Why Use An Indoor Wheelchair?

If you're using a wheelchair full-time and are able to transfer then it might be worth considering using an indoor wheelchair. Also, if you are managing with a mobility scooter outside but find that pain, fatigue, weakness or other symptoms are seriously getting in the way of your daily routine then you might want to consider the benefits of an indoor chair.  For those living with a chronic but variable condition using an indoor chair might actually free up some energy and limb function - even if you don't want to use that type of device outdoors.

Who might an indoor chair be for?

• Those with limited space indoors
• Those with poor ability to control a big chair indoors 
• Parents 
• Those who want to lead a busier life without symptoms
• Those still working with a chronic but limiting condition

So what are the main differences between an outdoor chair and an indoor chair?

• Small turning circle 
• May be able to go up in the air to reach items 
• Might be highly configurable for comfort 
• Easier to control 

Another issue to consider is that if you need a chair to take you to the bathroom you are not using the same chair which may have run over dog poo, dead birds or hedgehogs as we get here in the countryside. Some indoor chairs can be used on public transport such as the Invacare Pronto and most have some limited amount of ability to travel between indoor spaces. An indoor chair can also be useful for work where space for your normal chair is limited or for those who mainly need it for shopping. 

Things to think about when choosing an indoor chair:

• Do you need it to be wipeable (such as for use in the bathroom or kitchen)?
• Do you need a configurable chair you can use for long periods of sitting?
• Would a raise function be beneficial?
• Do you have enough space to store both chairs or should you get a transportable version?
• Would you like to be able to take the chair on holidays with you?
• Do you want to be able to use the chair both indoors and on public transport or your local area?

Types of Indoor only chairs include those with a captain seat, those with fabric, fashionable looking chairs like the Pronto air which are great for young people or those working in a designer capacity, chairs like the Pronto M61 (no longer available new in the UK) which raise up into the air, those with Cabin seats such as the Pronto M41 which can help a person transfer from a seated position and the Pronto M41 modulite which is highly configurable but has it's drawbacks. 

Please look under labels in the archive section for my review of the Pronto M41 modulite and captain seat. You could also read my review of the Zinger which could be considered to be an indoor chair. 

If you would liek me to review your chair please contact me. 

I read an interesting article on the subject of indoor chairs from Invacare on the same subject...

https://www.passionatepeople.invacare.eu.com/indoor-wheelchair/