Choosing a Wheelchair for Spinal Cord Injury Patients

Best Wheelchairs for Spinal Cord Injury

The 4Front® Wheelchair for spinal cord injury users offers a front-wheel-drive configuration that is perfect for navigating over more rugged terrain outdoors. The 4Front features automotive-grade SRS (Smooth Ride Suspension) to deliver unprecedented comfort and ride quality. The CASE (Caster Angle Sensor Encoder) technology on this wheelchair for spinal cord injury patients provides stability for smooth obstacle transitions when driving over bumps, cracks or curbs for unmatched driving performance. The 4Front Motorized Wheelchair comes standard with front and rear LED fender lights, allowing users to see and be seen in low-light environments, or when crossing streets or parking lots at night.

This power wheelchair also comes standard with Q-Logic 3 EX Advanced Drive Controls, which is an adaptable and expandable controller system. With Bluetooth® technology, individuals living with a spinal cord injury are able to operate their computer, tablet or cell phone using Q-Logic 3. For people who require more customized seating adjustments, the iAccess programmable push button and toggle options let you adjust your seating independently with one finger. Q-Logic 3 is also compatible with Interactive Assist, a diagnostic app designed to reduce service visits that provides a real-time connection between the power chair’s electronics and a provider’s programming station. Using Interactive Assist, a provider may be able to quickly resolve issues like battery management, charging problems, motor problems, basic programming, troubleshooting and other issues. Learn more about Interactive Assist for wheelchairs for spinal cord injury patients.

Seat Elevation for Spinal Cord Injury Patients

People living with spinal cord injuries can benefit from power elevated seating. The 4Front is available with optional power-adjustable safe seat elevation, allowing individuals to elevate up to 10 inches for greater environmental access and social inclusion. When elevated, users can drive their power wheelchair at 3.2 mph. When driving while elevated, the SRS and CASE Technology on the 4Front ensure exceptional stability and comfort, ideal for spinal cord injury patients who have spasticity. Interested in seeing the safe seat elevation in action? Check out videos of this elevating power wheelchair.

How to Begin a Spinal Cord Injury Wheelchair Assessment

If you have a spinal cord injury, you may qualify for a Quantum Power Wheelchair. First, schedule a face-to-face exam with your physician or physical therapist. This spinal cord injury wheelchair assessment determines whether you would benefit from a complex rehab wheelchair. If your doctor thinks you qualify, they write a prescription and take measurements of your body, as all power wheelchairs must be fitted correctly to the individual. An improperly fitted wheelchair can interfere with the patient’s breathing, swallowing, skin integrity or digestion.

To purchase a wheelchair, please locate durable medical equipment (DME) provider near you. Your therapist works alongside the Assistant Technology Professional that works for the DME provider. Together, they decide on the best wheelchair that fulfills your needs and what components you require to ensure proper positioning, seating, and driving of the chair. Get more information on how to purchase a wheelchair for spinal cord injury.