The civilian population in the U.S. living with a disability increased from 11.95% in 2010 to 13.2% in 2020. Most people with disabilities desire to have active lifestyles, self-reliance, and dependability in society. Any minor inconvenience to their regular operation can cause a lot of derailment. Unfortunately, sometimes mobility in a wheelchair can be a challenging affair, especially when your environment is around places with mud, debris, and stones.

Such hindrance can lead to frustration and lower back injuries. Luckily, innovators have been acting on the problems facing people living with disabilities and have come up with advanced wheelchair parts and accessories that allow for unrestricted movement. With the different wheelchairs in the market, like rigid wheelchairs and performance wheelchairs, choosing the best accessories and parts including wheelchair side guards can be challenging.

Here is what you need to know about a wheelchair side guard.

What Is a Wheelchair Side Guard?

Wheel chair side guards can be defined as shields set on the rear side of the wheelchair to shield you off from pebbles, splashes, and debris. They also prevent the sticking of objects that you come across on the way. Although the guards are mainly used in manual wheelchairs, they can also be used in other types of wheelchairs.

The Effectiveness of Wheel Chair Side Guards

Remember the feeling when a small pebble left the wheelchair tires and hit your arm? It was painful, right? Having an effective guard will help you avoid such situations in the future.

Again, if you use your wheelchair in unpaved areas, it is not unusual to find your sides packed with debris. Luckily you can get a removable carbon-fiber wheelchair side guard that you can install when necessary.

What to Look for In a Wheelchair Side Guard

When it comes to finding the proper wheelchair side guard, there are a few things to look for. First, because guards are made to enhance safety, it is advisable that you find a guard that is sturdy yet not too heavy that it impedes your mobility. Nowadays, you can find side guards made from lightweight materials such as composite or carbon fiber.

Secondly, when using a folding wheelchair, the ease of removal of your guard is essential since you will be required to do so from time to time. An easy to install guard can save you from a lot of frustrations and time. Third, wheelchair cushions and side guards can be a creative way of keeping your wheelchair looking new and fabulous. This is because you are more likely than not to use the wheelchair for long periods without replacing it. It is, therefore, essential to personalize it with your preferred colors and materials.

Finally, just like you often find yourself in problems when trying to choose clothes that best fit your body when you do not know your size, it can also be a problem when selecting wheelchair accessories when you don’t remember its measurements. Having the precise measurements and size of your wheelchair comes in handy while selecting wheelchair side guards, cushions and cushion covers, calf straps, and footrests. Also, some wheelchairs are better with rigid guards while others are made for the soft ones. If you have trouble choosing the appropriate for your wheelchair, you can always ask a professional for advice.

Getting the right wheelchair parts and accessories can be life-changing. They allow for more versatility and usability and will save you a lot of time and money in the future. If you are looking for quality parts and accessories, visit DME Hub today.