Mobility Aids & Wheelchairs for
Adults
Ireland’s leading wheelchair experts
Momentum Healthcare
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Leading Brands
Rigid frame wheelchairs
Leading Brands
Rigid frame wheelchairs
Leading Brands
Folding frame wheelchairs
Encourage and facilitate activity
Leading Brands
Folding frame wheelchairs
Encourage and facilitate activity
Rigid frame wheelchairs
A rigid frame wheelchair simply means that the wheelchair does not fold ‘conventionally’. The only component that can fold down in the wheelchair is the backrest. Traditionally, rigid frame wheelchairs have been used by people who wish to drive a car, as they are easier to transfer from and fit across the body from a seating position in the car, than a folding frame.
Due to their rigid construction, they are also easier to push than a folding frame wheelchair and tend to be stronger. Like folding frame wheelchairs, rigid frame wheelchairs can be made of various materials such as carbon fibre, aluminium and titanium. Each of these have advantages and drawbacks.
One very important consideration when looking at a rigid frame wheelchair is how it will be transported? If you need to sit in the wheelchair when in transport like a bus, or adapted car, then you must ensure the wheelchair has been crash tested and up to safety standards. This is not always the case with rigid frame wheelchairs.
One downfall of the rigid frame wheelchair is the lack of adjustability, it must be measured by a professional because any mistakes cannot be rectified with some adjustments on delivery. These types of wheelchairs are very bespoke, and custom made down to the centimetre for each individual. Therefore, it is important to deal with a trusted and experienced company.
Folding frame wheelchairs
The folding frame wheelchair can be a huge advantage to some individuals and families because of its ability to fold and transport easily. Traditionally this type of wheelchair was considered heavy and bulky but with changes in design and new materials, like carbon fibre and titanium, this is no longer the case. The folding is achieved by a X cross brace under the seat of the wheelchair.
There are two main types of folding wheelchair, fixed front frame and swing away frame. This simply means that the footrest and leg rests are either fixed and cant be removed or they can be unclipped and removed. The swing away leg rests are the preferred choice with people who like to stand to transfer out of their wheelchair.
When considering a folding frame wheelchair the considerations are the weight of the wheelchair, the roll you get for your push, are you going to transfer to your car and lift across your body, is this going to work for you?
It is fair to say that folding frame wheelchairs have come a long way since we set up Momentum Healthcare back in 2009. The more contemporary designs, coupled with the new materials, do make them a viable option for all age groups. Be sure to try them out in your home surroundings and your environment, with an experienced professional, that can give you an easy push and comfortable sitting position in your wheelchair.
Industry & Company News
Keep up to date with everything going on in the industry and the latest updates from the Momentum team.
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