What Are The Types Of Wheelchairs?
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A wheelchair user can choose from numerous styles and types of wheelchairs. Types of wheelchairs give wheelchair users options when selecting the best wheelchair to meet their needs.
Manual wheelchairs and electric or motorized wheelchairs are the two main categories of wheelchairs. A manual wheelchair requires the wheelchair user to use upper body strength to propel the wheelchair forward.
Electric wheelchairs are ideal for people who do not have the strength or physical ability to maneuver in manual wheelchair. Electric wheelchairs are more expensive and manual wheelchairs, but the cost may be covered at least partially with insurance if the physician feels that an electric wheelchair is necessary.
Manual and electric wheelchairs come in a variety of styles and have different features. Some types of wheelchairs are designed to meet the requirements for different activities. A lightweight or sport manual wheelchair is an example of a wheelchair design for a specific purpose.
A less common type of wheelchair is built to cross a specific terrain. Beach wheelchairs have wider wheels for easier maneuverability over sand. Snow wheelchairs have wide, rounded wheels to make crossing snow easier.
The needs of some wheelchair users may be based on the size of the wheelchair user. A pediatric wheelchair is often best for a child. A bariatric wheelchair provides more comfort for wheelchair users who are larger or obese.
Electric wheelchairs very by the different types of wheelchair batteries they use and the wheelchair control device. Most electric wheelchairs have some sort of joystick control on the armrest of the electric wheelchair.
Not all wheelchair users are able to control a wheelchair by using a device that requires the use of a hand. Some wheelchair controls are tubes that are mounted near the wheelchair user’s mouth which allows the wheelchair user to control and steer the wheelchair by blowing and sucking on the tubes.
What type of electric wheelchair is the wheelbase electric wheelchair or mobility scooter. Wheelbase electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters usually have a horizontal bar in front of the user for steering and control of the wheelchair.
The wheelchair user may be able to turn the chair to allow the wheelchair user to get in and out of the wheelchair easier. Some mobility scooters are not able to turn corners as sharply as other types of electric wheelchairs.
A wheelchair can be further customized to meet the needs of the wheelchair user with the addition of wheelchair accessories. Types of wheelchair accessories include carriers for oxygen tanks, cupholders, and carriers for canes.
Always check your wheelchair parts regularly. Paying most attention to the wheelchair tires, as they are the only contact point of the chair to the ground. Be safe not sorry.
Related Posts
- Features Of Electric Wheelchairs
- Wheelchair Tires Important Part Of Wheelchair Stability
- Use Wheelchair Carriers To Bring Your Chair Along
- Wheelchair Exercises
- The Needs Of Care Takers
