Choosing the right ultralight wheelchair for your needs is a crucial step towards improving your mobility and independence.
It is not just a mobility aid, but a true extension of your body that must perfectly adapt to your lifestyle. To make the right choice, there are several key factors to consider, such as weight, type of use, your specific condition, and more.
That is why we decided to write this quick guide to help you navigate materials, frames, and configurations, discovering how the Aria Wheels range can meet each of these needs.
1. Evaluate your needs and physical condition
The starting point is you. It is essential to evaluate the user's height, weight, and mobility level.
Another aspect to consider is whether the need is temporary or permanent; furthermore, it is important to consider if your situation might evolve over time.
In this case, the best choice is to opt for an adjustable wheelchair that allows you to change the setup over time. For those with active mobility and the ability to propel themselves, self-propelled wheelchairs (like the entire Aria rigid frame line) are perfect for active, dynamic individuals or those who play sports.
The Aria Solutions:
Entry-level users: If this is your first experience and your needs might change, multi-adjustable models like AGILE and 2.0 are the ideal starting point.
Experienced users: If you have gained experience in a wheelchair, it means you know exactly what you are looking for. In this case, you need a "tailored suit." A welded wheelchair can be the ideal solution, guaranteeing excellent performance combined with a lightweight design. Within the Aria range, we have two welded models: Speciale and 1.0.
Pediatric users: If the user is a growing child, the KID model is specifically designed to grow along with them.
2. Materials and Weight: The importance of Lightness
The first thing to know is that an "ultralight wheelchair" refers to a wheelchair with a transport weight of less than 15 kg. All Aria Wheels wheelchairs fall well within this segment.
To guarantee the maximum in terms of lightness, performance, and reliability, at Aria we use two main materials for our frames: magnesium alloy and aerospace aluminium.
Magnesium Alloy: It is our signature "recipe." Being one of the lightest metals available (weighing 33% less than aluminium at the same section), it allows us to drastically reduce the frame's weight. Furthermore, it has natural elastic properties that absorb vibrations, providing high comfort and sporty performance.
Aluminium Alloy: We use this material because it offers different structural rigidity and greater dimensional possibilities. It is the perfect solution for creating extremely solid, durable, and highly adjustable frames. Thanks to the combination of these materials, the transport weight of our wheelchairs generally varies between 6 and 8 kg, dropping down to about 4 kg for ultralight models.
The Aria Solution:
If you are looking for the perfect compromise between solidity and customization, our aluminium frames (AGILE, 2.0, and 1.0) are the ideal base. If the goal is to challenge the limits of weight, magnesium offers record-breaking solutions: the ULTRA is the lightest multi-adjustable wheelchair on the market (4.9 kg), while the SPECIALE drops to just 3.9 kg.
3. Comfort and postural ergonomics
Seating comfort is crucial.
A correct posture distributes weight better, reducing pressure and preventing sliding forward. We offer the option to mount a rigid carbon fiber seat on all our rigid wheelchairs (included as standard on the 2.0 and Ultra models) to guarantee greater efficiency and the best performance of the postural cushion.
But ergonomics don't stop at the seat: trunk support is just as fundamental.
For this reason, we developed the FitBack line of postural backrests. FitBack backrests combine essential lines and lightweight materials (carbon fiber or aluminium shells) with high-density foam padding and breathable covers.
Flexy (Carbon): Ideal for an active lifestyle, offering minimal support for maximum freedom of movement.
Halo (Aluminium): Perfectly adapts to the back, available in Active (for trunk flexion) or Deep (for greater stabilization).
Aero (Carbon): Guarantees optimal spinal curvature for maximum stabilization without sacrificing lightness.
Buddy (Aluminium): Specifically designed for pediatric use, accompanying the child through growth.
The Aria Solution: You can configure your wheelchair by choosing the postural system that suits you best. For experienced users who prioritize an integrated system, the new 1.0 includes a postural backrest and an ergonomic seat. For all other models, the combination of carbon seats and FitBack backrests offers total customization.
4. Adjustability vs. Welded Frame
The ability to customise a wheelchair is a huge advantage.
Being able to adapt parameters, such as seat heights and depth, gives you a product that adapts and evolves according to your needs. However, more experienced users often prefer custom-welded frames to avoid energy dispersion and to have the lightest possible mobility aid.
The Aria Solutions:
Adjustable wheelchairs: If you are looking for maximum versatility, the most suitable solutions are AGILE, 2.0, ULTRA, and KID (for children), as they allow for adjustments over time.
Welded wheelchairs: If pure performance is a fundamental requirement and you know your exact measurements, you will find maximum responsiveness and lightness in the welded frames of the SPECIALE and 1.0.
5. Ease of Transport: rigid or folding?
A final aspect to consider is the "portability" of the wheelchair.
A rigid frame wheelchair is certainly the ideal solution for those seeking responsiveness, lightness, and independence in their daily commute. On the other hand, for those who need assistance or who make frequent car transfers, a folding model might be the most suitable solution. It allows the wheelchair to be folded away to fit in a trunk or in any situation where saving space is essential.
The Aria Solution: For those who travel or need extreme compactness, we developed the PLIXA. This wheelchair is our first folding model, offering a smooth and simple folding system while fully maintaining the "look and feel" and performance of a rigid frame wheelchair.
Conclusion
In summary, an ultralight wheelchair offers greater autonomy, maneuverability, and ease of transport, significantly improving your daily quality of life.
But there is no such thing as an absolutely perfect wheelchair; there is only the perfect wheelchair for you!