When you’re looking for a base level wheelchair, should you sacrifice the support and comfort for price? With the Greencare Compact DB1 you don’t have to, as Dominic explains.
Greencare Compact DB1 Specification
The Greencare Compact DB1 has a number of options, so we’ve got a separate specification page – click here to find the full specification.
Introducing…
The Compact DB1 is a standard wheelchair, designed to offer base support to those with lower clinical needs, such as part time wheelchair users or those who might need a wheelchair alongside their powered scooter. Using a modular design, the Compact DB1 can be simply and easily configured for each user.
Sitting in the Greencare Compact DB1
The Compact DB1 is designed to provide low to mid clinical back support. The upholstery is soft and designed remain taut over a long life. Because Greencare understand that a wheelchair might see some longer periods of use, the backrest can also be angled to allow for some recline in the sitting position whilst maintaining a degree of lumbar support.
The arm-rests can be easily removed to allow a user to push themselves around. The wheel position can be adjusted easily by a technician.
On the road
The Greencare Compact DB1 is sturdy and firm on the road It also doesn’t rattle as much as you might expect, given the foothangers and armrests. The standard Greencare puncture proof tyres offer a firm ride, which offers clear feedback about the surface you are wheeling over.
A lap belt is fitted as standard. This helps when that rare moment occurs, keeping you safely in the wheelchair. Other belts can be integrated easily, giving options for users with a little more support needs.
Bottom line: It’s a comfortable ride and will ensure that your day out isn’t disturbed by a sore back after a couple of hours.
Around the house
The Compact DB1 has a decent turning circle – as you’d expect from any manual wheelchair. This is further complimented by the footrests, which don’t sit too far out in front of the front casters. It means that you can move easily in a tight space. Although it won’t be as small as an active wheelchair, it is quite small when you consider this when compared to other wheelchairs available.
The footrests are made of strong thick plastic, so when you knock the door (which everyone does) it won’t do significant damage. The fabric on the seat is tough too. Spillages will wash off easily and the fabric is not likely to tear or burn easily.
In the car
You will be pleased to hear that removable rear wheels are standard on the Compact DB1. So is the folding backrest, which reduces the size of the wheelchair for a smaller car boot. The Compact DB1 is also crash tested to international standards, so you can use it on board transport with confidence.
Greencare Compact DB1 Conclusion
It’s a very basic wheelchair at first glance. The Greencare DB1 exceeds basic though, with a wide range of options and configurations to give the best possible option to the user.
We are impressed by the tolerances built into the design, allowing the wheelchair to take minute adjustments after the initial build. The modular design allows for easy maintenance. The robust build means that things are not likely to go wrong.
The downside? You’re limited in the frame colour options to one.
Our bottom line? It’s well built and great value at £650. It’s got a 7.5 from us.
