Styles of Wheelchairs

Independence and mobility are important in assuring quality of life. When illness, injury or age hamper that independence, assistance with mobility may be necessary. Depending on the severity of the situation, a wheeled mobility device may become needed. A wide variety of wheelchairs are available to meet many different types of needs.

Manual Chairs

• Manual wheelchairs need to be propelled by human force. The user may move the chair by turning the wheels or by having someone else push the chair from behind. Standard manual wheelchairs meant for self propulsion are made of strong, sturdy materials such as chrome-plated steel and have large front wheels for easy grasping. Wheelchairs meant to be pushed by someone usually have small rear wheels and fold easily for storage in a trunk or other space.

Electric Wheelchairs

• Electric wheelchairs, also called power wheelchairs, are similar in construction and style to manual wheelchairs. The major differences include the presence of a battery for power supply, a motor to move the chair and a joystick to control the direction of the chair. Those unable to propel a manual chair due to specific injury or degree of illness may use these chairs. Electric chairs may be rear wheel or center wheel driven or front or four wheel driven, depending on the model.

Specialty Wheelchairs

• There are many specialty wheelchairs depending on the needs of the patient. Pediatric wheelchairs may be either manual or electric and generally resemble the adult models only in smaller scale. Bariatric wheelchairs accommodate individuals of excessive weight. The frames are created from reinforced steel and the seats are wider and constructed of stronger materials to accommodate size and mass.