Have you noticed how some of the bags that can be fitted to wheelchairs are the type that go on the backrest of the wheelchair? This is handy in many cases and you can fit a fair amount of items in them but sometimes it’s a less suitable storage space for a few reasons.

One of those reasons is that if you are out on your own, then to get to anything in the bag you have to get out of your wheelchair and walk around to the back of the wheelchair to take something out of the bag or to put something in it.

There’s also the fact that you cant keep as close an eye as you may like to on the bag behind you, you may not have anything valuable in the bag but in certain situations it wouldn’t stop a less than honest person maybe slipping a hand into your bag behind you when you’re distracted.

A storage area that may suit you more at times is to have an underseat bag attached to your wheelchair, it means that you may find it easy to reach forward and put something in the bag or remove an item because its closer for you to access, this will be dependant on any difficulties that you may have of course.

This method of storage is safe regarding weight balance as the bag is directly under the seat and you may feel more relaxed knowing that any items in the bag are directly underneath you and not out of view behind you.

An underseat bag wont affect the positioning of your legs either as these types of bags are designed to fit neatly underneath the seat and not protrude in any way so they dont affect comfort or normal use of your whelchair.

Attachments can be fitted to the front and back of some wheelchairs to prevent them from tipping, they wont be suitable for all wheelchairs and some will only fit a certain size, they usually come in a pair for either the front or the back, so two attachments if you are purchasing them for the front and another two if you’re purchasing them for the rear.

Anti-Tippers usually are not cheap but its because of the materials that they are made from and also the purpose that they serve, they need to be very strong, rigid and capable of doing what they are built for so often you can expect to pay around £150 for a pair.

Anti-Tippers not only give the user of a wheelchair reassurance but also carers, relatives and anyone around the wheelchair, knowing that it cant tip easily and allowing the user to relax properly in a position most suitable for them.

If you’re using a self propelled wheelchair you will usually need a way of protecting your hands, especially if you’re using your wheelchair a lot.

A good variety of gloves are available, made from various materials including neoprene, leather type and various waterproof canvas and rubber types for extra grip.

Prices can range from around £10 – £25 depending on what type you need and the type of materials that you prefer, some are more suited to light use while others will be better suited to regular heavy use.

Some gloves will breath better than others so if purchasing a pair to use them during the summer you may prefer a type that dont cause your hands to sweat too much.

Ideally you might purchase a pair for the summer and a pair more suited to the cooler months.

Two of the main benefits from wheelchair gloves is protection for your hands and better grip and because your hands and arms are doing more of the work it’s important to protect your hands as much as possible.

With there being a good variety available it ensures that you will find a pair thats just right for you, you can find fingerless gloves, or fingerless but with full thumb padding or full finger and thumb covering and protection.

Junior sizes are available too of some gloves so nearly everyone who wants to use wheelchair gloves can find a pair to suit them.