All S-ERGOS™ Designed in Taiwan - The #1 Wheelchair Brand *Financing Available*

News and Articles

Discover helpful tips, articles, and news all in one place.

Wheelchair Market Overview

Market Research Future (MRFR) presumes that the wheelchair market size can make steady progress at a rate of 2.80% between 2019 and 2024 (analysis period). The latest wheelchair market statistics reveal that the value by 2024 can be USD 9,554.07 Million, indicating favorable growth prospects. We will provide COVID-19 impact analysis with the report, along with an in-depth review post the coronavirus disease outbreak.

The exploding geriatric populace and the mounting cases of disorders that require wheelchair support have pushed the market growth for wheelchairs. The constant developments in the healthcare system and the growing number of handicapped patients also benefit the wheelchair industry. The world health organization/WHO says that nearly 15% of the global population suffers from some form of disability. Disabilities are more common among the elderly population and individuals suffering from chronic disorders, which have resulted in significant growth of the wheelchair market.

Request Free Sample Copy of the report “Wheelchair Market Research Report – Global Forecast till 2024” at: https://www.marketresearchfuture.

Wheelchair Market Regional Outlook

The wheelchair market has been regionally categorized as Europe, the Americas, MEA/the Middle East and Africa and APAC/Asia Pacific. With changes in the market and as of the 4th quarter of the on going pandemic, it seems that the trend for COVID 19 will continue to increase. There is a high probability that there will be an increased transmittal when masks are not worned.

Wheelchair market and the War in Covid

 

Face Masks – FM-179  Class 1 Non-Medical Face Masks: Our 3 Layer Protective Masks Are Suitable For Healthcare And Medical Office Use. Featuring adjustable earloops and a nose wire that ensures a secure fit for all face sizes and shapes. The 3 layer design filters up to 95% of particles, is comfortable for the user to wear hours on end, and features lightweight, breathable material. The FM-179 face masks folds are adjustable and expand for full coverage from top of nose to underneath chin. These are most commonly used as the go to daily face masks and are highly comfortable.

Face Masks – FM-N95-F  The FM-N95-F folding style is an N95 5-ply foldable mask that is suitable for daily use in prevention against illness and infection. Featuring elastic earloops to adjust to the perfect individual fit, 5 layer breathable fabric, and an easy to squeeze nose clamp to safely secure the mask to face. These N95 masks are NIOSH approved and have a 95% filter efficiency level, and are effective against particulate aerosols free of oil (time use restrictions may apply).

Face Masks – FM-N95-C  The FM-N95-C Cup style particulate respirator mask is a NIOSH Certified disposable N95 mask that offers at least 95% filtration efficiency. It is effective in protection against particulate aerosols free of oil. The breathable face mask filter material provides extremely low breathing resistance and full protection to the wearer for at least 8 hours. The adjustable nosepiece is made of durable aluminum and can be shaped easily along your nose bridge to prevent leakage and eyewear fogging. The elastic ear loops ensure a tight and secure seal, and the soft inner urethane foam gives greater comfort to those who wear it throughout the day.

Since 2018, the biggest gainer in the global wheelchair market has been the Americas, and can procure a growth rate of 2.24% over the evaluation period. The regional market’s unparalleled growth can be credited to the strong presence of highly renowned vendors and the mounting cases of chronic diseases. The burgeoning pool of elderly people across the US and Canada and the high uptake of advanced wheelchairs among the expansive disabled populace also benefits the American market. The robotic wheelchairs market has been performing significantly in the region in recent years, on account of the sharp spike in the number of obese individuals who are not able to indulge in activities that require quick mobility.



This year Karman Healthcare is celebrating its 25th anniversary!

Let’s take a quick look at what this company has accomplished:

 

First established in 1994, Karman Healthcare is part of the mobility industry with over 200 different types of wheelchairs. They are the nation’s leading manufacturer in wheelchair innovation. Karman provides a full line of wheelchairs, walkers, rollators, power wheelchairs, scooters, and much more.

