Electric Wheelchair Travel

Wheelchair users have the right to travel just like any other individuals and see the amazing sights all over the world. Wheelchair travel has come a long way in the past twenty years. With the mass market introduction of electric wheelchairs and lightweight wheelchairs, wheelchair users and care-givers have an easier time moving around with wheelchairs. The increased public awareness about traveling for the disabled has prompted public establishments such as shopping malls, airports and cruise terminals to be wheelchair friendly in their infrastructure. Tour packages for the wheelchair users have also picked up momentum recently. These packages ensure the welfare of the wheelchair travelers are taken care of properly. Wheelchair users who are apprehensive about traveling to unknown places will feel assured of a quality experience when going for these packages. The agencies will provide the latest information of the destination and assist in the preparation to the actual sight seeing trip.

On the part of the electric wheelchair users, you are advised to visit your therapist for consultation on your travel plans. You need to have a report of any conditions that may warrant attention certified by the therapist. Please keep a copy of the report and pass another to the travel planner. Upon reaching the hotel,which should be wheelchair friendly, remember to inquire the in-house doctors available. Electric wheelchair users should also bring along their medication that can last the entire trip preferably packed into travel friendly cases. Always keep them by your side.

When you reach the hotel counter, request for city guides as these usually consist of information for disabled travelers. You can also check the city's website online prior to your trip for mental preparation.

Just like any other traveling people, try to pack as light as possible heavy luggage can pose a problem and a hazard for wheelchair travelers. If electric wheelchair users are traveling by plane, you need to tie a name tag to the wheelchair before storage. The name tag should include your contact number,destination and travel agency. Remove loose sections of the electric wheelchairs such as cushions and bags.Lastly, put the brakes on. The idea is to keep the electric wheelchair as compact as possible without things falling off easily. Check for scratches and damages at the destination airport. More importantly for electric wheelchairs, check for possible leakages of the batteries and loose wiring as these may pose a danger later in the trip.

Scheduling your itinerary is also important to ensure a satisfied travel experience. Understanding the extra time it takes for wheelchair users in transportation, it is best to make a provision of 20-30 minutes for every item. There is always time for everything if you plan well. If a tourist site has multiple entries, you should find out where is the entry point for wheelchairs as they have ramps or lifts installed there.

Used electric wheelchairs users should conserve your energy well and distribute them over the duration of the trip. Prevent yourself from over exertion in the initial days. Have back up plans to your itinerary as weather and people can be unpredictable. The hotel should be surrounded by basic amenities such as restaurants and pharmacies. Places which are wheelchair friendly are identified by a internationally known icon on the city map. Electric Wheelchair users do require a lot more attention when traveling and the least one can do is to be well prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. Electric wheelchair users are encouraged to travel and open your eyes to this wonderful world.

Read more at electric wheelchairs

Commercial and Residential Wheelchair Lifts

Wheelchair lifts are an economical and convenient means of transportation up and down the stairs. Commercial wheel chair lifts are best suited for schools, universities, auditoriums, colleges, churches and historic buildings whereas residential wheelchair lifts are meant for your residential spaces.

Commercial Wheelchair Lifts for Any Public Building Architecture

Commercial spaces and public settings are the places where a good number of wheelchair users are likely to come. Hence commercial wheelchair lifts have become very essential accessibility devices in every commercial setting, for the aged/physically challenged individuals to access different levels of these buildings. Commercial wheel chair lifts are available in different models and specifications to suit any building architecture. These devices usually come with a motor driven platform, and also with internal switches for the riders to control the lift on their own.

Lift Models of Different Makes that Blend Perfectly with Your Home Interiors

If you have elderly or disabled family members in your home, residential wheelchair lifts would be a great option to reduce the burden of transporting them up and down the stairs. You can find these lifts in different makes and models to match your home interiors. Your standard household current is sufficient for the electric powered wheel chair lifts to operate. Now both straight and curved wheel chair lifts are available that can blend with straight or curved stairways in your home. Certain models such as Porch Lift PL-RA, Stair-Trac, and ES-125 are some of the popular models widely used in residential settings.

