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Wheelchairs

Power Wheelchair Accessories: The Hottest Trends

Written by Dayna C
Last Updated :

In the past few years, technology companies have designed innovative power wheelchair accessories that offer you additional help and bring you more independence.

 Below, we’re going over just a few of the hottest trends and best picks. 

We’ll help you choose the best electric wheelchair accessories to totally upgrade your ride and help you live the best life possible. 

Let’s start with a quick look at our top picks, then keep reading for all the details.

There is a Way to Improve Your Wheelchair’s Functionality

Your wheelchair is an opportunity to continue with your life normally and stay independent.

What is more, you can have many possibilities with your wheelchair besides being mobile.

First of all, you can customize it by adding various colors and themes, ribbons, or stickers – if you would want to improve the design.

However, what is more important – you need something that will improve functionality.

Adaptive tech will further provide you the opportunity to manage usual daily activities more efficiently.

You don’t have to be satisfied with less when there are many possibilities to adjust almost any activity to your needs.

A wheelchair is your friend, but adaptive technologies might improve your life’s quality to an exceptional degree.

You can learn about newly designed technologies at conferences or via the Internet, but we are fulfilling our promise and presenting you with the hottest power wheelchair accessories.

Power Wheelchair Accessories Top Picks at a Glance

  • Wheelchair Cup Holder
  • Wheelchair Pouch and Side Bag
  • Wheelchair Seat Belt
  • Lateral Support for Wheelchair

Check: Wheelchair Batteries: Maintenance Guide

What Are the Hottest Power Wheelchair Accessories?

If you are content with your wheelchair, but still have a feeling like something is missing – that might be a power wheelchair accessory.

These accessories are an innovation in the world of wheelchair users, but why wouldn’t you spoil yourself a bit and make things even easier?

wheelchair_freedom.png

Some of them proved themselves completely, while the others failed. Some really stand out by their functionality, design, safety, etc.

There is no doubt that the right one can bring you more convenience in using your wheelchair and upgrade your experience.

Loaids supports our seniors’ community by researching assistive products you need to live your best life. If you purchase a product after clicking on our affiliate links we earn a small commission at no cost to you.

As you are curious about which accessories are the hottest on the market, here is the list:

  • Wheelchair cup holder
  • Pouch
  • Side bag
  • Seat belt
  • Lateral support for wheelchair
  • Lap buddy for wheelchair
  • Wheelchair tray

Any of these would make your life SO much easier! 

Below, we will describe each of these power wheelchair accessories so you can estimate their cost and choose one or more that you need.

Related: Tips on How to Extend the Life of Your Power Wheelchair Battery

6 Hottest Power Wheelchair Accessories (Review Guide)

1. Wheelchair Cup Holder

Power Wheelchair Accessories - Wheelchair Cup Holder

A wheelchair cup holder is a little addition that can help you a lot.

If you have trouble using your hands and arms, carrying even a lightweight item is almost impossible.

On the other hand, if you don’t have any issues of this kind, but still don’t want to carry anything in your hands – a wheelchair cup holder is a solution.

You can choose between different designs, shapes, and sizes until you find a perfect fit for you and your wheelchair.

However, you might need to pay special attention to the cup holder’s size.

If you like large bottles and buckets that is completely okay with the right sized cup holder.

This means that you should go for a cup holder model that has the capacity to hold the bottle or cup size that you use the most. This cup holder is compatible for bottles or drinks ranging in size from 2.35 to 3.95″ so will even fit a thermos.

Still, we recommend you go for a medium cup holder size.

Even though most cup holders have a simple and basic design, if you like to experiment with colors, you can easily find one in your favorite color.

This might cost you a few dollars more, but it is totally worth the delight.

What is the best feature of a wheelchair cup holder? They help keep you hydrated all day! A cup holder will hold your favorite drink firmly in place, so it is only a grab away.

2. Wheelchair Pouch and Side Bag

There are many travel accessories on the market and a wheelchair pouch / side bag are some of these.

As you venture out of your home at least a few times a week, you need a bag in which you can put your personal stuff.

Holding things in your hands is complicated as something might slip off or the person may not be able to physically hold all the items.

It’s very handy to to keep everything in one place so a pouch / side bag is a great way to do this and double stitching will ensure they are durable especially if used for heavy items.

A wheelchair side bag is a great invention – as you can transfer it easily and load or unload items from it. Some bags come in a range of bright colors and double check if the material is water resistant so your valuable items are protected.

You don’t have to worry about extra storage, as the bag will have it all but double check there are enough pockets to carry all your items that may include a water bottle, medication, phone, laptop, food and other key items.

Still, wheelchair organizers or side bags are very handy and cute accessories for picnics, everyday activities, or short trips, that will spark your interest for sure.

If you want your hands completely free, and store the needed items for that day, a wheelchair pouch or a wheelchair side bag is the right choice for you.

READ MORE: Best Umbrella for Wheelchair

3. Wheelchair Seat Belt

Wheelchair Seat Belt

As we mentioned in the introduction, your wheelchair probably meets all the requirements from your perspective.

We are content that it fulfills your needs, but there is something more to care about – safety.

