Long-time users of mobility equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, electric scooters and power wheelchairs know that their vehicle performs differently on different surfaces. At first blush, this fact seems so obvious. Bicycles, cars – anything with tires and wheels, generally – react to the terrain or surface beneath them. With mobility equipment, however, people often miss some of the important information they need when making choices, especially those whose need is either temporary or as a result of slow degeneration of ability. When individuals’ lives change dramatically and quickly as a result of illness or injury, rehabilitation processes often include an examination of equipment and what best suits the stage of recovery or need.

Consider typical indoor surfaces, for example. Wood, vinyl, ceramic and other smooth and slippery surfaces require traction. Choose a rolling walker, for example, with smaller wheels that offer some ridging on the tires, not perfectly smooth tires. If selecting a power wheelchair, rely on some of the basic models that offer mid-wheel drive. Not only will this type of wheelchair maneuver well on typical surfaces in a home, the turning radius is also tight, a must for getting around indoors.

With thick carpeting, the needs shift somewhat, requiring larger tires on manual walkers. Transport wheelchairs may not fair so well either in venues with thick carpets as the wheels are smaller than on a traditional manual wheelchair. Be sure the transport wheelchair you use has tipper wheels, small wheels in the rear that will allow you to tilt the chair a bit to get through thicker surfaces. This same advice applies to use of a transport chair on grass or on some well-groomed, gravel paths.

Outside offers particular challenges to users of mobility equipment, especially if someone spends a lot of time with their particular equipment. Power chairs that are designed for those who spend all their time in chairs are generally built to specifications for that individual and his/her lifestyle. For others, it is essential to discuss the type of lifestyle with the professionals providing the equipment so they can help you understand the many choices available.

For someone extremely active outdoors who is on the hunt for an electric scooter there are key questions to answer. How deeply into the outdoors does this person like to go? What kinds of terrain will s/he likely encounter? Groomed paths? Rocky surfaces? Does s/he want the vehicle only for the outdoors or for combined usage around town for shopping and going to the zoo with grandchildren? Creating a clear image of how the vehicle is to be used ensures satisfaction later on with performance. The array of scooters available ranges from small travel type that break down into several pieces to take on the go to large all-terrain type vehicles designed for rugged outdoor use. In all cases, a discussion of transporting the vehicle is warranted.

For general home use, indoors and outdoors, a rolling walker with 5 inch wheels fairs generally well, providing enough traction for carpeting and lawn use, and not so much bulk as to make inside use difficult. Some folks prefer to get two or more walkers to accommodate their different surfaces.

The issue of control is vital when considering the proper choice for mobility equipment. These products can only offer independence and comfort when they fit the individual physically and from a lifestyle perspective. Mismatches lead to frustration, possible injury and lots of stuff stored in garages or offered at yard sales.
Share your mobility tips or questions with Kathryn at kmarbour@capabilities.com. Read more about products for independence, mobility and comfort in her blog http://beunlimited.blogspot.com.