Easiest to push wheelchair and where to rent

[brownhaired_girl]

The last few trips to WDW my mother has been in a wheelchair. When we have used a wheelchair to get through the airport, I have noticed there is a HUGE difference in how much effort it takes to push different wheelchairs. My plan is to rent a wheelchair for our 2 week stay in mid April. I'm wondering if anyone here could give me suggestions regarding what brand/style is easier to push than others and if there is any rental places that would be more likely to carry that brand. Is there anything special I should ask rental places when looking for an easier to push wheelchair? We were down in Orlando in December and rented the Whill C for a day when we went to Sea World, I was hoping this would be an answer. I have to admit I was nervous walking in front of mom, with the crowds it just might not be safe to have her drive herself.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I would call the places listed in the disABILITIES FAQ and see what they offer.

 

[Lauren in NC]

My experience was several years ago, and I'm sure someone who does this more often will chime in soon, but you may want to consider buying a wheelchair so that she's able to have her own at the airport. We did this with my Grandma, and it made traveling so much easier, as we no longer had to wait endlessly at the gate for someone to come get her, plus we were able to customize her wheelchair to make it more comfortable for her. I'm not sure how much rentals are for two weeks in Orlando, but my friend just bought one that she's pleased with for around $120 online (Walmart, I think). Keeping in mind this was years ago, we were able to go to a durable medical rentals place and try a few different wheelchairs out to see what was most comfortable for both of us. In our case, we went with desk arms (so that she could be pushed up to the table) and lightweight.

Hopefully someone will chime in with an actual model!

 

[brownhaired_girl]

My experience was several years ago, and I'm sure someone who does this more often will chime in soon, but you may want to consider buying a wheelchair so that she's able to have her own at the airport. We did this with my Grandma, and it made traveling so much easier, as we no longer had to wait endlessly at the gate for someone to come get her, plus we were able to customize her wheelchair to make it more comfortable for her. I'm not sure how much rentals are for two weeks in Orlando, but my friend just bought one that she's pleased with for around $120 online (Walmart, I think). Keeping in mind this was years ago, we were able to go to a durable medical rentals place and try a few different wheelchairs out to see what was most comfortable for both of us. In our case, we went with desk arms (so that she could be pushed up to the table) and lightweight.

Hopefully someone will chime in with an actual model!

She can get around airport if needed. I have considered purchasing but we are packed so tight, often traveling with 6-7 that packing a wheelchair would be tough. We will rent a minivan while we are there so packing in the back when we don’t have to deal with luggage will be ok.

 

[brownhaired_girl]

I would call the places listed in the disABILITIES FAQ and see what they offer.

Thank you, I’ll try calling the ones on the list. My concern is they may all assure me that their wheelchairs push easily. I’m thinking there must be some differences in the wheels between chairs that make some easier to push. I was hoping someone here would know what the differences would be and I could be more specific with my request when I call.

 

[Staren]

Unfortunately there isn't a specific brand or wheel type to look for. How easy a chair is to push comes down to a number of factors. The weight of the user and weight capacity of the chair, how new and how well maintained it is, and tread type on the tire are issues that come to mind off hand.

I would look for a wheelchair with more of a tread to the tire. The smooth tires you see work ok inside, but are usually a problem outside. The newer the chair the better as well for rentals. They tend to be abused and have issues you won't notice until you have used one for a bit.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Thank you, I’ll try calling the ones on the list. My concern is they may all assure me that their wheelchairs push easily.

Yeah, don't accept that. Ask for tge actual weight, and the age. Search Amazon for lightweight wheelchairs, just to get an idea.

 

[Euby]

Whatever you do, do NOT get a transport wheelchair. While they may be light-weight, they are not intended for all-day use. They are more for getting the person from the house to the car to the restaurant/doctor office/etc.