| The Merits manual wheel chair with caregiver controls. Call Us Toll Free (866) 8 CARE4U 9 am - 5 PM Pacific Time (which is Toll free (866) 822-7348) Unique New Manual Wheel Chairs Because the wheelchair market is changing so rapidly, there is no universally accepted terminology to describe the various categories of manual wheel chairs. Since the manual wheel chair field is broad, I’ve chosen two categories of manual wheel chairs undergoing rapid change. Lightweight Manual Wheel Chairs The most popular type of manual wheel chair for everyday use for a person with upper body strength and agility is the lightweight manual wheel chair. Lightweight manual wheel chairs provide maximum independence of movement with a minimum of effort. Many active manual wheel chair users also prefer the active sports look of the titanium frame lightweight manual wheel chairs compared with the more institutional looking steel frame everyday chair. It should be noted, however, that heavy or obese persons may be unable to use these types of chairs because frequently the lighter weight of the frame results in a reduced user weight capacity as compared to standard manual wheel chairs. Once used primarily by wheelchair athletes, the lightweight titanium manual wheel chair today is used by people in virtually all walks of life as a preferred mode of assisted mobility. Three-wheeled chairs, also developed for such sports as tennis and basketball, are also an everyday chair alternative. As you can see, many unique manual wheel chair designs are now available. Specialized Manual Wheel Chairs Because of the diverse needs of manual wheel chair users, wheelchairs have been designed to accommodate many lifestyles and user needs. Clearly the correct user position is fundamental. 1stSeniorCare customer service can assist you with advice and measurement methods for the proper fit prior to purchase. Hemi chairs, which are lower to the floor than standard manual wheel chairs, allow the user to propel the chair using leg strength. Manual wheel chairs that can be propelled by one hand are available for people who have paralysis on one side. Oversized chairs and chairs designed to accommodate the weight of larger people are also offered (bariatric manual wheel chairs). Rugged, specially equipped manual wheel chairs are available for outdoor activities. Aerodynamic three-wheeled racing chairs are used in marathons and other racing events. Manual wheel chairs that raise the user to a standing position are available for people who need to be able to stand at their jobs, or who want to stand as part of their physical conditioning routine. These and other specialized manual wheel chair designs generally are manufactured by independent manual wheel chair manufacturers who are trying to meet the needs of specific target markets. Read more about manual wheel chairs here: a, b, c, d, Read more about cheap motorized scooters here: a, b, c, d |