What is an active wheelchair?
Active wheelchairs are special wheelchairs designed to give users greater freedom of movement and comfort. Unlike traditional wheelchairs, which are mainly intended for passive use and transportation, active wheelchairs are designed for those who want to maintain or even improve their physical fitness, participate in sports activities, or simply move faster and more comfortably in their daily lives.
These wheelchairs feature a lighter construction, lower weight, and stronger and more flexible wheels, which allow for easy and quick maneuvering in various environments. They often come with specially adapted handles so that the driver can use their physical abilities more effectively.
Key advantages:
- Freedom of movement and speed: Active wheelchairs allow users to move faster and more efficiently indoors and outdoors. They are ideal for everyday use, such as moving from one place to another or navigating city streets.
- Lightweight and compact: Thanks to their lighter construction and innovative materials, active wheelchairs are much lighter than traditional wheelchairs. This is especially important if the person needs to travel by public transport or wants to transport the wheelchair by car.
- Comfort and ergonomics: Most active wheelchairs have specially designed seats and supports that ensure maximum comfort during long journeys. In addition, the seating position in these wheelchairs can be easily adjusted, allowing the user to adapt the wheelchair to their body's needs.
- Active lifestyle: These wheelchairs were designed not only for mobility, but also for active sports. Their design makes it easier to participate in competitions or engage in sports (e.g., wheelchair racing, basketball, or other sports).
Who are active wheelchairs for?
Active wheelchairs are for people who can move around on their own or want to live a more active lifestyle. This could be both young and older people who want more freedom in their movement and social life. In addition, these wheelchairs are ideal for those who participate in sports or various physical activities, such as wheelchair basketball or racing.
Technology and innovation
In recent years, active wheelchairs have become even more modern thanks to the latest manufacturing technologies and materials. For example, many manufacturers use lightweight but sturdy carbon fiber and aluminum frames, which ensure greater durability and lightness. In addition, wheelchairs can be customized to suit individual user needs, from colors and designs to special accessories such as handles or additional wheels.
Challenges and the future
Active wheelchairs have many advantages, but certain challenges remain. One of them is the price. Due to advanced technologies and customized solutions, active wheelchairs can be significantly more expensive than traditional models.
Compensation:
Compensation for the purchase of an active wheelchair is an important issue, as such wheelchairs can be more expensive than traditional ones, and their purchase sometimes causes financial difficulties for people with mobility impairments. In Lithuania, compensation and financial support in this regard are regulated by law, and the aim of the process is to ensure that every person with mobility impairments can purchase the necessary assistive device and live an active and independent life.
The purchase of an active wheelchair is compensated by: TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER.
You can read more about compensation for active wheelchairs at: Active wheelchair - TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER.
Who is eligible for compensation?
Compensation for the purchase of an active wheelchair in Lithuania is granted to persons who have been diagnosed with a disability and who, according to medical indications, need to use such a wheelchair. These may be persons with:
- Mobility impairments (e.g., spinal injury, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, amputation).
- Other physical disabilities that impede mobility or require mobility aids.
Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions, please contact the staff of the Rehastar.com online store by phone on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or by email at any time, and we will try to respond as soon as possible.
Email: info@rehastar.com
Phone: +370 626 11553