Wheelchairs – Types And Sizes

The wheelchair is the most popular and in many cases, the most convenient, walking aid you can get. With all the different mobility accessories like the heavy crutches or the universal, but not when it comes to application in various conditions or rehabilitation types, the cane, a wheelchair is generally the top pick-up for both: permanent use or temporary device for an easy move.

Speaking of which, when it comes to the concrete purpose a wheelchair will serve we can determine several types of wheelchairs. Meanwhile, the size of a wheelchair is also a factor that determines the specific type of wheelchair.

This is why we believe the big market for walking aids can offer a truly big bunch of different and various wheelchairs depending on both: their size and types. The question which one is the best for you, though, might appear a bit frustrating.

In many cases, patients prefer leaning on their therapists and doctors when it comes to the final decision that should be made. Hence, never underestimate that a wheelchair serves your lifestyle and your sense of convenience.

A doctor is always the best person who can recommend you the top wheelchair types and wheelchair types you can add either to your rehabilitation or to your temporary disability as a new way of living (still a good and satisfying one, never forget it). However, when being aware of all the different wheelchair types and sizes on the global market you get that special feeling of being confident that you have a choice.

And having a choice is always a better alternative, isn’t it? So, meet the different wheelchairs depending on their types and sizes. This is how you are going to become able to properly choose the most suitable one for your needs, preferences, and lifestyle!

In this material, it’s what we are going to do. We are about to present to you the most common and not that common wheelchair types and sizes. Get to know them now and make your final decision for purchase in the end.

Let’s get started with the most detailed chart for the top common and convenient wheelchair types and sizes now!

Manual wheelchairs

They usually call it a standard wheelchair, but the truth is that a wheelchair shouldn’t be on mandatory a manual one to be standard as there are standard lightweight (regarding the size of the wheelchair) or transport wheelchairs, too. Hence, basically, we do agree that the manual wheelchair is truly basic and by all means, the most popular wheelchair ever.

Manual wheelchairs possess two small wheels that are located right at the front, as well as two big wheels at the backside. The big wheels let the user push themselves on their own. You don’t need anyone’s help to “drive” the manual wheelchair.

Meanwhile, these wheelchairs are fully collapsible. This is why they are truly simple to travel and stow away. All manual wheelchairs can be made with different seat widths with different weight capacities so that each individual is comfortable.

Here’s how we find a lot of manual wheelchairs depending on their size:

1. Ultra-lightweight manual wheelchairs – basically the best option for those who often travel

2. Lightweight manual wheelchairs – a good decision for you if you want to pick up something comfy and light, but still remain worried about the price as this one is at least two times cheaper than the ultra-lightweight manual wheelchair

3. Standard weight manual wheelchairs – in most cases you will find such in the hospitals so if you are already used to this type of a manual wheelchair and it fits you, don’t hesitate to have one of this kind for your everyday life, too

4. Heavy duty manual wheelchairs – at first, it seems this wheelchair is a totally bad decision, but the truth is that it has its own strong points as it is the best decision for people with overweight, for instance

Transport wheelchairs

As their name says it, the transport wheelchairs are ideal for traveling. Though, note that this type of wheelchair requires support for your back. In other words, you should have someone by your side to push you.

On the other side, transport wheelchairs come with truly little wheels. These walking aids are super lightweight and really simple to maneuver through tight quarters. Transport wheelchairs make life easier, no doubt.

We can point out several subtypes of the transport wheelchairs and at some point, they do distinguish by their sizes:

1. Transit wheelchair is the smallest transport wheelchair. In 99% of the cases the owner of such a chair has an additional or to be more specific – a general – wheelchair and uses the transit chair only for travel that requires as little luggage as possible.

2. Companion transport wheelchairs are 100% not movable without any support. These wheelchairs are not only ideal for traveling but very helpful for those relatives, who are not used to taking care of a patient that is in most cases not able to move at all.

3. The folding transport wheelchair is an amazing modern solution for mobility aid. Indeed, most of today’s wheelchairs regardless of their type can fold and transform. Though, the folding transport wheelchair shows you genius magic. It takes a second to see the big wheelchair looking like a small lady’s backpack for a party.

Rigid wheelchairs

Speaking of folding, we should note that there are also rigid wheelchairs. They cannot fold, but they do come with their own strong points.

The rigid wheelchairs might not be quite convenient as to travel. However, there’s no doubt that rigid wheelchairs are in most cases more durable and made of more qualitative materials.

Some special types of wheelchairs

1. Powered wheelchair

The electric wheelchair is the total advance (thanks to the newest technologies) in the medicine at all. Basically, this is also the only alternative for patients with highly limited movability.

2. Tilt wheelchair

This type of wheelchair comes with a specially tailored mechanism that lets the patient adjust the device to his or her most convenient posture of moving. There’s no doubt that the tilt wheelchair is one in which you choose from plenty of options so that the chair is designed in the most suitable way, especially for the individual patient.

3. Sport wheelchair

Don’t let yourself get deluded that this wheelchair is suitable only for sportsmen or for those of you who are used to an active way of living. As a matter of fact, the sports wheelchair is suitable for every one of you.

The specific thing about this type of a wheelchair is that it comes with extra super and hyper awesome maneuverability. The device, indeed, makes you quite “flexible”, so, yes you do can play basketball or any other of your favorite sports disciplines (if your doctor allows, of course) on it.

4. Pediatric wheelchair

This type of a wheelchair, as the name suggests it, is specially tailored for pediatric needs. In many cases, their size depends on the kid’s age. And, yes, today’s market for walking aids even offers wheelchairs that are made for parents with a disability. In this case, the wheelchair is customized in a way to let the parent have a walk with the baby’s stroller!

5. Ergonomic wheelchair

The ergonomic wheelchairs are expensive and very contemporary. But if you are able to spend a bit more money for your next walking aid, you are not going to regret this purchase, no doubts.

The ergonomic wheelchair is something like real heaven when it comes to overcoming all those pains when being incapable to move as you want to move. Your back is always in the ideal posture and you feel truly comfy in the wheelchair.

6. Recycling wheelchairs

Don’t get deluded by this name, either, as the recycling wheelchairs are not exactly super old, second hand or with extremely low quality. On the contrary, in many cases, these wheelchairs come with fantastic designs you will be amazed by.

Indeed, the recycling wheelchairs are basically made of old materials and usually, they are supported by parts taken from old wheelchairs. However, we do appreciate the eco idea in this specific market, no doubts.

Conclusion

Today’s market of wheelchairs, indeed, is both: big and friendly. And you can always have a chance to find the most suitable model, size or type for you. We do remind you that listening to your doctor’s advice is a must, but listening to your body’s voice is even more important!

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