What is a rigid wheelchair?

A rigid wheelchair is a wheelchair that has frame that is one piece. Rigid wheelchairs are ultralight weight due to their overall design and due to the materials used. There is no cross-brace in a rigid frame wheelchair, which means that the wheelchair does not fold side-to-side.

What is rigid and folding wheelchair?

Due to the flexibility of a folding wheelchair, all 4 wheels maintain contact with the ground even if the ground is uneven or rough. On folding wheelchairs, the foot placement is adjustable, but on rigid frame wheelchairs, the foot placements are in a fixed position.

What are the benefits of a rigid wheelchair frame?

Rigid frame wheelchairs have less moving parts (eg. folding cross bars, removable side guards, flip up footrests) which results in less maintenance and breakages. Because they are welded into a rigid frame they are stronger and hold up to the rigors of travel, knocks, and bumps much better.

What are the two types of wheelchairs?

What is the easiest wheelchair to push?

The two easiest wheelchair types to push are transport chairs and travel wheelchairs. These wheelchair styles are specifically designed to be pushed by a companion, and both rely on a lightweight frame, simple construction, and narrow seat to make them easier to maneuver while pushing.

The Best Rigid Wheelchairs on the Market

How do I choose a good wheelchair?

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.

What is a complex manual 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.

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.

Are all manual wheelchairs foldable?

All manual wheelchairs and transport wheelchairs fold down for easy transport - the vast majority fold the same way!* Check out the videos below for more information.

What is a fixed frame wheelchair?

What is a Rigid Fixed Frame Wheelchair? A rigid fixed frame wheelchair is a fixed frame wheelchairs that are solid and generally made from aluminium or carbon fibre and have very little adjustment available once the chair has been produced.

What is a hemi frame wheelchair?

Hemi Frame - A 2" lower frame height that allows a low seat-to-floor height (a super-hemi frame is an ultra-low seat-to-floor height for those who use their feet to propel the wheelchair)

What is the wheelchair frame?

The rigid wheelchair frame will look similar to the folding frame but will have straight bars attaching the two side frames together instead of the cross frame and the frame will be all welded together to strengthen joints. The seat upholstery will still attach to the frame and the back posts will be the same.

What is the most optimal propulsion pattern?

The one arm drive is a more effective method of propulsion that allows the user to propel both wheels with the unaffected upper extremity. Clients can achieve forward, backward, and bilateral turning motion through two pushrims on the client's functional side.

What is a manual wheelchair called?

Another type of wheelchair commonly used is a lever-drive wheelchair. This type of chair enables the user to move forward by pumping the lever back and forth.

What is a rehab power chair?

Power wheelchairs allow those with little strength and stamina to travel distances with ease. Power wheelchairs utilize a number of different designs and styles, such as travel chairs, heavy-duty models, and front and rear-wheel drive. This variety allows for greater use in different scenarios or terrain.

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 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 differences in wheelchairs?

The biggest difference is that standard wheelchairs are designed with large wheels so that you can propel yourself, while transport wheelchairs have small wheels and are meant to be pushed from behind by a second person.

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 long does a wheelchair last?

The Wheelchair Has Reached The End Of Its Lifespan

A wheelchair generally has about four good years of life in it, depending on how often it's ridden and what terrain it's mostly used on.

How do I choose an elderly wheelchair?

To help your older adult get the wheelchair that best suits their needs, talk with their doctor and research the different types available. You may also want to look for a local DME company that's Medicare approved. And, if there are any questions about coverage, call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to find out.

Are wheelchairs with bigger wheels easier to push?

You'll noticed that self-propelled have larger rear wheels than, for example, transit wheelchairs, which make it easier for you to get yourself moving. Those bigger wheels are also there to ensure a more comfortable ride, by making it easier to tackle different surfaces such as ramps and uneven surfaces.