Quads on manual chairs

[Deleted]

Hey peeps! So ever since I got injured I pretty much used a power chair since I just couldnt push myself during the early stages. Now, I been debating on getting one. I built up a lot of strength over the years from working out but still lack triceps and hand dexterity (quad problems lol). 

My question is how many of you are quadriplegics and roll on a manual chair and is it easy for your hands along with daily living?

[quadversation]

Hi Quadlife. I roll in a TiLite TR manual chair, but I have Alber Twion power assist wheels. It's kind of a hybrid, but it allows me to still have my sleek manual rigid chair, but get around easily. I would never go back to manual wheels after I realized how much strain it was putting on my shoulders and my wrists. I pushed on manual wheels for 16 years and I've been using power assist wheels for 9 years. The power assist wheels have been working out great and I have no pain or discomfort.

[Deleted]

I'm a c-6/c-7 with pretty good hand function, so maybe not the most comparable to your situation. My grip is pretty strong with my ring and pinky fingers, but the others are a little weak. My biggest issue with my hands is when I'm going down a steep hill it can be difficult to control my speed or stop. I always wear gloves and have the foam coating on my wheel rims so that I can maintain my grip, and I don't think I would be able to survive without both of those. For the pushing, grip isn't really important and I just use the bottom of my palms to push, but then I experience wrist pain if I wheel a lot. I also get shoulder pain if I have to do super strenuous pushing like up a steep hill or long distances. When I lived in Oklahoma where it was super flat I would regularly wheel continuously for 30-60 minutes to go to classes/around campus. But now I live where the hills are so steep I can't get up them at all without my smartdrive, so it really depends on your location too. I've never tried the power assist wheels or used a power chair.

[Deleted]

Jun 8, 2020 14:22:24 GMT -5 quadversation said:

Hi Quadlife. I roll in a TiLite TR manual chair, but I have Alber Twion power assist wheels. It's kind of a hybrid, but it allows me to still have my sleek manual rigid chair, but get around easily. I would never go back to manual wheels after I realized how much strain it was putting on my shoulders and my wrists. I pushed on manual wheels for 16 years and I've been using power assist wheels for 9 years. The power assist wheels have been working out great and I have no pain or discomfort.

Hey quadversation, thanks for replying. I heard and seen videos on youtube about those wheels. They look and seem to work awesome. As far as braking and going up hills or inclines how is it? Does it have some type of safety feature that doesnt let the wheels roll backwards while climbing inclines? Yeah that was my fear on switching over was damage and strain to shoulders and wrist. 

Jun 8, 2020 18:10:28 GMT -5 @tommy said:

I'm a c-6/c-7 with pretty good hand function, so maybe not the most comparable to your situation. My grip is pretty strong with my ring and pinky fingers, but the others are a little weak. My biggest issue with my hands is when I'm going down a steep hill it can be difficult to control my speed or stop. I always wear gloves and have the foam coating on my wheel rims so that I can maintain my grip, and I don't think I would be able to survive without both of those. For the pushing, grip isn't really important and I just use the bottom of my palms to push, but then I experience wrist pain if I wheel a lot. I also get shoulder pain if I have to do super strenuous pushing like up a steep hill or long distances. When I lived in Oklahoma where it was super flat I would regularly wheel continuously for 30-60 minutes to go to classes/around campus. But now I live where the hills are so steep I can't get up them at all without my smartdrive, so it really depends on your location too. I've never tried the power assist wheels or used a power chair.

Hey Thomas, thanks for the input! How has the smartdrive been for you? I also thought of giving that a shot combined with a manual chair but the price is steep for me.

[quadversation]

Hi Quadlife,

The Twion wheels from my understanding don't have a feature to prevent you from rolling backwards, but I'll have to confirm that. I know the e-motions have that feature which is nice if you are a higher level with only pressure from your wrists as a means of stopping. The Twions are powered in the pushrim going forward and backwards so it makes it very easy to push uphill and slow your chair down going downhill. They also look really nice on a manual wheelchair. I would say that the price is comparable to the smart drive, but totally worth it. I gave up on the not-so-smart drive because there is no braking as of yet built into the unit.

