Is There an "In-between" Chair?

Is there any sort of “in-between” chair? My condition has not yet gotten bad enough to where I can justify spending the money on a custom chair, but I also don’t want to buy /the most/ basic chair, and look like I just rolled out of a hospital.

Let me start off by saying this: everyone has different needs for mobility aids and what works for you might not work for other people. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what’s best.

“In-between” chairs exist, and they’re really quite awful. They usually go by the term “transfer” or “transport” chair and are specifically designed to move a non-ambulatory person across a short distance from point A to point B. They’re not meant for any kind of long-term or vigorous use.

So, fun fact: I’m a high-functioning paraplegic. So high, in fact, that I can feel my legs, stand and walk short distances (with something to hold on to). This means that, if absolutely necessary, I can do stuff like climb stairs and board a bus.

With that in mind, I still use my chair almost everywhere. I only walk upstairs if there’s no better option or if the place I’m going to is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (I climbed a flight of stairs in order to get into the most amazing Sichuan restaurant in Australia. Worth every step).

This might be better for you in the long-run: get yourself a good, quality wheelchair that is comfortable enough for you to use day-to-day and save what mobility you have for the special occasions you don’t want to miss out on.

Important Side Note: If you think my suggestion is about as helpful as a drunk toddler in IKEA and really want some solid recommendations on a chair that would meet your needs, I would contact NuMotion. They have helpful reps that can guide you through the process of buying a chair that works for you.