 

For 25 years they have been committed to finding you the perfect chair for a lifetime of use in comfort, mobility, and competitive options. Karman’s motto is “Excellence through Mobility.” Their goal is to continue to excel at bringing satisfaction to our customers through their product line of durable, stylish, and remarkably comfortable wheelchairs.

 

Karman Healthcare products go beyond mobility devices, they serve the long term care market with a total product offering that includes beds, furnishings, bathing, mobility, respiratory, dialysis chairs, patient-care, transfer, and transport equipment.

 

There are 5 core values that Karman Healthcare upholds: Customer Focus, Teamwork, Commitment, Innovation, and Excellence.

 

Customer Focus: Customers come first! Which is why Karman is committed to meet and exceed the expectations of customers both internal and external building a relationship based on trust.

Teamwork: A crucial part of the business. Through collaboration and communication Karman fosters a positive and proactive team that strives for improving results.

Commitment: Karman takes responsibility and ownership. Here, we keep to agreements and report any deviations in a timely manner in order to find swift solutions.

Innovation: Karman Healthcare continues to improve in every aspect and are open to all new ideas that can improve the business and the lives of their customers.

Excellence: They are committed to the highest level of quality and it shows in both their products and services.

Part of Karman’s strive for excellence is the way in which they provide information. On the Karman Website, we provide information for customers and all wheelchair users who may have questions about wheelchairs and mobility. Karman Healthcare understands that many wheelchair users and their loved ones may have questions and provide resources for a number of topics. You can find information about preventing falls from exercising in a wheelchair.

 

Karman Healthcare also provides college and university students with scholarships to help them reach their ultimate goals in life. This scholarship is open to students who have a disability, excelled academically, and those who have a regard for disability awareness in America.

 

For 25 years, Karman Healthcare has gone above and beyond for their customers and will continue to do so in the future. Happy anniversary Karman and here’s to another 25 years of excellence in wheelchair mobility.


Everyone experiences a difficult moment at some point in their lives. Some may learn to deal with those situations while others don’t due to lack of information. There are many ways that can help anyone overcome these negative experiences. Drastic changes may take longer for others to deal with, and some may be able to adapt.

People in wheelchairs may face an emotional experience at some point. You may be questioning why you can’t you do things that others can or why has this happened to you. It may seem like the end of the world for many, but eventually many learn to see the bright side of situations that will help them live their life to the fullest.

Wheelchair users may face with two types of drastic change, emotional and physical. These two types of changes are dealt with in different ways and may have different effects on someone. Yet, they often go hand in hand.

Negative emotional changes that may make you feel that you are experiencing the worst of life can be dealt with by first getting informed. Try to understand what it is that you are feeling. Is it anger, sadness, or jealousy? Asking this can start to help because you can begin to find acceptance and understand the best way to deal with these feelings.

As one analyzes these emotions, you become aware of the things that may have triggered your emotional state. Perhaps you may have experienced feelings of exclusion and belittlement, addressed inappropriately, or questioned by others about their abilities.

There are many different methods that may help you overcome different situations.

Writing in a journal is an extraordinary way to let emotions out in a healthy way. This method can serve as a reference when you have faced a certain situation more than once. It will help you realize that these moments are temporary. You have the ability to overcome these negative emotions.

Another method that is useful to try is talking to a trusted friend. This can help alleviate bottled up emotions and get an outside perspective that can help improve the situation.

Meditation can also be beneficial.

Or, you can distract yourself with activities that you enjoy doing.

Physical exercises such as sports or yoga can help ease your mind and your body during stressful times.

Physical changes are usually easier to overcome because there are different ways to find solutions for even the most difficult task. Finding the best ways to complete day to day tasks can give you a strong feeling of accomplishment.

The use of wheelchairs has improved millions of lives giving independence and helping create a comfortable life. There are many things one can still do and most importantly accomplish even with physical differentiation.


How long it takes you to get use to a wheelchair depends on the type of wheelchair you are using and what your prior experience with wheelchairs may be. You may have chosen a basic wheelchair or a power wheelchair. But, being a first-time wheelchair user, you may find it difficult for a couple of weeks to get used to a wheelchair. Don’t worry, it is not very tricky.

