Owning a wheelchair is a major investment for you or a loved one with limited mobility. However, since it is such a great investment, it’s important to find the right one that suits your needs. There are many different models, styles, and types to choose from, but the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’ve explained a few tips to help you narrow down your wheelchair options and be on the road to independent living.

Think About How Often You’ll Use Your Wheelchair

The various price points are major factors when people look into buying any type of mobility device. Wheelchair prices can range from inexpensive to very expensive, so it’s important to think about how often you’ll use it. The typical lifespan of a wheelchair is up to about five years, depending on how often it’s used, where it’s used primarily, and how well it is taken care of. If you plan on using it as your primary mobility device, then you may want to get one with more features that will make life easier to navigate. But if you’re just planning on using it occasionally, then you may not need the features and can invest in a practical wheelchair that’s reliable enough to get you from one place to another.

Learn About The Features

Many wheelchairs have basic features with the option to add additional features. If you have the opportunity to sit in the wheelchair before purchasing it, you can see how comfortable the seat is, whether it’s wide enough, how comfortable the armrests are, and more. For power wheelchairs, try them out and see how easy they are to navigate and what the turning radius is. Some of these features may not be important to you, but it’s valuable to ensure you have at least the basic features you need to enjoy your wheelchair as often as you need to use it.

Power vs. Manual Wheelchairs

Power wheelchairs are ideal for people striving for independent living. They are easy to navigate effortlessly, but they require a little more maintenance and care than manual wheelchairs. On the other hand, manual wheelchairs have fewer components and less maintenance, but they are a little more challenging to use. Test out as many different options as you can so you have a good idea of what will make your life easier and make independent living a possibility.

Next Day Access has the mobility device you need to improve your chances of successful independent living. We want to help you be comfortable with your wheelchair purchase, and we are here to answer any questions you may have as you’re shopping. Our experts are knowledgeable in all aspects of wheelchairs, and we pass that knowledge to our customers to help them feel confident in their decision. When you’re ready to buy a new wheelchair, contact us, and we would be happy to discuss the various options available to you.