Wheelchair For Outdoor Use: What to Look For

Wheelchairs are among the most versatile and effective mobility aids. They can significantly enhance mobility for those with movement difficulties. While standard wheelchairs provide essential support, their functionality can be limited, especially in outdoor settings where rough terrain poses additional challenges. For this reason, many individuals seek wheelchairs designed specifically to withstand the rigors of outdoor use.

The Best Wheelchair for Outdoor Use

Folding Wheelchairs

This type is perfect for outdoor use because it is easy to transport. They can be folded up to fit into the trunk of a car or even on public transportation. They may also come with swing-away footrests and detachable armrests, allowing for easy transfer.

Lightweight Wheelchairs

Their construction is made from light materials like aluminum and titanium, making them easy to lift and push around, ideal for frequent outings. One model is the Invacare® Tracer SX5 Wheelchair, which has a lightweight frame weighing less than 36 lbs.

Power or Electric Wheelchairs

Equipped with a battery-powered motor, these wheelchairs are great for users with limited upper-body strength. Power wheelchair offers different speeds and often includes programmable controls for custom driving. This enables widespread use in outdoor settings, helping wheelchair users easily navigate various terrains like grass or gravel.

Make sure to choose ones with long battery life so that they can keep up with longer outdoor activities.

Manual All-Terrain Wheelchairs

These standard wheelchairs are built with larger tires designed to handle difficult terrain. They often have anti-tip features and specialized suspension systems for safer and more comfortable rides.

Mobility Scooters

A cross between a motor scooter and an electric wheelchair for outdoor use, these mobility aids are ideal for users who can sit upright without support and have ample upper body strength. They can withstand outdoor walks in parks or shopping sprees and often have storage baskets for added convenience.

Sports Wheelchairs

These are built for athletic users who desire to engage in outdoor sports. They are lightweight and agile, with angled wheels for better maneuverability. They are usually custom-made for sports like basketball, tennis or marathoning.

Tilt-in-Space Wheelchairs

These are highly customizable wheelchairs in which the entire chair, including the seat, backrest and leg rests, can be adjusted as one unit. One good example of a tilt-in-space wheelchair is the Solara 3G Tilt-in-Space Wheelchair model. It has sturdy framing and composite rear wheels that last long after continuous rolling.

Beach Wheelchairs

These special types of chairs are designed with large, wide wheels to achieve a smooth ride over sand and other uneven terrains. They are perfect for users looking to enjoy the beach or other sandy environments. If you have a wheelchair from Aracent Healthcare, you can install pneumatic wheels and casters to make traversing on sandy beaches easier.

Apart from the wheels, you may also consider installing nylon upholstery on the wheelchair. Standard wheelchair materials generally use vinyl, which will stretch and sag than nylon. These upgrades can be best paired with lightweight wheelchairs, such as the 9000 SL, 9000 XT, or Tracer SX5 to make them more maneuverable and easier to transport to and from the beach.

Off-Road Wheelchairs

Built for adventurous outdoor enthusiasts, these wheelchairs have special features like shock absorbers, wide and knobby tires and heavy-duty frames to handle rough and rugged terrain. One type of wheelchair that can handle bumps and rugged terrain are heavy-duty wheelchairs from Aracent Healthcare, specifically the 9000 XDT or Tracer IV.

Make sure to use 8” x 1.75” casters, as they are larger than your standard ones. You should also consider swapping out the standard tires with 24” Heavy-Duty Composite Pneumatic Tires w/ Flat-Free Inserts as they’ll never go flat. The larger the caster and tire, the better the performance rolling on outdoor surfaces, such as rocks or bumps.

Reclining Wheelchairs

These wheelchairs permit users to recline at various angles safely and comfortably. This makes them suitable for outdoor activities where users may want to sit back and rest in intervals. The Invacare® Tracer SX5 Reclining Wheelchair has these essential features. With its lightweight aluminum frame and 90° to 180° recline range, users can experience a better quality of life.

