Attendant Propelled Wheelchairs: What You Really Need to Know

Last summer my dad fell and broke his hip. At 78, he's otherwise in good health, but suddenly our family was thrown into a world we knew nothing about - mobility aids. The doctor recommended an attendant-propelled wheelchair during his recovery period, and honestly, I had no clue what that even meant.

Three months and countless shopping trips, hospital visits, and family outings later, I've learned more about pushing wheelchairs than I ever thought possible. So I thought I'd share what I wish someone had told me from the start.

Real Talk: What It's Actually Like Using One

No one tells you about the learning curve! The first time I took Dad to Tesco, I nearly crashed into the baked beans display. Then there was the time I misjudged a kerb and almost tipped him out.

But you get better quickly. After a few weeks, I could navigate shopping aisles like an F1 driver and tackle kerbs with the confidence of a professional.

The biggest surprise? How it changed our relationship. Dad and I suddenly had time to chat while moving between places. I'd push him along the seafront, and we'd have conversations we'd never had time for before. Silver linings, eh?

Choosing a Chair: What Actually Matters

When we first looked at wheelchairs, the options were overwhelming. After using several (we started with a loaner from the Red Cross before buying our own), here's what actually makes a difference:

Weight of the Chair

This is CRUCIAL. You'll be lifting this thing in and out of car boots, up steps, and around obstacles. Our first chair weighed about 14kg, and I dreaded getting it out of the car. We switched to a 9kg model, and the difference was night and day.

Trust me on this – spend the extra money on lightweight if you possibly can. Your back will thank you.

Comfort for the Passenger

Dad initially thought all wheelchairs would be uncomfortable, but there's huge variation. Look for:

• Padded armrests (those metal ones get cold and uncomfortable)

• A slightly padded seat or bring a cushion

• Adjustable footrests – Dad's 6'1" and the standard position left his knees around his ears

We ended up buying a basic gel cushion which made hours of sitting possible. Best £25 I've spent.

Folding Mechanism

Some chairs fold easily with one hand. Others require the strength of Hercules and the patience of a saint. The difference? Quality of the frame and design of the folding mechanism.

I'd strongly recommend trying to fold and unfold any chair before buying. What looks simple in a showroom might be a nightmare in a rainy car park with an elderly parent waiting.

The Stuff No One Tells You About

Hills Are a Nightmare

Going uphill, you'll get a workout that rivals any gym session. But downhill is actually more dangerous – the chair can easily get away from you.

My technique: when going downhill, walk backwards while pulling the chair towards you. Much safer, though you do get funny looks.

Weather Matters More Than You Think

Dad and I got caught in a sudden downpour in early autumn. We were both soaked through in minutes. After that, I always kept a wheelchair poncho in the bag. Not the most fashionable item, but it kept Dad dry while I sprinted for shelter.

In summer, remember that sitting still in the sun gets hot quickly. A wheelchair user can't easily move to shade without your help. Dad's started bringing one of those folding fans, which seemed silly until I realized how much he needed it.

Toilets Are Complicated

Finding accessible toilets becomes a strange obsession. You'll develop an internal map of every disabled loo in your town. The problem is that many "accessible" toilets aren't actually that accessible.

My advice? The app "Toilet Finder" became my best friend. Hospitals and large department stores usually have the best facilities.

Accessories That Are Actually Worth It

Some wheelchair accessories seem gimmicky, but after months of use, these proved invaluable:

• A good bag that attaches to the chair: We use it for everything from medications to water bottles to shopping

• Cup holder: Sounds trivial until you need to transport two coffees and push a wheelchair

• Portable ramp: For those single steps that are everywhere in Britain

• A decent rain cover: Because British weather

The cup holder particularly transformed our outings – being able to have a coffee while sitting in the park made Dad feel normal again.

The Emotional Stuff

Let's be honest – there's often resistance to using a wheelchair. Dad initially hated the idea, seeing it as giving up. What helped was:

1. Focusing on what the chair enabled rather than what it represented

2. Starting with short, enjoyable trips

3. Letting him make decisions about where we went

The turning point came when Dad realized he could now join the whole family for my niece's birthday dinner at a restaurant across town – something that would have been impossible without the wheelchair.

Some Practical Tips I've Learned

• Practice transfers: Getting from wheelchair to car/chair/bed smoothly takes practice

• Be aware of cambers: Roads slope to the sides, which means constantly adjusting your pushing to keep straight

• Watch for hazards at wheel level: Things you step over can be obstacles for wheels

• Plan routes in advance: Checking for accessibility saves so much frustration

• Give the user control: Dad likes to hold the map and direct where we're going – it helps him feel in charge

What We Bought After Research

After trying several options, we settled on a Dash Lite wheelchair, which cost £189. The deciding factors were:

• Weighs only 9.2kg

• Folds easily with one hand

• Has decent padding

• Sturdy enough for everyday use

Three months on, it's still working perfectly. The only addition we made was upgrading the standard brakes, which were a bit flimsy.