Wheelchairs have been available for over a hundred years. Initially, they were invented to move physically disabled individuals from one part of a room to another. The variety of uses became much more apparent as physically disabled individuals became more integrated into society. Now, a wheelchair can help most physically disabled individuals to get about by their own means, instead of being dependent on others. In todays society the role of the wheelchair has become much more than it was originally intended to be.

When you look at the amount of wheelchair types available you will find that there is a wheelchair for every conceivable use. There is a strong trend towards individualised custom built wheelchairs in todays society. A wheelchair manufacturer can custom build a wheelchair specific for the individual who is going to be using it. They are able to create a wheelchair that is perfect for their specific disability and needs, this is great news for all users of a wheelchair.

There are three main categories of wheelchairs:

1. The Manual Wheelchair:
   Which relies on the user to power it under their own strength
2. The Attendant Wheelchair:
   Which relies a carer to push the wheelchair
3. Electric Wheelchair:
   These wheelchairs allow the user to move about their life without assistance and no/minimal physical exertion.

The electric wheelchair allows for greater mobility and ease of use for someone who spends a lot of time in a wheelchair. They come in all sorts of colours and sizes. The basic electric wheelchair models have rear wheel drive, mid wheel drive and front wheel drive.

There are two types of manual wheelchair:

• Wheelchairs that are transportable or attendant based (Transport wheelchairs - which can only be moved by someone pushing the wheelchair).

• Standard wheelchair which is propelled by the user but can also be pushed by a companion or carer.

The transport wheelchair is the cheaper of the two and might be a better choice for someone who doesnt have sufficient upper body strength to propel themselves. Both of these wheelchair models can be bought either as fixed or as a folding wheelchair.

It is always a good idea to keep a medical identification card with your wheelchair in the unfortunate event of an emergency or when you hav the wheelchair repaired. This identification card should contain your name and address as well as a phone number where you can be reached. The name of your doctor in the event you are involved in an accident should be in your wheelchair.

Other contact information should be on the card such as a family member or friend who can be reached in the event of an accident. The card should also contain the make and model of the chair, the contact details of a wheelchair repair shop where you have your chair repaired. Finally, your insurance policy number and a contact number for the insurance company should also be contained on the card.