5 tips to taking an Accessible holiday with Electric wheelchairs

Today technological advancement is increasing with time. It has given a boost to society to develop things which will make their life longer and easier.

One classic example which is a small yet very useful product is “Mobility Scooters”. Some people call it a revolutionary product for
senior members of our family and society who don’t wish to be dependent on someone due to their walking disabilities.

If you are also planning to buy folding mobility scooter, you will be surprised to know that it is a similar product to the best electric wheelchair in the UK but with more power and amazing features. They made it a cakewalk to senior and disabled people to go out and enjoy. Now no more dependency on crutches or on a personal caretaker. One just needs to pull out his/her scooter to go out for shopping, morning or evening walk to parks or nearby places and if you are planning a holiday, you can also bring it with you.

A mobility scooter is a quite safe product is loaded with fantastic features. One can choose between 3 wheeler and 4 wheeler variant. They have very durable tyres which you can use on rough terrain. They are best suited for travelling purposes as it can fold swiftly and occupy very less space. They have got nice motor controlled steering, features like automatic breaks, adjustable armrest, antitheft system foldable seats, rechargeable battery, automatic folding and unfolding mechanism etc. They are self-balancing, have padded seats and provide great comfort and support while driving.

Now if you are planning a holiday with an electric wheelchair, the following are the top 5 tips for you which can help you to plan your trill well.

Advance Booking through a specialised agency

It is very important to book a flight and hotel in advance and if possible through a specialised agency which helps people with disabilities in booking their travel. These agencies know about all such facilities and support provided by airlines and hotels. They can arrange handicapped scooters at airport and hotels along with porters. If you are taking your mobility scooter, you need to inform them so they inform airlines and can book it in. Thus their suggestion can be very useful.

Connecting with Airline to know the procedure and provide support

In order to seek help from airlines, you need to reach the airport as early as possible to know the procedure of travelling with additional help. Airport authorities generally provide help in terms of mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs and supporting staff who can help you in boarding. Make sure you have all documents along with you for seamless support.

Hotel Accessibility

Make sure that you are in constant touch with your hotel so when you reach the hotel, wheelchair facility will be provided to you. If Porter is available, he can take you and your stuff in your room directly and you will be ready to enjoy your trip.

Local Guide Support

Local guide support can make a big difference in your vacation.Local guides know the places where you can find your mobility scooters or electric wheelchairs. They know the places which are safe and where you can go and enjoy to the core.If you need other facilities like medications, oxygen cylinders and nursing support, you can ask a local guide to arrange such support.

Self-reading and exploring

There is a lot of information available on the internet and in books where you can read more about places which are safe, have easy access, and where you can go with your wheelchair and enjoy your holidays or vacations.

Above are all the tips which you can go through this can help you plan your trip well organized or else you can always go for buying folding mobility scooters they are easy to carry wherever you go.

Things to Consider Before Buying Reclining Furniture

Recliner Chair- Reclining chair gives you more comfort compared to a normal chair. It has many functional and stylish features. Older people and people who need rest after busy day prefer this chairs. From power features to space-saving capabilities this chair has been favorite in many households. These chairs have the main feature as you can also sleep by reclining back with pressing side button located near the handle. Remember one thing while buying recliner chairs in the UK that you feel comfortable when you are seating and never want to get up from the chair.

Following points, you should take into consideration while you are purchasing reclining chair in the UK:

  • The size of your room.
  • The size of your body.
  • The construction of a reclining chair.
  • The overall style.
  • The Functionality of a chair.
  • Comfort
  • Fabric of recliner
  • Choose the colour wisely and the one which is common to all décor, so that it matches your décor if you change your décor in the future.
  • Soft material or leather
  • Reclining adjustment
  • Extra wide arms
  • The headrest should be comfortable

Different Features of Recliner Chairs:

  • Rocker or Glider Base- this feature allows you to rock. This is for those who have trouble sleeping and nursing mothers.
  • Massage feature
  • Swivel base- this feature will help you to get your chair in any direction you want.
  • Big and tall- this type of recliner holds more weight than a standard recliner
  • Wall hugger- this feature allows you to place the recliner much closer to the wall
  • Lay Flat- allows you to recline all the way to flat, great for those who love to sleep on the chair.
  • Build in USB charger
  • Charging point of chair should be easy to operate
  • Armrest
  • Cushion availability
  • Seat lock
  • Adjustable height
  • Raising to almost standing position- comfortable for older people who need support while standing.
  • Side pocket for storing remotes or smartphones.

