Wheelchairs

You or a loved one may find yourself in need of a wheelchair at some point in your life. Whether you need assistance due to a temporary injury or you need to rely on the chair due to old age or a progressive condition, wheelchairs are one of the most common mobility aids available today.

The idea behind the wheelchair is simple – the chair is usually constructed with two larger wheels and two smaller wheels so that the user can self-propel the chair with their hands. Wheelchairs often feature handles so that another person can push the chair, and some wheelchairs are battery powered so that the user can control them by means of a joystick.

As you delve into the world of wheelchairs, you'll quickly find that there are many varieties of chairs, each built for a different purpose. Transport wheelchairs are built so as to only be pushed by an assistant, while sport wheelchairs are created to be easy to quickly maneuver so that the user can participate in sports activities. Reclining wheelchairs increase user comfort and help to avoid pressure sores, while standing wheelchairs provide an entirely different positioning.

You may find that you have very specific preferences for what you want in your wheelchair, and that's okay – many wheelchairs have options which allow you to semi-customize the chair. Different styles of foot pads and leg supports are available, and many of them swing away for easy access to the chair. Some supports are removable so that you can decide what support you want and need, and many chairs offer various wheel positions for improved handling and ease of use.

Wheelchairs are designed to be easy to handle and maneuver, and with a little practice you're sure to settle into your new wheelchair.