Active wheelchair

If you are permanently dependent on a wheelchair and want to be as active, flexible and independent as possible with muscle power without a motorised drive, the active wheelchair is the right choice. An active wheelchair is also called an "adaptive wheelchair", because it adapts to the needs of the user in the best possible way and is always lighter than a standard wheelchair.

The components of active wheelchairs are of higher quality than those of standard models. Therefore, they roll better and are more manoeuvrable. This in turn protects the joints, which are very stressed when propelled by muscle power and constant use.

• Very light
• Very manoeuvrable
• Less force needed for locomotion
• Individually adjustable and therefore permanently more comfortable than standard models

Adjustable components are

1. the wheelchair back angle
2. the seat height
3. the positioning of the seat upholstery

It isquite clear that if a wheelchair is to be adapted to your personal needs, these must first be determined. First and foremost are the questions: When, where and for what exactly do you use the wheelchair? This is so important because even the smallest details determine whether you will fit through the living room door with the wheelchair at home, for example, or whether the transport in the car will work or whether you will have no problems with it when playing basketball on the field.

A low backrest gives you more mobility. If you want to grab something that is lying diagonally behind you on the shelf, you should be able to do so comfortably from the wheelchair by turning your upper body. If the backrest is too high, you will have to adjust it with the wheelchair. Therefore: When measuring, make sure that you are sitting comfortably, but that you can still easily reach backwards over the backrest. You can use the shoulder blade as an approximate guide: The backrest should reach no further than the lower edge of your shoulder blade.

Also think about the armrests: If you want to eat at the table, for example, the armrests should fit underneath. Otherwise you will be sitting too far away from the table. There are armrests that are slanted from the start. However, it is best if they can be easily adjusted.

If you shift your weight backwards, the wheelchair could tip over. That's why the anti-tipper is a very important thing. Even if you drive over a doorstep or over a kerb onto the pavement, this can literally backfire. It is therefore important that the anti-tipper is mounted securely and stably on the back of the wheelchair, but does not hinder you when driving.

Foldable, lightweight and easily removable rear tyres - these are the most important criteria when it comes to transport. If you often have to take the wheelchair with you in the car, you should make sure that you can transport it without much effort. Almost all active wheelchairs are foldable nowadays. Ask the medical supply store to explain how to use it and try it out for yourself. It is also helpful if one of your family members or friends knows about the technology. As a rule, the wheelchair folds almost by itself if you simply lift the seat from below.

But: There are also wheelchairs with a rigid frame. These are not foldable. Their big advantage is that they are even lighter than folding frame models. These are the so-called ultra-lightweight wheelchairs, which sometimes weigh hardly more than six kilos. In addition, the force exerted by the driver on the wheels is transmitted even better in rigid frame wheelchairs. So you need a little less power for the drive. Because the wheels of rigid-frame wheelchairs are also removable, such a wheelchair can also be "made smaller" for transport. In the end, however, it depends on the size of your car, whether a rigid frame model will fit comfortably in it, and whether you need to transport the wheelchair in the car at all, or only use it in the home anyway.

Tyres and handrims should not be left to chance. As with bicycles, there are also big differences for active wheelchairs. Would you ride a racing bike down an off-road track? Probably not. Therefore: Take advantage of the knowledge of the experts in the medical supply store and explain exactly where you will be travelling everywhere with your mobility aid.

By the way, there really are off-road wheelchair wheels. They have a tread similar to that of a mountain bike tyre. This means that you can also get around on unpaved surfaces. But not everyone necessarily wants to go cross-country with a wheelchair. Depending on where you go, a normal tread may be the better choice for you. Also, if you are outdoors a lot.

While some wheelchair users swear by the common standard of solid rubber tyres, others prefer full pneumatic tyres. The advantage of solid rubber tyres for the wheelchair is that they are very robust. So you will never have a flat with solid rubber tyres. Pneumatic tyres are also relatively puncture-proof. However, not 100 per cent. Nevertheless, some people prefer pneumatic tyres because they increase driving comfort, as long as the air pressure is right - bumps are dampened better, everything feels a bit softer. The rolling resistance is lower, the suspension very good.

Also pay attention to the handrims. The most important thing here is the coating. If you use rubberised handrims, for example, you can transfer your power to the bike in the best possible way. When going downhill, however, the rubber coating can put a lot of strain on your palms. Then you should wear gloves. In contrast, anodised handrims are rather smooth. This protects your palms, but if your hands tend to be wet, it can be slippery and you may need to wear gloves. Or you have to grip very firmly.

The driving experience is very dependent on the small steering wheels in the front. If they are too small, the ride can feel wobbly. Larger wheels made of rubber give a stable and safe feeling, especially on uneven ground. So, large front castor wheels tend to be more comfortable. Nevertheless, make your choice dependent on your specific needs and discuss this with the medical store staff you trust.

It is possible that suspension of the wheels will make the ride more comfortable. However, bear in mind that this wastes energy. Therefore, consider beforehand whether suspension really makes sense for you.

To ensure that you can also manoeuvre in a wheelchair during sports, the wheels of these models are tilted slightly inwards at the top. This slight, so-called wheel camber reduces the contact pressure and provides more lateral stability. However, as the name suggests, a sports wheelchair is intended for sports. It is not suitable for everyday use. Therefore, such a wheelchair is only useful as a second wheelchair and only if you are regularly active in sports.

Because sports make different demands on athletes, sports wheelchairs also differ greatly from one another. For example, there is a basketball wheelchair, a tennis and badminton wheelchair or a rugby wheelchair. What they all have in common is the particularly low backrest so that the mobility of the upper body is not restricted.

In order for you to be able to manage your everyday life with your active wheelchair as independently and without restrictions as possible, it is important that you know and can formulate your needs and habits. The more precisely you tell your expert in the medical supply store which little things are important to you, the better you will be able to handle the wheelchair. Everything should be easy to use and you should be able to get around without too much effort. Pay particular attention to the components that ensure your safety - i.e. the anti-tipper and the tyres, which must fit your needs. Try out your wheelchair first and check whether you are sitting comfortably or whether there is any pressure. And then: Have a good trip!