Reclining chairs are so comfortable and cozy that everyone in the family loves to sit and feel comfortable while watching Television. These chairs are also beneficial for elderly people as they can sit comfortably and watch Television as on normal chair they are unable to seat for a long time but in reclining chairs, they can sit and get relaxed whenever they feel bored at home. Chairs can also be placed in the garden, living room, bedroom so that you chill and relax but make sure you choose your furniture according to your need and comfort.

Benefits of Reclining Chairs:

  • Reduce swelling of legs
  • Reduce back pain
  • More comfortable compared to a normal chair
  • Standing and seating down with ease
  • Better posture
  • Improves blood circulation
  • People suffering from arthritis can use this chair, as it brings relief from pain and brings comfort in their body.

Conclusion

Young mothers can soothe their children, elderly people can rest their aching body, and injured can recover fast. Recliner chairs are designed to provide support and comfort. Thus a lot of work and technology went on to make these chairs, therefore, it is expected that it will be more expensive than your regular chairs. Some chairs come with smaller price tags check with mobility furniture company or any online furniture websites who provide you with discounts and offers on reclining chairs. A recliner chair is the best investment for comfort and health. Bring home comfort with reclining chair!!!

A Guide to the Best Electric Wheelchairs for Elderly People

Now a day we can see that technology is being used in every job. However, we can only find very few of those technologies which can be very useful to the people and satisfy them. Now, we are going to discuss on the best electric mobility scooter for elderly people.

Electric Mobility chairs always provide freedom compared to a standard wheel chair. There is no need to take any help to move around, which enables the person to roam freely. Moreover, person can plan the entire day according their own schedule, there is no need to wait for someone to help them to take them out.

Elderly people do have lot of vitamin deficiency. One of the common deficiency observed is Vitamin D. Using the electric wheelchair with their both arms’ won’t make them feel tired due to tension and strength necessary to move the standard wheel chair and increases their overall confidence.

Some pics for the electric Wheel Chair:

The lists of features which are very useful for elderly person are as follow:

Folding Wheel Chair

  • Folding electric wheelchairs, most of the elderly people feel comfortable to live their lifestyle as per their convenience. An elderly person should be able to easily open and fold it in less number of time.

Light Weightelectric wheelchair and wider in size

  • Lightweight wheelchairs uk are being designed to fold-up and move easily. One can also fit in car trunk and making it easier to transport.
  • A lightweight chair is a great fit for elderly who have many caregivers with different strength levels.
  • A the wider wheelchair can often provide more comfort for elders who are plus in size or weight.

Joystick

  • The perfectly designed joystick makes it better to operate and stop while moving.

Transportation

  • Electric the chair is often prepared which are easy to transport from one place to another. Actually, for an elderly person, this may not be an issue However, another family members may need more flexibility where they can easily fold, lift, and transport themselves.

Cost

  • Ideally it varies from $100 to $1000. However, doesn’t fits in everyone budget. They have to be sure to do some research beforehand and try to balance quality and cost before buying it.

Battery

  • All electric wheelchair batteries are advisable to have at least12 volts and are usually fitted in pairs giving total of 24-volt output.
  • Depending on the type of usage battery requires to be replaced within 12-18months.
  • As elderly have to establish daily charging routine, it is advisable to store wheelchair close to a power socket.