Emergency stop button, sensors, broken belt monitor, safety nut, platform safety pans, final limit switches and key locks are part of standard commercial and residential wheel chair lifts.

Choose Dealers with Long Term Experience for Quality Products and Services

There are many branded companies such as ThyssenKrupp Access, Savaria Concord and Bruno selling popular models of commercial and residential wheelchair lifts. The dealers supplying their products will usually have experienced professionals for installation, repair and maintenance services. To attain the best of these services, settle for dealers with long term experience.

Day Elevator & Lift is a premier provider of tub lifts, stair lifts, elevators and wheelchair lifts for residential and commercial applications throughout the tri-state area, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut.

Benefits of Vertical Wheelchair Lifts

Many of us, even though we are gifted with the ability to do all our normal activities such as walking, running and climbing, love to enjoy more comforts such as lifts, ramps and elevators. But there are many mentally vibrant people facing mobility problems due to their physical handicaps, along with problems of old age. These individuals spend a substantial part of their life in wheelchairs and cannot move about as freely as others. Today ramps and elevators are common in most public buildings; but there still exists the need for supplementary equipment such as vertical wheelchair lifts, to benefit physically challenged individuals.

One of the striking benefits of vertical wheelchair lifts or platform lifts is that these are designed in such a manner that a person in a wheelchair can be elevated or lowered between the floors without leaving the wheelchair. A vertical wheelchair lift is also powered by hydraulics or electricity. The different models of vertical wheelchair lifts are:

o Enclosed model
o Shaft way model
o Stage model
o Opal model

In the Enclosed model, the wheelchair and the boarder can be placed on a platform which is enclosed with walls as the lift moves up and down. The Shaftway model can be used in residential as well as commercial environments and fixed to existing walls like an elevator. The Stage model featured with just a platform can be used for shorter heights or elevations. The Opal model, apart from its open ceiling, is almost similar to the Enclosed model.

Vertical wheelchair lifts or platform lifts can be used in various locations as in residences, and facilitates easy access between floors and porches to those using wheelchairs. In a scholastic environment, the major benefit of vertical wheelchair lifts is that these provide physically challenged individuals to easily negotiate all elevated platforms and lecture halls.

The excellent benefits of vertical wheelchair lifts help one lead a better activity oriented life, enjoying considerable independence. At home or the workplace, a vertical wheelchair lift can bring remarkable changes in the life of the physically challenged people.

Anthony Robbins is working as a design consultant at Day Elevator & Lift. At DAY, we focus on eliminating several accessibility challenges you face at home and in your business premises, with the help of premium products such as wheelchair lifts. We have an extensive range of Inclined and vertical wheelchair lifts.

Porch Lift Or Wheelchair Ramp?

A question I often get is whether to buy a porch lift or a ramp for wheelchair access to a house or building. There are several factors to consider in determining which is the best option for your particular circumstances.

The first issue I always look at is the height that needs to be overcome. The height isn't a huge issue with a porch lift but it can be with a wheelchair ramp because it will determine the length of the ramp.

Wheelchair

In most jurisdictions in the US and Canada the building codes will require 1 foot of ramp for each inch of rise. So if you have a 24" rise, you'll have to build your wheelchair ramp at least 24' long.

While 12" to 1" ratio is a pretty gentle slope for people in power wheelchairs or walking, it can be still a challenge for those using manual wheelchairs and building codes normally require a landing for the user to have a flat rest area at least every 30'. If your rise is 36", your ramp will have to be 36' long with a interim landing somewhere along it's length. This landing can be at a 90 or a 180 degree turn or it can be in-line with no turn.

It's the length of the ramp which is normally the determining factor in whether the ramp is a better option than a porch lift.

