According to the World Health Organization, in countries where life expectancy is higher than 70 years, people spend roughly eight years, or 11.5% of their lifespan, living with disabilities. In some cases, disabilities necessitate the use of a wheelchair. For those who find themselves having to invest in a wheelchair, you might be wondering about the difference between a rigid frame and a folding wheelchair. Here's what you need to know to make an informed decision.
Rigid Frame Wheelchair vs. Folding Wheelchair
A rigid frame wheelchair rests on a welded frame where the user sits. Rigid frame wheelchairs are made to be super lightweight by design and also due to the material used for construction. This type of wheelchair is also designed to be compact since the backrest can be folded, though the frame does not fold vertically. Another notable attribute of a rigid frame wheelchair is the fixed front end.
On the other hand, a folding wheelchair, as the name suggests, is also known as a collapsible wheelchair because of its ability to fold up and facilitate easy transportation. It also has removable components for this purpose. In addition, the front end can flip up to facilitate standing transfers.
What to Consider When Comparing the Two Options
When deciding which chair is right for you, there's a lot more you have to factor in besides how the wheelchair operates. For instance, you have to consider how you will use the chair and the kind of performance you expect from it. Ask yourself as many questions as possible to get the right answer. Do I need a new wheelchair that will allow me to live a more active lifestyle? Will I be operating the chair myself, and how many hours will I sit in it? Besides user preferences and performance, consider additional factors, such as ease of transportation and storage, ability to move over rough terrain, ease of transfer to and from the wheelchair, and foot and arm placement.
Are you looking for the perfect wheelchair to enable you to live a more active lifestyle? In that case, you might find the folding wheelchair is more up your alley. With this option, you get a durable wheelchair that's easily adaptable to your lifestyle. Are you interested in knowing more about the options available to you? Don't hesitate to get in touch with us to discuss your options.