6 replies to this topic

[Lucydog]

I need to change the camber bar on my chair. The reason for this is that Penrith is hell for wheelchair users as the pavement crossfall is too steep. I really dont feel safe at times , so I want to maximise my own camber to increase stability before I topple over! Now my chair is an RGK Performance model and RGK want about £100 for a new bar. So is there anywhere else I can get one cheaper from, does one size fit all or must I use only RGK parts? Is there an angle anyone would reccommend for better safety?

Cheers

L

[kanga2433]

I doubt if you would manage anything other than buy an RGK part for an RGK wheelchair and I think I would ask them about camber too as the company is run by 2 wheelcahir users.

A another thought, have you considered the goverment's 'back to work scheme' which helps out with aids etc to get people back to work? I have heard of various people who have maanged to get whole wheelcahirs out of the scheme. Now you were mentioning a folding chair a while ago so perhaps you could ask about such a chair.

[Lucydog]

Yep Im still looking for a decent folding chair but havent seen anything I really like. Thanks for the suggestion about the back to work scheme, Ill have a look at it, you never know.

thanks
L

[Lee]

I dont know who or where you go for your chair bits but my friend uses a guy called Stewart Skedge. He is the guy who used to supply the bloke who fitted the controls to my cars. His number is 01661833051. He is based in the North East also.

Cheers Lee

[kanga2433]

Lucy,

Have you had a look at the Quickie Revolution chair? I saw a comment a while back about the casters being a bit far out and this the chair being less easy to manoever but I haven't managed to see one myself.

[russ1]

Lucy

You'll definately have to get the RGK one - £100 sounds pretty reasonable in wheelchair cost terms

Access to work will definately throw stuff like adaptions and chairs at you if you apply - I've had a car conversion and one and a half wheelchairs out of them so far (about £7k). It's the one govt dept thats a dream to deal with. It's amazing what you can get if they think they can turn a benefit claimant into a tax payer

As I said before get as much camber as you can afford for width - find the narrowest door you regularly use - contact RGK and ask what the max camber you can have while still being able to get thro the door and they'll tell you how much camber you want - more than 6deg will look a bit strange on an everyday chair tho'

You can probably convince Access to Work that you need a entirely new Titanium chair with an adjustable camber bar though - I'd go down that route - all your issues sorted in one go - If you're using your chair outside a lot you'd be best advised to steer clear of folding chairs.

[Lucydog]

Thanks for all the advice here. I will definatly try Access to work as if you dont ask you dont get. But Im pleased to say that my employer has offered to pay the full cost of any modifications I might need, so I really cant say fairer than that. Not sure if I can get a new chair out of them though!
Thanks a lot

L