Wheelchair Types

A wheelchair is a wheeled mobility device in which the user sits. The device is propelled either manually (by pushing the wheels with the hands) or via various automated systems.

While wheelchairs in the main have generally tended to be manual, wheelchairs which are electric (or powered) have gained immensely in popularity over recent years and due of course to the greater mobility and independence they provide to the user. 

Basic standard manual wheelchairs incorporate a seat and back, two small front (caster) wheels and two large wheels, one on each side, and a foot rest. Most wheelchairs are variations on this basic design, but there are many types of wheelchairs, and they are often highly customized for the individual user's needs. The seat size (width and depth), seat-to-floor height, footrests/leg rests, front caster outriggers, adjustable backrests, controls, and many other features can be customized on, or added to many basic models, while some users, often those with specialized needs, may have wheelchairs custom-built.

 Various optional accessories are available, such as anti-tip bars or wheels, safety belts, adjustable backrests, tilt and/or recline features, extra support for limbs or neck, mounts or carrying devices for crutches, walkers or oxygen tanks, drink holders, and clothing protectors. Experiments have also been made with unusual variant wheels, like the omniwheel or the mecanum wheel. These allow more directional movement options in wheelchairs.

Wheelchair fitted with Mecanum wheels,
taken at an exhibition in the early 1980s.

Recent technological advances are slowly improving wheelchair and powerchair technology, although these are slow to trickle down to standard consumers. The IBOT is a variety of powered wheelchair, developed by Dean Kamen in a partnership between DEKA and Johnson and Johnson's Independence Technology division. It is a medical technology, made to help people with severe mobility problems. The IBOT, often called a powered wheelchair, incorporates gyroscopic technology and other advances, enabling the chair to balance and run on only two of its four wheels on some surfaces, thus raising the user to a height comparable to a standing person. It also incorporates stair-climbing and four-wheel-drive features. However, the IBOT is limited to certain types of users, and is not covered by most insurance plans. Other newer powerchairs are developing stair-climbing or curb-climbing features, and motorized assists for hand-powered chairs are becoming more available and advanced.

Most of the recent advances related to wheelchairs have been in cushion materials (memory foam and gel particularly) as well as suspension-based chairs.