Climbing ability

  • It’s important to look for such electric chair that has elderly can individually unfold, climb on it and drive. They should be easy to use so that elder person can get where they need to go without any issues.

Ideally, all the above features are not applicable If the chair is just being used occasionally. However, if an elderly person is going to spend a lot of time in their wheelchair, then we have to make sure that they are comfortable and mobile.

Conclusion

Adoption of a wheelchair on public transport is mostly designed similar to a manual wheel chair. As Lightweight electric wheelchair is constrained with ability of the user to self-propel, it has exceeded the size and weight limits while comparing it with manual wheelchairs. Also, some designs are so big or heavy for some wheelchair spaces and lifts. However, new innovation and technologies seeking to overcome these issues.

Top 10 Best Mobility Scooters for 2019

Folding Mobility Scooter is the first thing which strikes in our mind when we see a senior person or a disabled person who feels challenged in mobility and solely dependent on a caretaker. Unfortunately, various factors may lead to immobility like accidents, old age, surgeries and prolonged illnesses but with the access of folding mobility scooters, there is no need to rely on walking frames and sticks anymore. Folding Mobility Scooters not only give independence to travel without help but a sense of moving with society without sitting idle and fighting boredom at home.

This is an inexpensive personal mode of transportation. It looks like a wheelchair but with greater mobility and freedom. They are motor controlled, have steering for directions and are generally three or four wheelers. These can be equipped with special tires (depending upon outdoors) and accessories like crutch or crane holders, sidearm bags for extra storage, cup holders and oxygen tank holders

They make it easy to go out for shopping in a mall nearby or to stroll in the park without fear or hesitation. Unlike simple electric wheelchair, they are tougher and can be used in rough terrains. They are light weighted if compared with an electric Wheelchair (approx. 50 % lighter) and are very friendly when it comes to assembling and dismantling. One can easily carry them in his car as it takes very less space and can put under the bed at night. They are so light that can be carried in public transport or airlines per say.

Many Companies in the UK are working extensively towards manufacturing of cost and cheap mobility scooters. They range between 400 to 5000 pounds. Some companies also provide financial support schemes for easy availability of scooters. If money is a constraint, then one can buy a second-hand scooter from reputable and listed shops. Both budget and individual requirement are important factors when going for a purchase.

With so many amazing features & benefits of folding mobility scooters, there are several important factors that needs to be considered before purchasing one especially when you are gifting it to somebody close to you.

  • Comfortability
  • Portability
  • Built Quality
  • Safety Features
  • Speed and Range
  • Battery Type
  • Accessories
  • Cost
  • Last but not the least is the maintenance factor which is also very important. A mobility scooter service ranges between 60 – 90 pounds. Some companies provide warranty and regular service in their package.

Following is the list of Top 10 Models with some features.

1. Afikim: Afiscooter C Scooter (3/4 Wheeler)

Key Features

  • Full front and rear suspensions
  • 25 Mile drive range
  • Top speed – 9.3 mph
  • Weight capacity – 330 pound

2. Afiscooter S (3/4 Wheeler)

Key Features

  • Advanced steering and suspension system
  • 20 degrees climbing angle
  • Weight capacity – 450 Pounds

3. Drive Medical ( Panther Heavy Duty Scooter)

Key Features

  • Adjustable seats (upto 45 degrees)
  • 25 Mile – Drive in Capacity
  • Weight capacity – 425 Pounds
  • Electromagnetic breaking system
  • Anti tip wheels

4. Drive Medical (Phoenix Heavy Duty Scooter)

Key Features

  • Sturdy and portable
  • 43 Degree sharp turning radius
  • Light weight – 115 Pounds
  • Finger pull throttle

5. Drive Medical :Zoo Me Auto Flex Folding Scooter

Key Features

  • Automatic folding in 15 Seconds
  • 13 miles in a single battery charge
  • Airline safe lithium battery

6. EV Rider : Royale 4 Electric Scooter

Key Features

  • 32 Miles operating range
  • 9.3mph top speed
  • Aluminium rims
  • Digital display panel

