Wheelchair Accessories

A wide range of accessories are available for use with powered and manual wheelchairs. Examples of such accessories include lights, transport tie down points, storage bags, rain covers and trays. These simple additions to the wheelchair can often be the most important for the user as they may make wheelchair use easier and safer.

The accessories shown here represent only a small selection from a vast range of products available. For more information you can contact your local occupational oherapist, the Seat Tech service in Sandymount or indeed you may wish to search the internet to see if you can identify suitable accessories to meet your requirements.

Lights

For wheelchair users who drive outdoors at night it is essential that they are visible to other road users. Lighting systems for powered chairs are usually integrated into the chair electronics so that they can be operated from the joystick control panel. For manual wheelchair users standard bicycle lamps may be mounted onto the frame of the chair front and back to improve visibility.

Transport Tie-Downs

Most wheelchairs can be ordered with transport tie-downs as an option. If the person is to travel in a wheelchair accessible car, bus, tram or train while seated in their chair they should have a chair which has clearly identifiable transport tie-down points where tie-downs can be attached.

Bags

This accessory can be a useful aid for carrying personal belongings or rain gear. The bag is usually attached to the chair using straps. Wheelchair bags can be fixed on the backrest, on the sides or underneath the seat of the wheelchair depending on the location which best suits the person. It is important that whenever a wheelchair bag is attached to a wheelchair that it does not cause the wheelchair balance to become unstable.

Rain Covers/Capes

A wheelchair rain cover is a rain cape specially designed for wheelchair use. The cover covers the users lower limbs and ensures that rain does not gather in the seat area. Covers or capes can be purchased off-the-shelf or can be made-to-measure. Some covers are available with insulated filling to keep the wearer warm if this is required.

Trays

A wheelchair tray is a useful accessory for holding everyday items such as books and work materials in a good position in front of the person. Trays are removable and should not be used while in transport. Trays can also be used to provide support for the person’s upper body and arms. There are a range of different types of trays available, for example it is possible to get a half-tray which can be used to support a weak or painful limb.

Gloves

Pushing or self-propelling a wheelchair can be hard work not only on the heart, lungs and muscles but also on the hands. Some people find it useful to wear padded gloves to protect their hands and to improve their grip on the push rims.

Crutch Holders

Occasionally a person who has limited mobility may use a wheelchair to access an area but once they have reached their destination they may choose to walk using a walking stick or crutch. It is possible to get a small holder normally placed to the rear of the chair which can hold a stick or crutch while the person is using their wheelchair.

Spoke Guards

Spoke guards are large, circular plastic discs which cover the spokes on manual wheelchairs and which are used to prevent a person’s fingers coming in contact with, or getting trapped between the spokes of the wheels. They come in a range of sizes to suit different push wheel sizes and they are also available in a range of colors and designs. It is possible to have them personalised with the person’s name or own design.

Tyre Pumps

An essential accessory for any person who drives a wheelchair with inflatable tyres. Most hand-operated pumps are portable and can be carried in a wheelchair bag or clipped onto the frame of the wheelchair. Foot or battery operated pumps, though easier to use, tend to be heavier and therefore less portable.

Read about Seating Supports for Wheelchairs