This article is incomplete.
A wheelchair is a mobility device designed to assist individuals with difficulty walking. It consists of a seat mounted on a wheeled frame, allowing users to move with the help of manual or powered propulsion.
An individual with ALS use a wheelchair when walking independently or with a walker becomes too difficult. In some cases, an individual may only use a wheelchair in certain situations, such as to avoid long distances or periods standing.
Most wheelchairs, whether powered or unpowered will fit easily through the interior doors of most buildings. Problems may arise when attempting to go around corners, or over thresholds.
A threshold of less than 1 inch (25 mm) may be enough to cause difficulty for a manual wheelchair. Power wheelchairs may be able to get over thresholds as high as 3 inches (76 mm).
Before purchasing a wheelchair, its fit in the home can be evaluated by creating a cardboard template of the wheelchair’s overall width and length, including extra length to account for the user's feet. By maneuvering this template around the home, any potential obstacles or tight spaces where the wheelchair might bump into walls or other objects can be identified.
If it is determined that the wheelchair cannot navigate essential parts of the home and a smaller wheelchair is not feasible, it may be necessary to consider relocating to a different residence.
🚧
Power wheelchairs that use lead-acid batteries may emit toxic gases while they are being charged. It is not recommended to charge them in a small room or in a room with poor ventilation.
The elevator feature in power wheelchairs is very useful. It should be bought unless it really cannot be afforded.
Power wheelchairs can weigh up to 500 pounds (230 kg) when the occupant is in it. This may be higher than the weight rating of some aluminum folding ramps.
Power off the wheelchair whenever it is not actively being driven. The user or other people and objects may bump into the controls, causing undesired operation.
Wear the seatbelt restraint at all times. This is especially true in outdoor settings; hitting a small bump at a low speed may still be enough to cause the user to fall out of the wheelchair.
Do not apply significant pressure to the arms of the wheelchair during transfers. They are not designed to bear the weight of a human being.
Avoid steep edges of sidewalks. When driving down a sidewalk with a companion walking alongside, the companion should be closer to the road, and the wheelchair on the opposite side. This reduces the risk of the wheelchair dropping a wheel off of the sidewalk and falling onto the road.
Drive slowly indoors and in confined spaces. The wheelchair should be placed in the lowest speed setting when indoors, and when pulling up to a destination such as a table.