7. Drive Medical :Spitfire Scount (3/4 Wheeler)

Key Features

  • Extra Leg room for tall riders
  • Top speed – 9.25 mph
  • Light weight – 39 Pounds
  • 15 miles in single charge
smartscooter

8. EV Rider : Transport plus foldable Scooter

Key Features

  • 3 Step Folding System
  • Portable
  • Lead batteries
  • 10-15 miles driving range

9. EWheeler :36 Scooter

Key Features

  • Top Speed – 18 mph
  • Large 16 inch wheels
  • 45 miles driving range

10. E Wheeler 72 Scooter

Key Features

  • Automatic breaking System
  • Large 14 &16 inch wheels
  • 700 Watt electric motor

Lightweight Power Chair Reviews The Best Electric Wheelchairs

Electric Wheel Chairs or Power Chairs are the chairs with electric motors, these chairs are mostly used by people who are especially disabled. The facility you get in powered wheelchairs are break, lightweight, heavyweight, batteries (you can charge them when not in use). There are two types of wheelchairs manual vs power. In power wheelchairs, you have to just press a particular switch to run where else in a manual you have to manually drive the chair. Manual chairs are usually used at homes.

There are two categories of powered wheelchairs one is lightweight and other is heavyweight. Lightweight electric wheel chair generally costs less than heavy wheelchairs. Lightweight wheelchairs are easy to carry, easier to use, lightweight wheelchairs are made of aluminum or sometimes mixed of aluminum and steel. Heavyweight wheelchairs will cost you high. Heavyweight wheelchairs are for people with heavyweights. Heavy wheelchairs are made of steel.

According to customers, the best electric wheelchairs are lightweight wheelchairs. Powered wheelchairs are of three categories portable wheelchairs, outdoor wheelchairs, indoor/outdoor wheelchairs. In outdoor wheelchairs, wheels are bigger in size so that you can drive on uneven roads.

Features of Light Weight Power Chair are:

  • Ideal weight for lightweight power chair is between 25kg- 50kg.
  • Foldable- fits in a car
  • When the battery is low you can convert it into a manual.
  • Anti-flip wheel
  • Adjustable seats,backrest and leg guards
  • Footrest detachable
  • Durable padded full-length armrest
  • Safety belt
  • Comfortable seats
  • Carry pockets
  • Electromagnetic brake
  • Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
  • Foldable backrest
  • Joystick mounts- it helps to get your chair into left and right, higher and lower.
  • Wheels design for uneven roads.
  • Indicator light
  • Speed indication button

Advantages of powered wheelchairs:

  • Easy and convenient to carry.
  • Easier to use- as you only have control on a joystick
  • People being independent
  • Quick and easy to drive
  • Can drive on uneven roads

Disadvantages of powered wheelchairs:

  • Expensive
  • Repair and maintenance expense is high

Price

Price of wheelchairs depends on what type of wheelchair you are purchasing. Lightweight manual wheelchairs will cost you around £100-£300. Lightweight powered wheelchairs will cost you around £1000-£2000. Heavy powered wheelchairs will cost you around £2000-£8000

Sources to Buy Powered Wheel Chairs

You can buy powered wheel chairs online as well as on any local mobility stores in the United Kingdom. You can get a manual wheelchair from Government of UK if consulted by General Physician, physiotherapist, or hospital staff.

Conclusion

If we talk about reviews, customers are mostly preferring to have lightweight powered wheelchairs because they are easy to carry in a car. Lightweight powered wheelchair can be carried easily by aged people; it can also be carried by people having physical problems like arthritis. Especially disabled people can enjoy their life with freedom using powered wheelchairs.

Where Can You Drive Your Mobility Scooter?

