Miscellaneous Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs come in many different styles and can be customized for almost any purpose. Wheelchair users have different needs and participate in a wide array of activities, so they must have the proper equipment. Here is a brief guide to some of the chairs that are on the market:

Standard Manual Chairs

These are basic chairs that are self-propelled with two large rear wheels and two small front wheels. They are built low enough to fit under a desk or table, and they are ideal for everyday use.

Electric Chairs

Also known as power chairs, these chairs operate on battery power, so they do not need to be pushed forward by hand. They are available in both indoor and outdoor models.

Heavy-Duty Wheelchairs

Chairs that are designed to hold more than 250 pounds of weight fall into the heavy-duty category. Some manual models of these chairs are built to carry up to 900 pounds, while electric heavy-duty chairs hold up to 600 pounds.

Pediatric Wheelchairs

These chairs are created for infants and young children. Some are designed to expand and continue to be functional for the child as they grow for up to several years.

Shower Wheelchairs

People who have access to showers that accommodate wheelchairs may roll directly into the shower area when using a shower wheelchair. The chair is designed for a person to shower without any assistance from others. There are openings in the chair in certain locations to provide easy access to the entire body for washing.

Sport Wheelchairs

Athletes can continue to participate in the sport of their choice when using these chairs. They come in a wide variety of styles depending on the user's preferred sporting activity. Some chairs are for use on courts for games like basketball, while others are considered all-terrain and can perform on grass, unpaved roads, and even sand.

Hand Cycles

Although most chairs are put in motion by spinning the back wheels, the hand cycle chairs are operated by a pedal system that is rotated by hand. These chairs are able to travel at impressive speeds and are most often used for racing and long distance travels.

Amphibious Wheelchairs

A few chairs are made out of stainless steel and plastic so that they can be used in the water. This is primarily to allow for swim-related physical therapy sessions. They can also be operated at a beach, as they are also able to move over sand.

Transport Wheelchairs

These chairs are intended to be operated by a second person who pushes the chair from behind. They are used to allow individuals to be transported to and from a vehicle, or to take them out to public locations they might not otherwise be able to visit.

If you or somebody you love is in need of a wheelchair, there is likely a model or style that is right for you. The advancements in equipment have enabled users to participate in a variety of activities, helping to ensure that are not left out due to lack of mobility.