[Deleted]

Jun 9, 2020 12:43:20 GMT -5 quadversation said:

Hi Quadlife,

The Twion wheels from my understanding don't have a feature to prevent you from rolling backwards, but I'll have to confirm that. I know the e-motions have that feature which is nice if you are a higher level with only pressure from your wrists as a means of stopping. The Twions are powered in the pushrim going forward and backwards so it makes it very easy to push uphill and slow your chair down going downhill. They also look really nice on a manual wheelchair. I would say that the price is comparable to the smart drive, but totally worth it. I gave up on the not-so-smart drive because there is no braking as of yet built into the unit.

Hey quadversation, so when you go uphill you dont struggle to keep the chair from rolling backwards? I can put pressure onto the handrim using wrist and lower palm. The Twions sound promising. 

[Deleted]

I'm not a huge fan of the smart drive. It does get me up super steep hills and it's really nice to turn on when you need a break, but it will turn off at bumps sometimes because of the way it's triggered off and on. My insurance paid for it and it was recommended over the power wheels, but those sound way better tbh.

[Deleted]

I use normal wheels daily when it's for groceries etc..
I have e-motion wheels but they're heavy but I can load them on my car with a robot and for long distance walks etc I use a streetjet (best thing ever).

[sy]

I wouldn't recommend a manual for a quadriplegic, if you fall out and there's no one around it's a wrap.

[quadversation]

Jun 9, 2020 22:26:29 GMT -5 @quadlife said:

Jun 9, 2020 12:43:20 GMT -5 quadversation said:

Hi Quadlife,

The Twion wheels from my understanding don't have a feature to prevent you from rolling backwards, but I'll have to confirm that. I know the e-motions have that feature which is nice if you are a higher level with only pressure from your wrists as a means of stopping. The Twions are powered in the pushrim going forward and backwards so it makes it very easy to push uphill and slow your chair down going downhill. They also look really nice on a manual wheelchair. I would say that the price is comparable to the smart drive, but totally worth it. I gave up on the not-so-smart drive because there is no braking as of yet built into the unit.

Hey quadversation, so when you go uphill you dont struggle to keep the chair from rolling backwards? I can put pressure onto the handrim using wrist and lower palm. The Twions sound promising. 

When going uphill as long as you have pressure against the pushrim in the forward position you will not roll backwards.  It honestly goes up inclines with limited effort.  I'm attaching a youtube link of a guy going up the ramps at Angels Stadium.  I went up all six I believe by myself with no issues.  Palm and wrist pressure should be enough to manage the assist.  The video does not do the incline justice, but the wheels performed well! 

[Deleted]

Jun 11, 2020 6:23:18 GMT -5 @tommy said:

I'm not a huge fan of the smart drive. It does get me up super steep hills and it's really nice to turn on when you need a break, but it will turn off at bumps sometimes because of the way it's triggered off and on. My insurance paid for it and it was recommended over the power wheels, but those sound way better tbh.

Oh thats got to be way inconvenient when it triggers on an off cause of bumps.

Jun 11, 2020 6:53:46 GMT -5 @belgianwheeler said:

I use normal wheels daily when it's for groceries etc..
I have e-motion wheels but they're heavy but I can load them on my car with a robot and for long distance walks etc I use a streetjet (best thing ever).

That streetjet looks awesome. I seen something similiar but by Batec

Jun 11, 2020 7:52:14 GMT -5 sy said:

I wouldn't recommend a manual for a quadriplegic, if you fall out and there's no one around it's a wrap.

Manual or powerchair Im screwed lol I been in some pretty risky predicaments with my powerchair. From being stuck and flying off the side of ramps to the chair just malfunctioning and sitting till someone was able to help. #DareDevil

Jun 11, 2020 12:39:39 GMT -5 quadversation said:

Jun 9, 2020 22:26:29 GMT -5 @quadlife said:

Hey quadversation, so when you go uphill you dont struggle to keep the chair from rolling backwards? I can put pressure onto the handrim using wrist and lower palm. The Twions sound promising. 

When going uphill as long as you have pressure against the pushrim in the forward position you will not roll backwards.  It honestly goes up inclines with limited effort.  I'm attaching a youtube link of a guy going up the ramps at Angels Stadium.  I went up all six I believe by myself with no issues.  Palm and wrist pressure should be enough to manage the assist.  The video does not do the incline justice, but the wheels performed well! 

Nice on the inclines with limited effort. Definitely a plus! Those ramps in the video look killer! I got exhausted just looking at it. But thats badass you had no issues taking it on. Im really interested in them more now than ever.

