Thirty years ago there was no need for a "fact sheet" on manual wheelchairs. Someone needing a wheelchair at that time simply would have gone to a doctor and received a prescription for a wheelchair, and that chair would have been fairly standard in size and appearance. It would have been a heavy, metal chair with black or dark green upholstery. Nothing else was available.
That era has passed, and today's active wheelchair user has literally hundreds of options available. Manual wheelchairs come in sporty styles and stylish colors, and can be made of lightweight composite materials which greatly reduce their weight. The challenge today is to select the wheelchair which most directly meets an individual's needs.
The objective of this Fact Sheet is to provide the reader with a basic introduction to manual wheelchairs. Sources of additional information, including a list of wheelchair manufacturers, are found at the conclusion of this fact sheet.
Because the wheelchair market is changing so rapidly, there is no universally accepted terminology to describe the various kinds of manual wheelchairs. However, manual wheelchairs sold today generally can be placed in one or more of the following categories.
Lightweight/Sports Chairs
The most popular type of wheelchair for everyday use for a person with good
upper body mobility is the lightweight manual wheelchair. Lightweight chairs
provide maximum independence of movement with a minimum of effort. Many active
wheelchair users also prefer the sportier look of the lightweights compared
with the more standard looking everyday chair. It should be noted, however,
that heavy or obese persons may be unable to use these types of chairs because
the lighter weight of the frame results in a reduced user capacity as compared
to standard everyday chairs. Once used primarily by wheelchair athletes, the
lightweight chair today is used by people in virtually all walks of life as
a preferred mode of assisted mobility. Three-wheeled chairs, also developed
for such sports as tennis and basketball, are also an everyday chair alternative.
Standard/Everyday Chairs
Some wheelchair users still prefer or require a standard wheelchair, which is
characterized by a cross-brace frame, built-in or removable arm rests, swing-away
footrests, a mid- tohigh-level back, and push handles to allow non-occupants
to propel the chair.
Child/Junior Chairs
Children and young adults need chairs that can accommodate their changing needs
as they grow. In addition, it is important that wheelchairs for children or
teens be adaptable to classroom environments and be "friendly looking"
to help the user fit more readily into social situations. Manufacturers today
are becoming increasingly sensitive to these market demands and are attempting
to address them with innovative chair designs and a variety of "kid-oriented"
colors and styles. (See also Fact Sheet on Wheelchairs for Children.)
Specialty Chairs
Because of the diverse needs of wheelchair users, wheelchairs have been designed
to accommodate many lifestyles and user needs. Hemi chairs, which are lower
to the floor than standard chairs, allow the user to propel the chair using
leg strength. Chairs that can be propelled by one hand are available for people
who have paralysis on one side. Oversized chairs and chairs designed to accommodate
the weight of obese people are also offered. Rugged, specially equipped chairs
are available for outdoor activities. Aerodynamic three-wheeled racing
chairs are used in marathons and other racing events. Manual chairs that raise
the user to a standing position are available for people who need to be able
to stand at their jobs, or who want to stand as part of their physical conditioning
routine. These and other specialized chair designs generally are manufactured
by independent wheelchair manufacturers who are trying to meet the needs of
specific target markets.
Institutional/Nursing Home/Depot Chair
The least expensive type of chair available, an institutional chair, is designed
for institutional usage only, such as transporting patients in hospitals or
nursing homes. It is not an appropriate alternative for anyone who requires
independent movement, as the institutional chair is not fitted for a specific
individual. These types of chairs are now also used as rental chairs and by
commercial enterprises (such as grocery stores and airports) for temporary use.
Frame
One of the biggest breakthroughs in wheelchair technology has been the development
of new, lightweight materials for wheelchair frames. Whereas stainless steel
used to be the only frame material available, wheelchair users today have their
choice of stainless steel, chrome, aluminum, airplane aluminum, steel tubing,
an alloy of chrome and lightweight materials, titanium, and other lightweight
composite materials. The type of material used to construct the frame affects
the weight of the frame, and therefore the overall weight of the wheelchair.
The type of frame material also can affect the wheelchair's overall strength.
The two most common types of frames currently available are rigid frame chairs (where the frame remains in one piece and the wheels are released for storage or travel), and the standard cross-brace frame (which enables the frame to fold for transport or storage).
Upholstery
Upholstery for wheelchairs must withstand daily use in all kinds of weather.
Consequently, manufacturers provide a variety of options to users, ranging
from cloth to new synthetic fabrics to leather. Many manufacturers also offer
a selection of upholstery colors, ranging from black to neon, to allow for individual
selection and differing tastes among consumers.
