How to make wheelchair more comfortable/safer

ComfortPls · June 5

Hi.

We have a new wheelchair user in the family who it's not suitable to use the detachable footplates for (long story).

The problem now is that the sticky out bits (on both sides of the wheelchair) that the footplates attach to have become a slight hazard in themselves (can attach pics if needed, but presume people familiar with chairs will know what I mean).

They are made of metal and sit at back of knee/top of calf level and hence scraping on the leg could be a problem. Temporarily we have just used sellotape to soften the sharpness.

But need a better method. Has anyone here got any ideas?

Wibbles · June 5

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/135301/how-to-make-wheelchair-more-comfortable-safer

Why not simply unbolt them ?

ComfortPls · June 5

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1034547#Comment_1034547

Because they are part of the actual frame.

ComfortPls · June 5

I meant to say at least part of it is.

We were able to take off some of it with the allen key.

But there's a bit that still sticks out (with holes in) where the detachable footplates stick in to.

When I can I'll post a pic...As a picture paints a thousand words.

Rosie_Scope · June 5

Hi @ComfortPls, I'm not sure if I'm thinking of the right part of the chair, but could you use some kind of foam?

My first thought was something similar to a pool noodle or a bit of pipe insulation that's hollow and could be taped in place over the sharp bit. Not sure if I'm visualising the right part of the chair though, so please ignore me if not!

Hope you can find a solution soon ☺️

kitsmum · June 5

I was going to say the same thing as Rosie or maybe use something like a glue gun to coat it and then its not so sharp.

ComfortPls · June 5

For clarification. . .

Kimi87 · June 5

I would first use masking tape over the rim to soften the sharp edge, then as Rosie suggested foam over the top of tape. This should hopefully reduce wear & tear on the foam.

A local craft shop might be able to help 😊

chiarieds · June 5

Hi @ComfortPls - & welcome to the forum. There are some sort of endcaps that might fit into these if you search, but whether you could get something of the right diameter, or if it would even stay in place is another story. So, I'd like the long story, if you're willing, as to why your family member is having difficulty with the footplates as there might be an easier way forward that would help.

Wibbles · June 6

If you measure it accurately - try

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=rubber+bungs&crid=1MJ4S0CNQZGN3&sprefix=rubber+bungs%2Caps%2C115&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

or

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=rubber+end+caps&crid=3Q9UXQ92JG31I&sprefix=rubber+end+caps%2Caps%2C122&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_15

Santosha12 · June 6

Hi @Comfortpls, if you need any tape that's strong, I use -'Monster Tape'. I think it comes in just White and Buff, via Amazon. It is mega strong!! I hope you find a solution that works in a straightforward way.

egister · June 18

Steel ball and super glue (or solder the ball)

Wibbles · June 18

Rubber plugs / bungs - pushed tightly into the holes as previously mentioned

How to make wheelchair more comfortable/safer

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