Standing wheelchairs:
These are wheelchairs which offer user support in standing posture. These offer dual functionality as regular wheelchairs and standing frames. Depending on the user preference they can stand or sit on the chair. Using hydraulic pumps or an assist powered by electricity occupants can sit or stand.

Bariatric wheelchairs:
These wheelchairs can support heavier people and can provide support of people weighing up to 250 pounds.

Pediatric wheelchairs:
These are another type of wheelchairs.

Sport wheelchairs:
Many disabled sports persons use specialised sports wheelchairs to participate in disabled sports which necessitate usage of agility and high speeds. In sports like racing, basketball, tennis and rugby sports wheelchairs are used individually built for each sport. These do not offer folding convenience and have more stability. The have more angles on the wheels which offer better maneuverability. Lightweight components are used in designing such wheelchairs. These wheelchairs cannot be used on daily basis and are only meant for sporting action.

Beach wheelchairs:
These wheelchairs allow occupant to enter into the water and offer higher maneuverability on sand. Many varieties of beach wheelchairs are available in the market. In European countries Accessible Tourism is well developed and so beaches are easily traversable through wheelchairs. These beach wheelchairs are offered free of cost to travelers.

Mobility scooter:
These are motorised mechanised wheelchairs which are same as electric wheelchairs. These have steering tillers as opposed to joysticks. These also have much lesser medical support choices. You can get these wheelchairs without prescription if you go to certain markets. You can choose from powerful and spacious models to foldable and lighter weight varieties. Some companies do not accept insurance and only accept payment through credit card but you get a low price deal in exchange.

Wheelchair developments:

Many technical advancements have dramatically improved electric wheelchairs. The iBOT wheelchair has gyroscopic technology in-built with other developments which facilitate better balance and can run on two wheels only instead of four on certain surfaces. This raises the wheelchair height to that of standing persons. These also have stair climbing mechanisms and features facilitating four wheel driving also. These features are becoming popular and sophisticated on such motorised assisted wheelchairs.

It doesn't have to be difficult when you are faced with choosing a wheelchair. Here we have noted the basic features of a wheelchair as a guide to choosing the right wheelchair for your needs. Some wheelchairs such as sports or ultra light wheelchairs may have different measurements and specifications.

Wheelchair types

You will find two main types of manual wheelchairs in todays market:

1. Standard Wheelchairs
   This type of wheelchair is user propelled (Self Propelled wheelchair) but can also be pushed by someone else (Transit wheelchair). They also can be bought with various wheelchair accessories such as attendant brakes.

2. Transport Wheelchairs
   A wheelchair that is pushed by a third party - the wheelchair can not be moved by the wheelchair user as all four wheels are small casters.

Wheelchair Weight

When choosing a wheelchair the weight of the wheelchair itself has to be considered. While a lightweight wheelchair is beneficial for wheelchair users that need no attendance or support from others you need to consider the type of terrain they will be used in, not just the best solution for the user.

If the wheelchair user is out and about a lot, then in some cases a heavier wheelchair may be a better choice. A lightweight wheelchair is easier to maneuver, carry and easier to pick up for stowing away in a car boot.

Wheelchair Seating Capacity

When choosing a wheelchair the weight of the wheelchair user plays a major role. Depending on the users weight specific wheelchairs can be bought, a standard wheelchair can carry up to approximately 18 stone (135Kg). If the wheelchair user needs a stronger or heavy duty wheelchair then a Bariatric wheelchair may be the best solution, bariatric wheelchairs can carry up to 70 stone (440Kg) and more.

The weight of the user should be considered over a period of time as it is worth considering buying a wheelchair that is ready for heavier weights in the future.

Wheelchair Seat Size

The standard wheelchair cushion has a width of 18inches, but you can buy other sizes. The depth or thickness of a standard cushion varies from 5 to 6cm. If you need a thicker or thinner base then custom wheelchair cushions can be bought.

To establish what size wheelchair cushion you will need carry out the following; sit on a tape measure and measure the size from hip to hip, add a couple of centimeters on the overral size and you have your seat width. The added measurement is for comfort when moving, or getting in and out of the wheelchair.

Wheelchair Seat Height

The seat height can be determind by measuring the wheelchair user whilst sitting straight, the knees should be bent at a 90 degree angle. The measurement itself is taken from the heel to the bend in the knee. Preferably when taking measurements the user should sit on a flat solid surface, this ensures that all measurements are correct and not influenced.

After you have the basic measurement the depth of the seat cushion needs be added to the height and then a couple of centimetres for comfort and foot clearance.

Wheelchair Arm Rests

There are 4 main types of wheelchair arm rests:

1. Fixed or Permanent
   These can not be removed from the wheelchair at all, they are a permanent fixture

2. Adjustable
   The height can be adjusted to individual wheelchair users

3. Removable
   As the name says, the armrest can be fully removed from the wheelchair frame

4. Flip Back
   The flip back arm rests are similar to the removeable type, they can be moved out of the way when not in use or when the user wishes to sit down or get out of the wheelchair

Custom arm rests are also available, combining indivdual features provides the best solution. Arm rests also come in two different lengths:

1. Full
   Normal length - a standard wheelchair has these type of armrests fitted

2. Desk
   The desk type armrests allow the wheelchair to be positioned closer to tables or desks

Wheelchair Foot Leg Rests

Wheelchair legrests allow the wheelchair user to lift their legs and position them. Footrests are normally height adjustable to provide proper leg support.Leg rests can be bought as 'swing away' and detachable, either letting the user move them out of the way when getting in or out of the wheelchair or removing them completely.

