A manual wheelchair lift functions and activates without the need of electrical power. With just a little push and force, it is sure to operate the way you intend it to be. This means, if you really want to make your wheelchair be lifted, then you should have the muscles for it. The good thing is, you don’t need to be a body-builder to raise or roll a manual wheelchair lift. Most lifts of this kind are lightweight and could be carried anywhere, anytime and by anyone. For instance, MobiLift CX, a manual wheelchair lift of Planet Mobility, can be maneuvered by the wheelchair user all by himself as he rolls onto a platform. Someone will raise the platform for him, and voila, he is already lifted or boarded somewhere.
Some manual wheelchair lifts are also powered by vehicle batteries such as the Manual Wheelchair Lift 100. This model could cost to approximately 2000 U.S. dollars. It is good for patients who love to travel, and for those who need frequent trips for an exercise, unwinding, or therapy.
Like any other types of wheelchair lifts, the manual ones both have different pros and cons. If you are in the market for this type, you might want to consider first the benefits and, at the same time, the disadvantages that might result from buying such a model of wheelchair lift. Through this, you’d be able to provide a wheelchair-bound person both the comfort and convenience that he needs without wasting a lot of money.
Good things first
As mentioned, manual wheelchair lifts are more lightweight than the electric or hydraulic types. And because of this, they are very transportable. You can easily tag it along with you without many efforts.
They are also more affordable than other lifts. Most electric wheelchair lifts range from 1,000 to 3,000 U.S. dollars. Of course, you can opt to have an electric or hydraulic wheelchair lift rental, but it would be costly if you are going to use the lift several times.
In terms of wheelchair lifts repairs, the manual ones really do not need extensive and frequent maintenance. Most models are very durable and they can last for several years with no repairs.
The other side of the coin
On the other hand, this kind of lift has also different disadvantages. First of all, for someone who lacks the upper body strength to maneuver the machine, a manually operated wheelchair lift is not really a good option. In the long run, it might even cause further casualty to the handicapped patient for continuously exerting efforts on his upper limbs. It might, sadly, not aid him in his recovery and therapies.
Second, these lifts could also be a great hassle. They lack the complete convenience that automatic lifts offer. More often than not, a wheelchair-bound person needs someone to accompany and help him to use the lift, unlike other kinds that can be managed by a single person.
It would therefore be best if you consult your disabled family member about his preferred type of wheelchair lift. The last thing you want to happen is to injure him more― accidentally or not. After all, you are interested in wheelchair lifts because you want his vigor and health to be back to normal, or at least, improve.