The choice and position of the foot rests
Simple foot rest
These are the most common and do not allow you to raise the leg. There is usually a choice of two different angles which allow you to position the foot rest closer or further away from the chair. Choose the option closes to your morphology, or your needs according to your disability.
Articulated foot rest
It allows you to raise your legs with the degree of inclination required.
These footrests are usually only for people who have particular requirements
linked to their disability like knee problems or oedema.
The foot plate
Footplate in two parts
Each plate is fixed to the support and enables easy folding. The problem with this system is that there can be a gap between the two which allows the feet to slip through.
Single piece footplate
These are very solid and it is easier to place the feet where you like. It can also look good, however It can be more difficult to fold.
Maintenance
• Check the tyre pressure regularly. The drive will be much better and the brakes will work correctly.
• Regular adjustment of the brakes
• Check of all screws, nuts and bolts and tightening if necessary.
• Clean and oil the wheel axels.
• Maintenance of the front forks.
• Adjustment of the front forks if necessary.
• Regular cleaning of the whole chair is a good idea as it is an extension of the body.
• Seat canvas these days is very solid however it sometimes needs changing as over time it can slacken and will not be as comfortable.
Wheelchair and Image
The only problem is that no one, as far as we know, has researched into what image disabled people give to the general public according to their wheelchair, electric or manual, compact, with small or large castors, high backrest or low, bright paintwork or discreet.
People make their choices guided by their own ideas of the judgement of others. Most disabled people think that their image is better in a more compact chair, sign of a lesser degree of disability.
It would seem to us that the degree of disability has little to do with the image we give others. Someone with little use of their arms in a standard wheelchair who smiles and has a kindly attentive presence will give a very positive image. Conversely, a rude physically toned person in a very lightweight sporty wheelchair will not be as well viewed.
If our worth decreased with our level of disability, all disabled people would be worth less than the able bodied, whereas we have been claiming the opposite for decades.
To sum it up, the wheelchair that will give you the best image is the one best suited to you; one in which you will feel a good sense of wellbeing and ease.