Both footrests and legrests are manufactured for both types of wheelchairs, either the lightweight version in aluminium or the heavy duty or standard version in steel.

Bucket:
This describes the seat angle where the angle can be measured by checking the difference between front seat floor height and back seat floor height. If the front seat floor height is 20 inches and back seat floor height is 17 inches then the bucket would be 3 inches.

Wheelchair Camber:
Depending on the wheelchairs frame the angle present on rear wheels is called the camber. In cases where back wheels are parallel to frame of the wheelchair camber will be zero degrees. If there is an angle facing the frame then there is a camber element and the figure will be calculated in degrees. The camber ranges from 1 degree to as much as 20 degrees in the case of sports chairs. Typically most wheelchairs have cambers ranging between 1 and 5 degrees. Higher cambers get used in cases of sports wheelchairs.

Higher cambering facilitates faster turning of the wheelchair and offers more stability laterally which can be useful on undulating pavements. Higher cambers also mean better tilting backwards and a wider base under the back wheels. This means difficulty in moving through narrow areas. Each 2 degree increase in camber means 1 inch increase in base size. Negative cambering means back wheels are placed angularly moved away from wheelchair frame. This has negative effects.

Wheelchair Castors;
These refer to the front wheels of the wheelchair. These have smaller sizes compared to the back wheels and come in various widths called footprints and circumferences. The smaller the size and narrower the castors are the higher is the chair's maneuverability but can be difficult riding through rough areas.

Rigid Framed Wheelchair:
This refers to wheelchairs which cannot be folded conventionally. Instead the back wheels are detached and backrest gets folded. The rigid framed wheelchairs represent better maneuverability and have a lighter weight compared to foldable chairs.

Lightweight Wheelchair:
These describe most wheelchairs that have lighter weight that government manufactured wheelchairs. Initially the term was coined to describe newer lighter wheelchairs that facilitated easy pushing. However, today it symbolizes the weight needed to lift up the wheelchair to shift to a vehicle.

Transit Wheelchair:
These wheelchairs have small sized rear wheels and restrict the occupant from turning the wheelchair himself. These are lighter in weight and can be stored easily but traveling over bigger kerbs means difficulty for the attendant.

Self Propelling Wheelchair:
These have larger rear wheels measuring 20 to 27 inches in diameter. These allow the occupant to maneuver the wheelchair him/herself. Most of the varieties allow the person to be removed from the chair with a release pin on the middle of the wheels which uses a push button mechanism.

Wheelchair ramps have been developed to assist wheelchair users to move between different levels. For this reason, steps and road curbs have become easier for wheelchair users to deal with. For even more convenience, miniature ramps have been created to minimise or eliminate renovations.

There are various types of wheelchair ramps available. These can be classified into four groups:

• Horizontal Folding Ramps
• Longitudinal Folding Ramps
• Fixed Dimension Ramps
• Telescopic ramps

Telescopic ramps can even be further classified into U-shaped gutter ramps and reverse profile ramps.

The most common wheelchair ramps are:

• Track Wheelchair Ramps:
  These are anodized aluminium made telescopic ramps that can be used for climbing onto steps and curbs. These can also be used to climb aboard cars and other vehicles. Any type of wheelchair can use this type of ramp.

• Threshold Wheelchair Ramps:
  These are aluminium ramps that can be used both indoors and outdoors. Wheelchair users sometimes install these as permanent features of their homes or offices, they also come in portable forms.

• Modular Ramps:
  Modular Ramps are often not as portable as others. For this reason, they are usually installed as permanent or semi-permanent fixtures. They come with many different parts that have to be assembled using bolts or clamps.

• Single Fold Wheelchair Ramps:
  These work as any other wheelchair ramp. However, it provides for better portability because they can be folded once. This makes it more convenient for those who would like to carry their ramps wherever they go.

• Multi Fold Wheelchair Ramps:
  These can be folded at least twice. For this reason, they can be easily carried around and laid out in case the wheelchair users encounters elevated areas. Because they are so portable, manufacturers have also made longer versions to allow wheelchair users to access higher elevated areas.

• Roll Up Wheelchair Ramps:
  These are among the most portable ramps as they feature hinge designs. As the name implies, they can easily be rolled up for storage and portability.

• Telescope Wheelchair Ramps:
  These are highly favoured because they serve several functions as they can be extended and retracted according to the immediate need of the wheelchair user. More often than not, they are made of aluminium that have been treated to keep it from sliding.

• Van Wheelchair Ramps:
  These are specifically made for wheelchair users to climb into vans. These are easy to use and are known to be durable, having a standard maximum capacity of 800lbs. Although they are strong, they are lightweight.

