How many different types of wheelchairs are there?

There are essentially 4 categories of wheelchairs, standard, light-weight, ultralight weight, and bariatric wheelchairs.

What are the types of wheelchair is there?

What is a Type 3 wheelchair?

Manual Wheelchair Type 3

These lightweight wheelchairs offer a modular design with clean modern lines and configurability. It provides you with a personalized fit and superior performance. Most models in this category can conveniently fold to fit into small spaces and vehicle. View manual wheelchair type 3 models.

Why are there different types of wheelchairs?

What is the most common type of wheelchair?

The most common type of chair would be the manual wheelchair. This type of chair is self-propelled, and it is not assisted by the use of a battery or an auto propelling system. This type of chair is suited for someone who has control over his or her upper limbs.

Different Types of Wheelchairs| Which should you buy?

What is a complex wheelchair?

Complex Rehab wheelchairs are individually configured to meet the specific needs of people with permanent disabilities and are vital to a SMALL but CRITICAL segment of Medicare wheelchair users who rely on these specialized wheelchairs for their health and independence.

Are all wheelchairs the same?

Standard wheelchairs widths are 16″ (narrow adult), 18″ (average adult) and 20″ (wide adult). For children and small adult sizes as small as 8” are available. Adults with wider body frames can get seats from 28” and wider.

What is the difference between a standard wheelchair and an active user wheelchair?

Bigger wheels

You'll also notice that the rear wheels on an active user wheelchair are typically larger than those on a traditional manual wheelchair. This makes it much easier for the user to reach the wheels and push themselves forward. Larger wheels also maximise the amount of effort exerted when pushing the chair.

What is the difference between a standard and custom built wheelchair?

Most commonly prescribed wheelchairs can come in various types: standard or custom-built. A standard type can be purchased without a therapist's assessment. A custom one may be prescribed by a physiotherapist or occupational therapist to meet your specific needs.

What is a Group 2 wheelchair?

What is a Group 2 power wheelchair? Compared to scooters/POVs, Group 2 power wheelchairs have a more durable and robust power base with improved battery life, lasting longer distances for a more active user. Group 2 power wheelchairs can also drive at increased speeds, up to ~4mph, compared to scooters/POVs.

What is a Class 1 wheelchair?

Class 1 – a manual wheelchair, that is to say self-propelled or attendant-propelled, not electrically powered. Class 2 – powered wheelchairs and scooters for footway use only, with a maximum speed of 4mph, Lights are not required.

What is a Type 1 wheelchair?

Type 1 Wheelchair

The Standard chairs in this category weigh more than 38 lbs and are often made of steel. Type 1 wheelchair models include accessories such as removable arms (to facilitate transfer and help near your chair to a counter-like surface) and swing away or elevating footrests.

What are the two types of wheelchairs?

What is a reclining wheelchair?

Recline wheelchairs are designed to allow the user to recline comfortably at incremental angle positions, without exerting so much energy. These types of chairs offer a change in positioning, allowing the user to open the seat to back angle, which is a lot more comfortable than a conventional seating system.

What is bariatric wheelchair?

With weight capacities of up to 700 lbs and seat sizes up to 30,” bariatric wheelchairs (often referred to as extra wide wheelchairs or heavy duty wheelchairs) are strong enough to accommodate almost any user.

Does Medicare pay for a wheelchair?

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers power-operated vehicles (scooters), walkers, and wheelchairs as durable medical equipment (DME). Medicare helps cover DME if: The doctor treating your condition submits a written order stating that you have a medical need for a wheelchair or scooter for use in your home.

How do I choose a wheelchair?

Therefore, choosing one wheelchair or another will depend on three very personal factors: adequacy for the user, for the use, and for the surroundings. Generally, all wheelchairs are configurable in terms of the size and position of the seat and back, and have adjustable and detachable armrests and footrests.

How do I choose an elderly wheelchair?

Size matters when choosing a wheelchair. It's very important to find a chair that is the correct size or you could have issues fitting in the chair if it's too small or slipping out of it if it's too big. Make sure to measure the width and height of the chair. Your age, weight and height should all be considered.

What is a standard wheelchair?

A standard wheelchair (or manual wheelchair) is a mobility chair with large rear wheels and smaller front wheels that are designed to be pushed by a caregiver or manually propelled by the wheelchair user. This design allows the user to reach the rear wheels and push themselves while seated.

What is a wheelchair with small wheels called?

Transit wheelchairs with small wheels

Remember, transit wheelchairs (otherwise known as transport wheelchairs) are usually designed to be pushed by a caregiver, rather than being self-propelled. So they're a great option for those who rely on someone else pushing the chair.

How do I measure myself for a wheelchair?

Determine seat width by measuring the person's hips from one side to the other, in a straight line. Then add two inches to this measurement to select a proper wheelchair seat width. Determine seat depth by measuring from the back of the hip to the back of the knee of the person while seated.

What is a rehab wheelchair?

For any person rehabilitating after a critical injury and wishing to move around, a rehabilitation wheelchair is a necessary device. It will help the individual to get back to a life of increased mobility by enabling them to make use of the wheels to easily go from one location to another.

What is a rehab chair?

PRODUCT KEY. Complex Rehab: Complex power wheelchairs are designed for patients who have seating and positioning needs that are custom designed for their condition. By utilizing Complex Rehab Technology (CRT), Rehab Medical is able to tailor equipment to the individual's unique, complicated and evolving needs.

How much does a good wheelchair cost?

The average cost of a new wheelchair is between $500 and $1,500, but it really depends upon what kind of wheelchair you're shopping for. You can find manual wheelchairs priced as low as $100, while the cost of a power wheelchair can be as high as $30,000.