Common Wheelchair Upgrades for Outdoor Use

• Off-Road or All-Terrain Tires. Upgrading your traditional wheelchair tires to all-terrain or off-road types increases their durability, providing a firmer grip and better traction on uneven or rough surfaces. They are usually wider and have deeper treads than standard tires, allowing for greater maneuverability and stability.
• Shock Absorbers. Shock absorbers achieve smoother rides on uneven terrain by absorbing the impact from any bumps or jolts. This eliminates unwanted jarring to the wheelchair user's body, providing a more comfortable ride.
• Reinforced Frame. This is a vital upgrade for outdoor wheelchair users. An upgraded frame, made from stronger materials like carbon fiber, aluminum or steel, adds strength and durability to the wheelchair. It can hold out against different outdoor surfaces and conditions.
• Weatherproofing. Weatherproofing involves adding covers, seals or treatments to your wheelchair to protect it from the elements. This could include water-resistant covers for electronics and waterproof cushions for the seat. This upgrade also includes installing UV-resistant fabric to protect against sun damage.
• Adjustable Seats. Outdoor wheelchair users might consider investing in adjustable seat heights. These allow the user to change their position, which is useful for uneven outdoor terrain. Some seats even offer powered tilt and recline capabilities for more comfort and support.
• Quick-Release Axles. These axles enable users to remove the wheels quickly. This essential feature can be especially useful when the wheelchair needs to be transported in a car or other small spaces.
• Wheelchair Lights. Lights can be installed on wheelchairs to increase visibility during evening outdoor activities. They illuminate the pathway for the wheelchair user and make the wheelchair more visible to others.
• Motorized or Power Assist Wheels. These wheels give extra power to navigate over outdoor terrain easily. They require less manual effort from users, reducing the risk of fatigue or strain.
• Anti-tipping Features. These are important for safety outdoors. They prevent the wheelchair from tipping over backward, particularly when navigating uphill or over uneven surfaces.
• Extended Footplates. These provide users with extra support and comfort when going outdoors. An extended footplate offers more space for foot placement, which improves comfort during long outings.

Manual or Powered Wheelchair: Which Is Better for Outdoors?

Choosing a manual or powered wheelchair for outdoor use depends on several factors, such as the individual's physical ability, the type of terrain, costs, transportation, maintenance and durability.

• Physical Ability. Manual wheelchairs require human strength to operate. Propulsing and steering the wheelchair requires a good amount of upper body strength. If a person lacks this strength due to a condition or illness or simply by the strain of regular use, a powered wheelchair can be more suitable. For a person with enough arm strength, using a manual wheelchair can be a good form of exercise.
• Terrain. Powered wheelchairs usually fare much better on tougher terrains such as grass, gravel or hills than manual wheelchairs. They also offer more stability, which is why an electric wheelchair would be a better choice for outdoor use if the common areas to be traversed are hilly or rough surfaces. Manual chairs may be difficult to operate in these conditions.
• Costs. Manual wheelchairs are less expensive than powered wheelchairs. If the budget is limited, a manual wheelchair may be an ideal choice. However, insurance may cover some or all of the costs when purchasing a wheelchair.
• Transportation. Manual wheelchairs are generally lighter and easier to transport than powered wheelchairs, which are heavier because of the battery and motor. If the user frequently travels by vehicle where the chair must be stowed, the manual wheelchair might be more convenient.
• Maintenance. Manual wheelchairs have fewer components, requiring fewer maintenance tasks than powered wheelchairs. Should anything break down in a manual wheelchair, repairs may be simple and cheap. Conversely, powered wheelchairs have more complex systems, including electronic circuits and battery systems, that can be expensive and require specialized service to repair.

Overall, manual wheelchairs may benefit those who are physically capable of propelling them, want low maintenance costs, prefer something easily portable and have a limited budget. On the other hand, powered wheelchairs are great for people with limited physical strength who need to traverse various terrains, aren't concerned about high costs and do not frequently need to transport their wheelchair in a vehicle.

Ultimately, whether a person should get a manual or powered wheelchair for outdoor use will depend on their requirements and circumstances. It's best to consult a healthcare professional before determining whether to purchase either.

Need the Best Manual Wheelchair for Outdoor Use? Check Out Aracent Healthcare!

Visit Aracent Healthcare to find top-quality manual wheelchairs for outdoor use. As a mobility equipment supplier, we offer various wheelchairs, such as tilt-in-space, reclining, heavy-duty, and even lightweight, high-strength ones. You may also call us today to talk to one of our knowledgeable staff.