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Types of Mobility Chairs

For many people with disabilities, mobility chairs can add a great deal of freedom to their lives. Many types of mobility chairs are available on the market since each person has different needs in a chair. Some people will need a manually powered wheelchair while others will need a battery-powered mobility chair.

  1. Manual Wheelchairs

    • For people that have handicaps and disabilities that leave them with upper body strength a manual wheelchair may be the best choice of mobility chair. With this type of wheelchair, the user moves the chair by pushing on the tops of the wheels. One of the main advantages of manual wheelchairs is the price. Manual wheelchairs are much less expensive than powered wheelchairs. Another advantage of manual wheelchairs is that there are not many moving parts, which means that they require little, if any, maintenance.

    Rigid Frame Wheelchairs

    • The rigid frame wheelchair is one of the two main types of manually powered wheelchairs. Rigid frame wheelchairs are sturdy chairs that are built with strong welds. The strength of this type of chair means that it will last longer than folding chairs. Rigid wheelchairs are commonly made of aluminum or titanium, but carbon fiber chairs are starting to come onto the market. The reason that carbon fiber chairs are being made is that carbon fiber is light and strong. When it comes to wheelchairs, the lighter the chair the better for the user because it makes the chair easier to maneuver. These types of chairs do not fold, but the wheels are quick release wheels for easy removal so that the chair is smaller. This makes the chair easier to transport.

    Folding Frame Wheelchairs

    • Folding frame wheelchairs are manual wheelchairs designed to fold sideways. This type of wheelchair is built with an "X" shaped frame that allows it to be folded. The fact that the wheelchair can be folded makes it much smaller and easier to transport. This type of wheelchair is especially useful for people that are constantly on the move throughout the day. Folding wheelchairs have a couple of drawbacks. The first is that these chairs are heavier than rigid wheelchairs. The mechanism that allows the chair to fold also adds weight to the chair. Durability is another issue that has to be considered with a folding wheelchair. The fact that the frame folds make it less sturdy than a rigid chair and leads to a shorter lifespan for a folding wheelchair.

    Power Wheelchairs

    • Powered wheelchairs are useful for those who do not have enough upper body strength to move a manual wheelchair. Powered wheelchairs get their power from rechargeable batteries. There are many types of powered wheelchairs on the market, so care will need to be used when choosing the one that best meets the needs of the user. A consultation with a doctor and therapist can help with the choice of the proper chair. Some types are lighter and more maneuverable, which makes them better for indoor use. Some models are heavier and less maneuverable but can go almost anywhere, which makes them more suited for outdoor use.

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