Manual Wheelchairs were the first option of mobility offered to those who would not have it otherwise. And they still offer an appealing range of benefits that no other type of chair can really match, at a much less prohibitive cost. One caveat: these will require either some upper body strength for self-propulsion, or outside aid to push. On the upside: these chairs provide a wonderful means of daily exercise for those otherwise restricted in physical exertion.
Are you looking for a chair that
- Is lighter, easier to handle and transport than most electric models?
- Is great at maneuvering in small spaces, overcoming obstacles and rough terrain?
- Allows for unlimited range (no battery drain to worry about)?
- Provides an arena for more physical activity?
Today’s manual wheelchair comes in several varieties, each designed to fit your specific medical and lifestyle needs.
The standard wheelchair is the most traditional style, and best suits those who need it for less than four hours daily. While it folds easily for transport and storage, it does weigh 40-60 pounds, which is significantly heavier than our lightweight models. The chair offers a fixed seat height and depth, with 3 standard widths available. Most standard wheelchairs have fixed arm and leg rests, although some do offer elevating or removable options, such as “home height”-which allows the user to remove the leg rests and rest one’s feet on the floor.
The most popular by far of manual wheelchairs used today is the lightweight wheelchair. It weighs the least (only 25-40 pounds) while offering the widest variety of customizable options in every category. You can choose from many seat widths, several heights, regular or elevated foot and leg rests, and all sorts of armrests-full or desk length, flip back or removable, to name a few. The chair can also be adapted for use with most outside seating products. The lightweight wheelchair just offers the most choices for full time, daily use, and visually, is simply a sleeker, sportier model than the more traditional types.
As always, The Medical Supply Depot is pleased to carry heavy duty manual wheelchairs, which can accommodate up to 450 pounds with standard folding and reclining options, and will last the distance.
If you are able to sit upright but require position changes throughout the day, or pressure relief after several hours, then the tilt wheelchair is best suited to your needs. Its backrest, or sometimes backrest and seat, can be tilted or reclined to several positions-different styles offer either a manual or electric control mechanism. The unique properties of this wheelchair do add some weight, but are well worth it for those who need the added flexibility.
If you spend long hours in your wheelchair and need to be in a prone position at times, The Medical Supply Depot also offers a full recliner wheelchair. This chair is quite heavy, and difficult to transport, but in certain situations offers the only chance at realistic comfort.
For the needs of our youth population, we offer our pediatric wheelchair, which is designed to grow with the child (some will eventually require additional parts). These chairs are generally made of aluminum and are extremely light, requiring minimal effort to propel forward. Also, unique to this type of chair, it has 90 degree footrests, which allow your child to position his or her feet directly below the knees, an added comfort which obviously is not available to taller patrons.
If you are taking a short trip, you should consider a transport wheelchair, which is quite portable (sometimes less than 20 pounds), and folds easily into the trunk of a car. These chairs cannot be self-propelled; they will require an outside attendant. They come in several varieties, including ultra lightweight transport and heavy duty transport models.
Whether economy or simply personal preference has compelled you to choose a manual wheelchair, The Medical Supply Depot seeks to provide you with most information possible to select the specific wheelchair which will meet your daily needs, and allow you to live an active, fulfilled life.
