Practical Mobility Equipment for Everyday Life

Choosing a wheelchair or walking aid involves more than comparing prices, sizes, weight and features. The equipment should suit the person using it, their daily activities and the environment in which it will be used.

At Tong Hai Medical, we supply a range of wheelchairs, walking aids and rehabilitation equipment for customers and caregivers in Singapore.

Our retail store and Experience Studio are located in Ang Mo Kio, where customers can explore selected mobility equipment and compare practical features before making a decision.

Looking for a wheelchair or walking aid?

Share your requirements, preferred features or product details with our team. We can assist with product information, dimensions, availability and arrangements for viewing selected equipment.

Types of Wheelchairs

Self-Propelled Manual Wheelchairs

Self-propelled wheelchairs generally have large rear wheels with hand rims, allowing suitable users to move the wheelchair using their arms.

They may be appropriate for individuals who have sufficient upper-body strength, coordination and endurance to operate the chair safely.

Caregiver assistance may still be needed depending on the environment and the user's abilities.

Transit Wheelchairs and Caregiver Pushchairs

Transit wheelchairs, sometimes called pushchairs or transport wheelchairs, usually have smaller rear wheels and are designed to be pushed by another person.

They may be practical for accompanied outings, medical appointments and situations where a caregiver is responsible for moving the wheelchair.

Unlike a typical self-propelled wheelchair, these models generally do not allow the occupant to propel the chair independently.

Lightweight and Foldable Wheelchairs

Lightweight and foldable designs may make storage and transport more manageable, particularly when the wheelchair needs to be placed into a car or taxi.

However, wheelchair weight should not be considered in isolation. Seat dimensions, structural strength, stability, comfort and caregiver handling are equally important.

When comparing models, check the actual weight of the chair, whether components can be removed, and the dimensions when folded.

Specialised Wheelchairs

Some users may require additional features such as adjustable positioning, supportive seating, specialised cushions or higher weight capacity.

These requirements should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional, such as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist.

Please contact our team to enquire about available product types and specifications. Not every specialised configuration is available for immediate viewing or supply.

What to Consider Before Buying a Wheelchair

1. Who Will Move the Wheelchair?

Consider whether the user will propel the wheelchair independently or rely on a caregiver.

A caregiver-operated chair may be practical when regular assistance is available, while a self-propelled design may better support suitable users who wish to move independently.

The choice should account for the person's strength, coordination, endurance and clinical needs.

2. Seat Width and Seating Comfort

The wheelchair seat should provide suitable support without being excessively narrow or wide.

A seat that is too narrow may cause discomfort or pressure, while one that is too wide can make positioning and self-propulsion more difficult.

Seat depth, back support, footrest adjustment and cushion requirements should also be considered.

Users with significant postural difficulties, reduced sensation, pressure injury risk or prolonged sitting requirements should seek professional seating assessment.

3. Wheelchair Weight and Folding

If the wheelchair will frequently be lifted into a vehicle, consider whether the person responsible for transporting it can manage its weight safely.

Some wheelchairs have detachable footrests or other removable components. Check the manufacturer's instructions before folding, lifting or removing parts.

The lightest wheelchair is not automatically the most suitable wheelchair.

4. Home Doorways, Lifts and Corridors

Before purchasing, measure the narrowest areas the wheelchair needs to pass through.

These may include bedroom doors, bathroom entrances, HDB corridors, lift entrances and the available turning space inside the home.

Check the wheelchair's overall width, not just its seat width.

Allow sufficient clearance for safe movement and turning. Avoid assuming that a wheelchair will fit based only on standard building dimensions.

5. Transfers Between the Bed, Chair and Toilet

Consider how the person will transfer into and out of the wheelchair.

Armrest design, footrest positioning, brake accessibility and seat height may affect how a transfer is performed.

Removable or swing-away components can be helpful for some transfer arrangements, but their suitability depends on the user's needs and the wheelchair's design.

If transfers are difficult or unsafe, seek guidance from a physiotherapist or occupational therapist before choosing equipment.

6. Wheelchair Brakes and Maintenance

Check that brakes, tyres, wheels, fasteners and folding mechanisms are in suitable working condition.

Wheelchair parking brakes should be used according to the manufacturer's instructions, particularly when the chair is stationary for transfers.

Parking brakes should not be assumed to function as brakes for controlling a moving wheelchair unless the manufacturer specifically designed them for that purpose.

Types of Walking Aids

Walking Sticks and Quad Sticks

Walking sticks may provide additional support for individuals with suitable balance and walking abilities.

Quad sticks have multiple contact points on the ground and may provide a broader base of support.