Seating System
Seating systems are sold separately from the wheelchairs themselves, as seating
must be chosen on an individual basis. It is important when selecting a wheelchair
or a seating system to ensure that the two components are compatible.
Brakes
"Braking" on a manual wheelchair in use is accomplished by
applying the hands on the wheels. However, "parking brakes" (wheel
locks) are available in several different designs, and can be mounted at various
heights to maximize convenience to the user.
Wheels/Tires
Most wheelchairs use four wheels, with two large wheels at the back and two
smaller ones (casters) at the front. The standard tire used for the rear wheels
on most wheelchairs is a pneumatic tire, for which the standard size is 24 inches.
Smaller and larger sizes, however, also are available. Many manufacturers now
also offer other types of tires--such as solid tires, semi-pneumatic, or radial
tires--at extra cost. Mag wheels and off road wheels also are options on some
chairs. Casters, too, vary in size (ranging from six to eight inches in diameter)
and composition (pneumatic, solid rubber, plastic, or a combination of these).
Footrests
For rigid frame chairs, footrests usually are incorporated into the frame of
the chair as part of the design. Cross-brace folding chairs often have footrests
which swivel, flip up, and/or can be removed.
Armrests
Many lightweight manual chairs are designed to be used without armrests.
The absence of armrests makes it easier for the user to roll up to a
desk or table, and many active wheelchair users prefer the streamlined look
of a chair with no armrests. However, armrests are helpful if the user has difficulty
with upper body balance while seated. Armrests come in a variety of styles including
desk length (to allow the user closer access to desks and tables) or full length
and both types may be flip-up, fixed, or detachable.
The cost of a manual wheelchair can go from approximately $500 for an institutional chair to more than $4,000 for a customized lightweight wheelchair with "all the trimmings." Most lightweight manual chairs, depending upon the manufacturer, are in the $1,800 to $2,800 range. These figures should not be used, however, to suggest an "appropriate price" for a wheelchair for any specific individual; special accessory needs or customization required to accommodate specific disabilities could put the actual purchase price much higher.
New wheelchairs are being introduced to the market every year. Information on specific models is available from the manufacturers (a list of manufacturers and their phone numbers is found at the conclusion of this Fact Sheet). One of the easiest ways to keep up-to-date on what is available is to call ABLEDATA.
ABLEDATA maintains a database of currently more than 31,000 products for people with disabilities. Included in the ABLEDATA database are descriptions of all wheelchair types currently available in the United States, as well as information about wheelchair manufacturers and local distributors.
ABLEDATA,
8630 Fenton Street, Suite 930,
Silver Spring, MD 20910.
ABLEDATA's phone numbers are 800/227-0216; in Maryland 301/608-8998; or 301/608-8912
(TTY).
Our fax number is 301/608-8958.
All ABLEDATA documents, as well as the ABLEDATA database are available from our website, http:www.abledata.com.
ABLEDATA also offers more detailed information on the wheelchair selection process in its Informed Consumer's Guide to Wheelchair Selection. This publication also provides a list of resources and related reading on wheelchairs and wheelchair selection. In addition, Fact Sheets on Powered Wheelchairs, Children's Wheelchairs, and Scooters are available. Individual copies of the fact sheets and informed consumer's guide are available from ABLEDATA.
