seat is insufficient, the patient may simply fall forward while driving. A chair too deep disrupts proper blood circulation and irritates the skin and calf muscles in the popliteal region. To determine the correct measurement of this value, a measurement must be taken between the popliteal region and the edge of the seat upholstery. Its size should be approximately 7 cm.

The length of the legs is measured from the edge of the shoe to the height of the thigh. When measuring, it is advisable to put a pillow on the seat, and put your feet on a special platform located 5 cm from the ground.

To find the seat height, add 5 cm to the previous measurement. If in a chair a person sits on a special pillow, then half the thickness of the pillow is added to the previous figure.

To find the height of the armrests, measure the distance from the seat to the beginning of the elbow and add 2.5 cm to this number. The armrests are fixed at the obtained height.

To determine the height of the back of the chair, measure the distance from the seat to the person's armpits. During this measurement, the person should extend their arms forward parallel to the floor surface. To clarify the thickness of the upholstery, you need to subtract 10 cm from the resulting number.At this height, the body support will be minimal.

If you need to provide maximum support for the body, then measurements are taken from the seat to the desired level. In this case, it makes sense to stay on a chair, the back of which leans back, or to use chairs with sectional backrest height adjustment.

Video tips for choosing a wheelchair:

Most popular wheelchairs

People with disabilities are now striving to lead an active lifestyle and contact with society. Therefore, a wheelchair for such people is not just a means of transportation, but a vital thing.Lack of personal means of transportation chains the sick person to the bed, the person is cut off from the whole world. We present you the best strollers that meet the most demanding requirements of people with disabilities.

Armed H 035

This model is the best solution for caring for loved ones who are deprived of the ability to move freely. Armed H 035 combines high assembly reliability, mobility, safety, ease of execution and affordability. Taking into account the operating conditions and personal needs, it is possible to select the required type of rear wheels.

This model will be an excellent solution both for free movement and with the help of an accompanying person. In addition, a wheelchair from this manufacturer is the best option for use at home, in hospitals, and while walking in the fresh air.

For people who have disrupted work of the OPD, as well as people of age, this is a really useful purchase. The manufacturer offers users an extensive list of sizes and various load capacities (the maximum value is 110 kg).

Armed H 035 will be an excellent option for people of almost any body size. The maximum seat width is 51 cm, which is quite enough even for walking in the cold autumn, when bulky outerwear restricts the person sitting.

It is comfortable to stay in such a stroller even throughout the whole day, since all the components of the model we are considering are made with the highest quality. The seat and back of the stroller are incredibly soft and tactilely pleasant, and are also made of high-strength material with water-repellent properties.

Armed H 035 has earned the title of the most demanded stroller in the Russian Federation.

The armrests are removable, which is practical for easy transfer to and from the stroller. The leveled form factor of the armrests allows you to comfortably sit, for example, at the dining table, etc.

The footrests are equipped with a swivel mechanism and are also removable, which allows you to drive up to furniture, etc. without much difficulty. There is also a soft support for the shins.

After purchasing this chair, relatives and friends no longer have to worry about the safety of the user, because the structure frame is made of high strength steel with a protective coating.

The seated person is fixed in the wheelchair with adjustable straps, and anti-tipping devices integrated into the structure ensure stability on curved surfaces. The chair is equipped with a parking brake system that reliably holds the stroller when stopped.

The manufacturer also offers customers a choice of different types of wheels, given the place of use of the model:

• pneumatic ones will be an excellent solution for street use, since such wheels, thanks to the presence of high-quality shock absorbers, easily cope with all bumps on the roads;
• solid (cast) will be an excellent option for indoor use.

Both the one and the other type of wheels are distinguished against the background of competitors by their durability and mobility: both the seated and the accompanying will cope with the control. The manufacturer took into account the comfort of the latter, equipping the rear handles with ergonomic rubber pads, which exclude any possibility of slipping and freezing hands.

A very welcome addition is the large storage pocket on the back of the wheelchair. Low price, high quality of workmanship and versatility of this model made it one of the most popular in Russia.

The average price is 6800 rubles.

• multifunctionality;
• high assembly reliability;
• mobility;
• availability;
• suitable for people of any build;
• the back and seat are made of tactilely pleasant and high-quality materials with water-repellent properties;
• removable armrests, which is very practical when transferring a user to or from a chair;
• removable footrests are equipped with a swivel mechanism;
• the presence of a soft support for the shins;
• the frame of the model is made of high strength steel with a protective coating.

• not detected.

