The Kinds of Manual Wheelchair

The manual wheelchair, so called because it is propelled with human power, has many types. One is the attendant propelled wheelchair which is pushed by a person other than the occupant of the chair. This type does not have hand rims on its large wheels. What it has are handles at the back of the chair which the attendant uses to control it.
Another type is propelled by the occupant himself. This is the self propelled wheel chair. Attached to the outside of its large wheels are hand rims which the user manipulates in order to move the chair. These hand rims have a diameter that is less than that of the wheels for better control. The speed and direction of the chair is determined by the actions of the user on the hand rims.
The fundamental components of a manual wheelchair are the seat, the back rest, the foot rest, two large rear wheels and two small front wheels. Additional chair features can be added as required. Such additions are tailored to the needs of the intended users. The height of the chair, the size of the seat, and the position of the foot rest as well as the back rest can be varied.
There is a one arm drive type of self propelled wheel chair. On one side of this type of chair are two hand rims, one smaller in diameter than the other. By moving the two hand rims simultaneously, the chair can be propelled forward or backward. By operating only one of them, the chair can be turned either right or left depending on which one is moved.
A lever is used to control another kind of self propelled wheel chair. The chair can be moved in any direction by pumping the lever in certain ways. Still another way of propelling wheelchairs is possible for those who can not use their arms or hands. Special mechanisms are incorporated into the manual wheelchair so that it can be manipulated using one or both feet.
The wheelbase chair is a type of wheel chair that is specially tailored for users with complicated postures in order to serve their unique needs. This type of chair is basically a custom-built seat attached to a platform with wheels. A cast of the user is made while he is in the best seated position that he can achieve, and the seat is moulded from this cast.
Some types of manual wheelchair are easily stored because these can be folded. Others have rigid frames. Some have adjustable foot rests or adjustable back rests, or both. Still others have features that are specially designed for the requirements of their users. Such features may include holders for oxygen tanks and other medical equipment, safety belts, and even holders for drinks, books, and such.
The common inexpensive wheel chair is usually made of tubular steel. These are heavy compared to the more costly ones that are made of lightweight materials. Wood was a common material used in earlier wheel chairs. Today, most wheel chairs are made from combinations of materials such as metals, plastics, fabric, and fibreglass. The wheels on these chairs look very much like those on bicycles.