Self Propelled Wheelchairs

Self-propelled wheelchairs are for people who can propel themselves. Being able to maneuver the chair by yourself means you can maintain or regain your independence and enjoy life without being reliant on others.

Some self-propelled chairs come with push handles, allowing them to be pushed by someone else in the event of need. This eliminates the need to exert a substantial upper body pressure to push the wheelchair, which could result in arm injuries.

Easy manoeuvrability

Self-propelled chairs, in contrast to power wheelchairs that are propelled by an electrical motor, rely on the strength of the user to propel them forward. This means they are able to maneuver around furniture, narrow corners, and other obstacles with no assistance.

They can also be a great option for those who want to maintain their independence or even regain it. They can also be an effective exercise. Utilizing their upper body strength to propel the chair engages muscles and improves cardiovascular health. A majority of self-propelled chairs offer a variety of adjustable features that can be adapted to your specific requirements.

Self-propelled chairs are much easier to maneuver by hand than manual wheelchairs that are standard. They have large rear wheels that have push-rims. They are also lighter than electric models, so they require less space in your home and are more easily carried on public transportation.

It's important to take into account the client's lifestyle and needs when selecting a self-propelled wheelchair. They may need a wheelchair that has outdoor or puncture-proof tires so they can use it on uneven terrain or off road. Additionally, some customers may require a specific frame in order to ensure that their feet are able to easily reach the pedals.

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

Another consideration is whether the client is able to reach the front wheel with their hands. Ideally, they should be capable of touching the center of the wheel with the index finger and thumb however this will depend on their ability to function and how close the front wheels are to the ground.

It's also worth considering powered accessories. They can lessen the strain on the upper body of the client and give them more energy to complete other things. However, they are not suitable for everyone, and might not be a suitable fit for people who require a high-performance chair or have an extreme mobility impairment.

Increased independence

A self-propelled wheelchair puts the power in the hands of the user, giving them autonomy. It allows the user to manage their movement, which means they can navigate crowded spaces and furniture with ease. They can also travel at their own speed and over difficult terrain. This freedom is crucial to the well-being and social participation of the user.

It is crucial to remember that a self propelled wheelchair requires both arms, which can cause injuries to the arms when the motions aren't executed correctly. Get a therapist to train you to ensure that you don't get injured.

Self-propelled chairs, in contrast to transit wheelchairs, have larger rear wheels that have push rims. This enables the user to drive the chair independently. 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 recruited 15 healthy adults with mobility needs. They were evaluated on three different scenarios including a straight forward (15 meters) and a slalom course (nine cones aligned and separated by decreasing distances) and an agility test. They were asked to push their wheelchairs through all three trials and then answer the Perceived Exertion Questionnaire. Oxygen consumption, lung ventilation and heart rate were monitored continuously by an oxygen analyzer that was portable (Cateye Cycle Computer VELO 8; Osaka, Japan) during the propulsion trials and resting periods.

The results revealed that a self propelled wheelchair is more efficient than an electric wheelchair in navigating challenging terrain. This is because of the large rear wheels that are fitted with push rims, which allow the user to move their wheelchair with greater speed and precision. Additionally, the lightweight design of these chairs mean they can be moved and stored with little effort.

Fitness Accurate

The most suitable wheelchairs for people with mobility impairments can be self-propelled because they permit the user to move themselves without needing someone else to push them. This will allow you to retain or restore your independence, and provide you with a fresh start in your life. You can utilize your wheelchair in a variety of situations and are not limited to indoor locations.

In contrast to transit wheelchairs (which have a small rear wheel and can only be moved by pushing) self-propelled chairs have larger rear wheels and have pushing handles that the user can reach to propel themselves. You can now move further by yourself and improve your health and fitness.

This is particularly important for those who have chronic mobility issues as prolonged stress on the upper body can cause injuries and pain. This can stop people from engaging in any physical activity, and could result in a sedentary lifestyle style, which can further complicate their health. A self-propelled chair can reduce pressure on the upper body, preventing these issues.

In addition, wheelchairs can be designed with powered accessories that assist in moving forward. This can reduce the amount of effort required by a user which allows them to conserve their strength for other uses. This is especially useful for those who have difficulty moving on uneven or bumpy surfaces such as kerbs or slopes.

All types of manual wheelchairs are able to be fitted with power-driven add-ons. A lot of them can be controlled by Bluetooth or smartwatches. They are a huge hit with younger users who are at ease with technology and love the idea of using their mobile devices to control their wheelchairs.

Research has proven that the height of the seat plays a important role in the response of the heart and mechanical efficiency when manual wheelchairs are driven at submaximal levels. According to a study the optimal seat height for this type of wheelchair is approximately 100 degrees. This eases the stress on shoulder muscles. This is important for people with soft tissue injuries around the shoulder.

Convenient storage

Many clients who choose to use a wheelchair all the time need to consider how to keep it in their home and when on the move. Many manufacturers provide storage solutions that are convenient. For example the XS2 Self Propelled Wheelchair has two wheels that swivel in the front which makes it easy to maneuver indoors or in tight spaces. They are also easy to maintain and have puncture-proof tyres that ensure a comfortable ride. The XS2 is also available in a choice of seat widths, which will fit different types of users. The chair is equipped with two parking brakes to provide added safety. One brake can be operated while sitting in the chair and the other by an attendant.

The weight of the wheelchair is crucial. While there are lighter wheelchairs however, they may not be suitable for outdoor settings such as beaches or national parks. Some models also have removable armrests to make transporting the chair more convenient.


Self-propelled wheelchairs are used primarily to achieve independence and freedom. They let you move around freely without having to depend on others. Some clients find that this gives them a boost of energy and gives them a new perspective on life. However, they will require some strength in the upper part of the body and it's important to be aware of your limits prior purchasing one.

Self-propelled wheelchairs also have the benefit of being able to maneuver it on flat surfaces. Certain chairs can be adjusted to accommodate varying levels of ground, however this only goes so far. If the chair is to be used outdoors, a powered chair or manual one with tyres that are designed for various terrains could be more suitable.

Certain models are designed to be more manoeuvrable by having a stiff frame. This can help reduce the energy required to propel the wheelchair. These kinds of wheelchairs tend to be lighter than folding chairs as they don't require an extension mechanism to extend the frame.

To allow a client to push the chair with their feet, the rear wheels are typically larger and fitted with a push-rim. Some customers, like those with hemiparesis and who prefer to push their chairs with their feet, require the rear wheels to be lower in order so that they can reach.