The loss of mobility, whether induced simply by old age or by illness, has a drastic affect on our sense of independence and freedom, especially as we lose the ability to complete what used to be basic tasks. However, investing in a simple mobility aid such as a manual wheelchair can restore this lost sense of liberty, and can help seniors run daily errands such as doing the groceries, going to appointments, or even just visiting friends and family.

If you’re ready to invest in a manual wheelchair, either for yourself, a loved one, or even a patient, use this guide to help you make an informed decision about what kind of chair best suits you or the user.

For more information about manual wheelchairs, please contact Evan. He’ll be happy to assist you with all your questions.

Rigid vs. Folding Manual Wheelchairs

Manual wheelchairs currently available on the market either feature a rigid or folding frame. Manual wheelchair frames are usually made from either aluminum or titanium, or occasionally carbon fiber, and both rigid and folding chairs come with their own range of benefits and drawbacks.

Rigid chairs cannot be folded and have less moving components, which means they are traditionally seen to be more efficient, as less energy is lost when a user propels the chair. However, rigid chairs have previously been seen as harder to transport.

Rigid chairs are welded, and are usually custom fitted for a particular user. Folding chairs, on the other hand, are modular, and their modular pieces come in a variety of standardized sizes (usually in 1” increments). This means that rigid chairs are generally more flexible in sizing as they can fit their user more precisely, while folding chairs are more adjustable in terms of accessories such as armrests, footrests, and casters.

Folding chairs were initially designed to be more portable than their rigid counterparts, which may still be true in some cases. However, due to technological advances in manual wheelchair design and manufacture, new rigid models are also becoming easier to transport as they come with folding backs, removable casters, and more. Neither one of the two is necessarily better, and a user should ALWAYS put more importance on getting the right fitting wheelchair rather than simply choosing a chair based on its ability to fold.

Choosing a Manual Wheelchair: The Basics

Helio Move Folding Wheelchair

Regardless of whether a chair comes with a folding or rigid frame, ALL manual wheelchairs share a set of basic standard features. These include:

Brakes

Different chairs feature different brakes which can generally be customized to best suit the user. Brakes can either be made to push on or pull on. Extension brake levers are also available for users who may not have the strength or reach to apply the standard brakes.

Rear Tires

There are three common types of wheelchair tires available on the market today. Pneumatic tires are made with an air-filled tube (like most bike tires) which allows for better shock absorption and makes for a more comfortable ride, especially on uneven terrain. However, pneumatic tires are quite easy to puncture or break.

Solid wheelchair tires are more durable than pneumatic tires, as they are made from solid rubber, but they also absorb less shock, meaning they may not provide a very comfortable ride along rough or uneven terrain.

Finally, puncture-proof tires are usually filled with either a plastic, foam, or rubber insert (similar to pneumatic tires) to maximize shock absorption and provide added durability. However, the structural design of these tires means they are generally a lot heavier than either solid or pneumatic wheelchair tires.

Front Casters

Front casters come in a variety of sizes. Larger casters will make it easier to maneuver the chair over rough terrain, while smaller casters will make it easier for the user to change direction. Smaller castors are generally better suited for indoor use in tight areas.

Manual wheelchair caster sizes range from 3” for some rigid sports chairs to 12” for extreme rough terrain chairs. The most common diameters for standard manual wheelchairs are either 6” or 8”.

Headrests, Footrests, and Armrests

All manual wheelchairs come with footrests and armrests. Armrests can either be full-length or desk-style, which enable a user to get closer to a desk. Footrests may either be fixed, swing-away, removable, and even height adjustable.

Backrests

Backrests are designed to support the trunk of the user and can vary in height depending on the individual needs of the user. They also come in a variety of styles and materials, and some backrests are removable, foldable, or height adjustable. Users with poor sitting balance may require a higher backrest, while users who are self-proppeling will need a backrest that does not interfere with their ability to propel the chair.

Choosing a Manual Wheelchair: Use and Environment

Always consider where and how the wheelchair you are buying will be used.

One of the major factors that will influence a person’s decision when buying a manual wheelchair is how and where the chair will be used. Carefully consider the environment where the user spends the majority of their time, including their home, workplace, and local shopping malls/districts, and the terrain the user will have to tackle to travel between these areas.

An elderly person who requires a chair to travel longer distances (such as to a local shopping centre) will require a different chair than someone who needs help moving about their home. Also consider how the user will enter and exit the chair, and if they require extra assistance transferring to and from the wheelchair, either via machinery or the help of a carer.

It may prove worthwhile working with an occupational therapist to completely understand the individual needs of a user and what kind of manual wheelchair best suits those needs. Feel free to contact Evan to further discuss what kind of wheelchair best suits you, your loved one, or your patient. He may also help to put you in touch with an occupational therapist in Vancouver or BC.

Choosing a Manual Wheelchair: Finding Your Perfect Fit

Fitting a wheelchair requires precise measurements of the chair’s seat depth, seat height, leg rest length, footplate height, and more.

As we’ve mentioned before, the most important aspect of choosing the right manual wheelchair is the fit. However, a recent study found that more than 90% of patients are still found complaining of seating discomfort or pain when using their chair. Hence, it is super important to work closely with a healthcare equipment provider and an occupational therapist to find a chair that best suits its user.

For more information, have a read of our article on wheelchair fitting and feel free to contact us for more information on manual wheelchairs. We’re more than happy to help.