The appropriate walking aid and height adjustment should follow professional advice, especially for people recovering from illness, injury or surgery.

Walking Frames

Walking frames provide a wider base of support and are available in different designs.

Some require the user to lift the frame between steps, while other models include wheels.

The selection depends on the person's balance, strength, coordination and ability to use the equipment safely.

Rollators

Rollators are wheeled walking aids, commonly available in three-wheel or four-wheel designs.

Depending on the model, they may include hand brakes, storage compartments or a seat.

Unlike a standard walking frame, a rollator moves on wheels and may not provide the same type of support. Brake operation and safe handling are important.

Not every rollator seat is suitable for every user. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and never use a rollator to transport a seated person unless the specific product is designed and approved for that purpose.

Wheelchair or Walking Aid: Which Is More Appropriate?

A wheelchair and a walking aid serve different purposes.

Walking aids are intended to assist suitable users who can walk with support. Wheelchairs provide seated mobility when walking is limited, difficult or unsuitable for the intended activity.

Some individuals use both, depending on the distance, environment and their abilities.

For someone experiencing repeated falls, significant weakness, difficulty standing or changing mobility needs, a healthcare professional should assess the most appropriate equipment.

Visiting Our Experience Studio in Ang Mo Kio

Reading product specifications online is useful, but some practical details are easier to understand when viewing the equipment in person.

At Tong Hai Medical's Experience Studio, customers can explore selected rehabilitation equipment and compare practical features.

When viewing a wheelchair, consider:

• Seat width, depth and seating comfort
• Overall dimensions and turning space
• Folding mechanism and storage requirements
• Weight and ease of lifting
• Footrest and armrest features
• Wheel design and brake accessibility
• Suitability for the intended environment

If the equipment is intended for a family member, involving the user in the selection process where practical can help identify comfort and handling concerns.

Our team can explain product features and specifications. Clinical assessment, therapeutic recommendations and specialised fitting should be provided by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Please contact us before visiting if you wish to view a particular model, as display availability may vary.

Buying Mobility Equipment for Home Use

When enquiring about a wheelchair or walking aid, it is helpful to prepare:

1. Type of equipment required, if known
2. Whether the person walks, self-propels or needs caregiver assistance
3. Approximate user height and weight
4. Relevant doorway or storage measurements
5. Preferred features or existing equipment details
6. Any recommendations from a doctor or therapist

For a specific product, you may send the brand, model or reference number through WhatsApp.

Availability, pricing, delivery arrangements and suitability of individual models should be confirmed before purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy wheelchairs in Singapore?

Tong Hai Medical supplies wheelchairs and mobility equipment through our retail store and Experience Studio in Ang Mo Kio, Singapore. Contact us to check available models, dimensions and viewing arrangements.

What is the difference between a transit wheelchair and a self-propelled wheelchair?

A transit wheelchair is generally designed for caregiver pushing, while a self-propelled wheelchair has larger rear wheels with hand rims that allow suitable users to move independently.

Will a wheelchair fit through my HDB doorway?

It depends on the wheelchair's overall width and the actual clear width of the doorway. Measure the narrowest relevant entrances, including any door that cannot open fully.

Is a lightweight wheelchair always better?

No. A lighter chair may be easier to lift and transport, but seating support, dimensions, stability, weight capacity and intended use are equally important.

Should I choose a walking frame or rollator?

The correct choice depends on balance, strength, walking ability and the environment. A rollator has wheels and requires appropriate control, while a walking frame may offer a different level of support. A physiotherapist can help assess the most suitable type.

Can I try a wheelchair before buying?

Customers can visit Tong Hai Medical's Experience Studio to view selected models and compare practical features. Contact our team beforehand to confirm which products are available for viewing.

Are subsidies available for wheelchairs and walking aids in Singapore?

Eligible individuals may receive support for selected assistive devices through Singapore assistance schemes such as the Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF). Eligibility, approved products and application procedures depend on the relevant scheme. Contact the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) or your healthcare professional for guidance. Do not assume that an independently purchased item will qualify for reimbursement.

Visit or Contact Tong Hai Medical

Tong Hai Medical – Retail Store & Experience Studio

625 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 9
#01-96 / #01-98
Singapore 560625

Monday to Friday: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed

WhatsApp: +65 9027 7888
Telephone: +65 6453 7075

Please contact us to enquire about a particular wheelchair or walking aid before visiting.

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Healthcare information notice: This page provides general product information only and does not replace professional mobility assessment, rehabilitation advice or individual equipment fitting. Consult an occupational therapist, physiotherapist or treating healthcare professional where appropriate.