Whether by birth or after an accident, lack of mobility in people’s life creates lots of difficulties. They have to depend on others for day-to-day activities and move from one place to another. But thanks to the technology that people have got wheelchairs. Today, they are independent and not a burden on others.

A wheelchair is not a common household product so people often get confused when buying it. In most cases, they don’t even get help from others.

If you are also one of them, we recommend asking 5 important questions before buying a wheelchair.

Am I a Candidate for a Wheelchair?

Not all mobility issues need a wheelchair for assistance. Many other medical supplies can do the work if the issue isn’t severe. To evaluate your candidature for a wheelchair, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor if you are unable to walk or facing any mobility issues.

Your doctor will evaluate your mobility limitations and discuss the benefits of a wheelchair for your body before showing the necessity of the product. The doctor might give alternative solutions.

Is it necessary to get a doctor’s prescription for buying a wheelchair?

No, you do not need any doctor’s prescription for buying or using a wheelchair. Whether you want wheelchair supply online or in stores, the sellers will not ask for a prescription. You just need to choose and pay.

If you want to use an insurance benefit to cover the costs of your wheelchair, you would need a prescription. An insurance company will not pay the amount if the wheelchair is not advised by your doctor and not-so-needed by you.

What wheelchair size should I choose?

The width of the seat determines the proper size of the wheelchair. With the help of the seat width, you can find the layout, wheel size, and other secondary features of the wheelchair. Other than the seat width/size, you check the following:

• Arm size and height
• Footrest style
• Back height
• Floor to seat height
• Wheelchair weight and weight limit

How can I get a wheelchair?

After a consultation with your doctor and getting the right size of the wheelchair, you can get a wheelchair supply online or in a local retail medical store. When placing the order online, you should read the description thoroughly to know the size and functioning of the wheelchair.

For store purchases, the salesperson will guide as per the products available in the stores.

For how long does a wheelchair last?

The life-span of a wheelchair isn’t fixed. It depends on different factors:

• Type of wheelchair (manual and battery-operated)
• Use of wheelchair
• Maintenance of wheelchair

Typically, a manual wheelchair lasts for 5 years and a battery-operated wheelchair lasts for 2 to 3 years. If the wheelchair is used frequently, it suffers from wear and tear and thus, life reduces. Lastly, your maintenance and care for the wheelchair will increase and decrease the life. A poor-maintained wheelchair will not last even the expected time.

The answer to these questions will not deliver the wheelchair to your doorstep but at least give you an idea about the product. You will be in the state to get the right wheelchair supply online or in stores without other’s assistance.