With all the high-tech power mobility aids out there, a simple, streamlined wheelchair may feel like a thing of the past. Not true. Manual wheelchairs play a critical role in enhancing mobility, whether you are recovering from a surgery or injury or just in need of some assistance getting around. The Journey So Lite C2 Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair combines the very best of manual mobility with features that make using, packing, and caring for your chair more manageable.
Take a look at the surprising ways this chair can make your daily life a little easier.
In This Article
Its Frame Uses a Material Found in Aviation
The So Lite C2’s frame is made from a magnesium-aluminum alloy—an advanced material also used in aviation. That choice helps provide a strong structure while keeping the wheelchair’s weight to a minimum.
With a total weight of 26.5 pounds, the So Lite C2 is highly manageable for many people who regularly load a wheelchair into a vehicle or move it into storage. Still, it may be more than some people can lift. Think about who will handle those tasks and what they can comfortably support.
Two People Can Drive It
The So Lite C2 has 20-inch rear wheels with hand rims, allowing you to propel and steer it while seated. It also has rear handles so a companion can push. That flexibility can come in handy during everyday outings when you might be by yourself now but meeting up with a caregiver later. The good news: There is no battery to charge or power controls to learn—movement comes from you or the person pushing.
Of course, self-propulsion requires sufficient strength, coordination, and control. Make sure you are capable of operating the chair independently.
It Folds Down and Comes Apart
The So Lite C2 folds inward through the seat, and its backrest folds down separately. Its rear wheels and footrests can also be removed, giving you several ways to prepare it for storage or transport. The rear wheels use quick-release buttons. The footrests release, rotate outward, and lift away from the frame. Removing these components lets you pack the chair in separate pieces rather than handling everything together.
Before buying, measure your vehicle’s cargo space and opening. A folding design gives you options, but fit still depends on the space available.
Movable Armrests Create More Space
Padded armrests on the So Lite C2 support your arms while seated, but they can also move out of the way to create space for a side transfer between the wheelchair and another surface, such as a bed or sofa. Each has a latch that allows you to release it and lift it back. In addition, the foot plates flip upward, and the footrests can be removed when needed.
Always lock both brakes before transferring and never stand on the foot plates. If getting into or out of the chair feels unsteady, seek help learning a transfer method suited to your abilities.
Braking Is Easy
The So Lite C2 includes brake controls for the seated user and hand brakes for the person pushing, so someone is always able to control the speed of the chair and ensure it doesn’t roll. The user’s brake levers pull backward to engage and move forward to release. A companion can gently squeeze both rear brake handles to slow the chair; those handles also have a parking function.
Before your first outing, practice moving, stopping, and parking on a smooth, level surface. Familiarity with the brakes helps both people feel more comfortable handling the chair.
Tires Stay Inflated
The So Lite C2 has flat-free tires, which do not require routine inflation. What that means for you: Checking air pressure and pumping up each wheel does not need to be part of your routine. You still need to inspect the tires for cracks and wear, check that the wheels turn smoothly, and address loose or damaged components before using the chair.
Also, flat-free tires don’t mean that every surface is suitable for the So Lite C2. Dry, flat routes are your friend; avoid slippery surfaces, soft lawns, mud, ice, and steep areas. For outdoor plans, look for smooth pavement and accessible routes.
The Cushions Come Off for Cleaning
When you’re riding in your wheelchair all day, it’s natural that the seat gets a little sweaty, especially in warmer weather. The good news: The So Lite C2’s seat and backrest cushions attach with hook-and-loop fasteners, allowing you to remove them for cleaning.
Wash them with water and mild detergent approximately once a week, then let them dry completely before reinstalling. The frame can be wiped with a soft, damp cloth, avoiding water buildup in joints and moving parts.
Removable cushions make regular care more manageable. They also give you a convenient opportunity to inspect the seating surfaces and attachments before your next outing.
Want to Learn More?
Explore the Journey So Lite C2 Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair and consider how its features fit your everyday plans with a call to one of our mobility experts at 888-404-1724.
