So you need to buy a wheelchair? That's like saying 'I need to buy a car'. There are MANY questions that need to be answered before a definitive answer can be given. Most people will come in and say 'I just want a basic chair'. Usually this means that they want a 'cheap' chair- let's leave price out for the moment and start from the beginning. Below gives you an idea of what is involved in purchasing a wheelchair.
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Most important question:
do you require large rear wheels? These wheels are generally called 'self-propel' or 'push-rim' wheelchair. These rims allow the occupant to propel the chair forward using their arms. Generally, the ability to 'push' oneself is the main reason for getting the larger wheels, though there are a number of other benefits... and disadvantages. Another plus is that larger wheels tend to roll easier, don't get caught in grooves as often etc. The major down-side is that a push rim chair generally adds 4.5kg to the overall weight. There are models that allow you to easily remove these rear wheels with the push of a button, but that adds $$$.
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Equally as important is the weight of the occupant. As embarrassing as it is, this can be quite crucial. Most basic\standard wheelchairs keep their weight capacity at 100kg - 125kg. They have to draw the line somewhere and, due to standards and restrictions, this is usually the upper limit to a standard chair. If you are over this capacity there is no great issue- there will still be a good range of chairs to choose from, but not every model has a 'bariatric' (heavy-duty) counterpart so if you neglect to mention the weight up-front you may fall in love with a chair that doesn't exist in a heavy duty variety.
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Are there any features that are essential? There are a good number of features that may\may not come as standard on various wheelchair models. Removable legs is one such feature that many appreciate- this allows a wheelchair to approach a car a little easier (as well as making it a little more compact for transportation too!). Other such features are flip-up arms, removable arms, height adjustable arms, solid wheels, attendant hand-brakes, folding back and- as mentioned above- removable wheels.
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This is where price finally comes into it: how much are you looking to spend. Just like you can't opt for a 300kw motor, full airbags and heated seats and expect to pay next-to-nothing on a car, the more features you require for a wheelchair the more it is going to cost.
From there we get a pretty good idea of what sort of chair is going to suit you: whether it be a transit "small-wheeled" wheelchair with attendant brakes and folding back (such as the Auscare Shopper 12) or a self-propel basic, featureless chair made from hospital-grade steel. And the only other thing I would recommend from here is to speak to your health-fund: some of which will allow you to claim as much as $500 on a chair every 5 years. Good luck!