Even though wheelchairs are designed according to safety standards, it won’t harm you to take some additional measures. Some wheelchairs come with a built-in seat belt, but if yours doesn’t have it – then purchase it yourself.

We are aware that a wheelchair is not a small investment, but purchasing a seat belt might be life-saving equipment – that is why you need it. Additionally, you can find it at some reasonable prices, so don’t worry.

After all – is there a price for your safety?

You can choose between many wheelchair seat belt types. Some belts attach to the wheelchair are like a car seat belt with a push and release button. Other belts are padded and wrap around the front of the person’s waist and clips together at the rear of the wheelchair.

Some belts are also adjustable in length to accommodate a range of different body sizes and weights.

There is a transfer belt, which actually helps your caregiver transfer you in or out of the wheelchair. Even if you have a wheelchair seat belt, there are other types that might be very useful including a seat belt harness.

Whatever the design is, the most important feature of the wheelchair belt is to keep you safe and prevent slipping or falling off the chair.

4. Lateral Support for Wheelchair

Lateral Support for Wheelchair

Lateral support for a wheelchair is one of the greatest power wheelchair accessories. This device helps you to increase the stability and balance of a user.

They come in many sizes and with different padding densities.

The most common lateral support style is flat and shaped.

Lateral support also makes it much easier to get in or out of the wheelchair.

As we mentioned above, this device increases the stability of a user while they are in a wheelchair. You can use them to control spinal scoliosis too, as it can reduce it.

Lateral support means the padding supports the trunk to sit more upright but you will also need to make sure the support is not too tight. If there are any signs of the user experiencing pain or breathing problems you will need to remove the supports.

Lateral support for a wheelchair has many awesome features, such as:

  • Providing stability and support
  • Improves your posture
  • Keeps you in a functional position
  • Improves your appearance

It is clear why this is one of the hottest power wheelchair accessories, with this item to remain popular.

5. Lap Buddy for Wheelchair

Lap Buddy for Wheelchair

If you want to prevent falling off your wheelchair, another great accessory is a lap buddy for a wheelchair.

The main idea is to improve safety by using your lap buddy.

This is one of the hottest products among seniors, who absolutely love it.

Falling off a wheelchair is probably one of the fears that any person in a wheelchair has.

With the help of this accessory, you will impede any possible risks, which will make your ride more comfortable and pleasant.

In comparison to a seat belt, the lap buddy might be a better solution.

Lap buddy is easier to remove, so it basically facilitates entering or coming off the wheelchair.

Lap buddy is a friendly and supportive device.

Falls from a wheelchair can lead to injuries and fractures, which usually discourage any further use of a wheelchair.

What are the common causes of falls among disabled persons?

  • Vision problems
  • Side effects of medications
  • Osteoporosis
  • Environmental hazard
  • Lack of physical activity

There are few solutions to prevent a senior or disabled person’s falling off the chair.

If you are a family member who wants to help, you would like to help as much as possible.

It is important to check your family member’s vision or to review of medications he/she uses. Some medications have serious side effects or cause dizziness.

Provide the right amount of calcium and vitamin D, encourage him/her to do strengthening exercises, and purchase supportive shoes or anti-slip socks for your loved one.

If there are any environmental hazards in your house, install grab bars or handrails and take additional steps to improve your family’s safety.

6. Wheelchair Tray

Wheelchair Tray

If your wheelchair model doesn’t have a built-in tray, then you should consider purchasing one.

A wheelchair tray is a removable accessory that enables the user to sit in the kitchen or at a dining table making the eating experience more enjoyable.

If the wheelchair has open armrests, a plastic tray will fit many models.

It has an adjustable hook and straps, so it is easy to manage.

A wheelchair tray with a cut-out will bring the tray even closer to your body, so nothing will spill onto your clothes.

You don’t have to use the tray for meals only as you can put whatever you want on it such as your phone, book or other items.

Wheelchair trays have an adjustable height so you can fit them to your needs. You can write on it, play games, paint – or whatever you like.

Check: How Does an Electric Wheelchair Work?

Conclusion

To conclude – the best electric wheelchair accessories extend your wheelchair’s possibilities in many different ways.

They add safety, comfort, and are exceptionally practical if you, or your loved one, spend a lot of time in a wheelchair.

The most important thing here is to find an accessory that suits your needs, and helps you customize your power wheelchair so it provides you a more independent and quality life.

If you want to add to your safety and facilitate everyday functioning, power wheelchair accessories are designed to enhance your wheelchair experience.

The time you are spending in your chair should be safe in the first place, and effortless in the other.

We listed the hottest power wheelchair accessories, hoping that some of them will help you handle everyday activities and your job tasks.

Endless freedom is closer than ever with power wheelchair accessories.

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About Author

Dayna C
Dayna has an incredible passion for helping others and a background as an in-home caregiver for the elderly. She left the field temporarily three years ago to stay at home with her twins, but found that she really missed working with senior citizens. She launched LoAids as a way to help not just her own loved ones and former clients, but ALL seniors live life to the fullest in their golden years.  Follow her on LINKEDIN and TWITTER. Read her LATEST POSTS. Learn more about her HERE.

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