Help choosing a wheelchair please?

[daju22]

Hi everyone,

I would like some help in choosing a wheelchair with quick release wheels. I know that Splinter has recommended this type in the past and I was hoping that someone has one of these models. We would be taking it to Europe along with our scooter. I think I would be able to push my husband more easily and put the wheelchair into cabs. He only uses the chair to get around more quickly as he is a slow walker and tires easily.

 

We currently have a Nova transport which has been very good. I especially like the brakes which help me to slow my husband down on a slope. He can only push with one hand and that is why we originally bought the transport chair. http://www.spinlife.com/Nova-Comet-330,-with-hand-brakes-Transport-Wheelchair/spec.cfm?productID=70685

 

I've found some models of wheelchairs with quick release wheels and I hope I can lift them into our car. Will I have a problem keeping these wheelchairs without brakes from going too fast downhill or on ramps? Has anyone had any experience with these three chairs? Does anyone recommend any other wheelchairs with quick release wheels? Would it be worth the extra $100 for the breezy?

 

http://ww2.scooterlink.com/index.cfm/method/product.details/id/Merits-M12-Deluxe-Lightweight-Manual-Wheelchair/merits-m12-deluxe-hi-strength-lightweight-manual-wheelchair.htm

 

 

http://www.spinlife.com/critpath/spec.cfm?productID=72245

 

http://www.spinlife.com/Sunrise-/-Quickie-Breezy-Ultra-4-Lightweight-Wheelchair/spec.cfm?productID=74650

 

We're leaning toward buying the Merits.

 

Thanks so much for your thoughts!

[LHC]

We have the Quickie XL ordered for my DS usage in December. We also wanted a transport chair, which is lightweight, as he will be able to take drivers training with an adapted car soon..a real plus as he is 22 and had a car accident 4 years ago leaving him a hemiplegic (cannot use the right side of his body well)...we are beating it into submission with adapted splints, arm surgery and a Bioness splint.

I am excited about it coming in and will check on it tomorrow..as soon as it comes I will get on board and give its pluses and negatives.

LInda (Mother of Greg).

[angel with wings]

I have a quickie XL. I have had it for 4 years and it is great. I can put it in the car myself and I don't even walk. The quick release wheels are easy to do also. It is lightweight and can put together and apart quickly. I would highly recommend this chair.

[daju22]

Linda,

Let me know how you like the Quickie LX.

 

Angel,

You like the Quickie too. Thanks for your help.

 

Since we use the wheelchair only for long distances and I push the chair, we would like to spend less. Has anyone tried the Merits, Medline, or the Breezy/Quickie Ultra 4?

[Barb_and_Sean]

I have a Colours Eclipse chair. I can load it into the car alone (I don't walk or stand). It is very light and easy to manuever as well.

[daju22]

Hi Barb_and_Sean,

Thanks and I'll try to look up the chair online. Never heard of it. Great that you can load it yourself!

[Splinter]

Spend a little more to get one with quick-release wheels. Without this, it is very difficult to get the chair into a small trunk such as you may find in may cabs.

[daju22]

Spend a little more to get one with quick-release wheels. Without this, it is very difficult to get the chair into a small trunk such as you may find in may cabs.

 

Hi Splinter,

 

This wheelchair:

 

http://www.spinlife.com/Sunrise-/-Quickie-Breezy-Ultra-4-Lightweight-Wheelchair/spec.cfm?productID=74650

 

has quick release wheels. I think it will be ok. Just wondered if anyone has one and how they like it. We only use it for travel as my husband is a slow walker.

 

Thanks,

[Barb_and_Sean]

If it isn't an "everyday" chair then this one looks fine... I didn't notice if it said how much it weighed (that's always a concern for me when I'm looking to buy a new chair) but if your main concern is a chair that has quick-release wheels and is inexpensive, this looks fine. My chairs are always quite a bit more money but I use them all the time, so I feel the cost is worth it (and there's always insurance if you can get that to work) but if it's just for an occassional situation where he'll need it then why spend the extra bucks? I say if it looks like something you and he can handle it's a good bet.

[daju22]

Just got the Quickie Ultralight 4 yesterday. Seems to be good for us since we don't use it all the time. My husband can at least use his good arm and leg to move around. The wheels are quick release and I can put it in the trunk of the car easily. It's easy for me to push. Much better than the Nova Comet 330 transport chair.

Thanks everyone for your help!