Hi, my name is MIkethebike! I am considering getting a wheel chair.

MIkethebike

I have an arthritic spine, my walking using a frame is getting worse. I am considering getting a wheel chair. My finances are limited, altho I cannot get benefits. I would welcome any advice. I think at the moment, self propelled light weight, with a braking system and the ability to be pushed.

Alex_Alumni

Hello there @MIkethebike and a warm welcome to the community, thanks for posting with your query. 

There are plenty of members here who are wheelchair users, myself included, who would be happy to chat if you had any questions you'd like answered To help with this I've moved your post over into our Aids, Adaptions and Equipment category for everyone to share their thoughts.

What you suggest sounds sensible to me, the best thing to do is to weigh up the kinds of things you'd like to be able to do in your chair, whether you'd like to put it in a car, where you're going to store it, that type of thing. 

Let us know if you need a hand with anything, and enjoy having a look around the forum.

Alex

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

I would discuss with your hp as you may qualify for a wheelchair from NHS wheelchair services which will be free 

Apart from that it's important to go visit a mobility shop to try out different styles etc and get measured correctly 

Mine is very lightweight manual chair it's a igo airrex lt. But they come in several sizes 

You need to get the right size to fit you and your weight and also to get through doorways etc 

Wheelchair services will come out and measure your home and then assess you 

However you do have to meet certain criteria to get a nhs chair and could be a long wait