Nuova Blandino GR 106

This wheelchair is very suitable for constantly maneuvering in narrow doorways and aisles. In addition, this model can be easily folded if necessary due to the special design of the mechanism. The frame of this wheelchair model is characterized by increased strength, as it is made of high-quality steel with chrome plating. According to the reviews of many people who used this stroller, it is recognized as the narrowest and has excellent cross-country ability, since the seat width is only 50 cm. It is convenient to use it both on the street and in the apartment. The model is suitable for moving at the airport, for traveling to the hospital and, if necessary, easily fits into the car.

The model has a comfortable multifunctional headrest and high-quality seat belts. If necessary, a folding table can be installed on the armrests, and for patients it is possible to attach an IV. For convenience, you can change the angle of the footrest and there is support for the body on the sides. All tires for this model are pneumatic.

• comfortable;
• maneuverable;
• durable;
• there is additional equipment.

• only for slender people and adolescents.

The average price is 27,800 rubles.

Otto Bock Start

The model produced by the German company is universal, therefore it is suitable for use at home and for trips on the street. The purpose of the stroller may vary depending on the configuration. A special adapter is provided to adjust the wheelbase. This is convenient for the person himself and increases the maneuverability of the chair in different situations. To store and transport the chair, a special folding mechanism is provided.

For the convenience of a person, the chair is equipped with a special pillow that prevents the formation of bedsores. The seat can have different widths and depths, which allows you to choose a chair for people of different sizes. The armrests are conveniently height-adjustable and can be folded back if necessary. It is also possible to adjust the angle of the footrest or remove it altogether. The backrest is also adjustable and covered with nylon. For the safety of a person, there is a special protection against rollover, seat belts, a folding backrest, and there is also a set of tools included with the chair.

• comfortable;
• replaceable wheels can be installed;
• there is a complete set for the house and for the street;
• you can install additional equipment.

• not found.

The average price is 32,100 rubles.

More about the wheelchair - in the video:

Children's wheelchair Katarzhina Vasilisa

Disabled children, like adults, need a quality means of transportation. This model will be an excellent choice, it will be comfortable for both the child and his parents. The model is very good to use outdoors for walking in the fresh air, it provides everything you need to make your child comfortable. In this stroller, the child is protected, if necessary, you can change the position of the back of the stroller to take a reclining or recumbent position, and not just sit.

The stroller frame is made of durable steel. There is a set of wheels for the house and for the street. You can adjust the position of the footrest. The stroller is equipped with bright covers that can be quickly removed and washed. The stroller is suitable for a child weighing up to 60 kg.

• three positions of the child in the chair;
• suitable for both home and outdoor walks;
• there is a folding mechanism.

• not found.

The average price is 41,000 rubles.

Otto Bock Start Comfort

This German-made model is deservedly recognized as one of the best. It is characterized by lightness and maneuverability, equipped with a durable duralumin frame, progressive adapter, it is possible to adjust the wheels in all parameters. These features make it possible to customize the stroller for active and passive users.The seat has a pressure sore cushion, so this chair is safe to use for long periods of time.

The Duralumin frame can be folded down if required. The backrest and seat are covered with nylon, which can be easily cleaned if necessary. The chair is adjustable for backrest height and seat depth. The armrests recline, it is possible to adjust or completely remove the footrest. Smooth ride is provided by cast front and pneumatic rear wheels. For convenience, there are brake levers on both sides of the chair.

• comfortable armchair;
• high-quality assembly;
• 4 year warranty.

• additional equipment must be purchased separately.

The average price is 57,400 rubles.

Otto Bock Eco-Buggy for children

This model is recommended, first of all, for children suffering from diseases such as cerebral palsy. In it, the child can sit without fixation, provided he is socially active. This cane-style summer stroller features free front wheels, a bollard and a lightweight frame. The Eco-Buggy model is the most maneuverable, it can be used to overcome the most difficult places on city roads. The set includes a bag where you can put everything you need for a long walk. The backrest of the chair is adjustable, so in case of fatigue the child can rest in a reclining position. There are seat belts to protect the child.

The aluminum frame can be folded down quickly if required. The seat and backrest are made of nylon, which can be easily cleaned. It is possible to install an additional roof as protection against rain. A mattress is provided for babies, you can install a footrest for a second child.

• the stroller is durable and mobile;
• build quality;
• good maneuverability.

• not found.

The average price is 29,000 rubles.

As you can see, it is quite easy to find a quality model of a wheelchair. If possible, it is worth purchasing high-quality models without saving on price. Indeed, for a person who is deprived of the ability to move independently, a high-quality maneuverable stroller is a basic necessity.