Bariatric Wheelchairs

Bariatric wheelchairs are heavy duty and extra wide wheelchairs that have higher weight capacities for larger users. Bariatric or heavy duty wheelchairs are designed to handle the increased weight of an obese user.

We supply a wide range of large manual wheelchairs; including the Dietz Caneo XL folding wheelchair, and Dietz Tauron RSI XXL folding wheelchair.

The needs of a bariatric user require the wheelchair to have special design and structural features to provide the extra wide seat and depth and of course strength. The overall weight of these heavy duty models tends to increase as the wheelchairs are built using components that can bear the added weight. Comfort is also key as larger users can tend to suffer pain due to pressure more easily. One final consideration when selecting your bariatric wheelchair is the type of wheel and tyre. Solid or PU tyres are often deemed most suitable on heavy duty wheelchairs.

Wheelchair Seating and Postural Positioning

Seating positioning is a crucial part of selecting a wheelchair, both for comfort and support. The key to stability is a neutral pelvic position. This needs to be taken into account when fitting the seat positioning of a wheelchair. In a sitting position, the natural curves of the back and neck should be supported; and the shoulders, pelvis and knees should ideally be level. This does however depend on the individual needs of the user, and whether they have postural control – the ability to control their body position. The seat position also needs to sit over the wheelchair’s centre of gravity – just in front of the wheelchair’s rear wheels.

Wheelchair Healthcare Advice

If you think you could benefit from a wheelchair all or most of the time, ask a GP, physiotherapist or occupational therapist to refer you to your local wheelchair service for an assessment. They’ll advise if you need a wheelchair and if so, what type. It is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional to assist in the decision making process.

Trade-In Scheme

If you have an old or unused mobility scooter or wheelchair, we can help with our trade-in scheme. Where we’re not able to resell scooters, we will ensure that the key components including batteries are recycled, in a push to help mitigate our environmental impact.

Guide to Choosing the Right Wheelchair For You

It is important to understand what type of wheelchair will best fit your needs. To help you make up your mind, read our guide on choosing the right wheelchair for you here, before purchasing your wheelchair.