How much strength is needed to apply and lock the hand brakes? My 84-yo mother's balance condition and arthritis often leave her weak/fatigued.
1538156
Very little. My 85 year old mother does not have a lot of strength and has no real problem.
1538157
Actually, the brakes on the Hugo are easy to apply. I'm 78 and also have arthritis as well as a balance problem, so I can empathize with your Mom.
1538158
Gosh, altho my 99 year old Mother has no problem applying the brake, she is not a faithful brake applyer. She is pretty strong with no arthritis to speak of. I am 77 and have Parkinson's and arthritis but no problem with the brakes.
1538159
The brakes are quite easy to apply. I have a syndrome that turns my palms red and causes the skin to peel and crack and hurt. Still I can apply the brakes without causing pain.
1538160
The hand brakes require very little effort to apply. In fact, they do not even have to be squeezed as the handles have large pad like configuration and can easily be just pushed down with the palm of ones hand. Releasing them is reversed by just pulling them up. Normally one would squeeze them but, again, they could be bumped up even with ones wrists. I hope this gives you the confidence to make the right decision.
1538161
Actually releasing the brakes are harder - locking is easy because you're pushing down and have your bodyweight helping.
1538162
The way the handles are shaped, she should be able to slip her hand into them or above them and just lean into them to set them. Dad is 71, with arthritis, and bone cancer and he manages it well enough. In the end, roll the dice, get it home try it. If it doesn't work return it. or go to a med. equipment store and try different ones til you find one that works.
1538163
very little, just a slight push with the hands locks both wheels, and they stay that way until u pull the handles back up, it is easy to opereate n very safe to use!
197451
Just hand brakes. My daughter is 8yrs old, she loves the bike. It didnt take her long at all to get used to the hand brakes
317370
I have the single back wheel. No the brakes don't lock but I haven't had a problem with that . This sure beats crutches. You can get around fast. I had bunion surgery and will be non bearing for 3 weeks . I think this thing is going to be great
1955584
I am 68 and also have arthritis but this tool is very easy to use. My wife is 67 and use it yesterday and loves it. I hope this helps.
1296083
You shouldn't need that much force. I am a 60 yr. old woman and can't left over 35 lbs. I didn't have any problems. The only thing I can suggest is trying to reverse which wheel you put on the end of the shaft. If all else fails reread the directions. I know sometimes I miss something.
1103365
sorry that i'm just getting to this qustion now. i'll see my mother next week and will have her do a demo for me. she's 5' 1" .. over 90.. and has full motor function of her arms and legs. she loves this roller..uses it to move things around the apt. and to roll down to the dining hall.
2232708
It does not have brakes. The walker does not have anything to keep it from moving. I put a tennis ball on each of the back legs so my mother can move it around better. My mother is 80 and she has not had any problems when she gets up from her seat.
1576185
My wife has not had and problems with the brakes. She has been using it for three months now.
1913952
I purchased the PenAgain for my 85 year old Mom who had undergone reconstructive surgery on her right thumb. She'd just had her cast removed and her physical therapist suggested it. The therapist had one in her treatment room. It enabled my Mother to resume writing her own bills and doing the crossword puzzles she enjoys.
1234487
the brakes don't really lock, they really don't work all that well. It is a safety issue if you decide to use it that way, but once you start using it, you will find out that there's a way to do it without hurting yourself! It's not meant to be used as a stationary support.
2250364
Sorry so late in responding. The hand brakes do not lock, they are like handle bar brakes on a bicycle. However, the wheel brakes can be locked so you can go to the front and assist. I do this all the time with my mother. I absolutely love this wheelchair, we get asked all the time where we got it. Hope this helps.
412644
The mini cycle has a small, small turn radius. I was frustrated with the "range of motion". It's difficult to work up a sweat. I'm young relatively fit and it didn't work out for me. Now, my mom is a senior citizen with health problems. She LOVES it. It words great for her. The small range of motion is great for her joints, and she gets a small amount of beneficial exercise she wouldn't ordinarily get.
1809483
Norman: My 93 year-old father-in-law, who had no mobility prior to the Sure Gait is now able to function without constant assistance, and after adjusting the handlebars/handbrake (you can adjust them to a number of height settings), he says he is very comfortable and his arms never tire, and he uses the handlebars as a steading brace when he rises from a chair. The Sure Gait is a well-made product. Good Luck. Robert K.
4730
It depends what the child is attempting to accomplish. Is it intended for rehabof an injury? if so check with the doctor or physical therapist. OR Is it to strengthen for a particular sport? If so, than how far along is the strength in that hand of fingers. Typically the 3 lb is for the elderly with arthritis or rehab from an injury. While the 5 & 7 pound are the most popular for all ages. However, advanced athlete find the 7 & 9 pound too "easy" and then need to advance to the PRO (more than likely too large for a 10 year old hand)You may want to look at either the TWO packs with TWO tensions , or the FOUR pack withall four tensions 3,5,7,9. Fr a child stick with the regular Gripmaster NOT the PRO. It depends what the child is attempting to accomplish. Is it intended for rehabof an injury? if so check with the doctor or physical therapist. OR Is it to strengthen for a particular sport? If so, than how far along is the strength in that hand of fingers. Typically the 3 lb is for the elderly with arthritis or rehab from an injury. While the 5 & 7 pound are the most popular for all ages. However, advanced athlete find the 7 & 9 pound too "easy" and then need to advance to the PRO (more than likely too large for a 10 year old hand)You may want to... » Read More It depends what the child is attempting to accomplish. Is it intended for rehabof an injury? if so check with the doctor or physical therapist. OR Is it to strengthen for a particular sport? If so, than how far along is the strength in that hand of fingers. Typically the 3 lb is for the elderly with arthritis or rehab from an injury. While the 5 & 7 pound are the most popular for all ages. However, advanced athlete find the 7 & 9 pound too "easy" and then need to advance to the PRO (more than likely too large for a 10 year old hand)You may want to look at either the TWO packs with TWO tensions , or the FOUR pack withall four tensions 3,5,7,9. Fr a child stick with the regular Gripmaster NOT the PRO. « Show Less
580130
I too have arthritis, but not so much in the hands...as another comment says, it depends on how much is in the pot!
1471906
There are no hand brakes. My son isn't going on his own yet, so I don't know for sure how it brakes!
250840
At the lowest setting this would be perfect for your Mom. However, the unit itself is heavy. You will need to ether keep in in one place or have someone able to easily lift 30+ plus pounds to move it from one location to another. It is also a bit bulky. It is tricky to lift by the pedals because they rotate.