The price of the ramp will increase as the length increases and at some point the cost will exceed the cost of installing a porch lift.
At what length will the wheelchair user be so tired after climbing the ramp that they won't bother to try in the first place?
The local climate will be a factor. If it is exposed to the weather it will need to be kept clear of ice and snow in northern climates. The longer the ramp the more work that will be.
Another climate factor is rain even if there is little chance of ice or snow. The longer the ramp the more likely you'll want to have some type of cover over it to keep the user dry which will add dramatically to the cost.
How much room there is for a ramp may be an issue. Most people do not have the room for a really long ramp.
The cost of the maintenance of the ramp will increase with the length; especially if the ramp is wooden.

Porch Lifts

Porch lifts, also known as vertical platform lifts, are self contained mini elevators which consist of a platform for carrying the wheelchair and user mounted to tower which houses all the electrical and mechanical parts used for lifting and lowering the platform.

They take up little space with a footprint of about 5' by 6' regardless of the height of the lift. Porch lifts come in standard sizes of 3', 4' and 6' with some manufacturers offering extensions to achieve lifts of up to 12' and higher. These sizes dictate the maximum travel of the lift and not the fixed height, so if you need a 43" height you would order a 4' lift and set it to stop at the 43" level.

Porch lifts seem expensive at around $3,000 for a basic lift plus installation and, if needed, construction of a cement pad to put it on, electrical service and a self closing gate at the upper landing but can be less expensive than a long ramp. Another benefit of purchasing a porch lift over building a wheelchair ramp is they can be moved if the user moves and they have a resale value if the lift is no longer needed. I often get requests for used porch lifts but ramps are pretty much scrap when they aren't needed any longer.

Porch lifts can be used in commercial applications but they can be more of a hassle than a ramp because of building codes and regulations. In my area commercial lifts must be licenced, have keyed access and be enclosed for safety. These requirements add to the cost and the commercial establishment must have someone control the keys and be available to attend users when they want to use the lift.

Conclusion

There is no right answer and in every instance the decision maker will have to balance the advantages and pit falls of each option. Price, climate, height, user abilities and room will all have to be considered when making the final decision.

For free, detailed and unbiased information and resources relating to wheelchairs, lifts, and other home medical equipment, please feel free to visit http://wheelchair.ca

Wheelchair.ca is an informational site only and does not sell any products either online or off. We provide end users with home health care equipment information based on more than 20 years experience as a home health care retailer. A qualified health care professional should be consulted regarding the information we provide or purchasing medical equipment.

Should You Rent Or Buy a Wheelchair Lift Van?

The wheelchair lift van has been designed so the disabled people can enjoy their life a bit more. Already crippled of physical fun and enjoyment due to their disabled state, the lift is a small helping hand towards them so that they have more comfort and ease in their lives.

Even they understand what difficulties they pose for their caretakers. I once knew someone who actually asked her son to put her to "sleep" because she felt that she was a burden on him. The woman was only sixty five years old and if you were to hear this from your mother, how would you feel?

Therefore get the wheelchair van lift for your disabled family member today. There are many options, you can buy a new one, you can buy a used one or you could possibly rent one if cash is tight. You will have to find out which will suit you the best.

See, there is always the option of buying a wheelchair lift van. And you should seriously consider doing so if he or she is your parent and you have to drive them around a lot. I mean even if it is during the evening, obviously it is tedious; a work that you have to do everyday.

You have to pick them up, place them in the seat, and place their chairs in the trunk and so on. When you are going to return from the ride you will have to do the same. If there is getting off on the way, say you visit a theatre or a ballet then the trouble is double. He or she maybe a very near and dear one but think practically, is it not double work for you?

So why not buy a van lift and make life a bit easier. Also, buying is a good idea if you have to take them around everyday and for years and months. Renting is ok, but the amount that you are going to ay in renting will culminate in to a larger amount than the cost price. Renting a wheelchair lift van is a really good idea when the person in question has come to visit you for a certain stretch and will need taking out to dinner and all sorts of things very frequently.

There are no issues with a rented lift because they work as well as the bought ones and will give you no trouble. In fact you can check it out before renting it. Even the price for a rent is awesome. A wheelchair lift van will come at very cheap rent and is worthwhile if you are in the above mentioned condition or going for a road trip or picnic.

Moreover, you will not feel the weight in your purse but your buddy will be quite happy. So get the wheelchair lift van, rent it or buy it, but get it for your and your dependants comfort.

