Freeway T40 Assistant Propelled Shower Chair - versatile hygiene solution with ergonomic support and tailored functionality.

What is the difference between the T40 and the T70 for a resident who cannot self-propel, and when should each be selected?

The primary distinction between the T40 and the T70 for a resident who cannot self-propel is the rear wheel configuration and the associated customisation options. The T70 has large rear wheels designed for self-propulsion with push rims, which can be removed for assistant-propelled sessions; for a fully assistant-propelled resident, this larger wheel format adds weight and frame bulk without functional benefit. The T40 is specifically designed from the outset as an assistant-propelled chair, with its base geometry, castor arrangement, and frame configuration optimised for carer-guided movement; the total-stop castors of the T40 provide greater position stability than the wheel brakes of the T70. The T40 also offers the amputee castor setback configuration, which is not available on the T70, making the T40 the appropriate selection for lower limb amputees who need the stability geometry correction. The height adjustment and forward extension options of the T40 provide greater individual configuration flexibility than the T70. Where a resident could self-propel in some sessions and requires assistant propulsion in others, the T70 with removable push rims is more versatile; where a resident consistently requires assistant propulsion and has complex configuration needs or is an amputee, the T40 is more appropriate.

What is a total-stop castor and how does it differ from a standard wheel brake in a shower chair?

A standard wheel brake on a shower chair locks the rotation of the wheel at the brake point, preventing the wheel from rolling forward or backward; however, the castor swivel mechanism (which allows the wheel to rotate around a vertical axis to change direction) remains unlocked. This means that while the wheel cannot roll in its locked direction, a lateral force applied to the chair can still cause the castor to swivel and the chair to move sideways or pivot around the locked wheel; this creates instability risk when a resident is transferring onto or off the chair, as the transfer weight shift applies both vertical and lateral forces to the chair. A total-stop castor locks both the wheel rotation and the castor swivel mechanism simultaneously, preventing movement in any direction - rolling, pivoting, and sideways sliding are all resisted when the castor is in the locked position. This complete positional lock is particularly important in a wet environment shower chair where the smooth wet floor surface provides less natural friction to resist lateral movement than a dry floor would, and where a resident transferring onto a wet chair seat may generate significant lateral force during the transfer. All four total-stop castors must be confirmed in the locked position before any transfer onto or off the chair, and confirmed released before any repositioning movement, as attempting to move the chair with locked total-stop castors requires considerable force that could damage the castor mechanism.