Getting a new wheelchair is almost as exciting as buying a new car, minus the new-car smell. And like a new car, many people will modify a wheelchair to fit their everyday needs. Manufacturers call them “everyday” wheelchairs, but chairs often need wheel upgrades, frame guards, and other gadgets before they are ready for the day-to-day abuse of real life.
Most wheelchair modifications fall into two categories: the personal and the practical. The personal helps to set the chair apart, to make it one’s own. From standout stickers to colorful upholstery, personalizing a wheelchair puts the “Wee!” in wheelchair. Practical modifications to a wheelchair, on the other hand, make the chair more useful as well as unique.
Wheelchair Trailer
One of the most practical additions to a wheelchair includes an easy-to-attach trailer that hauls anything and everything you don’t want on your lap. Tired of making multiple trips to the car to get the groceries? Throw it in the trailer and make one trip. Aggravated by sticks and brush on your lap when cleaning the yard? Toss those logs in the trailer.
Bicycle cargo trailers, such as the Croozer, attach easily to the rear lateral bar on a wheelchair with minimal modifications. The Croozer, which measures 30.5" x 19.5" of 17", boasts a weight capacity of 65 lbs., so it’s big enough to carry the kids or the clutter. It even folds flat for easy storage or stow away in a vehicle. While the trailer runs around $200, used haulers can be found on Craigslist for under $100.
Power Wheelchair Modifications:
- Headrest
- Swing-away joystick
- Battery upgrades
- Rope lights for visibility
- Chair tilt
- Detachable lap trays
- Complex wheelchairs (head array, ATWiki)
Manual Wheelchair Modifications:
- Anti-tip bars
- Lightweight wheels
- Aftermarket casters
- Lap fishing rod holder
- Camera mount
- Rear-mounted backpack
- Under-seat organizer
Consider that any wheelchair modifications made to your new ride should be kept within reason. Personal tastes aside, those new arm rests will cause some delay for manual chair users when getting into a vehicle. In other words, the more hardware you add to your chair, the longer it will take to break it down. Getting in and out of a vehicle several times a day with a modified chair can create additional wear and tear on the body.
Finally, don’t get in over your head: If you’re unsure how to perform a modification to your wheelchair, have a professional do it for you.