To date, no wheelchair ramp can be used to address all the needs of any wheelchair user. However, the variety available can be used in various combinations to provide the wheelchair user the convenience that they need.

When a physically challenged individual still has the capacity to stand upright, mobility products such as walkers and rollators can be very useful. However, choosing between the two would depend on the needs of the user. In order to make the right decision, it is necessary to have some knowledge on each product.

Walkers are among the most commonly used mobility products. They are often made of aluminium making them sturdy and durable. Walkers provide support to the user who needs assistance to stand and walk upright. Most standard walkers have to be lifted and moved towards the direction the user wants to go to. However, wheeled walkers have now been developed in order to make moving easier for its users. These feature caster-type wheels that make for easier gliding.

Apart from the standard walkers, other types have also been developed to address the needs of different users. These include the Bariatric types and the Specialty types.

Bariatric walkers are specifically made for users who weigh more than the average individual. While standard walkers can support individuals up to 350 pounds, Bariatric walkers can support a users weight up to 600 pounds. Furthermore, Bariatric walkers also have wider frames to accommodate individuals with a larger build.

Specialty walkers address other kinds of needs. Most often, they are used by those who have problems with their posteriors. Specialty walkers help in such a way that they feature safety and anterior rollers to ensure that its users can balance and walk straight.

Those who have greater need sometimes prefer rollators. Many also say that they are easier to use than standard walkers. Rollators are very similar to walkers but, apart from having wheels as a standard feature, they also have additional features. These features, depending on the type, may include seats, baskets, trays and brakes. The design can also be customised according to the preferences of its users.

Rollators come either with three or four wheels. Three wheeled rollators are preferred because they are smaller, easier to maneuver and can easily go through narrow spaces, four wheeled rollators are larger and provide more stability which can be very useful for those who like going outdoors or have to walk through uneven terrain. Furthermore, since four wheeled rollators are larger, they also feature bigger baskets or trays allowing its users to move around with more items. Lastly, four wheeled rollators also often come with seats which can provide for better comfort.

Like the walker, rollators also come in Bariatric versions so anyone over 300 pounds can also enjoy using this type of mobility product. Other types include light weight models which are most useful for those who walk significant distances on a regular basis. Because they are designed to be light, they can be up to sixty percent lighter than the standard rollator. This not only makes them easier to use but also easier to transport.

When choosing between the two, other factors come into play. Earlier, many would prefer rollators because they allow individuals to glide. However, now that there are wheeled walkers, choosing has become more complicated. Often, buyers who prefer to have wheels on their disability products but have a limited budget choose the wheeled walkers because those are often cheaper. On the other hand, some prefer rollators because of special features that allow them to move around with their personal belongings and they also have the option to sit wherever they may be.

In contrast to this, those who need better support prefer to use non wheeled walkers so assuring sturdiness and stability. Having no wheels and having rubber caps on the legs of walkers will ensure that they will move only when they are lifted by the user.

After becoming more familiar with the differences between walkers and rollators and also finding out the types from which to choose from, it is now necessary to determine the needs and preferences of the user and compare that with the benefits of each type.

When you are confined to a wheelchair you can become very restless having to sit for long periods of time. Keeping the body moving and fit becomes an important part of a disabled persons life. It is essential that a wheelchair bound person develops a fitness routine that they can carry out on a regular basis.

The benefits for a wheelchair user who carries out regular exercise can be seen with improvements in flexibility, strength and keeping weight under control. This is the reason why wheelchair exercises have become so popular among wheelchair users who already have to worry about their disabilities. It pays to take extra care of your body in order to keep your mobility.

Warming up is imperative in any fitness routine and wheelchair exercises are no exception. Make sure that you warm up and equally important cool down after your fitness routine is finished. It is a good idea to start off slow and build yourself up to more weight and difficult exercises. The arms, neck, shoulders and torso are all the target of a wheelchair exercise routine.

Your doctor should be consulted before you begin your wheelchair exercise routine. Your doctor is better equipped to determine if the wheelchair exercises are beneficial to your unique disability.

When working on the upper body, the concentration will be on strength and resistance training.

With resistance training the wheekchair user uses large rubber bands for resistance. The bands are tied around a door or stable object and pulled towards the user. There are a variety of exercises that can be carried out to work the individual upper body muscles.

Strength training requires the use of weights. Lifting weights will increase the strength in the upper body and arms. Start off slowly with small measurements of weight. Gradually build yourself up to heavier weight.

Moving around in a wheelchair requires a great deal of strength. Wheelchair exercise and training will help the wheelchair user move around more easily.

There may be other exercises available for those confined to a sitting position. Check out videos made especially for people in a sitting position. It is possible to keep fit while confined to a wheelchair. It might take some effort but it is worth it in terms of strength and self confidence.

Just like it can have great effects on anyone, exercise and strength training can have a positive effect on almost every aspect of any wheelchair users life. It is important to have a good attitude when starting off on a fitness program. Set small goals and remember to reward yourself whenever you reach them. Fitness isn't only for the able bodied. Wheelchair users can reap the many rewards of fitness and good health.