When choosing a manual wheelchair, take 5 minutes to consider the following points:
1. Appropriate Size
When selecting, pay attention to the seat width, depth, height, backrest, and armrest height. It is recommended to try sitting in person at a physical store.
A well-fitting wheelchair provides high comfort. An ill-fitting wheelchair may affect health or cause chronic physical strain. Generally, mainstream wheelchairs in Hong Kong use a seat width of 43cm (17”) or 46cm (18”) as standard, which suits most Hong Kong users (Asians); if special seat sizes are required, custom orders can be inquired about.
Details: 【Wheelchair Selection Tips】How to choose wheelchair size
2. Purpose (Required Functions)
First, consider the user's condition and intended use. Refer to the suggestions below for different uses:
Daily use: Lightweight and comfortable manual wheelchairs are recommended for easy transportation and to reduce the burden on caregivers.
3. Special Needs
Based on the user's physical condition, such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, etc., select an appropriate wheelchair. Wheelchair features include: reclining, adjustable back tension backrest, orthopedic footrests or detachable footrests, flip-up or removable armrests, handle-style or foot-operated braking systems, or fold-down back for storage, etc.
4. Large and Small Rear Tires
Consider A) User's mobility independence: With large wheels, the user can propel themselves; with small wheels, they cannot. B) User's living space: Large wheels require a larger turning radius, while small wheels require a smaller one.
Suitable for users of large-wheel wheelchairs:
- Users with sufficient upper body strength to propel the wheelchair themselves, heavier users, and those navigating rougher terrain.
Suitable for users of small-rear-wheel wheelchairs:
- When the wheelchair is pushed by a caregiver, when the wheelchair needs to be lifted into and out of a vehicle, when transferring to and from bed, and when household passages are narrow.
** Debunking large/small wheel misconceptions:
X Large wheels are more stable - Stability is not determined by the size of the rear wheels, but by the distance between the front and rear wheels and the contact area of the tires with the ground.
X Large wheels are sturdier - Sturdiness is determined by the material and thickness of the tires.
X Large wheels are easier to push - Large wheels are not necessarily easier to push, just more effortless. For the same distance, large wheels roll twice, while small wheels roll four times. How easy it is to push depends on the wheel bearings.
5. Price
The three main factors affecting price are ─ functionality, material (directly impacts weight), and brand quality
Brand quality: Mainstream manual wheelchair brands in Hong Kong primarily come from Japan (e.g., Miki, Nissin, Ichigo Ichie) and Taiwan (Karma, Merits), whose quality is generally superior to mainland Chinese brands. Electric wheelchairs mainly come from Taiwan, the US, and Europe, and are usually of better quality than domestic ones.
6. Safety Certification and Durability
Wheelchair weight greatly affects caregivers. In addition to the burden when pushing, it also significantly impacts the feasibility and safety of folding and transporting the wheelchair. Wheelchairs made of ultralight materials can prevent caregivers from injury and strain during transport. Certifications include: ISO, FDA, CE, JIS T 9201, etc.