There is a wide range of wheelchairs because there is a wide range of disabilities and because different users have different preferences.
Manual wheelchairs are those moved by the user or an attendant. The self-propelled chairs usually have rear wheels of between 20 and 26 inches in diameter fixed to an axle and positioned so that users can move them by pushing down or pulling back the push rims. The users can therefore travel forward and backward at speeds dictated by the amount of force they are able to apply.
By controlling the push rims, users can also turn left or right and negotiate small dips and rises in their paths. Manual wheelchairs are best used by people with good muscular strength and coordination in their arms and shoulders.
Alternative methods of propulsion include foot pedals and levers worked by hand.
Manual transit chairs generally have small rear wheels without push rims. These wheelchairs are most likely to be seen in buildings such as airports and hospitals where porters act as attendants. These are also called manual transfer chairs.
Power (Electric) Wheelchairs are also called “motorized wheelchairs” and sometimes abbreviated EPW (electric powered wheelchairs). These chairs are almost always equipped with electronic control systems to aid in steering and velocity. Individuals too weak to maneuver a manual wheelchair benefit from power chairs, as do individuals with heart and/or breathing conditions. There are power wheelchairs made specifically for indoor and outdoor use and some designed to be used for both.
Electric powered wheelchairs are ideal for anyone who does not possess the strength or ability to cope with a manual chair. (Many people own and use both manual and electric chairs.) Rechargeable batteries mounted under the seat supply power to electric motors that drive either two or all four of the wheels. As with a car, the different drive train arrangements determine the way that the wheelchair moves and manoeuvres. It is important to know for what conditions a chair is designed. If you take a chair that was designed for indoor use outside on rough terrain, you run the risk of damage to the frame, front forks, and motor. The wheelchair industry has standards for brake efficiency, energy efficiency, overall size, speed and acceleration, impact testing, obstacle maneuverability, and control system ergonomics.
The batteries come in three types: wet-cell, gel-cell and AGM (absorbed glass mat).
Older models of wheelchair batteries were charged by a separate unit, but most modern wheelchairs can simply be plugged into an electric socket for recharging, using a power rectifier like ones used to charge computer batteries.
There are options for managing the direction and speed of electric wheelchairs. Many have a small joystick mounted at the end of an arm rest or on a bar that swings in front of the user. Others have tubes into which the users blow or suck to control the chair’s movements. Having a power source on-board the chair allows designers to put in other features that take advantage of that power. These include:
Most of these functions are controlled by small electric motors and allow users to make themselves as comfortable in the chair as possible. More on power vs. manual chairs.
A wheelbase chair, otherwise known as a scooter, has four small wheels extending from a low platform. The type of chair mounted on this platform varies according to the disability and needs of the user; some are even molded from a cast taken of the user’s most appropriate sitting position.
One advantage of the wheelbase machine is that the chair can swivel and allow the user to mount and dismount from either side. A disadvantage is that the user must maintain a rigid posture when driving the scooter. This means that wheelbase chairs are rarely suitable for the severely disabled.
The controls of the wheelbase chair are mounted on a frame that curves upward from the front of the platform to a height and position convenient for the user. A horizontal steering bar is attached across the top of the frame.
Since the 1970s, disabled athletes have had an increasing array of specialized wheelchairs to help them achieve the most from their chosen sport. These chairs can look very different from each other, but what they usually have in common is
Sports wheelchairs or recreation wheelchairs are specially designed for athletes with disabilities who are competing in sports that require agility and speed such as basketball, tennis, rugby or racing. These very specific chairs usually are not used in everyday life.
Depending on the sport, the chairs vary in design. The handcycle replaces the conventional bicycle with hand-powered pedals instead of leg-powered pedals. Court chairs (for basketball) come with a variety of features including: front bumpers, wings, spoke protectors, castor protectors, adjustable trick footrests, and more. Racing chairs designed to go fast in road races have low cross section and sometimes variable gearing. All terrain wheelchairs enable exploration of off-road, unpaved, bumpy, gravel areas.
Stand-up wheelchairs are fitted with hydraulic pumps that lift and tilt the seat, thereby enabling the user to "stand up" and yet be fully supported. This is an invaluable feature if the user needs to reach an item on a shelf either at home or while out shopping.
A number of wheelchairs have been designed with the ability to climb stairs. These sometimes include:
Most stair-climbing chairs still require a separate human attendant to operate. Alternatively, the wheelchair user must be able to grasp a suitable handrail.
A beach wheelchair is recognizable because of its broad wheels that enable it to ride smoothly over sand without sinking. Some beach resorts now provide not only wheelchair accessibility but also offer beach wheelchairs to disabled clients.
Bariatric wheelchairs can be manual or electric. The weight capacity is 250 pounds up to 850 pounds. A larger wheelchair would need to be custom made. The seats come in different widths ranging from 20 inches to 34 inches with 20 inch being the standard size.
Bariatric wheelchair frames are made of stainless steel or carbon steel and usually are chrome plated. The cushion is stuffed with mesh, foam, or also special order materials if needed. They are covered in plastic, vinyl, nylon, or polypropylene. The fames weigh anywhere from 34 to 92 pounds.
Commode chairs cater to the special personal hygienic requirements of people with disabilities, restricted mobility, or spinal cord injuries. They are designed and built to increase the patient’s independence and lessen the strain to the caregiver. The chair is built to allow the caregiver to shift the patient from one place to another with ease.
Commode wheelchairs allow users to perform their toilet and bathroom chores independently without seeking a caregivers’ help. Commode chairs allow the user to take a shower and to use the chair as toilet seat. Hence the patient can be attended to both the chores without shifting.
Most commode chairs are designed to fit into regular toilets. Such wheelchairs are used in hospitals, rehab centers, nursing centers and private homes. The seat of the commode wheelchair is designed with toilet seat opening or a cut. This makes it flexible to use it over a toilet as well as while taking shower. Most models are highly flexible; they come with a center piece which fits into the cut seat. They provide comfort during longer seating hours making it flexible as it doubles up like a regular chair.
These chairs are manufactured of materials - plastic, steel or aluminum – that do not corrode. Frames are usually coated with nylon, epoxy or polyester. The back and seat is removable, washable and often upholstered. The foot rest and armrest is flexible and the height of the chair can be adjusted to serve various needs. The locks and brakes offer safety and security in positioning and controlling the chair, especially as the person moves onto or off of it.
Commode wheelchairs have emerged as an important factor in the everyday life of many disabled people. They not only reduce the burden on the caregiver, but also give confidence to the disabled person. There are many brands and models on the market. They may vary in construction; size, operation etc. so before buying one, consider the individual needs, medical condition, and requirements.
Specialty medical supply stores typically carry higher quality chairs, but they may be quite expensive compared to general retailers and internet stores. Medical supply stores often have personnel knowledgeable in the field who can help.
Pediatric wheelchairs are designed for disabled children. The chairs are not just smaller than the adult wheelchairs; some designs take into account the restlessness of children.
from Flickr user mediadeo. Used under Creative
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