Where to get a wheelchair?

KateBrun

Hi everyone.
My Doctor has recently told me that I don't qualify for getting a wheelchair on the NHS as I do not need it permanently. I have a heavy old one but really would like to get a lightweight one that my friends can take me out on. I live in the lakes and my friends would happily push me about on the grass and get me out on the summer days if only I had a working wheelchair! Any ideas? I have no knowledge of what's good and bad wheelchair wise! Looking for something lightweight and affordable. Thanks

jillyb1

Look at disability aid sites on the internet , it'll give you an idea of prices and styles then you can visit a shop with a clearer idea of your needs . Jillyb

suzygirl

I got mine off ebay, it was cheap and had only been used twice

KateBrun

Thanks guys. I like these ideas, definitely going to try one out and see how it goes then! Summer time better get ready for me! x

freesia

delboy wrote:

Try your local Red Cross for cheap hire to find out which one suits.

Definately the place to go (in my opinion) they sell / hire / loan ect

Regards
freesia x

Folara

I have one on hire from my local Red Cross. I say on hire but at only £5 for a 3 month period it's almost giving it away lol.

Fols x

stickywicket

How times have changed! In the 80's I had my first wheelchair thrust upon me with me kicking and screaming that I didn't need one :roll: It was years before I started to use it regularly.

The 'grass' thing's nattering me a bit, Kate. Short grass on dry, even ground is easy enough for the pusher but tufty grass, wet grass or grass on uneven ground isn't. Well, it isn't with mine, a bogstandard, NHS one with four small wheels. other models may be easier to push but might not fold so small for transporting. I guess it all needs to be taken into account. I hope you find whatever's best for you.

hileena111

Hi
Try the Red Cross for hiring one and finding out what its like for people to push you on grass??? I'm not sure about that one either.
Google shopmobility ....if you have one close to you they hire them for the day. Some let you take them out and some you have to keep inside a center but any different kids you can try will help you get an idea of whats best for you.
I wanted a 4 wheel rollator but wasnt sure that it would help me {got a scooter but i wanted a bit of exercise for shorter journeys} I spent all day googling and eventually found a man that hired them out...long or short term. He was about 20 miles away from me. We went to see him and hired one for a week.....cost me £7.50 for the week....nearly broke the bank
He had been discharged from the army due to a stroke and his garage was filled with wheelchairs, scooters, and 3 and 4 wheel rolllators. He said he didnt make much of a profit but it was therapy for him so if you perservere you never know what you might find......but try before you buy is what I would say.
Love
Hileena

blueskies

Hi, Halfords do cheap light weight wheelchairs that are very good.
Hope u get one soon and get out and about

bubbadog

I got my spare wheelchair off EBAY from a buy it now company who sold brand new wheelchairs, It was even delivered to our home by DHL was a great price as well. And it was a self-propell and light weight. You should have a look!!

muffy

I agree with all the previous posts, make sure the wheelchair you choose folds for easy transportation and is suitable for whatever weight you are.
I would recommend inflatable tyres as they give a more comfortable ride and are a bit easier to push, however, going on grass is always difficult for the person pushing.

Sylvia

stickywicket

muffy wrote:

I would recommend inflatable tyres as they give a more comfortable ride and are a bit easier to push, however, going on grass is always difficult for the person pushing.

Sylvia

It just goes to show we're all different. My first wheelchair had inflatable tyres and they were always deflating. (Mind you, we do a lot of 'off-road' stuff ie canalside paths or round reservoirs where it can be a bit rough - certainly not as smooth as your average pavement.)

My latest one has solid tyres. We certainly clatter a lot but the wheels stay intact.

KateBrun

Hi Guys! I took your advice and borrowed a wheely from the red cross. It didn't really work on muddy grass but is great at just getting me out for 10mins every other night (otherwise I would be stuck in all the time). You can borrow one for up to 6 weeks so I'm going to use it for a few more weeks then consider buying one. Will pop back on here when I do to look at the buying advice . Thanks for all your help, K xxx

Colin1

Just type in wheelchair on ebay
As for grass dont know what weight you are but in poor weather like this and the ground is wet the slim wheels tend to sink in the ground and its hard to push
Colin