[freya]

Hey! Hope it's okay I reply. Not a quad, but was in a relationship with one who used a manual. He was a c5/c6 quad: no triceps, no hand function, only wrist extension (he was also a LAK amputee). He had a rigid frame manual chair (I believe it was a TiLite) with the e-motion wheels. He also used foam grip covers on his push rims as well as push-gloves for added traction. I have to say, he made that shit look easy (I know damn well it's not). He was DEAD SET against power chairs, refused to use one ever. It was just his preference. Plus he was determined to stay physically fit, so obviously the work of pushing a manual helps with that.

The e-motions were essential though when the terrain was rough, uneven, or slippery. The e-motions come with a remote with I think 3 power settings. Once, he set it all the way up and almost plowed through a wall. lmao. So they're pretty powerful. The downside is the e-motions are HEAVY. 25lb each. I would know, since I was the one heaving them in and out of the trunk. But, it was definitely manageable for me, and way better than lifting boring weights at the gym.    Having the manual chair made it possible for us to drive around in my tiny Honda Civic with zero issue, so that flexibility was nice. 

Whatever you chose, I wish you the best. Quads CAN use a manual! So if that's one of your goals, I say go for it!

[Jameson7]

Jun 23, 2020 21:03:49 GMT -5 freya said:

Hey! Hope it's okay I reply. Not a quad, but was in a relationship with one who used a manual. He was a c5/c6 quad: no triceps, no hand function, only wrist extension (he was also a LAK amputee). He had a rigid frame manual chair (I believe it was a TiLite) with the e-motion wheels. He also used foam grip covers on his push rims as well as push-gloves for added traction. I have to say, he made that shit look easy (I know damn well it's not). He was DEAD SET against power chairs, refused to use one ever. It was just his preference. Plus he was determined to stay physically fit, so obviously the work of pushing a manual helps with that.

The e-motions were essential though when the terrain was rough, uneven, or slippery. The e-motions come with a remote with I think 3 power settings. Once, he set it all the way up and almost plowed through a wall. lmao. So they're pretty powerful. The downside is the e-motions are HEAVY. 25lb each. I would know, since I was the one heaving them in and out of the trunk. But, it was definitely manageable for me, and way better than lifting boring weights at the gym.    Having the manual chair made it possible for us to drive around in my tiny Honda Civic with zero issue, so that flexibility was nice. 

Whatever you chose, I wish you the best. Quads CAN use a manual! So if that's one of your goals, I say go for it!

As a c5/6 I think a manuel chair is the way to go. When in the SIU I was always told by physios and Doctors if you can push then push. My friend who has a brachial plexus pushed well in to his 40s before succumbing to a power chair.
If you need that little bit extra help then the e-motion or Smart drive before power chair (my humble opinion).

Reasons for a manuel chair over power chair.

1. It's great for cardio and generally keeping fit. Get a fitbit or similar and see how much excercise you do.
2. It takes 2 mins to jump in your car and lift the chair in.
3. It's lightweight.
4. It's less hassle when flying.
5. Less expensive.
6. Made to measure.
7. You don't need to have a minivan or other large vehicle in order to accomadate it.
8. And it looks way cooler than a power chair. 
9. If you fall out it's easier to get back in.
10. Takes up less room.
11. Less maintainance.

[Deleted]

Jun 23, 2020 21:03:49 GMT -5 freya said:

Hey! Hope it's okay I reply. Not a quad, but was in a relationship with one who used a manual. He was a c5/c6 quad: no triceps, no hand function, only wrist extension (he was also a LAK amputee). He had a rigid frame manual chair (I believe it was a TiLite) with the e-motion wheels. He also used foam grip covers on his push rims as well as push-gloves for added traction. I have to say, he made that shit look easy (I know damn well it's not). He was DEAD SET against power chairs, refused to use one ever. It was just his preference. Plus he was determined to stay physically fit, so obviously the work of pushing a manual helps with that.

The e-motions were essential though when the terrain was rough, uneven, or slippery. The e-motions come with a remote with I think 3 power settings. Once, he set it all the way up and almost plowed through a wall. lmao. So they're pretty powerful. The downside is the e-motions are HEAVY. 25lb each. I would know, since I was the one heaving them in and out of the trunk. But, it was definitely manageable for me, and way better than lifting boring weights at the gym.    Having the manual chair made it possible for us to drive around in my tiny Honda Civic with zero issue, so that flexibility was nice. 

