New Wheelchair User? Ten Products You Must Know About
Key Takeaways
| Product | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| T-Pull Door Closer | Wheelchair-accessible handle for easier door control | Door closer for wheelchair users |
| Trabasack Lap Desk Bags | Versatile lap desk/ wheelchair tray and bag for wheelchair users – the original, designed by a wheelchair user | Wheelchair tray and bag |
| Wheelchair Gloves | High-grip, protective gloves for wheelchair propulsion | Wheelchair gloves guide |
| Wheelchair Push Rims | Designed for comfort and improved grip | High quality wheelchair pushrims |
| Wheelchair Wheelcovers – Slippers | Protective and stylish covers for wheelchair tyres | Keep indoors clean with wheelchair covers |
| Reacher Grabber | Assistive tool for enhanced reach | Reach into cupboards and pick up dropped items |
| Ablestrap | Leg strap for wheelchair users to improve posture | Keep your feet in the right place! |
| Adaptive Clothing | Practical, stylish adaptive wear for wheelchair users | Find out what is available to make dressing smart, easier |
| Buckingham Glideboard | Transfer board for safer movement | The lastest and best innovative transfer board |
| Optivus Bag | Purpose designed bag and rucksack for wheelchair use with loads of extra features | The best wheelchair storage bag |
When you’re new to using a wheelchair, it can take time to adjust. There’s a whole range of products you may have never seen before that are designed to make your life easier, make you more independent, and boost your comfort. Whether you’re moving around at home, heading out on the go, or just getting on with daily jobs, here’s a list of must-have items for new wheelchair users.
T-Pull Door Closer
The T-Pull Door Closer is for that awkward problem of not being able to close a door behind you, something that you never thought about before. This door closer features a T bar head that allows easy closing of doors with minimal force, whether you’re using it indoors or outside. It’s incredibly durable, making it ideal for long-term use, and it can help eliminate the frustration of pulling doors at awkward angles while using your chair.
Find out more about the T-Pull Door Closer.
Trabasack Range of Lap Desk Bags
Wheelchair users often find they can’t get under a chair or desk or simply cannot move through tight spaces to get to a table. This is where the Trabasack Lap Desk Bags step in. These innovative products combine storage with a non-slip lap tray, ideal for work, eating, or any task where you need a stable surface. The Trabasack range offers a variety of sizes and styles, from the Curve Connect (brilliant for gaming!) to the Mini Wheelchair Lap Tray, (A neat A4 sized bag that’s also a handy tray) ensuring there’s something to suit everyone. They’re lightweight, easy to attach to your chair, and come with accessories like Velcro strips to keep everything in place.
Browse the range on trabasack.com for more options, or go straight to the Curve Connect or the Mini Wheelchair Lap Tray to buy now.
Wheelchair Gloves
Pushing a wheelchair can take its toll on your hands, which is why investing in a good pair of wheelchair gloves is essential. These gloves provide extra grip, protect your hands, and are available in full-finger and half-finger styles. . Whether you need gloves for everyday use or more rugged outdoor activities, you’ll find a variety of options, including gel palm gloves for shock absorption and ultra-grip gloves for maximum control. Find out how wheelchair gloves differ here.
Wheelchair Push Rims
If your push rims are the metal rims around manual chairs to help you grab hold and push. They can be cold or slippery and can be improved by adding pushrim covers. If you struggle with grip, investing in wheelchair push rim covers can make a world of difference. The Groovy Push Rim Covers are designed specifically for people with limited hand function, such as tetraplegics. They provide excellent grip and control, making pushing your wheelchair easier and less tiring. Alternatively, the Ultra Grip Push Rim Covers offer a sleek, textured surface that prevents slippage, even in wet conditions.
Wheelchair Wheelcovers – Slippers
Wheelchair wheelcovers, or wheelchair slippers, are a smart accessory for indoor use. They slip over your wheels to keep your floors clean and free from tyre marks, while also protecting your wheels from dirt and damage. These are ideal for use in homes with delicate flooring or carpeting. The Wheelchair Slippers are easy to fit and remove, making them a convenient solution for anyone who frequently moves between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Read our guide to wheelcoverings available for easy wheel protection.
Reacher Grabber
♿️💪 #ReacherGrabberAid #WheelchairLife #IndependentLiving #Accessibility #GrabItLikeAGuru #NoLimits #DisabledAndProud ♬ Benny Hill Theme – TV Themes
Every wheelchair user knows that reaching for items on high shelves or low down can be difficult. A reacher grabber is an essential tool to have. The Arthri-Grip Pro offers excellent grip for those with limited dexterity and comes in a range of lengths to suit different needs. Another great option is the Classic Pro Folding Reacher, which can fold away neatly when not in use. These tools are lightweight, making them perfect for daily use both inside and outside the home.
Ablestrap
Keeping your posture stable while in a wheelchair is crucial for both comfort and health. The Ablestrap is a simple yet effective product that provides additional support or can even strap your legs in place for sports or during transfers. It’s perfect for those who may experience involuntary leg movement or those who need extra support for proper posture throughout the day. Made from durable, wipe clean materials, it ensures both comfort and security.
Explore the Ablestrap leg strap for wheelchairs here.
Adaptive Clothing
Comfort and ease of dressing are important for wheelchair users, and adaptive clothing is designed specifically to make that easier. From fleece wheelchair covers to adaptive joggers, this type of clothing is created to accommodate physical needs without sacrificing style. For example, the Seenin Total Fleece Wheelchair Cover is an excellent option for colder days, providing warmth and comfort without the hassle of blankets that can get caught in wheelchair wheels. On the other hand, the Bealies Wheelchair Joggers are made with an elastic waistband , zipped extras for easy changes and extra material for seated comfort, ensuring they’re practical yet stylish.
We have a full range here.
Buckingham Glideboard
If you need assistance transferring from one surface to another, the Buckingham Glideboard is the latest technological upgrade. This transfer board is designed to offer a safe, easy way to move between your wheelchair and a bed, car seat, or other surfaces. It’s ideal for anyone with limited mobility who finds transfers challenging. The Glideboard’s smooth surface reduces friction, making the movement safer and more controlled, while its robust design ensures durability.
Optivus Rucksack Wheelchair Storage Bag
Wheelchair users often need accessible, easy-to-reach storage solutions, and the Optivus Bag provides just that. This bag is specifically designed for wheelchair users, with multiple compartments and a design that ensures you can easily access your belongings. Whether you’re carrying your phone, medication, or snacks, the Optivus Bag attaches seamlessly to your wheelchair, keeping everything within arm’s reach without getting in the way.
Learn more about the Optivus Bag and how it can improve your everyday storage needs.
These products are just a few examples of the wide range of innovative solutions available to new wheelchair users. By incorporating the right tools and accessories into your daily routine, you can increase your independence, improve comfort, and make everyday tasks more manageable.
About the Author: Duncan Edwards
Adjusting to life as a new wheelchair user can be overwhelming—I know this from experience, supporting family members and friends through the transition. From navigating hospital appointments to setting up home adaptations and sourcing the best assistive products, I’ve spent years researching and testing solutions that truly make a difference. As part of my work with Disability Horizons and the Disability Horizons Shop, I’ve helped countless disabled people find practical, stylish, and innovative products to improve daily life. My goal is always to share trusted, real-world advice to help others live more independently and comfortably.