When you start using mobility aids, you often have to adapt your wardrobe to accommodate. You have to get a balance between style, comfort and function. One of the things I’ve had to adapt the most are the type of bags I use. Before needing crutches, my go-to bag style was a shoulder bag. But as you can probably imagine, these are not practice when using crutches or a wheelchair! I thought I’d share with you 3 bag styles for wheelchair users. I hope this is useful if you are new to using a mobility aid, want to try a different style of bag or are buying a present for a wheelchair user. The type of wheelchair used may have an impact on suitable bag styles. I’ve tried to cover this for the bag styles mentioned.
Bag Styles For Wheelchair Users: Cross Body Bag
A cross body bag is possible the most obvious option for a wheelchair user. The bag sits on your lap and is attached to your body by a long strap. Having this strap means that it is a lot harder for someone to steel your bag, because you are attached to it. It also means that the bag won’t slip off you lap while you are moving. I have a few hills in my local area (Dan say’s they’re slopes, but I think that’s because he grew up in Lincoln, the hilliest county!). When travelling up and down these, I tend to drop things off my lap if they aren’t attached.
Bag Styles For Wheelchair Users: Shoulder Bag
Ok, so I know I said in my introduction that shoulder bags aren’t practical when using a wheelchair, but hear me out. If the bag has a long enough handle, you can put it round your waist. This allows you to carry your bag on your lap without the risk of it slipping off. I’m often concerned about getting my bag stolen, so having it attached to my waste is very reassuring.
For power chair/electric wheelchair users, a shoulder bag can be a great option. Shoulder bags can be looped over the arm rest of the chair. This wouldn’t work with a self propelled wheelchair, as the bag would get in the way of the wheels. A power chair’s wheels are smaller and close to the ground, so a shoulder bag won’t get in the way.
Bag Styles For Wheelchair Users: Rucksack/Backpack
Rucksacks aren’t ideal for people with active user wheelchairs. The centre of gravity on this type of chair is set to make them easier to manoeuvre. As a result, they are much more tippy that a standard self-propel wheelchair. Too much weight on the back of the chair will change your centre of gravity and make you more likely to tip backwards.
However, there are times when a small cross body or shoulder bag just aren’t big enough to carry everything you need. Imagine going shopping but not having a way to carry everything home! When I use my rucksack, I do so sensibly. I always make sure that I only put light things into it to reduce the chance of me tipping backwards.
On my standard wheelchair, I used a rucksack and it felt fairly secure. It was a great way to cover the gap that showed my bottom. You can read more about this in my Drive Medical Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair review. I knew there was a risk that someone would try to steel it, but I could feel it up against my back. So I knew that if someone tried to steel my rucksack, I would know about it straight away.
I don’t feel safe with my rucksack on the back of my active user wheelchair though. The handles that I loop my rucksack straps over are also smaller than on my previous chair, making a rucksack easier to remove. If someone tried to steel my rucksack from the back of my active user wheelchair, I don’t think I would know about it. To make myself feel a little bit safer, I’ve started using a belt to attach my rucksack straps to the bar at the back of my wheelchair. I thought about using a padlock, but this would add additional weight to the back of my wheelchair.
Are you a wheelchair user? What’s your bag style preference?
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I use a small shoulder bag for my phone and wallet. And I made a bag attached to the back of my wheelchair. I don’t have any problems tipping backwards, even though I do have an active wheelchair.
I love the bag you’ve made for the back of your chair! Dan bought me a sewing machine for Christmas and, while I’m definitely no where near being able to make a bag, I’d like to think I’ll be able to in the future.
I’m so glad you’ve had no problems tipping back with a bag on the back of your chair. Knowing that makes me feel a lot safer about using a rucksack. Wheelchair services made a point of telling me not to put a bag on the back of my chair, but sometimes it really is the only option! I didn’t want to include a rucksack in my post without a warning though. The last thing I’d want is for someone to overfill their rucksack and tip over on my recommendation! Xx
I’m sure you will be able to sew a bag in no time! Just start with not too expensive fabrics at first, so you can practice a lot. ;-)
And guess what I bought today… a camerabag which can be easily worn on your lap, while the strap is around your waist. And most important: it doesn’t look like a camerabag.
That’s a great idea. I might see what I can pick up from charity shops. I didn’t have any money coming in during 2016, but will have a little for 2017, so definitely need to spend it wisely.
Yay! I’m excited about your camera bag. Where did you get it from? I’ve been looking for one for a while now. It worries me to have an actual camera bag, because people know what it is. I always think someone’s going to try to steal it. At least with a camera bag that looks like a normal handbag people don’t know what’s in it in terms of valuables. Xx
Any rucksack suggestions for those who have removed their push handles (too many bad dislocations from people randomly pushing my chair)?
I’m also in the process of making my own hip holster style bag for my keys and stuff
Firstly, how frustrating for you! Having folding push handles has really reduced the number of times people try to take control of my chair without my permission, but it does still happen. One taxi driver grabbed the back of my chair, didn’t even fold the handles up! I didn’t have any ideas myself, so I asked a few friends who don’t have push handles how they manage the situation. The following options will depend on the type of chair you’ve got:
1. If your chair has gaps where the fabric is attached to the chair on the back rest or the seat, your could get a sports style rucksack that has straps like this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tiny-Chou-Waterproof-Backpack-Lightweight/dp/B0153EYEIQ/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1492267954&sr=8-10&keywords=mini+sports+backpack With this, it’s possible to undo the straps, slip them through the gaps between material and chair and then reattach them. These is style of bag is also great because it comes in a mini version, so you are’t going to be tempted to carry too much extra weight on the back of your chair.
2. If you have a bar at the back of your chair (common on active user chairs), you can have the rucksack underneath the bar, slip the handles between the backrest and the bar and then hook them over either corner of your backrest. This keeps your rucksack from slipping off without push handles.
3. A rucksack with chest straps is one friends option of choice. This wouldn’t work for me though, as I need movement in my upper body to successfully control my active chair. Worth considering though.
4. While not aesthetically pleasing, one of my power chair user friends suggested a Wheelyscoot (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Simplantex-Wheelyscoot-Bag-Universal-Wheelchair/dp/B00X81K2P6/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?s=luggage&ie=UTF8&qid=1492268436&sr=8-2&keywords=wheelyscoot). She doesn’t have handles on her power chair from with to hang a rucksack, but this hooks over her back rest. Power chair backrest are often thicker than self propelled chairs though, so it’s worth considering whether the straps will tighten enough to sit flush on your back rest.
I really hope those options are helpful. If none of them are suitable, let me know and we’ll keep brain storming. There has to be a solution, it’s just a case of finding it. Xx