In this post, we will tell you some handy ways to get used to a new wheelchair. So, keep reading on.

 

1. Read Instruction Manual

Seems useless? But, reading an instruction manual can help you a lot before getting into a wheelchair. While reading the manual, check for all the features and functions of the chair, so that you may know everything about it from folding it to maintenance.

2. Practice it

Get into your chair for a while and check whether it is comfortable enough or not. Although the chair may have a backrest or a cushion on the seat, you can add or remove cushions and try different combinations to make sure what is more comfortable for you. This will also ensure you have a well-fitted chair which will benefit you in the long run.

3. Follow guidelines

While sitting in a wheelchair, you should follow the below-given guidelines.
Make sure the brakes are on so that wheelchair stays still while you sit.
Fold footplates to the side so you can make into the chair easily.
Sit carefully by placing your hands on the armrests and then fold back the footplates.

4. You are ready to go…

Once you are seated, you are ready to move. If you have a manual wheelchair, hold the handrails tightly and push them forward to move forward, and back to move backward. Moreover, hold the left wheel static and move the right wheel forward to turn left and do the exact opposite to move the right. Make sure you practice all this at home before going outside.

5. To get out of a wheelchair…

To get out, get close to your desired location such as a chair, make sure the brakes on and fold the footplates out. Now, place your left and right hands on the respective armrests to push yourself up. Here, you may need assistance to get out of it and move to the resting place.

While moving around on your chair outside your home, make sure to avoid glass or the tires might get punctured.

How to get used to your new wheelchair quickly?

It depends on you and the type of chair, either you are getting into it for the first time or you have replaced your old wheelchair with the new one. It also depends on the type of your illness and injury.

To get used to the wheelchair quickly, you should try the following tricks.

  • Use of cushion will make it easier for you to adjust on the wheelchair.
  • Use gloves while moving your wheelchair or your fingers may get blisters.
  • Mostly, you’ll have to use your upper body and arms to control your chair. Thus, doing a small exercise daily will help you a lot in moving and controlling your wheelchair and help prevent injury.

Final Words:

These are simple ways to get used to a wheelchair. But remember, all you need to embrace the wheels is your strong willpower.


Being in a wheelchair may seem challenging at first, but over time you will start to become adjusted to this new lifestyle. We have researched some of the best wheelchair hacks for traveling, cooking, and other everyday activities.

 

Travel:

  • Make sure you have a phone holder, a chair chargers that connects to our chair’s batteries (if chair is not electric, then consider investing in a portable charger), and a chair charger bolted onto the back of the chair.
  • Suitcases with spinner wheels, this allows you to push and pull the suitcase inby the handle at any angle.
  • Websites like seatguru can help you book your seats on flights. They have seating charts for most plane designs.
  • Bed Assist Straps can help you maneuver in and out of beds that you are not used to. It has several built in handles, like a rope handle.
  • Invest in ultralight travel ramps for long road trips. These ramps are made of carbon fiber which makes in strong but very light! Some can handle 600 pounds while only weighing in at 8 pounds.

Cooking:

  • Invest in a lap desk. They are stable and accessible preparation surfaces. You can mix in small bowls and protect yourself when moving hot objects such as pans and baking sheets. This can also help you carry things around the kitchen like a tray would.
  • Use small containers to make things easier to hold and open. Smaller containers can be more comfortable to use.
  • Zipties can be used around the refrigerator and cabinets to extend your reach if you are unable to adapt your kitchen.
  • Non Slip drawer liners will keep objects from moving or sliding around. This will lower your risk of injury when reaching for objects in hard to reach places.

 

Everyday:

  • Attach keyrings or safety pins to zippers to help you zip jackets and bags.
  • Touch lamps, which are lamps that only require a light tap or touch to turn on, off, and adjust. You can always attach strings to pull lamps but touch lamps can be useful if you have limited upper mobility while being aesthetically pleasing at the same time.
  • Incense sticks can make lighting a candle a simple task again if you have limited dexterity.
  • Plastic bags can be extremely useful for many people with physical disabilities. For instance, powerchair users can use them to protect their chair’s joystick in the rain.
  • Keep or attach a good flashlight when traveling don dark sidewalks to light your way and help lower the chance of being suddenly attacked.


