There are several types of wheelchairs available with a variety of options regarding propelling, height adjustment, lightness, ease of maneuvering, storage, and so on. Here are some questions on wheelchairs answered.
What is a Hemi wheelchair?
A Hemi wheelchair is a wheelchair that has a dual axle base. This allows easy adjustment from standard height to the Hemi height which is lower by about three inches. This adjustability is very useful for people who need to maneuver the wheelchair using their feet.
What materials are wheelchairs commonly made of?
Based on material used for construction, there are many types of wheelchairs commercially available. The standard wheelchair models mostly use steel which is both durable and pocket-friendly. However, steel wheelchairs tend to be heavy, and therefore, harder to store.
Aluminum wheelchairs which are lightweight and also easy to use are greatly popular among wheelchair users. These may also be reinforced with carbon fibers for additional durability.
In recent times, titanium and carbon fiber wheelchairs are also gaining popularity for their lightness and long-term usability.
Further, most wheelchair manufacturers offer a wide range of customizable features ranging from specific types of wheelchair specifications including wheels, sling seat or solid pan base, and the choice of where and how to control and propel the wheelchair.
What are sports wheel chairs?
With the advent of lightweight wheelchairs that are made of titanium or carbon fiber, many athletes who are disabled to various degrees have an option of continuing to keep up with their games. Whether it is wheelchair tennis, wheelchair basketball, or even wheelchair racing, these smaller and more compact wheelchairs are also relatively easier to propel and are also useful for the disabled in going camping or mountain climbing. A key feature in most sports wheelchairs is the optimum adjustability of both the wheelbase and the height of the seat. The position of the caster wheels can also be adjusted, thus giving the user in a seated position that ensures the maximum bio-mechanic functioning of the upper limbs.