Wheelchairs are one of the most versatile disability mobility aids that cater to various needs of people with disabilities. Wheelchairs come with extensive features and options that allow users to move around in the way they want. From assisting them when they are constantly traveling to allowing them to recline and relax on the equipment by tilting it for more comfort, numerous options are available. The variety of wheelchairs often makes it difficult to select the right one and seeking guidance from therapists, assistive technology specialists, and wheelchair providers are the best way to do it.
All-terrain wheelchairs
The design of the equipment defines its suitability for outdoor or indoor use with all-terrain wheelchairs most suited for use on all kinds of surfaces. The design of wheelchairs has evolved with time, and the standard wheelchair with two wheels has made way for more innovative designs that use oversized wheels and tires that can overcome the challenges of moving across all types of terrains by conquering obstacles. Many of such advanced designs are available in powered wheelchairs driven by batteries and heavy-duty motors supported by robust frames along with the specialized feature of tank tracks.
Manual wheelchairs
Manual wheelchairs are the traditional wheelchairs driven by muscle power. The user can use his or her limbs to roll the wheels, or some other person can help in maneuvering the equipment by walking along with it and pushing it from behind. Many types of manual wheelchairs are available that differ in weight, style, and the material of construction. Some of the different styles of manual wheelchairs are Transport wheelchairs, Folding frame wheelchairs, and Rigid frame wheelchairs. Steel, aluminum, Titanium, and Carbon composite are the options for wheelchair materials that contribute to its weight and strength. Titanium wheelchairs are very lightweight but stronger than steel wheelchairs. Depending on the nature of use, you can choose either a rigid frame or folding frame.
Powered wheelchairs
These battery-powered wheelchairs are more expensive than manual wheelchairs due to the sophistication of design and technology used to drive the equipment. The user can control the device on their own, or some attendant can help in maneuvering the device. People who suffer from severe disabilities and loss of movement would find the equipment most helpful as they only need to press a switch or few buttons to operate the equipment. It provides them excellent opportunity to be independent once again. Some advanced designed wheelchairs can adapt to any kind of needs of users and equip with special features like speech device, respirator and environmental control with numerous options of positioning the body to align it correctly for performing the preferred movements. Powered wheelchairs are available as front-wheel drive, center wheel drive, and rear-wheel drive.
Pediatric wheelchairs
Pediatric wheelchairs are for kids only and are like a smaller version of the wheelchair used by adults. It has similar components and accessories used in adult wheelchairs for positioning. Most of the components, like seat width, backrest, armrest, and leg rest have adjustable features.
Some pediatric wheelchair designs appear to look like strollers.
