Wheelchair accessories are very important to anyone that uses a wheelchair. This goes for electric or manual. Having the right accessories can make your life a lot easier and more independent. But what are the top wheelchair Accessories? Do not worry, we are together a list of the must-have wheelchair accessories to make your life easier.
The best wheelchair accessories are the ones that fit your needs and make using your wheelchair easier and more enjoyable. When using wheelchair accessories you can find more pleasure in having to sit for longer or taking your wheelchair with you on trips or other destinations
Let’s get started…
Wheelchair Gloves
We are a big advocate of keeping your hands healthy when using a manual wheelchair. This is because that is your main form of propulsion if you are not getting pushed by someone.
Keeping your hands protected is really important and using a great pair of wheelchair gloves should be at the top of our list. Take a look at our top choice below or look at our complete list of the best wheelchair gloves to learn more.
Look for gloves that will provide comfort, breathability, and padding at the palms. Using gloves will allow for a strong grip for a longer period of time resulting in moving your wheelchair for longer, easier.
Score: 
(4.5 / 5)
Pros
- Made from 100% leather
- Double padded palm for real comfort
- Velcro straps
- Well made and look great
Cons
- May take some time to break them in
Seat Cushion
Seat cushions are that accessories that everyone should own. Sitting for too long can be uncomfortable so adding a good seat cushion to your wheelchair should be one of those things you do right away. Good seat cushions are designed to provide pressure relief for people that have to sit in a chair for longer periods of time.
Seat cushions come in a wide range of designs, materials, and technology. When choosing a seat cushion a lot will be determined on user requirements. A wheelchair cushion should provide relief, comfort, better sitting stability, and help with fatigue of sitting for a prolonged period of time.
What type of wheelchair cushions can you get?
Gel Cushions
These types of cushions will provide enhance sitting stability and positioning that will allow for pressure relief. Gel material will also help with cooking the skin and helps prevent sliding on the seat.
Air Cushions
As the name states, these types of cushions are filled with air. A benefit of these types of cushions is lightweight and most use air cells that will move with the person’s movement. If you are someone that develops or are prone to developing pressure ulcers then an air cushion may be best for you.
Foam Wheelchair Cushions
When you need the highest density foam is the way to go. They conform to the shape of the person sitting in the chair that provides real support and comfort. We like the fact that these types of cushions are low maintenance and still lightweight.
Score: 
(4.6 / 5)
Pros
- 4 layers of supportive comfort
- Liquid gel gore
- Waterproof
- Optimal size fits standard wheelchairs
Cons
- Only rated up to 275 pounds
Cup Holders
Cup holders are great for many reasons. Enjoy a cold drink while you are in your wheelchair can be done by getting a cup holder. This will allow you to keep your hands free while moving and then being able to have a cold drink whenever you want.
So what should you look for in a cup holder? Here are a few things to keep in mind before making a purchase.
Make sure the cup holder you get for your chair has a very good and secure mount. While moving in a wheelchair it may not always be smooth and bounces or moving will take place. We do not want that cup holder slipping.
Looks for a cup holder that can swing or flip out of the way when needed. Example. You move through a tight doorway and need that extra room the cup holder may be taking up.
Score: (4.5 / 5)
Pros
- UNIVERSAL Attaches easily to most wheelchairs
- For 10 to 32 oz drinks
- Swing mount, vertically or horizontally mountable
- Removable insert
Cons
- No drinks over 32 oz.
Wheelchair Armrest Covers are one of the best wheelchairs accessories
Having the proper armrest support is essential when sitting in a wheelchair, especially for a prolonged period of time. one of the biggest complaints from armrests that do not use any armrest covers could be skin irritation. So finding a good wheelchair accessory to go with your wheelchair is important.
Look at the Nova Sheepskin Fleece Armrest Covers for Wheelchairs. They are soft and comfortable and provide skin protection and irritation. They are washable as well so keeping them clean should not be an issue.
Score: 
(4.7 / 5)
Pros
- Thick sheepskin fleece
- Washable for easy cleaning
- Protects skin and provides comfort
Cons
- Check size as they may not fit on extra long wheelchair arms.
Wheelchair Tray
Finding the best wheelchair accessories make life more convenient and will help you maintain a more independent lifestyle. A wheelchair tray is one of those accessories that are versatile and worth the investment. The best wheelchair trays are easy-to-use, affordable, and make life easier.
