A Wheelchair Guide
It could be intimidating to decide on a wheelchair with the wide range of options offered at Rainbow Care, whilst considering features to suit specific needs.
To aid you in making better informed choices, we have prepared a starter guide to equip you with some basic information on the types of wheelchairs available, and also some tips on considerations to be made before purchasing the right wheelchair.
General Considerations
1. Size of Wheelchair
One important factor in choosing a wheelchair for the user would be correlate the best sized wheelchair to the user’s size. A proper fit for the wheelchair would ensure proper posture and provide ease of manouverability for the user.
Wheelchair
Larger Wheels
✓ Large wheels and grab rims allow for self-propulsion
✓ Higher Stability
✓ Allows for heavier working load, suitable for larger users
Pushchair
Smaller Wheels
✓ User will not be able to reach the wheels and thus require assistance from a caregiver
✓ Compact and lighter for ease of travels
2. Reliance on Caregiver
For users that are reliant on a caregiver, it is important to select a wheelchair that prioritises the comfort of the user and the ease of assistance of the caregiver.
Lightweight
Wheelchairs
Foldable & Compact
✓ Weigh as light as 7kg, easy to manage and bring around on a daily basis
✓ Suitable for users who require higher mobility
✓ Fixed arm rests and foot rests that cannot be removed
Detachable
Wheelchairs
Easy Transfers
✓ Detachable foot rests and the option to flip away arm rests, providing obstacle free access to the seating postion
✓ Quicker transfers, where caregivers may use transfer aids for safer transfers off and onto the chair
So... What type of Wheelchair should I get?
Ultimately, it boils down to the unique needs of the wheelchair user to match the features that each wheelchair offers. At Rainbow Care, the range of wheelchairs are curated to cater to the different requirements of individuals, where we strive to help you find the perfect fit in prioritising your comfort and functionality.
Carefully consider which features are most important for you to have in a wheelchair and take the time to explore the wide range of products we have!
• Options for models that support detachability
• Convenience in travels
• Budget friendly considerations
• More suitable for smaller users, however some models are available for up to 115kg loads
• Able to carry up to 125 of user weight, seat width of 56cm
• Foldable & detachable
• Larger wheels that helps with the ease of manouevring and withstand heavier weight
• Do ensure that door widths at home are at least 75cm for the wheelchair to pass through
• Flip away armrests and detachable footrests
• Many lightweight options
• Foldable
• Adjustable back rests
• Elevating footrests
• Generally heavier in weight
• Harder to maneuver as it requires larger space
• Foldable
• Flip-up arm rests
• Elevating cushioned footrests
• More specific to the needs of users with lower limb mobility requirements
• Harder to maneuver as it requires larger space
• Foldable
• Adjustable back rests
• Elevating footrests
• Generally heavier in weight
• Harder to maneuver as it requires larger space
• Increases user independence and mobility
• Safety features
• Foldable
• Simple to use & operate
• Requires charging since it is battery-operated
• Higher maintenance due to battery usage
• Budget-friendly
• Giving products a second life
• In good conditions
• Limited options to features required for users
• Subject to stock availability
Helpful tips from Rainbow Care
Do make use of our “Compare Products” function to get a overview of product specifications, where you can cross compare in-depth details of the wheelchairs before making a purchase.
Ultimately, it is still the best choice to test the wheelchairs in person. Feel free to head down to our showroom where our friendly staff members would be happy to help you find a suitable wheelchair!
View directions to our showroom
Our Ubi Showroom
We are located at:
Blk 3007 Ubi Road 1 #02-412
Singapore 408701
(Please take the lift to level 2, showroom will be on the right)
We are open daily:
Mondays to Saturdays, 9am to 6pm
Sundays and Public Holidays, 9am to 5pm
