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The Five Different Kinds of Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs help people with limited mobility get from place to place. This allows the disabled to participate in activities they might otherwise miss, such as sports and travel. Today's wheelchairs come in a variety of sizes, materials and styles to meet the various needs of the users. These include traditional manual models that the user or a caregiver can roll as well as powered models that offer users greater independence.

  1. Manual

    • Manual wheelchairs require human power. This means that the user or a caregiver must roll or push the chair. Manual wheelchairs were developed more than 300 years ago, but they have evolved to serve a variety of user needs. These chairs come in versions that fold for easy transport, lightweight "sport" versions and versions that can roll over sand and snow.

    Power

    • Powered, or electric, wheelchairs run on special rechargeable batteries (wet-cell, gel-cell, or absorbed glass mat). Users with breathing or heart conditions, or those without the upper-body strength to maneuver a manual chair may benefit from these chairs, which they can manage with hand controls. According to mobility-advisor.com, powered wheelchairs work well both indoors and outdoors, giving users greater independence in getting from place to place. Powered chairs can be customized to suit the individual size, seating and maneuverability needs of the user and her environment.

    Wheelbase

    • Wheelbase wheelchairs are more commonly known as scooters. These models have three or four small wheels attached to a low-base platform, and a horizontal steering bar positioned at the height required by the user. They are usually designed with swiveling seats so users can mount or dismount from either side and can be used both indoors and out. Wheelbase chairs are not designed for users with severe disabilities.

    Sport

    • Sport chairs are manual wheelchairs that meet the specific needs of disabled athletes. Some common features include lightweight, solid (non-folding) frames and angled wheels used for increased stability in turns. The size and features of these chairs vary depending on the sports played.

    Pediatric

    • Pediatric wheelchairs are specially designed for children. These chairs may be either manual, powered, or scooter versions, depending on the size and needs of the child. The chairs also can be adjustable to accommodate the child's growth Pediatric chairs come in a wide variety of colors and styles.

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