In order to prevent an injury when using a wheelchair, you must be able to identify the cause of the injury in the first place. The most common injuries that arise from wheelchair use will involve the shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, and wrist. Injuries can include soft tissue, nerve damage, sprains, abrasions, and contusions. Below is a brief overview of some of the most common injuries and how to prevent them.

 

Falls:

Wheelchair falls can be caused by things such as unlocked brakes, tipping chairs, and unassisted transfers. Falls affect both power and manual wheelchair users. The best ways to prevent falls is to not overreach and be sure to choose a wheelchair that suits you the best in terms of size and capacity.

 

For more information Check Out “Preventing Injuries on a Wheelchair

 

Shoulder Injuries:

The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body. Because of this, it is also more susceptible to injury when it’s overworked. Your shoulder is the main joint used when propelling a manual wheelchair. When you injure your shoulder your mobility will be severely impaired. Overuse can cause muscle strain, rotator cuff tears, and impingement.

 

It is recommended to strengthen both external and internal rotation muscles. Exercising these muscles are relatively easy to do.

 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

40-66% of manual wheelchair users experience carpal tunnel.

This is caused by swelling in your tendons which compress the median nerve which may cause tingling, numbness, and paresthesia. Carpal Tunnel can cause pain affecting specifically your grips.

 

Wearing padded gloves can reduce the pressure put on your hands. Also, strengthening your muscles and maintaining your wheelchair equipment can help prevent or ease carpal tunnel.

You can also try icing your wrists for 20 minutes at the end of the day.

 

Blisters and Abrasions:

Affecting about 18% of wheelchair users, blisters and abrasions can lead to serious discomfort. Blisters can be caused by your skin rubbing against a surface and can have a burning sensation. Abrasions, on the other hand, are caused by the skin scraping a rough surface.

 

Blisters can be prevented by selecting a chair with material that won’t cause chaffing. Also, applying talcum powder or petroleum jelly can protect your skin from too much friction. Be sure to also wear proper fitting clothing. Gloves and using wheel guard covers can help prevent blisters and abrasions on your hands.


Like any other equipment, wheelchairs require maintenance for many reasons. Proper maintenance will help increase the lifespan of a wheelchair and prevent it from breaking down. The greatest benefit of a routine maintenance on a wheelchair is the chair’s performance. With proper functioning parts, it will decrease drag on the wheelchair and propelled with ease. The distance, amount of time, and effort used on their wheelchair can improve because of the usual strength required to push themselves around wouldn’t increase. Mobility can also increase while decreasing the negative impact that such movements can cause the body in the long run such as wear and tear of the muscles.

Safety is among the top reasons a wheelchair should receive routine maintenance. It can help avoid incidents like stuck, popped, or ripped wheels ripped seat, falls, and brake failures. Though one is likely to experience a failure when using a wheelchair any time, new users are among the highest at risk of experiencing a failure due to inexperience.

Wheel Maintenance

To prevent any wheel failures, then the wheels must be inspected at least once a week to ensure they are filled with the required air pressure or aren’t punctured. This will increase the wheels ability to roll freely with minimal resistance as possible. Inspections will lower the chances of getting a flat tire. This can be dangerous and time-consuming especially without assistance. Just like any vehicle wheels, the traction of the wheel’s threads can wear out and should be changed when half of the tread depth is used up to maximize, mobility and traction.

If your wheelchair uses solid wheels it must be inspected for any rips around the wheels to ensure the wheel is perfectly on the ground preventing slipping or getting stuck. Attachment to the rim is important to notice as well to prevent the rubber from detaching from the rim. If your wheelchair contains spoke wheels it is important to pluck them to help determine if they are loose or broken.

Sealed bearings are used in some wheelchairs, however, hair or strands of any sort can get into them causing the wheels to jam. Weekly cleaned wheels run more effectively bring great benefits to the user physically and health-wise. On some wheelchairs, it is important to check the axles and make sure they are cleaned every two wheels.

