Regular wheelchairs can carry up to 250 to 300 lbs. For users who are over this weight limit, they will need to use a
heavy duty wheelchair for mobility purposes. Some
heavy duty wheelchairs can carry as much as 700 lbs.
The seats on these
heavy duty chairs are also wider to accommodate bigger users. Regular wheelchairs have a
seat width between 16 to 20 inches.
Heavy duty wheelchairs have seat widths from 20 to 30 inches. The
heavy duty wheelchairs are more durable due to the reinforced upholstery, frames and wheels.
Choosing a Heavy Duty Wheelchair
Wheelchairs can be very expensive, often costing thousands of dollars and careful thought should be given before making the final purchase.
Seat width and weight capacity are important considerations for the user.
Other considerations should include the arm style; do you want desk or full arms? Should the height be adjustable or stationary? Padded or unpadded? For the leg rest should it be stationary, swing away, elevating, padded or unpadded? You also have the choice between a wheelchair that the user can push or the
transportation kind which needs a pusher.
Bariatric Wheelchair
The Bariatric wheelchair is a special kind of
heavy duty wheelchair made to safely carry individuals with larger frames and come in manual or electric. They are made of reinforced titanium, steel or aluminum and can safely carry people who weigh between 300 and 1,000 pounds. The seat widths are wider than regular chairs and they are also customizable. The tires do not go flat since they are made out of solid rubber and can easily support the extra weight.
Bariatric wheelchairs weigh much more than standard wheelchairs because of the heavy reinforcement. This might be a problem if the wheelchair and the user have to be transported.
Folding wheelchairs come in handy for those who travel as they don’t take up much storage space and can easily be disassembled.
Heavy duty folding wheelchairs are available with a capacity of 400 to 500 lbs. They are not as portable as regular folding wheelchairs and can cost as much as $1,000. The price will vary depending on the accessories,
seat width and weight capacity.
Heavy duty wheelchairs offer mobility to users who are over 300 lbs and can safely transport these heavier individuals due to the high-strength manufacturing and additional reinforcements.
