Fold up Wheelchairs
We all know the differences between a folding and a normal wheelchair just by its name alone, so the decision wether to have a folding or a rigid frame will lie with you. The main advantage that a foldable wheelchair will have over a rigid frame wheelchair is its ease of travel over uneven surfaces it can do this due the frames ability to keep the wheels on the ground and hence reduce the bumps.
Cost of folding wheelchairs
Folding wheelchairs come in two different formats which is the lightweight version and the heavy duty version and costs of these will range from anywhere around one thousand to five thousand dollars. So if you are considering to buy your first wheelchair then I would suggest you look at both rigid and folding frame wheelchairs.
Advantages of Foldable Wheelchair
For obvious reasons the biggest advantage of the foldable wheelchair is its ability to fold, which can be very convenient when you need travel around with your wheelchair as it fit inside your car with ease. You don't require dismantling the wheelchair when folding it up as it just folds down. A rigid frame wheelchair on the other hand will require a large van to transport it around.
Since it is very flexible, all the four wheels remain on the ground especially when the surface is rough. The leg-rests of the folding wheelchair are swing-away, whereas the wheelchairs with rigid frames have fixed front ends. Storing is very easy, as it folds very neatly and easily and can be easily put away in small homes, even where space is a problem.
Disadvantages
Due to its design of opening and folding the adjustable and removable parts will tend to wear and break or even get misplaced. But the advantage is the removable parts are much easier to replace. A foldable wheelchair can not be used for stressful activities as they are likely to break as they are not heavy duty. Also folding wheelchairs do not have reclining back rests.
Folding wheelchairs even though have two types they will generally be heavier than there rigid frame counterparts and hence will be slightly harder to push. Moving parts of a folding wheelchair will have greater wear and tear than a normal wheelchair
Still the advantages will out way the disadvantages and buying a folding wheelchair can be a good investment due to its functional design, simpler to use and are sturdier.
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