There are many different wheelchair kinds, each with a unique propulsion system, control system, and technology. Some wheelchairs are intended for regular daily usage, while others are made for specific tasks or to meet certain access requirements. The variety of users necessitates the need for several wheelchair kinds because no one design or dimension of a wheelchair can satisfy the needs of every user. It is important for those choosing wheelchairs to be aware of the physical requirements of the intended user, how they plan to utilize the wheelchair and the rationale behind various wheelchair designs.
Frames Of Wheelchairs
The frame’s construction significantly influences the wheelchair’s performance. The most common material, steel, is the strongest as well as the least expensive. A wheelchair with an aluminium frame is more expensive but also lighter and easier to propel. Additionally, frames constructed of exceptionally light materials like titanium, carbon, and a particular type of aluminium are available. They cost a lot of money and are frequently seen in wheelchairs with rigid frames.
A wheelchair’s frame can alternatively be rigid (fixed) or foldable. Wheelchairs with rigid frames and folding frames both have benefits and drawbacks. The optimum option will vary based on the wheelchair user’s activity and lifestyle habits, their preferred method of entering and exiting vehicles, and other factors.
- Foldable Frame
Wheelchairs with folding frames include an X-shaped folding frame. Most frames feature detachable foot supports that make it simple to fold them whenever the clamp is disengaged for folding. The majority of frames are heavier than rigid frames and are composed of aluminium or titanium. The foldable wheelchair is less sturdy than the wheelchair with a rigid frame, as is the case with anything with moving parts. As a result, maintenance is needed more regularly to maintain the functionality of all sections. Similar to this, a folding wheelchair loses some of its propelling energy during structural motions and at all points of attachment.
- Rigid Frame
A rigid frame wheelchair has a single, welded frame that the user sits on. Rigid frame wheelchairs may include a fixed backrest or a folding backrest that allows the chair’s back to recline. It also includes wheels users can take off with a rapid release mechanism for simple wheelchair storage and transit. These frames are typically composed of lightweight materials like aluminium, titanium, and even carbon fibre. Without the wheels, a compact braced frame wheelchair can be as light as 4.5 kgs.
These wheelchairs have the advantage of having fewer moving components, which makes them stronger and more durable than folding wheelchairs. Another benefit of a wheelchair with a rigid frame is that it is lighter and easier to operate than a wheelchair with a folding frame. But because it takes up less room, the folding wheelchair is frequently easier to transport and store.
- Sports Wheelchairs
Wheelchair sports demand a certain set of tools and abilities from participants, as other sports do. There are many sports designed specifically for wheelchair users. Depending on the sports as well as the skill level the user plays, there are a wide variety of sports wheelchairs available for everyone, from novices wishing to start wheelchair sports to those with advanced talents to professional athletes. Each sport’s wheelchair has changed over time to meet the demands of that sport better, and they frequently no longer look like their everyday counterparts.
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