Your seating might not be seen as important like inspecting the wheels occasionally but it does make a difference. The seat must not be torn or worn out because it can lead to bad posture. Stretched out upholstery can cause discomfort in the long run and back pain. A simply inspections should be done once every two weeks by making sure seating material is not loose or torn up and if so replacing it immediately.

To learn more ways to maintain your wheelchair check out our tips below:
https://www.karmanhealthcare.com/blog/2013/11/07/maintain-manual-wheelchair/


Wheelchairs are built with the highest technology possible to help facilitate the lives of people with the incapacity to walk. Due to the high level of technology, resources, and building capacity prices are set higher than manual wheelchairs. Many people do not understand the processes of how a wheelchair is built and what the testing process consists of.

There is so much research dedicated to developing wheelchairs for different needs so that each wheelchair can improve the user’s life. Certain designs help improve mobility specifically in outdoor environments while others focus on compatibility to allow users to travel even with tight space. Other focuses of designs are like ensuring that they are lightweight yet remain study to ensure long use periods. Most common wheelchairs manufacture focus in providing comfort for the users who at times spend many hours on a chair.

With the ability to only produce and sell an average of 20,000 a year, this doesn’t allow for lowered prices. In addition, your doctor had to apply exceptional customer service so that he can get the best equipment. This can help improve conditions or prevent new ones from occurring.

Users get the wheelchairs delivered to them where it is tested to make sure that option saw the best for him. When delivered they have to install the wheelchair for the user and can ensure they are simply read to use a board.

They have to test all the wheelchairs to ensure that there is no default within the wheelchair. Some tests that are included in order for the wheelchairs to be approved by the FDA are cycle testing of the wheels to test for durability, drop test so test impact and structural design. Finally, another test includes the electrical aspect of it to ensure the life of a wheelchair meets their minimum in order to get approves.

These reasons will help the reader identify on a personal level why electric wheelchair may be higher priced in comparison to the manual wheelchairs. There are many barriers the electric wheelchairs must fight against which cost money. Designers, specialist, and certification cost plenty of money causing electric chairs prices to rise and remain at a specific level.

So You Want to Keep Your Wheelchair in the Best Shape Possible…

Maintaining your manual wheelchair can be easy if you have some information on how to keep your wheelchair in top shape. This article includes pointers on how to maintain your wheelchair when you receive it, how to maintain it on a daily basis, a weekly checklist, and monthly list, and also a list of things to keep in mind on yearly basis regarding your manual wheelchair.

When You Receive Your Wheelchair You Should…

  • Store your owner’s manual in a safe place for future reference.
  • Use a car wax on the chair frame to make future cleaning easier. Store tools in a pouch, bag or container on your chair for use in a maintenance emergency.
  • Purchase a tube of “touch-up” paint to cover scratches and chipped paint.
  • Learn how to change your tires.
  • Purchase a tire “patch” kit and carry it with you.
  • Purchase a hand-pump to inflate tires and carry it with you.
  • Learn how to change your tires.
[hr]

On a Daily Basis You should…

  • Wipe chair down with clean damp rag.
  • Lift the footplates up before getting in or out of the chair.
  • Keep loose objects or lap cover away from the wheel spokes.
  • It’s a good practice to always lock the brakes before getting in and out of the wheelchairs
[hr]

Every Week You Should…

  • Inspect wheels to ensure spokes from the axle to the rim are intact, and that rims are not bent.
  • Inspect front casters for wobbling, excessive play and alignment.
  • Clean axle housings of any debris.
  • Check tire pressure.
  • Check that wheel locks/brakes are secured tightly to the frame and are easily activated.
[hr]

On a Monthly Basis You Should…

  • After a thorough cleaning, use a car wax on the frame to make the next cleaning easier.
  • Check for loose nuts and bolts.
  • Check your wheel alignment.
  • Check for easy release and replacement of removable legrests, footrests, armrests and backrests.
  • Inspect chair frame for cracks.
  • Check that quick-release axles remove quickly.
[hr]

Every Year You Should…

  • Check that folding chairs open and fold easily. Lubricate folding mechanism.
  • Lubricate all pivot points.
  • Lubricate ball bearings.

