| Wheelchairs give the disabled a chance to be mobile | | | | chair constantly and those too weak to work a manual |
| again, a chance to move freely even if the lower part | | | | chair. Electric/power wheelchairs are normally designed |
| of the body is seriously compromised. There are many | | | | for indoor use only. They are bottom heavy and |
| different types of chairs, and each has a purpose and | | | | require charging at intervals. |
| a use for which it is best suited. | | | | When choosing a wheelchair, all uses to which it may |
| Manual wheelchairs are powered either by a person | | | | be put should be taken into consideration. For optimal |
| walking behind the user and pushing the chair, or by the | | | | mobility, you want a chair that fits both yourself and |
| user themselves turning the wheels by hand. These | | | | your chosen goal. Safety is also an issue - if you plan |
| types of chairs range from large, flat seated models | | | | to use your chair outdoors with any frequency, do |
| such as those seen in hospitals, to contoured, | | | | purchased one designed for outdoor use. Using an |
| streamlines versions, which can be used for various | | | | indoor wheelchair outside - not a good combination. |
| activities including sports. Sport chairs vary in design | | | | Some features to consider when choosing your chair |
| depending on the rigors of the sport. The lighter the | | | | include weight, size, design, capacity, power sources, |
| chair, the easier it is to maneuver. | | | | transportability, warranty, and cost. Additional features |
| Electric wheelchairs have a motor, and either a toggle | | | | such as a reclining back, removable armrests, swing |
| stick or a series of buttons which can be used for | | | | away footrests can be added later. Choosing the |
| steering and speed control. These powered chairs are | | | | correct wheelchairs can be bewildering, but once the |
| very convenient both for patients who must use their | | | | right one is found it will quickly become irreplaceable. |