Wheelchairs
Origination of the modern wheelchair
The earliest images of a wheelchair date back to the 6th century in
China. A more elaborate rolling chair was then used by King Phillip of Spain in the 16th century. The first chair to resemble the wheelchairs of today were then developed in the 18th century and designed with two large wooden wheels in the front and one caster in the back. Following the American Civil War and WWI, wheelchairs were built with wooden frames, adjustable arm rests, foot rests and large spoked wheels. The most modern version of the time was designed in 1932 by engineers Harry Jennings and injured friend, Herbert Everest. That wheelchair was the first folding, tubular steel wheelchair and earliest design that is similar to what is used today. In the 1950's Everest and Jennings then developed the first powered wheelchair. During the 1970's and 80's, designers brought on lighter weight chairs - many designed specifically to promote wheelchair sports, as well as microprocessor-controlled wheelchairs, which allowed for the customization of controls, to meet specific "driving" needs. The 1990's established a revolution in powered wheelchairs based on design, style, range and method of travel. With today's technology, wheelchairs can be customized to meet every possible need and comfort.
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