Discover where to buy cheap wheelchair stair lifts online. If you are on a budget, you might want to consider stair lift rental. Check out my site for more details.

Choosing a Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair

Almost every wheelchair manufacturer has their own line of ultra lightweight wheelchairs, so you will be spoiled for choice. It can be confusing, but we have broken them down into three major categories or types to assist you to find the right chair for you. The three categories are:

1. Rigid

2. Folding

3. Titanium Rigid and Folding

The following overviews and tips should answer some queries or questions that you may have and help get you on your way.

Rigid Ultra lightweight Wheelchairs
Rigid wheelchairs are by far the most popular choice in ultra lightweight wheelchairs. The rigid frame eliminates the additional hardware and mechanisms of a folding frame and therefore enables a lighter weighing which will increase the response and performance. These wheelchairs have a long list of options including the basics like push handles and flip-up armrests to Spinergy SPOX wheels and light-up front casters.

Folding Ultra lightweight Wheelchairs
This style of wheelchair is ideal for transporting your wheelchair behind the seat of your car or can't live without swing-away leg rests but don't want to sacrifice weight or performance, then a folding ultra lightweight wheelchair is the choice for you. These wheelchairs offer all the options of a rigid ultra lightweight wheelchair with the benefit of being able to fold up with a tug on the seat upholstery.

Titanium Ultra lightweight Wheelchairs
Titanium is the material of choice these days for its strength,lightness, durability and the built-in shock absorption of the metal itself. The wheel chairs come in both folding and rigid titanium chairs. Titanium wheelchairs are generally more expensive and may take a little longer to custom build.

For more information on lightweight wheelchair and how to choice a ultralight weight wheelchair

Wheelchair Bound Exercise Options

If you need to sit in a wheelchair for most of the day, or have limited movement, you know how important it is to get out and get active. It's important to exercise the muscles that don't regularly see a lot of movement so that they can preserve the mobility, flexibility, and function that they do have. But of course, how are you supposed to get regular exercise when it's so difficult to move? This used to be a big problem. But with wheelchair accessible exercise equipment, rolling mobility walkers, and rollators, it's now easier than you think to stay healthy.

Wheelchair accessible exercise equipment comes with many different options. If you want to work out with weights there are models designed so that slide pin adjustments can be made from the height of a wheelchair. All the parts are adjustable so that pads can come out and support the chest and arm rests and leg rests can also extend out so that your legs can rest on them and still push against the resistance of the weight. There are also other models of wheelchair accessible exercise equipment that will give you both a great weight training workout, as well as a great cardio routine. These include rowing machines or machines that are designed to focus on specific areas that receive excessive, or limited, use.

Of course, getting out and walking is always one of the best forms of exercise, especially for those that have some mobility, but find it hard to really get in a good exercise such as using weights or getting their heartbeat racing. Rolling mobility walkers and rollators are walkers that are designed similarly to traditional walkers but they are equipped with wheels and large storage bins that make walking much easier. Some are even specially designed for specific activities, such as the golf rollator that's designed with a space for your golf clubs as well as the wheels and support bar that will give you all the leaning support you need for a round.

And often, it's just a matter of getting there in order for you to get out and get active; and that's where electric mobility scooters come in. These scooters are extremely powerful and have a motor that will get you anywhere you need to go. Although the idea of electric mobility scooters is very simple, it's amazing how just getting out of the house can get someone much more active and involved! And, the use of these scooters isn't only functional; it's also quite a bit of fun.

We have many ways that you can improve your own mobility and your quality of life! Get out, get active, you can do it, with wheelchair accessible exercise equipment.

