We get a lot of people contacting us about what are the differences between the many wheelchairs on offer. It can be quite confusing as there are many different types and all have their benefits for certain needs.

Wheelchairs are probably the most widely used walking aids and by far the most suitable for disabled people. Despite being larger than other walking aids such as 3 or 4 wheeled walkers, often called 'zimmer frames', they are by far the most versatile as they can be used both indoors and outdoors. As the technology has developed, there have been more and more types of wheelchair available for people to use and suitable for a variety of different needs. Not only have the frames changed in materials, from the heavier steel to the lightweight aluminium frames, but they now come with powered motors for even more mobility control.

As the developments have made the selection even greater, getting the right wheelchair for you requires considering things such as age, disability, personal lifestyle and budget. Broadly, wheelchairs fit into two distinct categories; Electric (or powered) Wheelchairs and Manual Wheelchairs.

Electric Wheelchairs

The more advanced electric wheelchair comes with its own battery and motor to drive the chair by a 'joysitck' controller. Being much more rigid and heavier than manual wheelchairs, not only do they offer excellent manouverability but also confidence to the person to get out and about with ease. Some powered wheelchairs even come with a rotating seat for aiding people to get on or off. These wheelchairs are perfect for conserving energy as they do not need to be propelled.

Manual Wheelchairs

The more traditional form of wheelchair is available for different kinds of needs, including sports, travel, indoor and outdoor use. Most of these wheelchairs are propelled using upper body strength and have features that make it easier for people to do so. Some of the wheelchairs are designed to be pushed and have a heavier and more sturdier frame for durability and practical use. Manual wheelchairs can be separated into different categories according to the requirements of the user:

Lightweight Wheelchairs

Lightweight Wheelchairs mostly made from Aluminium making them not only strong by very light and easy to propel. The rigid frame can also come with larger wheels making them easy to and manoeuvre. The lightweight frame is ideal for travel and certain products can have a folding frame, allowing the wheelchair to be packed away in the back of a car. Lightweight wheelchairs were originally designed for sports but as they are both portable and easy to use they are very adaptable for everyday use.

Folding Wheelchairs

Most manual wheelchairs fit into this category as they have the benefits of having a collapsible frame. Folding wheelchairs can also come with folding or detachable leg rests to make them ideal for folding away for starage in the home and for travel. As they do not have any removable parts, these wheelchairs are ideal for temporary use or storing in the home.

Travel Wheelchairs

Travel wheelchairs have the benefit of being the most portable wheelchairs available. Being the most lightweight of all wheelchairs, they are suited for occasional use and getting to and from places. Collapsible, lightweight and durable they are often used for both indoor and outdoor use such as transit to and from a car, using in shopping centres or retail locations and for short distance flat terrain applications.

When considering which wheelchair is the best for you, it is best to think about the needs of the user and also what is the most convenient wheelchair for you. The prices vary from different suppliers but it is always best to check the level of after sales service and customer care before you buy. Wheelchairs can make a real difference in someone's life so be sure to think about what is best for you and where the best place to purchase it from is.

www.MobilityBuddy.co.uk stock a wide variety of Manual and Electric Wheelchairs for every individual's needs and budget.

According to the Association of British Insurers, the number of whiplash claims being made to its members is rapidly increasing with almost 1200 claims being made every day! Over a year this is worth £2bn.



On top of this cost, it is estimated that these injuries cost the NHS around £8bn per year.



The major cause of whiplash is car accidents where the patient's car is hit from behind by another driver. This causes a rapid backwards bending of the neck immediately followed by a rapid forward bending which can damage the muscles and ligaments of the neck and cervical spine.



At Recover, we are experienced in dealing with a whiplash settlement as part of a road accident claim. If you have been involved in a car accident as the driver or passenger and have been hit by another driver who is at fault, we can help you get road accident compensation.



Give one of our advisors a call on 0800 093 0531 and we'll talk through your whiplash claim and how we can help you get the compensation that you deserve.

When selling products online, you can never neglect the importance that your customers, past and future, play in the sales process. By allowing customers to leave their honest reviews about an item, you are allowing people to express their honest opinion and give a sense of trust to the potential buyers.



Shopping online for something as important as a disabled mobility scooter, you need to feel assured that the scooter you are buying is not only the right one for you but also that you are going to get the best service as well as after sales service.



Take one of our best selling and an overall popular scooter, the Pride Go Go, for example. As this is a popular scooter there are many places to buy it online. However, one thing that people might not think about when shopping for the lowest price is what level of customer service they will get. This point is emphasised by a blog post I found here. In this article, a customer reviews the Pride Go Go and their problems they had with one particular company by not providing the after sales service. It leaves the customer rather disappointed in not only the product (which is one of the best value and reliable scooters available I might add) but also the experience of buying online.



The review is concluded by advising people to buy from a local shop and not from the internet as you don't get that 'at home service'. However, we believe that providing the 'at home service' is vital to anyone who is buying a mobility scooter. It is good to shop around to suit your budget but also good to measure one internet retailer's level of customer service with another. If you need that repair service or even just a home demonstration that can be worth paying a little more for. I think the best advice would be to first of all know your needs, research the product, read the customer reviews and then find the right place to buy. You can shop to find the best price but more importantly, shop to find the best level of service.



Mobility Buddy has a large range of Mobility Scooters, including the Pride Go Go, and we pride ourselves on our level of customer care and after sales service. We know how important buying the right mobility scooter is and also taking care of your needs. Why not read our customer reviews and see what people think of the products and service.



www.MobilityBuddy.co.uk

It has been a busy week around the web for news on Mobility Scooters. One of the biggest stories is that MPs are now insisting on drivers of Mobility Scooters. It seems that the number of accidents involving mobility scooters has prompted the government to take notice and consider scooter owners to take driving lessons. Under new proposals, owners of scooters would have to 'prove' that they are capable of handling the scooters and that they would not pose a threat to the public.



Despite the media concentrating on the reporting accidents and at worst fatalities, the charity Help the Aged however, have responded to MPs that is was 'largely a creation of the media'. This was also echoed by the Department of Transport who maintained that it was not a major problem. You can read more about the article here or here.



On the lighter side of things, Charnwood Borough Council has purchased an all terrain Mobility Scooter in order for more people to enjoy a popular beauty destination around Loughborough, UK. Now the Helen Jean Cope Trust has bought a second scooter to allow even more disabled people to get around the 110-acre site of Special Scientific Interest. This is great news for people to get out and about to see tourist destinations. You can read the full story here.



One of the most popular pavement scooters has made an appearance on the popular video site YouTube. Pride Scooters are a great way of getting about and this short video below really shows how versatile and easy to drive they are:









Mobility Buddy have a wide variety of Mobility Scooters in their current sale including the most popular Pride Scooter. Visit www.MobilityBuddy.co.uk and get the perfect scooter for you.