Let’s face it, most of us would rather stay in when the heavens open and the streets are slippery. However, sometimes it simply has to be done. Yet for wheelchair users, rainy days pose a unique problem, especially for electric models.

These electric wheelchairs are expensive, and many are right to feel cautious about taking them outside during spells of bad weather. The risk is that they will be damaged or ruined from contact with the rain. As a result, the user has to replace the chair, or else sees its lifespan significantly shortened.

There is no one-size fits all with wheelchairs. Users come in different shapes and sizes, and modern wheelchairs have been made to fit these varying requirements. Disabled people lack mobility and the ability to exercise, increasing their likelihood of obesity. Other disabilities and special needs mean that many users need larger sized wheelchairs.

One of these specialised models is the bariatric wheelchair. These chairs have wider seating and weight capacity made for larger and heavier users. In this article, we explain how bariatric wheelchairs work, and what to consider when purchasing.

If it has taught us anything, it’s that inspiration can be found in all sorts of places. The impact of figures like Stephen Hawking, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Helen Keller, Frida Kahlo and Stevie Wonder, among others, is a testament to how unfair circumstances are no barrier to determined people.

We are still surrounded by people who can inspire us with their talent, ambition and bravery. On that note, we’ve rounded up five inspiring wheelchair users whose social media presence are an uplifting force for us all.

In the 21st century, there should be nothing to stop someone with an electric wheelchair from travelling by airplane. However, users are well aware that these chairs do not fit into every space imaginable. This can give cause for concern, and many will be wondering if they are able to even stow their equipment during their flight. In this article, we’ll explain the essential facts about taking an electric wheelchair on a plane.

Have you recently upgraded your electric wheelchair and don’t know what to do with the old model? Or do you simply no longer need your equipment?

There are several options to either sell or donate electric wheelchairs you no longer need. As it turns out, there are plenty of organisations and social enterprises that find people in need of electric wheelchairs who don’t have the means to purchase one.

Before you start looking for ways to donate, there are a few things to keep in mind.

The wheelchair is one of the most influential, life-changing inventions in human history. Yet it is somewhat mind-boggling to think that it has only been used over the last five centuries, and that before the ill-health and mobility limitations of powerful people demanded its invention, there was little that people with disabilities could do to move in the world easier.

Let’s face it, most of us would rather stay in when the heavens open and the streets are slippery. However, sometimes it simply has to be done. Yet for wheelchair users, rainy days pose a unique problem, especially for electric models.

These electric wheelchairs are expensive, and many are right to feel cautious about taking them outside during spells of bad weather. The risk is that they will be damaged or ruined from contact with the rain. As a result, the user has to replace the chair, or else sees its lifespan significantly shortened.

There is no one-size fits all with wheelchairs. Users come in different shapes and sizes, and modern wheelchairs have been made to fit these varying requirements. Disabled people lack mobility and the ability to exercise, increasing their likelihood of obesity. Other disabilities and special needs mean that many users need larger sized wheelchairs.

One of these specialised models is the bariatric wheelchair. These chairs have wider seating and weight capacity made for larger and heavier users. In this article, we explain how bariatric wheelchairs work, and what to consider when purchasing.

If it has taught us anything, it’s that inspiration can be found in all sorts of places. The impact of figures like Stephen Hawking, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Helen Keller, Frida Kahlo and Stevie Wonder, among others, is a testament to how unfair circumstances are no barrier to determined people.

We are still surrounded by people who can inspire us with their talent, ambition and bravery. On that note, we’ve rounded up five inspiring wheelchair users whose social media presence are an uplifting force for us all.

In the 21st century, there should be nothing to stop someone with an electric wheelchair from travelling by airplane. However, users are well aware that these chairs do not fit into every space imaginable. This can give cause for concern, and many will be wondering if they are able to even stow their equipment during their flight. In this article, we’ll explain the essential facts about taking an electric wheelchair on a plane.

Have you recently upgraded your electric wheelchair and don’t know what to do with the old model? Or do you simply no longer need your equipment?

There are several options to either sell or donate electric wheelchairs you no longer need. As it turns out, there are plenty of organisations and social enterprises that find people in need of electric wheelchairs who don’t have the means to purchase one.

Before you start looking for ways to donate, there are a few things to keep in mind.

The wheelchair is one of the most influential, life-changing inventions in human history. Yet it is somewhat mind-boggling to think that it has only been used over the last five centuries, and that before the ill-health and mobility limitations of powerful people demanded its invention, there was little that people with disabilities could do to move in the world easier.

Electric wheelchairs (or ‘power chairs’) are designed to manoeuvre through a variety of conditions and thereby providing users with accessibility to everyday activities they might otherwise struggle with. Every electric wheelchair is made up of identical basic components (a frame with a power base,  seat and user controls for operation). However, the design can vary a great deal depending on whether it is for use indoors or outdoors — from the light and compact models to the bulky, heavier chairs with large and durable tyres fit for different surfaces. 

This article focuses on the indoor/outdoor distinction and how indoor wheelchairs are designed to operate. Read on to see whether this model is right for your particular needs.

Speed can be a significant factor in choosing a power wheelchair. Elsewhere on our blog, we explain the perks of offroad wheelchairs and driving off the pavement. For this reason, some users want an electric wheelchair that runs more quickly. Even though we don’t suggest that the fastest wheelchair is necessarily the best, depending on your needs you may find that the standard model of 4mph (6 km) doesn’t quite cut it for you.

However, before purchasing, it’s vital to understand what the highway code says about powered wheelchairs depending on where you use them. In this article, we’ll explore the vital rules that users need to be aware of before they hit the road (or pavement) at top speed.

We try to make the process of choosing an electric wheelchair as easy as possible at Dietz, and there are a number of factors to take into account when considering how the right wheelchair can make life easier for the user. An example of how wheelchair technology can adapt for different situations is the use of small electric wheelchairs.

Typically, you would imagine these are strictly used by children, but that is not always the case. Whether it’s for maneouvrability at home or in the workplace, small, lightweight and slimline wheelchairs may be just the ticket for many users. Let’s dive into what’s special about these models and their potential pros and cons for users.

Being a wheelchair user shouldn’t mean sacrificing the finer things in life like getting out in the great outdoors. However, for the disabled this can be difficult, and in turn dispiriting when finding themselves unable to take part in activities like hiking, cycling and other sports and hobbies they love.

Luckily, it is possible to get the kind of mobility you need to get back into nature and bask in all it has to offer. With off-road electric wheelchairs built from stronger frames and wide wheels, users can meet the rough ground of outdoor terrains. In this guide, we go through everything you need to know about how these chairs work, and how they can provide that cherished independence and mobility.

There are many things to think about when choosing your electric wheelchair.  One of the more significant factors for users is the style and type of leg rest they can choose from, as this feature is essential for ensuring that neither comfort or  manoeuvrability are compromised in any way.

The most important  choice you make will be between opting for a single centre-mounted footplate or a single swingaway legrest mounted on both the left and right-hand sides of the chair. To help you make the most informed decision, this article summarises the crucial factors that determine the various options to have, and lays out the different features and benefits of each.