Stairs Climbing Wheelchair – A Dream Comes True

One of the major obstacles for any wheelchair user is stairs, and a climbing stairs wheelchair seems like a dream. The problem is-most residences and businesses are not handicapped accessible. If a wheelchair user wants to visit friends and family, he/she must submit to being carried, which can be dangerous, or arrange to meet at a neutral location. Well, not anymore! A subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson has created a climbing stairs wheelchair. Now, many people will have greater ability to go shopping, visit friends and family, and travel, because stairs will no longer be an insurmountable obstacle for many frustrated individuals.

Although the climbing stairs wheelchair has only been approved for customers in the United States so far, disabled people around the world have hope of even greater freedom in the future. Presumably, if wheelchair safety is not compromised, and disabled individuals are satisfied, wheelchair suppliers around the world will have the opportunity to make the wheelchair available to potential consumers in the near future. For now, here are the requirements for patients before buying a climbing stairs wheelchair:

Patients without the capability to move a joystick or lean forward/back to adjust their center of gravity will not be allowed to purchase the wheelchair. The wheelchair has six wheels. In order to climb stairs, the chair balances on two of the four rotating wheels. Depending on whether the chair is going up or down, the user must be able to shift his/her weight. Also, anyone hoping to purchase the climbing stairs wheelchair will undergo pre-testing to determine qualification. If the handicapped individual is unable to properly move a joystick, or adjust his/her center of gravity, the deal is off. In addition, a doctor’s prescription will be necessary to purchase the wheelchair. The chair will only be sold to those who qualify, and have a genuine need. Finally, once the chair is purchased, the user is required to be instructed on how to use the wheelchair. Similar to driving a car, people cannot simply sit in the chair and know how to harness its potential. Instruction is necessary to prevent harmful accidents.

The wheelchair may be a dream come true for many disabled people. No longer hampered by stairs, the ability to visit/stay with friends and family will be awesome! Instead of registering in a local handicapped accessible motel and spending extra money, the handicapped will have more flexibility to stay and go wherever they want. Another advantage of the climbing stairs wheelchair is the ability to lift the seat to a standing level. Now the top shelves in a grocery store or a top cupboard are accessible. Yes! Not having to depend on an able-bodied person to reach a dish or grab an item off the top shelf of the grocery store will result in greater independence and an improved quality of life.

The only disadvantage is the price. Currently, the wheelchair retails for $29,000 in America. Hopefully, resources will soon become available to offset the cost, enabling more users to benefit from the amazing climbing stair wheelchair.

Although the climbing stair wheelchair is still a dream for many disabled individuals, knowing the technology has been made available for some, many potential users may eventually benefit from an awesome invention.

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