Cold Weather Gear for Wheelchair-Users

Whether it feels like it or not at the moment, cold weather is coming. We are in the flux of late fall when you’ll get a few sunny afternoons, but the overall days are getting shorter and chillier. With each minute lost to twilight, I think of Charlie, my son who uses a wheelchair, who loves the cold, but does not love being cold.

Over the years, we have gathered an arsenal of cold-fighting gear to keep him both safe and warm as the season deepens into winter.

Here a few of our favorites:

1. Snow Tires

These are especially helpful for power wheelchairs, which tend to be heavier than manual ones. Even if you don’t get a lot of snow in your area, these are great on ice and also roads that become rough with salt and grit.

2. Backup Power

Again, if you use a power wheelchair, it’s worth investing in a backup battery. Rough and slippery terrain can drain the power as well as the common outages that come along with ice and snow storms.

3. Fingerless Gloves

This one sounds so simple, but is important for those with manual wheelchairs who need their hands to be both warm and dexterous to roll in snowy or icy conditions. We love fisherman’s gloves which have rubber grip on the palm. The tops and thumbs also flip over so you can turn them into mittens in especially frigid temps.

4. Easy Layers

You know that scene in A Christmas Story when the mom finally gets the kid all wrapped up in his snow gear and he looks like a giant marshmallow and he can’t put down his arms? That’s not the look you want if you have to fit in and maneuver a wheelchair. Layers are your friend. We love insulated puffer vests rather than full jackets and fleece-lined pants rather than full snow gear.

5. Blankets and Ponchos

The poncho from MaxiAids has been a game-changer for us when it comes to sitting out in the cold, waiting for the bus or watching football. It is both waterproof and also has a soft lining. This wheelchair blanket is also excellent if you are going to be in the elements for a while. Think of it as a sleeping bag for your wheelchair.

6. Adaptive shoes

We love Billy Footwear for their zip-up shoes that are adapted to fit around leg braces. They make a great boot in extra wide sizes, which we love for their ease and warmth.

Despite the dark mornings and that element of “bracing yourself” before you head out the door, my son loves this season—puffy clouds of breath in the air, grass sparkling with frost, warm soups and hot chocolate, woodsmoke drifting and leaves dwindling. With a little preparation, the winter months can be magical as we enter the holiday season.

Jamie Sumner is a special needs mom and author.

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