Types of Wheelchairs
By Andrew Kelly
The most basic type of wheelchair is the manual or self-propelled chair, comprised of two front wheels, two larger back wheels, a seat and two feet rests. These wheelchairs require the user to manually power them by gripping the rims of the rear wheels and spinning them forward.
Very similar are attendant-propelled manual wheelchairs, essentially identical except for the lack of rear rims. An assistant pushes these wheelchairs forward from behind, usually because the user is unable to power the chair themselves.
More technologically sophisticated, electric motor-powered wheelchairs also exist. They feature rechargeable batteries. There is a great deal of variation in both the handling of these wheelchairs, from front or rear wheel driven to four wheel drive, and the design and type of their seating. Some powered wheelchairs look very similar to manual chairs, whereas some are designed more like miniature cars, with a driver’s seat and steering column.
Powered wheelchairs also vary greatly in their steering apparatus. Whilst some feature joystick-like control pads, others can be controlled by more basic movements or even by the user moving their chin. These kinds of controls are especially useful for users with nervous or spinal damage.
Less common wheelchairs include the standing wheelchair, which supports the user in a standing or near-standing position. This might be necessary due to the particular user’s injuries. Wheelchairs for disabled athletes also exist, for use in sports such as basketball or speed racing. These are very distinctive in design, particularly in terms of their wheels. These are usually angled inward to enable more precise steering.
Author Details:
Andrew Kelly writes for various websites including, Free article directories and The A to Z of with an interest in health and disability.
Article Source: http://wheelchairs.theatozof.com/
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