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Choosing a wheelchair brand is often a gamble. The market is flooded with cheap, unbranded imports that look shiny on a webpage but rattle apart after six months of pavement use.
If you are looking for reliability, you have likely come across Roma Medical. As one of the UK’s most established mobility manufacturers, they are a staple in hospitals and households across the country. But with a vast catalogue, how do you know which model suits your specific lifestyle?
In this guide, we break down the top Roma Medical solutions, categorising them by user need rather than just price. whether you need a rugged bariatric chair or a lightweight transit model for the boot of your car, here is what you need to know.
Why Consider Roma Medical?
Why Consider Roma Medical?
Before we look at the models, it is important to understand the manufacturer. Roma Medical isn't a "pop-up" internet seller. They have been a significant supplier to the NHS for decades.
Why this matters to you:
Spare Parts: Unlike generic imports, you can actually buy replacement armpads, wheels, and brakes for Roma chairs years down the line.
Durability: These chairs are engineered to withstand the rigours of hospital transport, meaning they are often over-engineered for daily domestic use.
1. The Heavy-Duty Choice: Roma 1472 Bariatric
1. The Heavy-Duty Choice: Roma 1472 Bariatric
For users who require a higher weight capacity without compromising on manoeuvrability, the Roma 1472 (and its heavy-duty siblings) is the industry standard.
Who is it for? Larger users (up to 22 stone / 140kg usually, check specific model specs) who need a wider seat width and a reinforced frame.
Key Features:
Double Cross-Brace: Look under the seat. You will see two metal 'X' frames instead of one. This provides superior structural rigidity and prevents the frame from flexing under load.
Detachable Arms: Essential for side-transfers (sliding from the chair to a bed or toilet) without obstruction.
The Verdict: It is not the lightest chair on the market—you won't want to lift this in and out of a car boot five times a day. However, for stability and safety, it is unmatched in its price bracket.
2. The Travel Companion: Roma Medical 1235 (Transit)
2. The Travel Companion: Roma Medical 1235 (Transit)
If your primary goal is "ease of transport"—perhaps for trips to the shops or hospital appointments—a transit chair (small rear wheels) is the logical choice.
Who is it for? Carers or family members pushing the user. Note: You cannot propel yourself in this chair.
Key Features:
Fold-Down Backrest: This is a crucial feature. The chair folds down, reducing the height significantly so it fits into the boot of a standard hatchback.
Attendant Brakes: These are brakes located on the push handles, allowing the carer to control the speed when going down hills—a massive safety feature for the person pushing.
The Verdict: This is an excellent "secondary" chair. It lacks the suspension for long countryside walks, but for navigating supermarket aisles and hospital corridors, it is nimble and compact.
3. The Everyday Workhorse: Roma Medical 1500 Self-Propel
3. The Everyday Workhorse: Roma Medical 1500 Self-Propel
This is the classic "NHS style" design that prioritises function over fashion. It is built with a steel frame, making it slightly heavier than aluminium modern equivalents, but incredibly tough.
Who is it for? Users who want a low-maintenance, bombproof chair for daily indoor and outdoor use.
Key Features:
Puncture-Proof Tyres: No pneumatic maintenance required. You will never get stranded with a flat tyre.
Crash Tested: Many of the 1500 series are crash-tested for use in adapted vehicles, offering peace of mind regarding safety standards.
The Verdict: If you want a chair you can throw in the back of a van and not worry about scratching, this is it. It is utilitarian, effective, and reliable.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Model
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Model
When browsing the Roma catalogue, use this "Rule of Three" to filter your options:
1. Propulsion Method
1. Propulsion Method
Self-Propel (Large rear wheels): Choose this if you have good upper body strength and want independence. The large wheels also handle kerbs and bumps better.
Transit (Small rear wheels): Choose this only if you will always be pushed by someone else. They are lighter and smaller, but you lose independence.
2. Frame Material
2. Frame Material
Steel: Durable, absorbs vibration well, but heavy. (Best for home use).
Aluminium: Lighter, easier to lift into a car, but can feel more "rigid" on bumpy ground. (Best for active travel).
3. Seat Width
3. Seat Width
Do not guess this measurement. A seat that is too tight causes pressure sores; a seat that is too wide causes scoliosis (leaning). Measure your hip width when sitting and add 1-2 inches for comfort.
Conclusion: Is a Roma Chair Right for You?
Conclusion: Is a Roma Chair Right for You?
Roma Medical represents the pragmatic middle-ground of the mobility market. They are not the ultra-lightweight carbon fibre chairs used by athletes, nor are they the cheap, disposable units found on auction sites.
They are reliable, repairable, and safe. For 90% of users looking for a dependable daily mobility solution, a Roma chair is an investment that pays off in longevity.
Recommendation: Before purchasing, ensure you check the specific weight of the unit (lifting weight) to ensure you or your carer can manage it safely.
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