What Are the New Climbing Wheelchairs?

The climbing wheelchair is breakthrough technology; it gives its users the independence of climbing stairs, navigating on varieties of terrain, and performing everyday tasks easily and more efficiently.

The chair looks much like a common powered wheelchair with the exception that there are four bigger wheels in the back and two small wheels in the front; the rear wheels are what make this wheel chair different. The rear wheels of the climbing wheelchair have and electric lift which allows the two sets of wheels to move one over the other to climb stairs or curbs. All four rear wheels will also work together to give the climbing wheel chair virtual four wheel drive capabilities.

This four wheel drive feature allows the operator to drive on grass, gravel, or cement with equal ease; additionally slopes inclining or declining are no challenge for the climbing wheelchair.

Who Can Use a Climbing Wheelchair?

There are limitations to using the climbing wheelchair; a doctor must prescribe the wheelchair to the patient. The patient receiving the climbing wheelchair must also be trained to properly operate the wheelchair before he does so unattended. Most patients will have a home health aid to assist in the adjustment between a powered wheelchair and the new one.

In addition the patient must have use of at least one arm to be a candidate to own a climbing wheelchair. The patient must be cognitive enough to operate the chair safely and have the mental capacity to not place themselves in danger.

Independence for Patients

Once a patient learns how to properly use the climbing wheelchair their independence is potentially doubled. They will be able to do everyday tasks such as grocery shopping, enjoying a nature hike, or even visiting friends with more convenience than ever before.

Curbs of up to four inches are no challenge for the climbing wheelchair; this makes areas which were previously difficult to reach, finally accessible to the owners of the wheelchair. This is especially true with some locations with limited or nonexistent handicap access. To operate the climbing wheelchair on the stairs, the patient must back up to the stairs, and shift their weight to the back of the chair. This signals the chair to begin the accent up the stairs.

The climbing wheelchair can also elevate the operator to reach higher shelves or to carry on a conversation with a person who is standing at eye level if they desire. In short, the climbing wheelchair gives unparalleled independence and convenience to its users.