Power chair for tall person

Izzylj

Hi everyone,

I am really struggling to know what to do. My Son is a wheelchair user, he is 13, 6ft 3" and still growing! I am finding it very hard to push him because of my own health challenges and it is preventing us from ever getting outside. I've been searching the web for a powerchair that has the seat depth he needs of 20" long and I just can't find anything. I really don't know what to do but the staying indoors all the time is affecting our mental health. My Son can't self propel because he is visually impaired and doesn't have the arm strength so it would have to be attendant controlled. I can't put him in a smaller chair because he has CP and the leg cramps are too painful for him. Please does anyone have any advice?

Littlefatfriend

Hi Izzylj

Interesting question thanks, I'm surprised this has been an issue. My experience is mainly self-propelled chairs, but they're available in literally any size.

Anyhow, this Reddit discussion considers much that question and I know at least some of the companies mentioned providing suitable chairs work in the UK:

https://www.reddit.com/r/wheelchairs/comments/1e1ijrg/hello_everyone_i_am_67_tall_and_about_260_lbs_i/

Good luck

StarryEyed

Hi @Izzylj

I'm sorry you guys are struggling so much. There is this scooter on Amazon Spain that is on my dream list. It's expensive, but a bargain for what you get: It's foldable, lightweight (21 kg), durable (carbon fibre) and long lasting (up to 20km per charge) with a lithium battery. It's telescopic so you can adjust the length to up to 122 cm and the foot area is open, so your son might fit. Here it is....

https://www.amazon.es/-/en/dp/B0DFLR6XN9/?coliid=I1PPRT4ZB4ADYE&colid=53CDG5FLCTXK&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_ys_dp_ii

Izzylj

Hi @StarryEyed thank you for your reply. That looks really cool I hope your dream comes true and you get it one day 🤞

My Son wouldn’t be able to use it unfortunately, he’s got visual impairments so can’t see to operate/steer it.

Thanks so much for the suggestion tho 😁

Izzylj

hi @Littlefatfriend thank you that gives me something to look in to. I think I’ll struggle getting a charitable grant to cover the cost but it’s worth a shot!

Littlefatfriend

I'm very glad to help.

Advice is available about funding options elsewhere. I wouldn't know, sorry.

I'm certain however that companies will make wheelchairs of the sort you want.

I suggest you search the interweb for "attendant controlled" wheelchair. The speech marks are key, they make it look for pages that include the phrase "attendant controlled".

That can really save time and used models are available cheaper.

Good luck

StarryEyed

@Izzylj sorry I thought powerchair meant a scooter. I see now that it's what I know as an an electric wheelchair, and rereading your post it is obvious that is what you meant.

I've looked into powerchairs for myself and many of them come with an attachment option for assistive control.

Here's a UK company who does custom sizing for tall people: https://brodaseating.com/

Have you tried second hand websites?

StarryEyed

I mention secondhand to cut costs. Here are two sites. You'll have to check if any are for tall people.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=power+chair&_trksid=p4624852.m4084.l1313

https://solutionsmobility.co.uk/collections/pre-loved-power-wheelchairs?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21809703492&gbraid=0AAAAA-QpCLFxD6Iu3S4o-oiS_DdinR_Eh&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIu52nqNObkAMV_pZQBh0KkB9qEAAYAiAAEgITzPD_BwE

Kimi87

Have you had any input from local wheelchair service?

https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/care-services-equipment-and-care-homes/walking-aids-wheelchairs-and-mobility-scooters/

I'm thinking the assessment might be helpful in finding suitable products/suppliers even if untimely he isn't granted funding or assessed as needing under the NHS exactly what you prefer to obtain.

SaraC_Scope

Hi @Izzylj

Here is some information and advice on how to get a wheelchair https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/wheelchairs