Types of Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs are most commonly used by people with mobility issues caused by handicap, injury or illness in order to assist them in remaining mobile and independent. There are a variety of wheelchair types that are designed with specific needs in mind, and it is important to know the differences as well their strengths and weaknesses in order to make the best choice for yourself or your loved one.

Manual Wheelchairs

Manuals are the most commonly seen wheelchairs. The wheels are surrounded by rounded bars that enable the patient to move themselves on their own. Manual wheelchairs also have handles on the rear side of the back rest to enable others to maneuver the patient around as necessary. Manual wheelchairs are lightweight and inexpensive, not to mention easy to transport and maintain.

Electric Wheelchairs

Electric wheelchairs are maneuvered by the use of a battery powered motor. Their sophisticated design is controlled by a joy stick that is not all that dissimilar to an early computer game control. Due to the added weight of the motor, battery, and the frame required to support them, electric chairs can often be quite heavy and expensive. The median cost of these chairs is about $7,000, with some models being as much as $30,000.

Sports Wheelchairs

Athletic people get injured too! Sports wheelchairs are designed with the athletic types in mind. They are incredibly light weight and agile, without sacrificing stability. There are chair designs that are often used for such sports as tennis, basketball and even marathons.

Dog Wheelchairs

Pets are people too, right? It makes sense then, that someone invented a wheelchair that helps handicapped and injured dogs to maintain their mobility. Many dog breeds are prone to such problems as hip displacement that takes away their ability to control their hind legs. A dog wheelchair allows them to maneuver themselves across the floor by using the strength of their front legs, by fitting over their hind quarters.

Pediatric Wheelchairs

Smaller, scaled down versions of larger adult wheel chairs are also available specifically for use by children. Pediatric wheelchairs are available as manual or electric, and most often they are designed to be adjustable to accommodate increased size and weight as your child grows.

When searching for the right wheel chair, even after you decide on the type that best suits your needs, it pays to shop around. With the selection on the market today, there is a variety of features and prices as well. Comparison shopping will help you to ensure that you are getting the best chair for your needs at the best possible price. Don't let cost be a deterrent though, as many reasonably priced chairs are available with all the features you might need.

Colors, styles and other options are also available to help the wheelchair bound make a personalized statement that can be even further customized with stickers and other individual accessories. There is no reason that your wheelchair can't fit your needs and your style at the same time!