Mobility Scooter

A mobility scooter is an electric scooter equivalent to a wheelchair but configured like a motor scooter. Use of mobility scooters has shown an increase in traveling of especially disabled people as they get bored seating at home, mobility scooter helps them in traveling and gives them the satisfaction of living a life. You can see some of the images of Mobility Scooters below:

Google Trend results say Mobility Scooter market is somehow smaller in the US than in the UK. Mobility Scooters are for those people who are elder or disabled. It differs from wheelchairs in a number of ways, including build specification, manoeuvrability, and speed.

The range of transport and road policy areas that could potentially be impacted by significant growth in the number of mobility scooter users like:

  • Pedestrian safety
  • Road safety
  • Mobility scooter driver licensing
  • Mobility scooter driver Insurance
  • Mobility scooter driver training/assessment requirements

Types of Mobility Scooter

Officially mobility scooters are divided into two categories.

Class 2 Mobility Scooters:

Class 2 mobility scooters are intended for pavement use only – they can only reach 4mph which is the legal limit for use on the pavement.

Class 3 Mobility Scooters:

Class 3 mobility scooters are intended for use on the road or the pavement – they can reach up to 8mph, but must have a setting that can limit their speed to 4mph for use on the pavement. They must be fitted with lights and indicators and to be registered with the DVLA (driving license by the government of UK) to be used on the road.

Where can you drive and cannot drive your Mobility Scooters

In the UK, Class 3 invalid carriage is prohibited in bus lanes, cycle only lanes or motorways. You can only drive on roads. Also avoid using Class 3 dual carriageways on roads with a speed limit of over 50mph or else you can use an amber flashlight while driving on road with dual carriageway.

Mobility scooters are allowed on the road in the UK with some terms and conditions defined by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

Few of those terms and conditions characterized for ‘Class 3’ are mentioned below:

  • A maximum device speed of 6.4kph (4mph) off the road.
  • Capable of up to 12.8kph (8mph) on the road.
  • 150kg (330pounds) maximum weight without the operator.
  • Width not exceeding 0.85metres (33inches).
  • An effective braking system.
  • Front and rear lights as well as reflectors.
  • Indicators which are also capable of operating as hazard warning signals.
  • An audible horn.
  • A rear view mirror.
  • An amber flashing light if the operator wishes to use the vehicle on a dual carriageway.

Generally, a mobility scooter is mainly used on the pavement. Moreover, when operating the vehicle on footpaths and pedestrian areas one must follow the rules that other pavement users follow.

Mobility scooters can be driven on pedestrian path but with a speed limit of 4mph. Do not exceed the speed limit as pedestrian walk slowly they might get hurt with your speed, always consider pedestrian as they may or may not be able to see or hear you.

Are Mobility Scooters Allowed in Shops?

Mobility Scooters are often not allowed in stores as store’s has their own wheelchair’s which can be used. In shops people walk slowly so control your speed while you are driving. Some shops allow to use our mobility scooters but have tobe very careful while using mobility scooters in shops your speed limit should be not more than 4mph. It is advisable to use smaller folding mobility scooter or pavement scooter so that you easily drive in smaller shops or around the shops.

Parking Restrictions:

All normal parking restrictions apply to mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs.

Normal Parking Restrictions are- vehicle should not be parked where there are double yellow lines on road. When you see double and single red lights on the road it means parking is prohibited. Parking on pavements is prohibited in UK.

Highway Code

There is no driving test for using a mobility scooter on the road however you must follow the Highway Code. This includes following standard driving procedure including;

  • Observing road signs and traffic lights.
  • Using the scooter’s lights, directional indicators, and horn when required.
  • Taking other road users and pedestrians into consideration when manoeuvring.

Hiring a mobility scooter in London.

Instead of buying your own mobility scooter it is always advisable to lease it. Leasing out can give a variety of good options including selecting a particular model. Now a day, it is easy to get mobility scooter on lease for a day, week or month. Mobility Hire, Mobility Giant, and Concord Mobility are few of nations business who provide service to mobility scooters in London. Additionally, local disability living center will also help to hire mobility scooters in particular locality.

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