Types of Wheelchair

Original Editor - Naomi O'Reilly as part of the Wheelchair Service Provision Content Development Project

Top Contributors - Naomi O'Reilly, Kim Jackson, Shaimaa Eldib, Admin and Amrita Patro  

Introduction

There are a wide variety of types of wheelchair, differing by propulsion method, mechanisms of control, and technology used. Some wheelchairs are designed for general everyday use, others for single activities, or to address specific access needs. No single model or size of wheelchair can meet the needs of all users, and the diversity among users creates a need for different types of wheelchair. Those selecting wheelchairs, in consultation with the user, need to understand the physical needs of the intended user and how they intend to use the wheelchair, as well as knowledge of the reasons for different wheelchair designs.

Appropriate Wheelchair

A wheelchair is appropriate when it meets the individual’s needs and environmental conditions; provides proper fit and postural support based on sound biomechanical principles; is safe and durable; is available and can be accessed, maintained and sustained in the country at the most economical and affordable price. An appropriate wheelchair can assist in opening up a new world for the user, from exclusion to inclusion, participation in all societal activities, and sports and recreation, which all lead to independence, better health and improved quality of life.

Physical Needs

Intended Use

The ability to adjust or customize a wheelchair to meet the user’s physical needs will vary, depending on the type of wheelchair. Wheelchairs should be available in at least a small range of sizes and allow some basic adjustments. Wheelchairs designed for temporary uses (e.g. to be used in a hospital to move patients from one ward to another) are not designed to provide the user with a close fit, postural support or pressure relief, while for long-term users, a wheelchair must fit well and provide good postural support and pressure relief. A range of seat widths and depths, and the possibility to adjust at least the footrest and backrest height are important in ensuring that the wheelchair can be fitted correctly. Other common adjustments and options include cushion types, postural supports and an adjustable wheel position. Highly adjustable or individually modified wheelchairs are designed for long-term users with special postural needs. Such wheelchairs often have additional components added to help support the user.

Wheelchair designs vary to enable users to safely and effectively use their wheelchair in the environment in which they live and work. A wheelchair that is used primarily in rough outdoor environments needs to be robust, more stable and easier to propel over rough ground. A three-wheeled wheelchair that would be well suited to outdoor use. In comparison, a wheelchair that is used indoors on smooth surfaces needs to be easy to manoeuvre in small indoor spaces. Many users live and work in a range of settings, and a compromise is therefore often necessary such as a robust wheelchair with a relatively short wheelbase but large castor wheels. This wheelchair could be used both indoors and outdoors. Users need to be able to get in and out of the wheelchair easily, to propel it efficiently and to repair it. Users may need to transport their wheelchair, for example in a bus or car. Different wheelchair designs allow for wheelchairs to be made more compact in different ways. Some are cross-folding, while others have quick-release wheels and the backrest folds forwards.

Manual Wheelchair

References