Wheelchair Rain Covers as Cool as They are Dry

Sitting in wet clothes is no fun at all. Wearing wheelchair rain covers that don’t suit you is only marginally better, but thankfully, fashion designers have created some wheelchair covers that actually look good on people. Now you can stay dry and feel good too!

So, before the next downpour strikes, let’s review the choices available whether you opt for a colourful poncho style, a cape or apron style or a wheelchair cosy. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a festival goer that’s wanting to look funky whilst staying dry, or an outdoorsy person who requires warmth and function in their rain cover.  We’ve created a handy guide that we hope will help you to choose a wheelchair rain cover that best suits your needs. For more information, keep reading!

Choosing the right wheelchair rain covers?  

• First, think of what you’ll use it for. A keen angler might need something heavier duty than someone just moving between a car and the office. Also, is it a breezy cover for warm summer storms, or something insulated for freezing winter gales?
• You should also consider which design is easiest for you to put on independently and move around in.
• The level of waterproofing you need is important. As we’ll see, there’s a big difference between ‘showerproof’ and ‘waterproof’.
• The size of your medical or mobility equipment and the area you need to cover is something to factor in too.
• Last but definitely not least, you should consider your personal style.    

Your requirements come first.

Before searching for wheelchair rain covers that are colourful and patterned, think about your own requirements and what you need this rain cover to help you with.  Are you going on an outdoors hike in your chair, and needing something that is durable and will dry overnight? Perhaps you’re hoping for something a little more sleek and chic that will keep you dry on a quick push to the office, or a cover that is both warm as well as dry that would be suitable for a longer camping trip? Whatever it may be, those requirements are most definitely important.  

Next, consider the type of rain cover that would be easiest for you to dress in. If you have limited arm movement, one with open sides that you can just place over your head might be best. If you have more movement, you might look for a poncho type rain cover with a hood and pockets, and depending on your lower body ability, you might also be looking for a rain cover that has material that is comfortable and smooth to sit on for long periods of time; we don’t want any pressure sores when we’re trying to have fun! Don’t forget, the level of waterproofing you need is also important.

As we’ll see, there’s a big difference between ‘showerproof’ and ‘waterproof’.  And lastly, the size of your medical or mobility equipment and the area you need to cover is something to factor in too; a dry body and wet legs is not a good look (or feel!).

Seasons should be factored in.

Rain covers aren’t only designed for warm but wet days; they can have built in warmer linings, too.  In winter months, a layer of lining can help to keep you warm as well as dry. But don’t forget about Spring and Summer showers where it might be hot and wet. Ultimately, having a cover for every eventuality is probably the best solution.  To start off with, why not get one for your immediate needs? If it’s warm now, try a lighter, unlined wheelchair cover. You can always buy extra items later on. And when it’s time to get a winter cover, you might want to use it in combination with wheelchair gloves for warmth and to protect your hands.     

Time for the important bit: design!

Fortunately, covers such as ponchos are hugely in fashion right now, especially in the run up to festival season! Wearing a rain cover won’t necessarily ruin your style, you just need to find something that adds to it! Your preference of style is really important, too (especially if this rain cover is something you are going to be wearing often!) There are cape-style wheelchair covers called ponchos that protect a large area and can be in a multitude of different colours and patterns, as well as in a clear shade.

Alternatively, you can get waterproof covers for particular areas of your body, such as your legs. You can also choose aspects of the design such as whether or not there is a zip and, if so, where it is positioned (especially important if you’re looking to keep pressure sores at bay). These design factors will determine how easy it is for you to put on your cover, and how freely you are able to move about in it. Try to choose one that allows you as much ease of movement as possible. You might not want to get wet, but that doesn’t mean you don’t want to look cool!

Size does matter

When choosing the size of your wheelchair rain cover, think about the mobility aids that you use. Do you push them yourself, as with a self-propelled manual wheelchair? If so, you need to consider how to keep your arms dry. A wheelchair cover or personal garment that has sleeves is ideal.  Maybe someone else pushes your manual wheelchair, or perhaps you use an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter. For both situations, a cape or poncho style waterproof cover might be better. It can keep your entire body – or just your upper body, depending on the style – covered and safe from the rain. It is also possible for power chair users to get covers that keep their hand as well as the hand controls dry.

Which wheelchair rain cover fits your mobility equipment?  

Think about the mobility aids that you use. Do you push them yourself, as with a self-propelled manual wheelchair? If so, you need to consider how to keep your arms dry. A wheelchair cover or personal garment that has sleeves is ideal.  

Yet, maybe someone else pushes your manual wheelchair. Or perhaps you use an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter. For both situations, a cape or poncho style waterproof cover might be better. It can keep your entire body – or just your upper body, depending on the style – covered and safe from the rain. It is also possible for power chair users to get covers that keep their hand as well as the hand controls dry.  

Wheelchair covers to suit all kinds of styles  

Increasingly, disability related products are becoming available in trendy styles that shake off the grey. If you like bright colours or bold designs, have a look around at the fashions available so that you buy an item that you feel proud to wear. In fact, design students at Brunel University in London created some incredibly stylish waterproof wheelchair accessories that can be used for very practical purposes.

For more fashion pointers, check out our article ‘How Adaptive Clothing Changed Everything For Me’.

Never seen how a wheelchair rain cover works?  

Check out this video of Shauna Bryner putting a Punchy Poncho on her son in his wheelchair.

She said, “I’ve gotten lots of questions about how to put these ponchos on! It can be quite confusing with all of the snaps, but it is actually fairly simple once you see how it is done.”  

Once you see how snug he is, you might well take the leap and purchase one yourself!

We hope this has helped.  Here’s to being as cool as you will be dry! Go forth and enjoy all the elements of the natural world in comfort and coolness.