Whatever you chose, I wish you the best. Quads CAN use a manual! So if that's one of your goals, I say go for it!

Definitely not ok to reply....just kidding! Anyone with any type of experience is more than welcome to reply. Yeah I remember him being a c5/c6 like me. I just never knew his strengths and weaknesses with the whole chair thing. I seen some c5/c6's with some great strength and others who were really weak. Yea TiLite is what Im shooting for definitely. I thought about the e-motions but the weight factor kind threw me off. As a last resort, they would be an option. I been checking out Twion at the moment. Haha I run into walls in my powerchair all the time!

I remember leaving physical therapy after having my injury and I was on a manual chair and it was tough to push. But I kept wanting to build strength and practice. And the therapists were against it and said a powerchair was the best option. So I ended up landing in one months down the road and got lazy. Now, Im way stronger from working out so Im ready to ditch it! Thanks for the input though for sure. I think a manual will soon be my new best fwend.

Jun 24, 2020 4:18:07 GMT -5 Jameson7 said:

Jun 23, 2020 21:03:49 GMT -5 freya said:

Hey! Hope it's okay I reply. Not a quad, but was in a relationship with one who used a manual. He was a c5/c6 quad: no triceps, no hand function, only wrist extension (he was also a LAK amputee). He had a rigid frame manual chair (I believe it was a TiLite) with the e-motion wheels. He also used foam grip covers on his push rims as well as push-gloves for added traction. I have to say, he made that shit look easy (I know damn well it's not). He was DEAD SET against power chairs, refused to use one ever. It was just his preference. Plus he was determined to stay physically fit, so obviously the work of pushing a manual helps with that.

The e-motions were essential though when the terrain was rough, uneven, or slippery. The e-motions come with a remote with I think 3 power settings. Once, he set it all the way up and almost plowed through a wall. lmao. So they're pretty powerful. The downside is the e-motions are HEAVY. 25lb each. I would know, since I was the one heaving them in and out of the trunk. But, it was definitely manageable for me, and way better than lifting boring weights at the gym.    Having the manual chair made it possible for us to drive around in my tiny Honda Civic with zero issue, so that flexibility was nice. 

Whatever you chose, I wish you the best. Quads CAN use a manual! So if that's one of your goals, I say go for it!

As a c5/6 I think a manuel chair is the way to go. When in the SIU I was always told by physios and Doctors if you can push then push. My friend who has a brachial plexus pushed well in to his 40s before succumbing to a power chair.
If you need that little bit extra help then the e-motion or Smart drive before power chair (my humble opinion).

Reasons for a manuel chair over power chair.

1. It's great for cardio and generally keeping fit. Get a fitbit or similar and see how much excercise you do.
2. It takes 2 mins to jump in your car and lift the chair in.
3. It's lightweight.
4. It's less hassle when flying.
5. Less expensive.
6. Made to measure.
7. You don't need to have a minivan or other large vehicle in order to accomadate it.
8. And it looks way cooler than a power chair. 
9. If you fall out it's easier to get back in.
10. Takes up less room.
11. Less maintainance.

My therapists were against me going manual. Jerks! ALL of your reasons are 100% facts. Maybe I can ditch the minivan finally or bring back the show ''pimp my ride'' but as the accessible 

[jordy]

I have the SmartDrive and honestly don’t recommend it. It has left me high and dry in the worst situations like being halfway up a steep ramp that I can’t wheel myself up, getting stuck mid crosswalk, and it malfunctioned and slammed me into my desk. The company said it was connectivity issues with the watch part so I’ve replaced that twice, but in areas with a lot of wireless activity, it will shut down (malls and such) and will turn off after a couple seconds use while using it in a “good” setting. It has been a giant pain in the ass. A problem the reps never mention is when the small wheels wear down. They go pretty fast and can damage the whole unit if it’s dragging (you might not notice it dragging before it’s too late).

The wheels seem decent and I’ve heard good things, but the weight wouldn’t make them possible for me. I have friends who adore their power assist wheels.

My chair is difficult to grip (more than usual, lately) and my therapists think I may be having an episode/flare. They told me about some grip modifications for the rims and I might look into a few of them soon. The different grip options might help give you some more power behind your push too . Who you go through for the chair should know about those or an OT if you’re still in contact with one. I think some people have posted about modifications on social media/YouTube.

Hope you get the chair that you want and one that works for you!