Traveling by wheelchair can strike a nerve if you do not plan ahead, do research, or think about possible setbacks and delays because of handicap restrictions. For instance, not every hotel or motel has wheelchair accessibility, which may pose problems if traveling alone. Be sure to ask about wheelchair accessibility while making hotel reservations.

Those with mobile challenges rely on wheelchair assistance wherever they travel, which includes airline services, boating or cruise accommodations, and other transportation mediums, such as taxis, buses, shuttles, and amusement park rides. Consider inquiring with these services about possible airlift assistance, elevators, and ramps. Additionally, inquire with these services about medicinal and special equipment restrictions, such as designated areas for defibrillators and oxygen tanks. Finding out this information ahead of time can really save you time and money.

Wheelchair Maintenance and Repair While Traveling

If you’re traveling alone in a wheelchair, then make sure you have a maintenance or repair service verify that wheelchair is in good working conditions before leaving. The extra effort will eliminate setbacks and delays over broken or repairable parts that will need servicing at the destination upon arrival. Hiring a maintenance or repair service team will save you time and minimize stress while on your trip.

Exercise precaution by placing your name and address onto each of the detachable parts before leaving home. Only display your name when traveling overseas.

Also, bring a travel size repair kit containing all of the necessary tools and materials needed to change a pneumatic tire. Pneumatic tire repair kits can be found at any major retail chain stores in the bicycle section. Remember that not all international repair shops are identical to the service you’re used to receiving at home, so make every effort to reduce potential problems by acting now.

Tips for Sea Travel

Cruise operations usually incorporate ferry services to transport passengers to shore from a ship anchored out at sea. These ferry services are not always equipped with lifts or ramps to help the handicap lower their wheelchairs onto the carrier. Ask personnel for assistance in locating any wheelchair accommodations in order to board the ferry and deport for the shore.

Depending on the weather, sea, tidal conditions, or technical difficulties, certain restrictions may be in place that limit certain passengers from leaving the cruise tender. Generally, the crew will guide you to a gangway or use a creepy crawler, a mechanical device designed to “walk” your wheelchair down a flight of stairs, to help the mobile challenged find their way to the shore.

Handicap persons will need to transfer to a lightweight, manual wheelchair if originally in an electric wheelchair or scooter in order to allow the crew to successfully move the equipment onto shore. Be sure to alert the crew of any medicinal or special equipment that also needs to be moved alongside your wheelchair or scooter.

Tips for Air Travel

Most people believe that airliners accommodate to wheelchair travelers; however, some airline services have neglected taking the extra effort to assure that these services are implemented to minimize potential injuries for those confined to a mobile device. In fact, any airline can pose potential problems for wheelchair travelers, depending on the time and day that the flight departed for its destination.

Furthermore, the quality of wheelchair assistance relies heavily on the airline staff and airport crew that unloads your equipment and luggage. Confirm your airline flights with your carrier within 24-48 hours of your departure. Flight times, numbers, and seating arrangements can change on a whim. Notify the airline service team about your disability. Also mention the kind of wheelchair you have, and other equipment that will need to be transported upon arrival. Request for a “gate check” in order to load your wheelchair directly to the plane’s fuselage. Be sure to remove all leg supports and seat cushions before giving your wheelchair to the airline staff. Carry these items with you onto the airliner. Use special bags to store delicate items in between transitions.

Comprehensive List of Resources for Tips on Traveling with Your Wheelchair:

  1. Traveling With Your Wheelchair or Scooter
  2. Flying Tips for Wheelchair Users
  3. How to Travel By Air with a Wheelchair
  4. Air Travel Tips for Wheelchair or Scooter Users
  5. The Disabled Wheelchair Traveller – Holiday Tips
  6. Traveling with Your Wheelchair
  7. Traveling with a Disability or Medical Condition[PDF]
  8. Tips for Disabled Travelers[PDF]
  9. TSA: Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions
  10. 5 Tips for Traveling with a Disability
  11. Community Living: Traveling with Wheelchairs
  12. Passengers with Disabilities
  13. Traveling With A Service Dog

Leave a Reply