All-Terrain Medical & Mobility LLC has established a reputation for providing the latest in innovative mobility equipment. Now operating offices in the U.S. & Europe, All-Terrain provides over 500 mobility products for the disabled. Please visit our website http://www.allterrainmedical.com

Wheelchair Accessible Stairs

No longer will your loved ones be held prisoners in their own house and be unable to move from one floor to another. A stair lift will provide the solution for their home by creating wheelchair accessible stairs and open the upper levels for those with limited mobility. In the past, many elderly individuals were pressured out of their multi-leveled homes because they lived alone and there was no way for them to get to their second floor bedrooms. To lose the home that you lived in for years just because of aging or an accident is very hard to deal with. Seniors and the newly disabled used to deal with this tough situation but with the invention of wheelchair accessible stairs, the decision is simpler.

Decreased mobility in our old age is a problem but the real pain comes from the knees as we go up and down the stairs. The knees are unable to perform like they used to and with each lift of the knee on the stairs, there is a potential fall. Knees are particularly complex parts of our bodies and one tear of the ligaments in that area can devastate ones' ability to walk forever. Doctors advise those with weakened knees to stay away from climbing up the stairs until they regain the ability to balance themselves with one leg up. In this scenario, a stair lift that is wheelchair accessible can increase your mobility around the home you know and love so much.

Accessible Stairs Alternatives
Some people have considered the installation of private elevators in their home but this requires a lot more structural work and building codes to follow. In addition, as expensive as a stair lift can be, an elevator lift is much more costly. This is also a permanent fixture to the home and would require a lot more work hours to install and deconstruct if one would ever want to sell the home. A stair lift can be purchased new, rented or bought used and removed without any visual damage to the walls or stairways.

Your stair lift could be set up with wonderful care so that there is no damage to current architectural features. Stair lifts can also match the colors of the home. They could be produced of complementary materials like wood to match the home decor.

If renewing your mobility in your home is a top concern of yours, then there should be no reason to further delay the process with doubt. So do some comparison shopping with stair-lift installers and make the right choice on the product that will fit your exact needs. Grow old with your home instead of moving out when you get too limited in your mobility and continue to enjoy the rooms well into your golden years.

Find out more about the costs and get more details about purchasing wheelchair stair lifts before making this home modification. You may be surprised by the actual price of owning your own stairlift. Discover other aids that can help improve your lifestyle such as a handicap chair that can ease and raise you off your chair.

How to Choose a Wheelchair Accessible Handicap Van

Which accessible van is best for you? You have options. You have a choice between a lowered floor minivan with a ramp, and a full size van with a lift. The first thing to consider is how tall you sit in your chair. Some people have called me and asked: "how much to put a ramp in the side of my van?" If only it were that simple. Consider the height inside a minivan, and then measure how tall you sit in your chair. A normal size adult will not be able to sit up in a wheelchair, inside a non modified minivan. Another thing to consider; a ramp would have to be of considerable length so it is not too steep. Once a minivan is modified, the floor is lowered by 10-14 inches. The door opening height in a lowered floor minivan is between 53 inches and 56 inches. The interior height will vary, depending on the year, make and model of the vehicle.

If you sit over 56 inches tall, you may be more comfortable in a full size van. The best way to determine this is to go to a mobility dealer. This way you can roll into the different size vans to see how you fit. We have seen situations where a customer had a van delivered from an internet dealer. The driver gave him the keys and left. The customer, excited about his new van rolled up the ramp, and saw that he could not fit. He sat up too tall, and was not able to bend his head. This is why it is very important to try different size vans. There are different options available for a full size van. You can raise the top for optimal interior height. You can also have the doors raised if needed. Sometimes this is not enough. The floor can also be lowered by 6 or 9 inches in a full size van. The lowered floor can be done in the center area only, or a full cut, which includes the front seating area. Some people choose to lower the floor without the raised roof and doors. It all depends on your individual needs. This is why it is important to try before you buy. Other options are remote entry, where the doors open with the touch of a button on your remote. Luxury interiors are also available, with 19 inch digital screens, sound systems, and other high end interiors and electronics from which to choose. There are several packages available. Having trouble deciding between full size and minivan? Send me an email. I will help best I can.

