Wheelchair Mobility

Wheelchair mobility can be from a manual wheelchair or a motorized wheelchair. There are affordable medical wheelchairs available in both, manual and motorized models.

Manual wheelchairs also referred to as self-propelled wheelchairs are propelled by the user/occupant, usually by using large rear wheels, from 20-26 inches in average diameter, and look much like bicycle wheels.

Wheelchair width varies to accommodate different needs. Wheelchairs are useful for people for whom walking is difficult or impossible due to illness (physiological or physical), injury, or disability.

Wheelchair width differs to accommodate a large range of special needs from pediatric wheelchair designed for children and shorter persons, to bariatric wheelchair or large wide wheelchairs for heavier individuals. Wheelchair mobility allows many people to have a more productive lifestyle while living with a disability.

The large wide wheelchairs provide great maneuverability; they are available as manual or powered chairs and can also be customized. Many wheelchair users add practical accessories such as wheelchair backpacks for convenience and ease.

Managing the Wheelchair

Manual lightweight wheelchair or ultra lightweight wheelchairs, regardless of wheelchair width are occupant or user operated by pushing on the hand rims made of circular tubing attached to the outside of the large wheels. Skilled users manage wheelchairs with more ease as they can control speed, turning, and often learn to balance the chair on its rear wheels – known as a "wheelie".

A user with the ability to control the chair in this manner can climb and descend curbs and move over small obstacles. There are optional features available with large wide wheelchairs as well as the standard size chairs for the convenience of users.

Wheelchair Type and Usage

A transport wheelchair is used as a temporary option or when a better alternative is unavailable. Heavy unmodified manual chairs are commonly used as "loaners" at large facilities i.e. airports, amusement parks and shopping centers.

The heavy, tubular steel chairs with sling seats and little adaptability are usually lower in cost and are often used by individuals who may be temporarily disabled, or cannot afford better.

Chairs more commonly used by people with long-term disabilities tend to be in a higher price range. They include lightweight wheelchair that offer more options. The higher end of the market includes ultra lightweight wheelchairs, extensive seating options and accessories, all terrain wheelchair, additional features, and so forth.

Other Types Of Wheelchairs

Sport Wheelchairs- These chairs are designed to provide mobility that allow disabled individuals to participate in various sports.

Outdoor Wheelchair - Chairs designed for outdoor use to allow wheelchair users to move around in different outdoor settings and terrains.

Standing Wheelchairs allow users to sit or stand in the wheelchair as they please. The chair can be used as a wheelchair and as a frame as it provides support for the user in a nearly standing position.

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