answersLogoWhite

0

Wheelchairs come into play when a person is unable to get around, even with the use of crutches or a walker. The need for wheelchairs may stem from accidents or health and disability issues related to illness or age. Wheelchairs are not all equal and care needs to be taken to find wheelchairs that best fits particular needs.

Manual wheelchairs are powered by the user who uses hands on the special rims around the large back wheels to propel the wheelchairs. Some wheelchairs are configured in such a way that they can be propelled with one arm rather than two. Some wheelchairs are made with thicker tires and shorter backs for sports use. Those who use manual wheelchairs need to either have or develop the strength to propel the wheels forward, balance on the back tires to move the wheelchairs up over a curve or threshold and have the strength to stop forward movement. Some who require wheelchairs, either temporarily or permanently, might not have the needed hand and arm strength, but can use their feet and legs to propel the wheelchair, at least on flat surfaces. Most manual wheelchairs fold up and can be transported in a car trunk.

Wheelchairs meant for temporary transfer tend to be lighter than those manual wheelchairs used on a regular basis by those with disabilities. These have large back handles for a handler to push the person using the chair. Hospitals use these wheelchairs to transfer patients from one place to another or from bed to chair. These transfer wheelchairs may not have the large back rimmed wheels of regular manual wheelchairs. Airlines use a narrow form of these transfer wheelchairs to fit airplane aisles to transfer people into airline seats.

Those without the strength to handle manually propelled wheelchairs, might choose electric wheelchairs powered by rechargeable batteries. For the most part, electric wheelchairs are considerably heavier and not as portable as manual wheelchairs. Electric motors propel these wheelchairs with the user controlling the electric wheelchair with a joystick-like device fastened to one armrest. Those without hand dexterity use electric wheelchairs configured to respond to what movement the user does have, such as head movement.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What companies sell electric wheelchairs?

MEDmarket place, best-deal, Walmart, The Scooter Store and SpinLife are a few stores that sell electric wheelchairs.


Why is titanium the best mineral for wheelchairs and crutches?

Titanium is light weight


What jobs are there for people in wheelchairs?

Obviously, jobs that require being seated are best. People in wheelchairs work in offices, assembly plants, call centers, etc.


Which businesses sell cheap wheelchairs?

The following Businesses are offering cheap wheelchairs for sale, discountmobilitydirect offering wheelchairs from ‚£78, BetterlifeHealthcare offering wheelchairs from ‚£59, Bin-To offering wheelchairs from 67.99, sueryderforlife offering wheelchairs from ‚£47.


When did electric wheelchairs appear?

Electric wheelchairs appeared in the 1950s.


What is a diet selector and how does it works?

A diet selector helps individuals determine what diet suits them best. Tips on how to achieve this are here: http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/ten-tips-for-finding-the-best-diet-that-works-for-you


Do umbereles for wheelchairs exist?

No! Umbrella's for wheelchairs have never been invented by any one people in wheelchairs use regular umbrella's.


What is the best kind of electric wheelchair for large people?

1800wheelchair.com is a website which showcases electric wheelchairs for all shapes and sizes. Typically, most wheelchairs are heavy duty and can hold a large amount of weight.


Why are lesbians so turned on by wheelchairs?

There is no link between lesbians and wheelchairs.


What is the collective noun for wheelchairs?

Oh, dude, it's a "fleet" of wheelchairs. Like, imagine a bunch of wheelchairs rolling around together, just cruising down the hallway. It's like a little wheelchair gang, ready to take on any obstacle in their way. So yeah, a fleet of wheelchairs.


How are electric wheelchairs be charged?

Electrical wheelchairs are charged simply by charging the wheelchairs batteries. This can be done by hooking a charger up to the wheelchair and then plugging it into a wall outlet.


Are manual wheelchairs better than electric wheelchairs?

Manual wheelchairs are typically not better than electric wheelchairs. Manual wheelchairs tend to be bulky, hard to maneuver, and can be hard to use for elderly and physically handicapped people. Electric wheelchairs offer ease of handling and are much more compact than manual chairs. They are very easy to maneuver and can be stored easily when not in use. Electric wheelchairs are better than manual wheelchairs, especially when going somewhere on an incline. If a person uses a manual wheelchair too much it might become tiresome.