A reclining wheelchair is similar to a standard wheelchair but with an adjustable backrest for people with limited mobility. They come in both folding and rigid models, with many factors to consider when choosing one. An alternative is a wheeled bench for those who need to remain in a reclined position.
A reclining wheelchair is a type of mobility device similar to a standard wheelchair, except that its back can be reclined. It is designed for people with limited mobility due to illness, injury or disability who find it uncomfortable or impossible to sit upright. A reclining wheelchair allows you to adjust several key parts of the device, including the footrests and backrest, to accommodate different needs and positions.
Most reclining wheelchairs are manually operated, although some power options are available. Like a standard manual wheelchair, a reclining wheelchair generally includes a seat, sometimes adjustable to different angles; armrests; footrests, often adjustable and/or removable; handles for pushing by an assistant; two large wheels with handles for pushing by the user; and two small swivel wheels at the front. Most importantly, a reclining wheelchair features an adjustable backrest, usually operated via a handbrake by the attendant or carer, to tilt or recline the backrest into more comfortable positions, from 90° in a seated position up to 180° lying down.
As with manual wheelchairs, reclining wheelchairs come in both folding and rigid models. Folding reclining wheelchairs are convenient if you transport your wheelchair in the trunk of a car or need to store it flat. However, folding wheelchairs are often heavy and require adjustment and locking before each use, which affects their safety and comfort. Rigid models are lightweight — many are made of ultralight materials like titanium and aircraft-grade aluminum — and usually offer more customization and comfort options than folding wheelchairs.
After deciding between a folding and rigid reclining wheelchair, there are many other factors to consider: how easily the backrest can be adjusted and whether it reclines enough for your needs, other areas of the chair that need to be adjustable, the weight and chair size and weight capacity. Finding the best reclining wheelchair for your needs may take some research, but reading online reviews and talking to professional healthcare professionals who have dealt with many different types of wheelchairs can help. You can also rent a wheelchair to see what you like and don’t like before choosing a permanent solution.
An alternative to a reclining wheelchair for people who must remain in a reclining position due to a back injury or other disability is a wheeled bench. Constructed much like a wheelchair, a wheel bench uses a stretcher-like bench or platform in place of a standard seat or chair. It is operated by the occupant via handles on the front wheels or by an assistant who pushes it via integrated handles behind the headrest.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
