The Different Types Of Wheelchairs And Mobility Aids

Wheelchairs are intended to provide people with comfort and independence after their movement has been either compromised or become impossible due to illnesses, injuries, disabilities, or simply aging. For those with either limited or no mobility at all, a wheelchair can make an incredible difference in their quality of life.

Since there are so many different reasons why a wheel chair may be necessary, either for the short term or permanently, it’s rather important to understand which type is best for the situation as well as learning safe operating procedures and the possible limitations of the chair.

 

The Different Types Of Wheel Chairs

And, because a wheelchair is typically a sizable investment, albeit a warranted one, it’s highly advisable to comparison shop and thoroughly research your many options before making any final decisions.

The most common and often used types of wheelchairs include the following:

- The Beach Wheelchair: As the name suggests, a beach wheelchair is meant to be used on the beach or in water and provides mobility both on sand or while in the water. Fortunately, more and more beaches around the world are finally becoming wheelchair accessible with some even providing the specialized chairs free of charge for beachgoers.

- The Electric Wheelchair: This type of wheelchair, often called a power or motorized wheelchair, is propelled by a battery with the help of a motor and operated with buttons or a joystick control. Thanks to advances in modern technology, some electric wheelchairs are rather sophisticated and can even climb stairs or roll safely across rougher terrain.

The cost of electric wheelchairs is often high for many people and may be anywhere from three to thirty thousand dollars.

- The Manual Wheelchair: A manual wheelchair must be propelled by either moving the wheels by hand or by pushing the chair from behind via the handles. Manual wheelchairs are the least expensive of all types, require the least maintenance and are relatively lightweight.

- The Pediatric Wheelchair: These wheelchairs are specifically intended for children and are simply smaller versions of models used for adults. These chairs, available in both manual or electric form, are also usually adjustable to accommodate a growing child.

- Bariatric wheelchairs are heavy duty chairs that are suitable for individuals whose weight is too high for a standard wheelchair. These wheelchairs are often made with reinforced steel frames which makes it possible to carry extra heavy weight, and the seats can be very wide, in certain models they reach as much as 34″ across.

Some other types of wheelchairs include sports wheelchairs, which are lightweight yet surprisingly stable and intended for playing sports, of course, and also standing wheelchairs that allow the user to stand upright or sit down and move from one position to the next with an electric motor or a hydraulic pump. There are even wheelchairs for our canine friends to help injured or handicapped dogs with mobility.

When buying a wheelchair, think of the pros and cons of each type in relationship to the user’s needs and then consider what features and capabilities will be the most important. Consider the limitations of the chair itself, taking into account the user’s weight in order to have the right seat width and depth. Also remember to inquire about warranties.

Today wheel chairs can be customized to accommodate a variety of situations with everything from specialized hand controls to totally adjustable seats, foot, leg, and back rests, and the seat-to-floor- height. Many wheelchairs are highly adaptable and capable of accommodating extra features added after purchase allowing them to be completely tailored to the user’s unique needs.