Wheelchair Guide : Manual Wheelchairs : Sport Wheelchairs : Electric Wheelchairs : Wheelchair Forum

Manual Wheelchairs

© Bromakin Wheelchairs

If you have the ability to push your wheelchair, you will need what is known as a manual wheelchair. These wheelchairs are propelled by the user by pushing rims on the back wheels.

The cost of a manual wheelchair can vary from £250 - £4,000 ($475 - $7,600), this variation in price depends on what the wheelchair is made from, and if it is a built to measure (bespoke design) design, or "standard design.

There are many materials a wheelchair can be made from which include:

•  Steel
•  Aluminium
•  Titamium
•  Carbon Fibre

There are two types of wheelchair which to consider. These are a Rigid Frame Wheelchair and a Folding Frame Wheelchair.

Rigid Frame Wheelchairs

Generally, a rigid frame wheelchair will consist of a welded frame on which the person sits. The back of the chair has the ability to fold down, and the wheels have a quick release mechanism to enable easy transportation and storage of the wheelchair.

Most rigid frame wheelchairs are made from either aluminium or titanium, but there are some specialist wheelchairs made from carbon fibre. A lightweight rigid frame wheelchair can weigh as little as 10lbs without it's wheels. As the chair is lighter, it will be easier to push, therefore putting less stress on your shoulder joints.

As rigid frame wheelchairs have less moving parts, they are generally stronger than folding wheelchairs and last longer.

Folding Frame Wheelchairs

A folding frame wheelchair is a wheelchair whose frame is collapsible sideways by the use of an X mechanism in the frame. This mechanism is lockable, and the wheelchair folds on release of two locking levers on the chair.

Because the folding wheelchair has an X mechanism, locking levers and re-enforcing struts, it is usually more heavy than a rigid frame wheelchair. Folding wheelchairs also have movable footrests which allow the chair to collapse. Early folding chairs were made from steel, but now days they are made from aluminium or titanium.

As there are more moving parts in the folding chair, and movable joints, the chair is not as durable as a rigid frame wheelchair. This in turn will mean a higher maintenance is required to keep the wheelchair in good condition.

Rigid Versus Folding Wheelchairs

By Dr. Gene Emmer

Did you ever notice that you never see a disabled athlete competing in a folding wheelchair? The reason is increased performance of rigid wheelchairs. All athletes seek to optimize performance. But performance is not only important for sports wheelchairs, it is important for active everyday users as well. A well designed rigid wheelchair becomes part of the body of a disabled user allowing easier access and freedom of movement. What are the features of a rigid wheelchair that give superior performance?

• Reduced Maintenance and Weight: Folding chairs have lots of movable parts that undergo strain. These parts must often be regularly adjusted or replaced to keep the chair in alignment. Because of this strain, thicker walled aluminium is required and therefore the wheelchairs are usually heavy. Rigid wheelchairs have fewer movable parts and fewer things to go wrong. Rigid wheelchairs are generally more durable and age better than folding wheelchairs.

• Much of the energy from the push on the wheels is lost in the flexing parts of the folding wheelchair. Since the rigid wheelchair has fewer movable parts, most of the energy from the push on the wheels is translated into forward motion. In short, the rigid wheelchair may be easier to push than a folding wheelchair.

• Due to the need to fold, the folding wheelchair design might not be optimized for performance. For example, the casters of the folding wheelchair are usually placed well behind the foot-rest, in order to allow the wheelchair to close properly. This design puts a lot of weight on the casters. With the rigid wheelchair, the distance between the footrest and casters is usually much shorter; placing more of the weight on the rear wheels. Less weight on the casters makes the rigid wheelchair easier to turn.

• Because rigid wheelchairs are lighter and more manuverable than folding wheelchairs they, perform better, that is, they are easier for the user to move in. But this is not an advantage only for athletes. Imagine a wheelchair user going up a wheelchair ramp without assistance. This can be more difficult in a heavy folding chair, than in a manuverable, ultra-light, which can be lighter by 10kg or more.

• In summary, due to weight, design, and fewer moving parts, the performance of a rigid wheelchair is usually better than a folding wheelchair. This difference may become even more noticeable as the wheelchairs age.
  

•  Has good upper body strength
  
•  Wants to be independent
  
•  Is young and active (5-50 years)
  
•  Sees their wheelchair as part of their body and not just a piece of furniture
  

•  Will never be independent or has no upper body strength
  
•  Has minimal upper body strength or coordination
  
•  Is very young (0-4) or older (60-90)
  

Wheelchair Guide : Manual Wheelchairs : Sport Wheelchairs : Electric Wheelchairs : Wheelchair Forum