Types of Wheelchair

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Introduction

No single model or size of wheelchair can meet the needs of all users, and the diversity among users creates a need for different types of wheelchair. Those selecting wheelchairs, in consultation with the user, need to understand the physical needs of the intended user and how they intend to use the wheelchair, as well as knowledge of the reasons for different wheelchair designs.

Physical Needs

The ability to adjust or customize a wheelchair to meet the user’s physical needs will vary, depending on the type of wheelchair. Often, wheelchairs are available in at least a small range of sizes and allow some basic adjustments.

Wheelchairs designed for temporary uses (for example, to be used in a hospital to move patients from one ward to another) are not designed to provide the user with a close fit, postural support or pressure relief.

For long-term users, a wheelchair must fit well and provide good postural support and pressure relief. A range of seat widths and depths, and the possibility to adjust at least the footrest and backrest height are important in ensuring that the wheelchair can be fitted correctly. Other common adjustments and options include cushion types, postural supports and an adjustable wheel position.

Highly adjustable or individually modified wheelchairs are designed for long-term users with special postural needs. Such wheelchairs often have additional components added to help support the user.

Intended Use

Wheelchair designs vary to enable users to safely and effectively use their wheelchair in the environment in which they live and work.

A wheelchair that is used primarily in rough outdoor environments needs to be robust, more stable and easier to propel over rough ground. Fig. 1.8 illustrates an example of a three-wheeled wheelchair that would be well suited to outdoor use. In comparison, a wheelchair that is used indoors on smooth surfaces needs to be easy to manoeuvre in small indoor spaces.

Many users live and work in a range of settings, and a compromise is therefore often necessary. Fig. 1.9 shows a robust wheelchair with a relatively short wheelbase but large castor wheels. This wheelchair could be used both indoors and outdoors.

Users need to be able to get in and out of the wheelchair easily, to propel it efficiently and to repair it. Users may need to transport their wheelchair, for example in a bus or car (Fig. 1.10). Different wheelchair designs allow for wheelchairs to be made more compact in different ways. Some are cross-folding (Fig. 1.10), while others have quick-release wheels (Fig.1.11. and Fig.1.12.) and the backrest folds forwards.

Manual Wheelchair

Folding Frame

Rigid Frame

Power Wheelchair

Sports Wheelchair

Just as other sports require participants to use certain equipment and skills, wheelchair sports require a certain set of equipment and skills. Whether you are a beginner looking to start playing a wheelchair sport, advanced in your skills, or even a professional, there are a range of sports wheelchairs available depending on your sport and the level at which you play.

Basketball

Racing

Rugby

Tennis

References