RED Rim Seat Deluxe - Rimming Stool Rimming Chair

Product Information

Attachments are available which in effect turn the wheelchair into an adult tricycle. The pedal mechanism can be used by the feet or hands, depending on your ability. The chair is steered via the handlebars, just like a bicycle. Most users will require assistance fitting these attachments. Once attached, transfers in and out of the wheelchair are only possible by very able users. Self-propelled chairs require the user to use their upper limb, body and grip strength to move the wheelchair, usually by grasping the wheel rims and moving the wheel, and thereby the chair, in the chosen direction. There are alternative ways of propelling a chair which are described below.

Clearly, there are a lot of factors to consider when selecting tires and every decision comes with trade-offs, but taking the time to consider your tire width, weight and rolling resistance can have a huge impact on your ability to navigate your environment.

Rim Seat

Simply put, a wider tire is a taller tire. These days, most manual wheelchair frames are measured and built to fit narrow tires, so if you put a wider, mountain-bike-style tire on your chair, it will raise your rear seat height. It is common to use a size smaller rim with a knobby off-road tire to match the original-sized skinny tire/wheel diameter. Note that when you put on wider tires, you may have to space them farther out so they don’t rub on your side guards or clothes. Similarly, you may need to make minor brake adjustments depending on the tire/wheel combo. It may help you to maintain an upright posture if you have a belt or harness, which also adds an element of safety. You can have a lap strap or hip belt, as you would wear in an aeroplane, or a higher strap across your tummy. These can be padded for extra comfort. More support can be given by a chest harness which secures you around your torso and over your shoulders. You can also add a crotch strap. You are advised to seek professional advice before you use a full harness, as they can create pressure points and distort a person’s posture if poorly fitted.

The armrests should support your forearms without the need for you to hunch your shoulders or lean to the side. They should be padded, so not to cause pressure points along your forearms. There are a range of cup, bottle and drink holders available. These attach on to the frame of the wheelchair and allow you to carry a drink around with you. Most people would need assistance in fitting a full width wheelchair tray once in the chair. A half-lap size can usually stay in situ, flipped over and stored down the side of the chair. Moulded cushions can help to maintain the hips and pelvis in good alignment. You can obtain chair inserts and cushioning which offer support at particular points if required.Most chairs have removable armrests which may be useful to you if you slide transfer - perhaps when moving to and from a car or the bed. Every chair will have footplates which either swivel or flip up out of the way. It is important that you take the time to move the footplates out of the way before you get in or out of the chair. If not, they become a trip hazard or you run the risk of tipping the chair should you put your whole weight upon them.