Here are some things you should look for when purchasing a wheelchair tray.
- Easy of installation and also ease of removal
- Compatibility with your wheelchair
- Comfort
- Construction and materials
- Cost
Score: (4.5 / 5)
Pros
- Raised strip to prevent items from rolling off
- Fits most standard wheelchairs
- Clear wheelchair tray with a semi-circle cutout
Cons
- Could use more Velcro straps to secure arm
Automatic Door Opener
For people not in a wheelchair you probably never thought about what people in a wheelchair have to do when opening a door. It is not as easy as you would think for someone to have to open a door from in a chair. With that said having an automatic door opener in your home can make things much more convenient.
Door openers can really change the lives of someone with a medical issue or disability in the home.
When speaking about door openers that are automatic the most used ones automatically where the operator simply pushes a button on a remote that can be installed in your wheelchair.
Score: (4.6 / 5)
Pros
- Remote Control enabled
- Re-opens door if something is in the closing path
- USA technical support
- Comes with a hardwired handicap push switch
Cons
- Expensive
Leg Huggers / Foot-Rest
Padding on a wheelchair can be put in a few different areas. Leg hugger pads will be attached to the leg bars of the wheelchair. The main purpose is two-fold when using these types of pads. One they provide comfort and leg support for the user and two they also help keep your legs in place.
Any form of extra comfort for a low price is worth it in our opinion. You want to be as comfortable as possible in your chair.
Score: (4.6 / 5)
Pros
- Designed to fit all wheelchairs
- Secures with two quick-release straps
- Comes with a heavy duty carrying bag
- Made to last
Cons
- May cause knees to be to high when moving under a table
Wheelchair Organizer
A wheelchair organizer bag can come in really handy and is something we recommend everyone it a wheelchair should have. It’s a great tool to keep accessories like a cell phone, pens, pads, and more so these things are easy to find and easier to get to.
Products like the Wheelchair Side Pouch Bag with Cup and Phone holder below make storing items like phones, newspapers, credit cards, keys, drinks up to 30 oz much more convenient and easy.
Score: (4.7 / 5)
Pros
- Holds 30 oz drink
- Well made to hold phone, credit cards, keys, and more
- Padded organizer pouch for delicate items
Cons
- Only can be used on Full-length armrest wheelchairs
Body Harness
A body harness is a lightweight support structure for those who may need some help to maintain a more upright position while in the wheelchair.
Installing is easy and typically they are installed by a strap system in multiple areas. Better harnesses use technologies that still allow for good mobility but still help keep you upright while in the wheelchair.
You can get a body harness that will help in the following areas.
Pelvic belts:
Designed to be worn around the pelvic area to help in stabilizing and helping posture while sitting.
Chest harnesses:
When you get a chest harness it will help reduce the chances of an accident by providing very good support of your chest while in the wheelchair.
There is some good chest harness for rehabilitation use that can provide support but still allow for mobility. Most commonly will be zippered or non-zippered style.
Shoulder harnesses:
Like the chest harness, the shoulder harness will support the upper part of the torso. These are designed so you can have mobility and safety.
Score: (4.5 / 5)
Pros
- Soft Wheelchair Cushion Belt
- Helps with keeping patient secure and to not slip
- Easy install
- Well made from polyester cloth
Cons
- Buckle could be made better
Wheelchair Ramp
When you encounter stairs in a wheelchair it can be frustrating and stressful. These portable ramps are really easy to bring along and can make obstacles or paths that would otherwise be very difficult to cross easier to deal with.
Not only are these wheelchair ramps lightweight but they are strong enough to get you and your wheelchair across obstacles.
Products like the extra-wide 36″ long 800 lbs weight capacity wheelchair ramp work well.
Score: (4.6 / 5)
Pros
- Extra Wide 31 inch wide
- Built-in handle
- Anti-Slip Design
Cons
- Might be to short for some users
Final Thoughts
As you can see using the best wheelchair accessories can help make a huge difference in the comfort and safety of using a wheelchair. Not only will it make things more comfortable but it will also help with giving some independence back to the wheelchair user.
Only you would know what accessories may help you in your current day-to-day life. It may be a new gel seat pad or it could be a cup holder. Regardless of what type of accessories you need finding the right one will make things easier for you.
We hope we have shed some light on some of the more popular accessories for wheelchairs.