Let's say you prefer a minivan. Your next decision is between a fold out ramp, or an in-floor ramp. Let me point out a few things. Should your vehicle lose power for any reason, the fold out ramp is easily pushed out for a quick emergency exit. For manual operation, the in-floor ramp would need to be physically pulled out from outside, or cranked out from the inside. This would be a challenge for anyone with decreased upper body strength. Another thing to consider is that you lose an inch of interior height with the in-floor ramp conversion. I am a paraplegic who drives a lowered floor minivan. My preference is the fold out ramp just because of the reasons stated above.

Next, should you choose a lowered floor minivan with a power ramp and door, or a manual ramp and door? That depends on your situation. If you are not a driver and have someone with you all the time, the manual conversion may work for you. Please consider that it takes some effort to deploy and stow the ramp manually. An older or less agile person may not be able to do this with ease. This is why the majority of lowered floor minivans sold have the automatic ramp and door.

Dave Bergeron
dbergeron@advancedmobility.net
http://www.advancedmobility.net

Dave is with Advanced Mobility Systems of Texas, Inc, located in the the Dallas/Fort Worth area. We are a member of NMEDA and are licensed vehicle modifier in the State of Texas. We install wheelchair lifts, hand controls, and other driving aids. We also have wheelchair accessible vehicles available for immediate delivery. Take a look at our website to see what we have in our inventory.

Used Wheelchair - Value For Money

Many people who use wheelchair do not have to use them for an extended period of time, so a used wheelchair could be a good investment and a bargain for another person. Often people end up in a wheelchair because they have had some form of surgery or an accident. Many wheelchairs remain in great condition because these devices do not get rough use. Some people may only use a wheelchair for a few days so a used wheelchair would be an excellent choice.

Used wheelchairs or second hand wheelchairs are available from a variety of sources for a huge cost saving and these are often from some medical supply stores that will have a few used wheelchairs for their customers. Other types of ultralight wheelchairs are refurbished and are available from with considerable bargains for the consumer. These used wheelchairs are often the latest models that have not been used much by the previous owner so these are in excellent condition.

Used Wheelchairs Should Be Purchased With Care

People looking for a used wheelchair will do good to check out the classified advertisements of the local newspaper to get a real bargain. These wheelchairs could be a great bargain, but they should be purchased with care. People looking for one of these used wheelchairs should try to have a good look at these bargains to make sure that they are not faulty in any way.

A used wheelchair might be cheap, but these may be discarded because the owner has upgraded and bought a brand new one which may be more light weight or even ultralight weight and with a much more favorable design. Wheelchairs can be custom designed for each user so a person in need of a wheelchair might want to have one that will suit their needs perfectly. A wheelchair that was designed for someone else might not be suitable for everyone.

For more information on lightweight wheelchair and Used wheelchair

Folding Wheelchair to Help the Aging People

A fold up wheelchair is used for a bed-ridden patient. It comprises mainly of a chair which has a back rest and the main body of the chair can be folded upward and downward. The chair has some frames at the back and the rear legs are attached and connected to the frame. The legs can be rotated to push the frame forward and backward.

The material used for ultralight folding wheelchairs today is titanium. This material is light, strong and yet very durable. The metal has natural built-in shock absorption. Titanium wheelchairs are expensive and it takes about 10 to 14 days to build them, but they look very special.

Many companies take direct orders online, or you can call them and order the ultralight folding wheelchair with your specifications. They are non-returnable, as they are manufactured only to order. In case the wheelchair is damaged when it arrives, or is not what you had ordered, the correct one will be sent back to you.

Different types of electric fold up wheelchairs have different types of drive mechanisms. Check out what type of folding electric wheelchair you need. There are many electric wheelchairs for sale, but only a few brands have gained widespread popularity for their quality.

The way the ultralight folding wheelchair folds is different with each model. Sometimes it folds into two, sometimes during folding the wheels are quickly released and the armrests are flipped back. If the armrests are detachable, the height can be adjusted easily and hence can be detached during folding too.

Most of the folding electric wheelchairs fold very well for transport but are rugged enough for everyday use. They normally have a five year warranty on the main frame, and a one year warranty for the controller, gear, motor and main components.

Debbie Normski has been involved with Wheelchairs for over 10 years and visit used wheel chairs and information on used wheel chair ramps.