Accumec Corp. 408/294-3100
Chair Type(s): Specialty
Activeaid, Inc. 507/644-2951 or 800/533-5330
Chair Type(s): Specialty
Alpha Kinetics, Inc. 507/263-4774
Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport
Amigo Mobility 517/777-0910 or 800/821-2710
Chair Type(s): Institutional/commercial
Beach Wheels, Inc. 813/775-1078
Chair Type(s): Specialty
Bencraft Limited ENGLAND 021 4579001
Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday
California Cruisers, Inc. 818/718-2828
Chair Type(s): Child/Youth; Institutional/commercial
Canadian Wheelchair Manufacturing Ltd. 416/275-3960
Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth;
Institutional/commercial; Specialty
Car Chair Ltd. 213/394-3640
Chair Type(s): Specialty
Colours 'N' Motion 714/978-1440 or 800/892-8998
Chair Type(s): Child/Youth; Racing
Convaid Products 310/539-6814 or 800/552-1020
Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth
Crown Medical Keystone Corp. 614/866-9803
Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday
Cyclone Wheelchairs ENGLAND (0244) 310089
Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth
Damaco, Inc./ Freedom on Wheels 805/532-1832 or 800/432-2434
Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth; Racing
Eagle Sportschairs 404/972-0763
Chair Type(s): Child/Youth; Racing; Institutional/commercial
Elite Wheelchair Products 404/972-3757 or 800/824-7903
Chair Type(s): Child/Youth; Racing; Institutional/commercial
Enduro by Wheel Ring, Inc. 203/647-8596
Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth
ETAC USA 414/796-4600 or 800/678-3822
Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth
Everest & Jennings, Inc. 314/569-3515 or 800/235-4661
Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth;
Institutional/commercial; Specialty
Fortress 209/323-0292 or 800/869-4335
Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth; Racing
44 Caliber 704/784-3440
Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth
Gendron, Inc. 419/445-6060 or 800/537-2521
Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth;
Institutional/commercial; Specialty
Grove Innovations 814/364-2677
Chair Type(s):
Guardian Products A Sunrise Medical Company 818/504-2820 or 800/255-5022
Chair Type(s): Institutional/commercial
Gunnell, Inc. 517/871-4529 or 800/551-0055
Chair Type(s): Child/Youth; Institutional/commercial; Specialty
Hall's Wheels 617/628-7955
Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport; Racing
Hausted 800/428-7833
Chair Type(s): Institutional/commercial
IMEX Healthcare 408/370-6361
Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Specialty
Innovative Products Unlimited, Inc. 414/738-9090 or 800/833-2826
Chair Type(s): Institutional/commercial
Interior Mediquip, LTD CANADA 604/542-1363
Chair Type(s): Specialty
Invacare Corp 216/329-6000 or 800/333-6900
Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Child/Youth; Institutional/commercial;
Specialty
Iron Horse Productions 810/987-6700
Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Institutional/commercial; Specialty
Jaken Medical 800/678-4499
Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport
Kendall-Futuro Co. 606/655-3400 or 800/388-5278
Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth;
Institutional/commercial
Kareco International 908/752-9636 or 800/KARECO
Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport; Specialty
Kuschall of America 805/484-3595
Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth;
Institutional/commercial
LDC Corp. of America 215/586-0986 or 800/782-6324
Chair Type(s): Specialty
Levo USA 818/882-6944 or 800/882-6944
Chair Type(s): Specialty
Lumex 516/273-2200
Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport
Medical Lab Automation, Inc. 800/237-1162
Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Institutional/commercial
Meyra, Inc. 302/324-4400 or 800/833-9962
Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth
Morgan Technology, Inc. 708/963-3210 or 800/906-5483
Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport
Mulholland Positioning Systems, Inc. 805/525-7165
Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth
Newton Wheelchairs, USA 407/483-7184
Chair Type(s):
Olympian Wheelchairs 813/343-8375
Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth; Racing
Omni Manufacturing 800/554-9215
Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday
Ortho-Kinetics, Inc. 414/542-6060 or 800/588-7786
Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport
Otto Bock 612/553-9464 or 800/328-4058
Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Child/Youth
Patient's Personal Needs
Chair Type(s): Institutional/commercial
Quickie Designs, Inc. 209/292-2171 or 800/456-6168
Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth
Quickie Designs/Shadow Products 206/872-0741 or 800/342-1579
Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth; Racing
Rx Rocker Corp. 805/499-0696 or 800/762-5371
Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport
Redman Wheelchairs 602/294-2621 or 800/727-6684
Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport
Rehab 'n Motion Technologies 603/358-0437
Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport
RGK Wheelchairs ENGLAND 44 (0) 543-379905
Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth
Rolleez 804/461-1122 or 800/347-2278
Chair Type(s):
Samhall Rehab 203/380-0000 or 800/882-0098
Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Child/Youth; Institutional/ commercial;
Specialty
Scott Designs 510/294-1700
Chair Type(s): Child/Youth
Seatcase 512/892-4991 or 800/221-SEAT
Chair Type(s): Specialty
Technovations, Inc. 414/354-8895
Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday
Theradyne Corp. 612/469-4404 or 800/328-4014
Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth;
Institutional/commercial
Top End by Action 813/522-8677 or 800/532-8677
Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth; Racing
Tuffcare, Inc. 714/524-1133 or 800/367-6160
Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth;
Institutional/commercial; Specialty
Up and Over Engineering 415/233-1328
Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport
Vision Performance 800/462-8266
Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport
Wheelchairs of Kansas 800/537-6454
Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Specialty
Wheelsport, Intl. 209/276-3271
Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth
XL Wheelchairs 916/891-3535 or 800/356-3554
Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth; Specialty