Wheelchairs

There are two main types of wheelchairs, manual and power or electric wheelchairs. Manual wheelchairs are propelled and controlled by pushing on rims attached to the wheels while electric wheelchairs are powered by a large battery and controlled by means of a joystick.

Manual wheelchairs can be divided into two types as can be seen in this article about rigid versus folding wheelchairs. Rigid wheelchairs are generally lighter and better performing while folding wheelchairs have the advantage of folding relatively flat so they can be conveniently put in the back of a car without removing the wheels. Rigid wheelchairs are generally the option of choice for an active wheelchair user, while folding wheelchairs are generally the option of choice for someone who is not very active. However, folding wheelchairs are constantly improving and while the difference in weight and performance is decreasing, ridgid frames are still usually recommended for active wheelchair users.



There are two types of electric powered vehicles for disabled people, power wheelchairs and mobility scooters. While they have alot in common as can be seen in this article about mobility scooters, there are several key differences. For example the turning radius of an electric wheelchair is smaller and so the electric wheelchair is more manueveable. However, a scooter looks more like a motorcycle and thus draws less attention. From the esthetics point of view, many disabled people prefer a scooter.

Wheelchair users have a growing assortment of wheelchair accessories. There are many different types of wheelchair accessories. Wheelchair accessories can often be divided into products which improve wheelchair safety or wheelchair convenience or style. For example:

* Safety: The are many wheelchair accessories which improve wheelchair safety. For example there are quality wheelchair lights, wheelchair reflectors, wheelchair spoke covers.



* Convenience: Wheelchair backpacks help wheelchair users to carry items while in their wheelchairs. Wheelchair tire covers help wheelchair users to keep their house clean. Wheelchair gloves help to protect wheelchair users hands.

* Style: Some wheelchair accessories can serve a double function. For example wheelchair backpacks are for convenience, but put reflective strip on them and they improve visibility and therefore safety. Add a reflective design and they improve style. Similarly wheelchair spoke guards are primarily for safety. But put a screen print image on them, such as planets or puppies and they enhance the style of the wheelchair. A wheelchair light will enhance safety. But if that light can also give an underglow effect, it will improve style.

Exoskeletons are about to change the lives for many wheelchair users. Exoskeletons will soon allow many wheelchair users to walk again. This exciting new technology is still virtually unknown to many wheelchair users and non-wheelchair users alike. Check out this lens dedicated to exoskeletons for wheelchair users.