"Helen Deborah Vecht"  wrote in message 
news:3130303037363935433855FC50@zetnet.co.uk...
> Colin typed
>
>
>> My wife is gradually becoming ever more limited in her ability to walk
>> and we have now decided that a wheelchair is required.  I know very
>> little about them, but our requirements would be:-
>> 1. Must fold to take in car.
>> 2. Pushing power to be me - i.e. self-propelled not required.
>
>> Can anyone please offer any advice as to what to look for and where
>> best to buy from?
>
>> TIA
>
>> Colin

Self propelled wheel-chairs are easier to push as well
>
> You wife might well be eligible for an NHS wheelchair, as others have 
> stated.
>
> I was not eligible when I bought a wheelchair two years ago, so I went
> to a local supplier. I initally looked at various chairs online having
> done a Google search.
>
> The supplier recommended a 'transit' wheelchair (small wheels, attendant
> pushed). These are are smaller and lighter BUT small wheels stall in
> tiny ruts. 'Self-propelled' chairs have big wheels but are heavy.
>
> Aluminium alloys are lighter and pricier than steel.
>
> Pneumatic tyres give a more comfortable ride than solid ones. Pumping
> tyres can be awkward due to small clearances around the valve stem. I
> have not had a wheelchair puncture yet.
>
> I was told to get a decent cushion for my chair. It seems to have fallen
> out of the Eurostar train at Lille. I have not replaced it and hardly
> miss it.
>
> I took my chair to Israel and the baggage handlers broke a plastic
> fitting in the folding mechanism on my outward flight. We bodged a
> replacement, which failed, damaging the side panel ('skirt guard') and
> repairs took 10 weeks to complete on my return.
>
> As my mobility is worsening, I have used my chair much more recently.
> London's uneven paving has loosened many screws, which I have tightened.
>
> My chair is made by Roma Medical and was supplied by the The Independent
> Living Company. I have been neither impressed nor hugely disappointed by
> these. A sort of B- 'Could do better' experience...
>
> -- 
> Helen D. Vecht: helenvecht@zetnet.co.uk
> Edgware.