Self Propelled Wheelchairs

Self-propelled wheelchairs are designed for those who can push themselves. You can live a full life and regain your independence by being able to move your chair on your own.

Some chairs that self-propel come with push handles, allowing them to be pushed by someone else in the event of need. This helps to reduce the need for significant upper body strength to push the chair, which could cause arm injuries.

Easy manoeuvrability

In contrast to power wheelchairs which are propelled by an electric motor, self propelled chairs use the user's own strength to propel them forward. They are able to easily maneuver around furniture, tight corners and other obstacles.

As such, they are a great option for those who wish to maintain or regain their independence. In addition, they also provide a healthy form of physical exercise. By utilizing their strength of the upper body, they can engage muscles and improve cardiovascular health. Furthermore, many self propelled chairs have adjustable features to meet your specific needs.

Unlike standard manual wheelchairs, that are designed with rear wheels at the back of the chair, self propelled chairs feature large rear wheels and push-rims that make it easier to move them with a hand. Self-propelled chairs are lighter than electric wheelchairs, which means they are smaller in your home, and are also easier to transport on public transport.

It is crucial to take into account the person's lifestyle and requirements when selecting a self-propelled chair. They might require a chair with puncture-proof or outdoor tires so they can use it on rough terrain or off road. Additionally, some customers may require a specific frame to ensure that their feet can easily reach the pedals.


Seat-to-floor is another factor to consider. Some people with hemiparesis who have only one side of their body with function need a chair that has an extremely low seat to floor height so they can use their hands to propel themselves.

The ability of a person to reach the front wheel is another aspect. Idealy, they should be capable of reaching the centre of the front wheel with their thumbs and index fingers however, it depends on the degree of their function and how far from the ground the wheels are.

Also, you should consider powered accessories. They can lessen the strain on the upper body of the client which allows them to have more energy to do other things. However, they're not appropriate for everyone. They may not be a good option for people who need a high-performance chair or have an extreme mobility impairment.

Greater independence

Self-propelled wheelchairs provide the user with the ability to move themselves which allows them to become independent. It lets the user manage their movement, which means they can maneuver around crowded areas and furniture effortlessly. They can also move at their own pace and over rough terrain. This freedom is essential to the well-being of the user and their social involvement.

It is crucial to remember that a self-propelled wheelchair requires both arms, which can result in arm injuries if the motions are not done correctly. To avoid this, it is vital that you ask a therapist to train you in the correct technique for propelling your chair so that you can experience the benefits without risking injury.

Contrary to a transit wheelchair, which has small rear wheels and the occupant is not able to propel themselves, self-propelled chairs have larger rear wheels fitted with push rims that enable the user to drive their chair on their own. This makes them better for outdoor use as they can adapt to different kinds of terrain, and even climb and descend small curbs.

The study involved 15 healthy adults with wheelchair mobility requirements. They were evaluated on three different scenarios that included a straight forward (15 millimeters) and a slalom course (nine cones aligned and separated by decreasing distances), and an agility test. They were asked to push their wheelchairs through these trials and then answer the Perceived Exertion Questionnaire. Oxygen consumption, lung ventilation and heart rate were measured continuously by a portable oxygen analyzer (Cateye Cycle Computer VELO 8; Osaka, Japan) during the propulsion tests and resting intervals.

The results showed that an electric wheelchair was less efficient in navigating difficult terrain than a self-propelled wheelchair. The large rear wheels with push rims allow the wheelchair to be moved with greater speed and precision. Additionally, the light design of these chairs ensures that they can be transported and stored without much effort.

Fitness Accurate

Self-propelled wheelchairs are the ideal choice for mobility impaired people as they allow them to move without anyone else pushing them. This lets you maintain or even regain your independence, which can give you a new lease of life. You can use your wheelchair in a variety of situations and aren't restricted to indoor areas.

In contrast to transit wheelchairs (which have tiny rear wheels and can only be moved by pushing) Self-propelled chairs have larger rear wheels as well as pushing handles that the user can reach to propel themselves. You can now travel further by yourself and increase your health and fitness.

This is crucial for those who have chronic mobility issues, as prolonged overload in the upper body can cause injuries and pain, preventing people from engaging in physical activities, and leading to an unhealthy lifestyle that could cause further problems for their health. A self-propelled seat can help reduce pressure on the upper body, which can prevent issues like this.

In addition to this wheelchairs can also be constructed with powered accessories that assist in moving forward. This reduces the effort required by the user which allows them to conserve their strength for other purposes. This is particularly useful for those who have difficulty to maneuver on bumpy or uneven surfaces like slopes and kerbs.

Powered add-ons can be fitted to all types of manual wheelchairs. Many are controlled via Bluetooth or smartwatches. They are very popular among younger users who are at ease with technology and love the idea of using their mobile devices to control their wheelchairs.

Research has revealed that the height of the seat of manual wheelchairs is a key factor in the heart's response and mechanical efficiency in submaximal manual wheelchair propulsion. According to a study, the optimal seat height for this type of wheelchair is approximately 100deg. This reduces the strain on the shoulder muscles. This is especially important for people suffering from soft tissue injuries around the shoulder.

Convenient storage

Many clients who choose to use a wheelchair full time should think about how to keep it in their home and on the go. Many manufacturers offer storage solutions that are convenient. The XS2 Self Propelled Wheelchair, for instance, comes with swivel wheels on the front which makes it easier to maneuver in small spaces or indoors. These wheels are easy to maintain and come with puncture-proof tyres to ensure an enjoyable ride. The XS2 is available in a range of seat widths that will suit different users. For added security, the chair features two parking brakes. wheelchair self propelled folding My Mobility Scooters that can be operated while sitting in the chair, and the other one that can be operated by an attendant.

The weight of the wheelchair is also important. Although there are wheelchairs that are lighter but they are not suitable for outdoor settings such as beaches or national parks. Some models also have armrests that can be removed to make moving the chair easier.

The primary reason to choose a self-propelled chair is to regain some independence and freedom, to move around without having to depend on others. Some customers find that it makes them feel re-energised and gives them a new lease of life. They do require a lot of strength in the upper body and endurance, so it's crucial that you be aware of your limitations before purchasing one.

Other benefits of choosing a self propelled wheelchair include being able to maneuver the chair on flat surfaces. Some chairs can be adjusted to accommodate different ground surface levels but it can only go to a certain extent. If the chair is intended to be used outdoors, a powered chair or a manual model with tyres designed for different terrains might be more suitable.

Some models are designed to be more maneuverable by having a stiff frame. This helps to reduce the amount of energy required to propel the wheelchair. These types of wheelchairs tend to be lighter than folding chairs since they don't require an extension mechanism to extend the frame.

The rear wheels are bigger and come with a rim that allows the user to push their chair using their foot. Certain clients who opt to foot propel their chairs, such as those with hemiparesis require the rear wheels to be placed at a lower height to allow them to be able to reach them comfortably.