The many types of wheelchairs allow wheelchair users can select a wheelchair with which they are comfortable and suits their needs. The wheelchair that a wheelchair user purchase is must match their physical needs and lifestyle.
Though there are many different types of wheelchairs, most people think of the two main categories of electric and manual wheelchairs. Manual wheelchairs must be propelled forward by the wheelchair user's own strength. Manual wheelchairs are typically much less expensive than electric wheelchairs.
Since manual wheelchairs require arm strength, they are not suitable for all wheelchair users. Electric wheelchairs are powered by batteries and therefore do not require the wheelchair user to have significant arm strength. If a doctor feels that a patient needs an electric wheelchair, medical insurance may cover part of the costs of purchasing an electric wheelchair.
The standard controls for an electric wheelchair are usually a joystick-like controller on the armrest. For wheelchair users who do not have the manual dexterity to operate the standard wheelchair controls, some electric wheelchairs have a control system that is controlled by the wheelchair user by tubes placed near the wheelchair user's mouth. The wheelchair user blows and sucks on the tubes to control the wheelchair.
Some types of wheelchairs are made specifically for certain body types. Pediatric wheelchairs are smaller than standard wheelchairs since they are made for children. Bariatric wheelchairs are larger wheelchairs made for larger or obese wheelchair users.
The size of the wheelchair is not the only differences among manual and electric wheelchairs. Electric wheelchairs vary on the type of battery use, the controlling device, and the number of wheels used to propel the wheelchair.
Some manual wheelchairs are made for specific uses. There are wheelchairs that are used specifically for wheelchair sports because they are very light weight. Some types of manual wheelchairs are made to cross difficult terrain such as snow wheelchairs and sand wheelchairs. The types of wheelchairs made to cross snow and sand typically have much wider wheels to prevent the wheelchair from sinking into the sand or snow.
One type of electric wheelchair is a mobility scooter. Mobility scooters have a steering handlebar in front of the seat. Some mobility scooters have a chair that swivels to allow wheelchair users to be able to get in and out of the mobility scooter more easily.
In addition to the different types of wheelchairs, wheelchair is can be further personalized with the addition of accessories. Some wheelchair users may benefit from certain accessories such as oxygen tank holders, holders that will carry walking canes, or cup holders.
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