How to Modify a Wheelchair

A wheelchair is what is known as "adaptive equipment" in medical terms, because it is utilized by the patient or disabled person to allow them to more easily adapt to their environment. Modifications to the basic wheelchair design can significantly enhance a person's life by improving levels of motion and overall mobility, but deciding which modification suits each individual is the crucial step in wheelchair modification technology. One modification will not fit everyone's case. Which modification you pick depends on the type of mobility you require.

Things You'll Need

• Metal saw
• Crescent wrench
• Welding equipment
• Aluminum tubing
• Pneumatic back tires
• Wide front tires
• Pliers
• Anti-tipping devices
• Tape measure
• Cushions
• Fabric glue
• Reflective flag
• Seat belt

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Instructions

• 1

  Reduce the weight of the wheelchair by replacing or removing bulky or heavy components such as luggage carriers or unwanted armrests. Change the chair's center of gravity so that it rests over the supportive rear axle. A wheelchair weighing 65 pounds can be reduced to 35 pounds with the right modifications, according to New Mobility.

• 2

  Cut out long pieces of steel, including the main axle, using a metal saw. Undo the axle nut using a crescent wrench. Replace heavy axles with ones that are made of aluminum, which is much lighter, yet still remains strong and durable. Weld the new aluminum into place and ensure a strong bond is created.

• 3

  Increase the camber, or tilt, on uneven surfaces. Incorporate a twisting axle rather than a straight axle, which lengthens the axle in situ, and improves the camber from zero (vertical wheels) to a maximum of 24 degrees, as explained by The Engineer.

• 4

  Change solid back tires for flexible, pneumatic tires with deep treads, which can cope with rough roads and gravel and provide softer suspension. Change the front tires for wider versions to make the ride more stable, particularly in off-road situations. Use pliers to manually readjust the brakes to fit the new tires.

• 5

  According to Chairdex, wheelchair propulsion efficiency is low, at between only 2 and 10 percent. Improve the speed slightly, but only by a few miles per hour. Lower the seat to enhance the safety of the wheelchair. Install anti-tipping devices at the back of each rear wheel to prevent the wheelchair falling backwards on uneven ground.

• 6

  Measure your existing seating using a tape measure. Make or purchase cushions of the correct size. Glue your new, more comfortable cushions and add a wider, more supportive backrest to your existing seat using strong fabric glue.

• 7

  Install a reflective flag to make sure pedestrians and vehicles can see you. Consider adding a seat belt, extra lighting for enhanced visibility and a place to fit a mobile phone so you can communicate with friends and family on longer journeys.