Manual wheelchairs

Stand-up Wheelchairs

An occupant-controlled mechanism flattens the seat and backrest vertically, helping the user towards a standing position.

There are several advantages: greater independence is achieved through being able to reach high objects, for example, and the psychological advantages of interacting with others at the same level can be considerable. At the same time, circulation and digestion may be improved by the ability to change position, and pressure points can be eased.

Negative factors - a long-term wheelchair user may find that their legs aren't strong enough to support their body weight. Also, the stand-up mechanism makes the wheelchair heavier, and more difficult to push and to transport.

It is important to get good advice before trying this type of chair.

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