As technology and laws continue to advance, we are seeing different types of wheelchairs emerge on the market. Choosing the right one can be difficult, but this guide can help.
On July 26, 1990, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) was officially approved and sworn into federal law. While humble at first, it was an attempt to challenge societal barriers that often left disabled people (particularly children) ostracized and segregated from their own communities – including lack of accessibility in schools, hospitals, and workplaces.
It worked.
Federal regulation ensured strict guidelines for public spaces, making it easier for people with disabilities to live very normal, independent lives.
Discriminating on the basis of disability became illegal, ensuring that people who used mobility aids like wheelchairs could be active, contributing members of society, too.
New Technologies for Different Types of Wheelchairs
But it isn’t just federal regulation or even respect that’s changing. Wheelchair technology is improving rapidly, too, and many of these advances provide direct benefits to disabled Americans.
While a wheelchair was essentially just a chair with wheels at the turn of the 20th Century, you can now choose from a long list of different types of wheelchairs, all designed to fit very specific needs.
We’ll help you discover these options in the article below.
1. Transport Wheelchairs
Lightweight and designed to accommodate transport, rather than full-time use, this wheelchair style is specifically designed to be pushed by a carer or companion. You’ll generally find chairs like these in
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Shopping malls
- Or, in homes when the patient only needs very occasional support
It is important to note that most transport chairs lack a large main wheel; this does mean the patient cannot self-propel themselves, should the need arise.
Instead, they have a smaller set of wheels at the back. Although this may seem limiting at first, the smaller wheel size makes it easier for the person caring for the patient to push the chair stably and smoothly.
If part-time self-propulsion is required, there are augmented versions available. Hybrid transport chairs feature removable back wheels that can be easily exchanged for larger standard wheels on the fly.
These types of wheelchairs are also extremely easy to fold up and store when they aren’t needed. Multiple hinge points ensure that the chair lays flat during storage, so it takes up less room in a trunk, storage closet, or home.
Despite how flexible and light they are, the average chair is strong enough to accommodate people weighing up to 300 pounds. Heavy-duty versions ensure that larger users have safe options available, too.
2. Standard Manual Wheelchairs
The standard manual wheelchair is one of the most reliable and trusted versions available. This version has large back wheels allowing for self-propulsion as well as handles on the back allowing an assistant to push the chair with ease.
Some users prefer to use manual wheelchairs in place of transport chairs because of their broadly-suitable “default design.” In a pinch, this style of wheelchair will suit most people who retain at least some upper body strength.
However, they should not be used by people who lack the ability to sit upright on their own and/or those who suffer from weakness in the arms.
Although accommodating, most standard types of wheelchairs are neither designed nor fitted properly for patients who spend a significant amount of time in their chairs.
Pressure sores and/or pain may occur if the chair isn’t properly customized to the patient. Speak with your pharmacist or care team for more information.
3. Heavy-Duty and Bariatric Manual Wheelchairs
Patients weighing over 300 pounds often struggle to find mobility aids that can accommodate them comfortably. That’s where heavy-duty and bariatric manual chairs come in.
For patients who struggle with extreme obesity, a heavy-duty wheelchair can be life-changing. The right chair can be the difference between independence and remaining house or bedbound.
In effect, there is little difference between a heavy-duty chair and a regular chair – in fact, the former comes in nearly all of the same styles.
The main difference is that a heavy-duty chair can accommodate patients weighing up to 700 pounds (or sometimes more). Reclining features give the patient access to comfortable positions that distribute weight more evenly to prevent pain.
4. Light and Ultra Lightweight Wheelchairs
Speaking of important technological advances – today’s wheelchairs are also lighter and stronger, too, all at once.
- The average standard wheelchair weighs around 50 pounds, but newer lightweight metal styles may weigh as little as 40 pounds.
- Ultra-lightweight models may weigh even less – sometimes as little as 25 pounds.
As with most other chairs, light and ultralight styles fold for easy storage. But they are also often light enough for even the patient to pick up, too, potentially opening up new options for independent travel.
It is far easier for someone who relies on a wheelchair to justify solo travel in a car, for example, if they know they can just reach down and pick the chair up after they transfer themselves in.
With a larger chair, assistance is generally needed to fold down and pick up the chair after transfer. This simply isn’t ideal for someone with long-term disabilities who needs to maintain a work schedule – or even just have a bit of fun.
5. Sport Wheelchairs
Just because someone has a disability doesn’t mean they can’t live a full, enriched life…especially with the right chair!
Sport wheelchairs are designed to accommodate people who want to get a little off the beaten track – perhaps on the basketball court, onto the beach, or down a local trail, instead.
These types of wheelchairs have the same design as a standard wheelchair (large, self-propelling wheels on the back). However, there are a few differences.
- Nearly all sport chairs are customized to the patient and activity. The style suggested for basketball, for example, will be much different than the style suggested for traveling down a backwood trail.
- One key element of this is the wheel size and shape. Thinner wheels that pivot to allow for tighter turns augment speed, while thicker wheels with heavier treads are designed to provide a smoother, safer ride off-road.
And that’s really just the beginning. There are even sport chairs for traveling through shallow water, mud, deep grass, or fine sand!
6. Pediatric Wheelchairs
The term “pediatric wheelchair” doesn’t really refer to a specific kind of wheelchair. Instead, it refers to any wheelchair made specifically for children.
Depending on the age of the child using the chair, features may include:
- A small frame
- A smaller seat
- Manually-adjustable handles
- A third set of wheels to improve stability
Pediatric chairs may also be adjustable, a feature that allows kids to recline back and relax or even sleep. This is a must for younger children with cerebral palsy and other peripheral or torso weakness, as it helps them remain comfortable and safe.
7. Tilt and Recliner Wheelchairs
As with pediatric wheelchairs, the terms “tilt” and “recliner” here really refer to a feature instead of a specific style of chair. However, this feature can be extremely important to some patients.
For example, patients with severe dysautonomia may benefit from sitting in a reclining position because the body can more easily:
- Manage blood pressure
- Reducing dizziness
- Limit fainting spells
Reclining may also be more comfortable for patients with certain spinal conditions or back pain, too.
Most tilt and recliner wheelchairs have a slightly longer seat and a longer backrest, too. Depending on the different types of wheelchairs, it may:
- Recline only slightly (reclining, but seated)
- Recline fully (fully supine and/or laying down)
A reclining chair isn’t suitable for every patient, and may worsen certain symptoms, so be sure to clear use with your care team.
8. Hemi Height Wheelchair
Hemi-height wheelchairs are specially-created for patients who can better propel themselves using the feet, including people who have injured upper limbs or slight weakness in the arms.
This unique and relatively new style comes with a seat that sits slightly lower to the ground, letting the patient propel the chair with their feet.
Hemi-height chairs are almost always adjustable. The patient can lower the chair (for propelling by foot) or raise it (to allow an assistant to push) in just a few short seconds.
This is ideal when patients receive or need care only part of the time, especially in rehabilitation centers or during recovery periods at home.
Conclusion
Depending on your needs and your lifestyle, you can choose from many different styles and types of wheelchairs.
If you are unsure which wheelchair is best for you, call Burt’s Pharmacy today. Our experienced staff can help you rent or buy the perfect chair, and our free delivery is always available!
