Whether you plan on being in a wheelchair for just a
short time or for the duration of your life, it is very
important to pick the right one for you.
With so many wheelchairs on the market today, it can be a
tough task to undertake; but you can easily purchase the
right wheelchair for you by becoming knowledgeable about
your choices. Before you buy your new mode of
transportation, it is best to have an understanding of the
different types of wheelchairs.
Manual wheelchairs are wheelchairs that need to be
controlled by the person in the wheelchair, or by somebody
pushing the wheelchair. There are a few different types of
manual wheelchairs – lightweight or sports chairs that
roll easily for those with upper body strength and are
designed for every day use; standard manual wheelchairs that
have the traditional cross brace frame and added support,
child or youth wheelchairs that grow with a child and come
in a variety of colors and styles; specialty chairs that are
specifically designed for a variety of wheelchair lifestyles
and needs and institutional wheelchairs that are the most
affordable, but designed only for minimal wheelchair use –
commonly used for transporting people in hospitals and
nursing homes. They are most suitable for short-term use,
for those who don’t use a wheelchair too often or for
those who have upper body strength. Those who have limited
movement or a weak upper body may need someone to push them,
or may want to consider the electric wheelchair.
Electric wheelchairs are wheelchairs powered by a motor.
They were created especially for those individuals with
limited or no body mobility, or for those who use
wheelchairs as their primary source of getting around. They
are pricier than manual wheelchairs, but the cost is
definitely a wash when considering if your wheelchair needs
are substantial.
Electric wheelchairs come in a few styles – the
traditional style electric wheelchair resembles a manual
wheelchair with the exception of the motor, battery and
controls; and the platform electric wheelchair look more
like a seat placed on top of the motor encasement.
The motor is often placed below the electric wheelchair
in order to minimize any noise. The electric wheelchair
controls are usually to the right or left of the arm rests,
and can even be repositioned based on your wheelchair needs.
People who enjoy outdoor activities regularly may need to be
careful in an electric wheelchair – most models are
designed for indoor use and can crack or become faulty over
time. But, there are some indoor/outdoor models marketed
today, and may be the outdoor enthusiast’s best electric
wheelchair bet.
Sports wheelchairs differ from the traditional manual
wheelchair – they are very lightweight and designed to
withstand the normal wear and tear that goes along with a
number of sporting activities. Sports wheelchairs use
lightweight metals that can withstand a beating like
titanium, chrome, aluminum and steel tubing.
The base of a sports wheelchair is wider than other
traditional wheelchairs in order to support different
sporting activities, and the center of gravity can be
adjusted for the individual using the sports wheelchair. The
sports wheelchair is generally affordable, but the more
custom features it contains, the more expensive it will be.
This article was posted on October 07, 2005
