Choosing a Powered Wheelchair for your body shape and size;  

Consider the needs of the powered wheelchair user when deciding which type of wheelchair would be most suitable.

A wheelchair should add to your freedom and independence; it should enable your comfort and wellbeing, not limit your body movement or cause pain or pressure sores.

If your body shape allows, you want to preserve and support good posture by:

• keeping your head, neck and spine aligned
• keeping your pelvis, hips and knees aligned
• choosing suitable support cushioning.

Avoid creating pressure points or limiting your movement within the chair by:

• ensuring that the chair seat, back and shoulder rests are the right size for you
• allowing for some space either side of your bottom and thighs
• avoiding the use of lumpy cushions or wearing any bulky clothes which create pressure points when you are seated in the chair
• choosing an appropriate pressure relieving cushion

All powered wheelchairs and scooters are classified as ‘invalid carriages’ by the Department for Transport and are categorised as either:

• Class 2 products which can only be used on the pavement (except where these is no pavement) and have a maximum speed of 4mph. Service users aged under 14 are restricted to Class 2 products only.
• or Class 3 products which must be registered with the Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) (more advice is available from your local Motability dealer). These chairs can travel up to 8mph on the road, although must only be driven at 4mph on pavements. When driven on the road, they must obey all requirements and regulations as other road users.

Book an assessment with a Ross Care Specialist.

Speak to any of our Independent Living Store staff who can advise on best requirements, wheelchair assessments, great price, warranties and ongoing product support.

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Ross Care Clinical Advice online and instore

Source; http://www.dlf.org.uk/factsheets/powered-wheelchairs#two3