Lifestand Helium LST – Standing Wheelchair

Wheelchair Description:
A blue rigid frame that looks like a manual chair, only with a powered battery that enables the chair to recline up to 90 degrees backwards. Alternatively, it can go into a standing position by keeping your knees locked in place and using various straps and/or harnesses to ensure there’s no chance of slipping or falling forward.

Battery Life:
Unknown

Source of Wheelchair:
NHS Rehabilitation Services

Diagnosis:
Transverse Myelitis C5

Personal Opinion:
One of the biggest benefits to using this chair is the reduction in muscle stiffness, pressure sores and pain due to the fact you can change positions so easily. Being in an upright position is also good for bone density, digestion and circulation. I love being able to reach for things high up without assistance, as well as being eye to eye level with family and friends; making it good for your physical AND mental health.

It can also be used as a regular manual wheelchair, only now you can decide when to stand or recline without having to rely on assistance from others and transfer between equipment. It is also surprisingly small in width (it is no wider than my other manual chair), yet very bulky – making it difficult to use/turn in small areas. as a tetra, I would also struggle to push around outside on different surfaces. It is also a really expensive piece of equipment if you cannot get it funded. I’ve not yet attempted to dismantle to see if it could be transported easily, just it in case I can’t put it back together.

Being a tetraplegic I find the control to power the rise and recline very easy to use. Although it’s worth noting that once in a standing position, you cannot be moved in the chair as there are two locks down anchoring you safely to the ground. But the bar that locks your knees in can be removed and the footplates can be lifted up. Overall, it’s great for active chair users and can be modified depending on your level of injury. Available in various colours and is quick/easy to charge.