Wheelchairs and Scooters

MOVEMENT DISORDERS IN SPINAL CORD INJURY: ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT: MOBILITY: WHEELCHAIRS AND SCOOTERS

Wheelchairs and Scooters

Wheelchairs come is various types, sizes, styles, weights, costs, and options for seating, brakes, footrests, armrests, and wheels or tires. Most people with SCI use a wheelchair at some point in their lives and should select one based on their level of injury, where and how the wheelchair will be used, and its cost.

Manual Wheelchairs

Some people with SCI may need, or may choose to use, a manual wheelchair. The most commonly used everyday wheelchair for active SCI users is the lightweight manual wheelchair. All manual wheelchairs require good upper body strength and mobility. They range from lightweight wheelchairs, which can weigh as little as 5 pounds and are easier to operate, to standard wheelchairs, which can weight as much as 45 pounds and require considerable strength to operate. Lightweight wheelchairs were originally designed for wheelchair sports; some are now also used for everyday wheelchairs as well. Some manual wheelchairs can be fitted with power assist wheels to aid in mobility and decrease shoulder stress and shoulder disorders.

Powered Wheelchairs and Scooters

Other people with SCI may require or prefer a powered mobility device, such as a powered wheelchair or a scooter. People who use a powered wheelchair or scooter usually have limited strength in their arms. Powered wheelchairs use batteries, which must be re-charged on a regular basis, and are usually heavier than manual wheelchairs because of the weight of the batteries and additional adaptive equipment, such as body supports and respiratory equipment.

Scooters, which are three- or four-wheeled carts, do not look like wheelchairs. They are usually less expensive and more maneuverable because they have a narrower wheelbase. Scooters are propelled by a steering mechanism, located in front of the user, and therefore operate much like a bicycle.

Wheelchairs for Children

In addition to the wheelchair considerations above, children with SCI have special needs in wheelchair size and appearance. Small child wheelchairs are usually designed for children under six years of age, or with a similar height and weight. Small child chairs are available with options, such as a forward-tilting seat to enable the child to practice certain movements, such as stretching back without loss of balance. Child/junior/growing chairs are designed for children six years and older and come with kits that allow adjustments to the chair to accommodate the growing child. The wheelchair appearance is very important to children and can help them fit into their environment and social situations. There are also scooters for children and strollers for very young children who are not yet ready to propel themselves.

It is important to mention that a person knowledgeable in wheelchair fitting and seating evaluation (i.e. a physical therapist) should be consulted to assist in the ordering of the proper wheelchair for you. There are specialized seating clinics in SCI Centers that can provide this service for you.