A wheelchair is an important mobility device that improves the quality of life for people with walking difficulties and for those who are bedridden due to various diseases. With a wheelchair, they can be independent and participate in regular academic, professional, and social activities. Wheelchairs are useful for those with injuries to the bone, muscles, or spine and for patients with cerebral palsy, hemiplegia, multiple sclerosis, or muscular dystrophy.

Main types of wheelchairs
Wheelchairs have undergone many upgrades, are very user-friendly, and are fitted with many comfort, safety, and technology features. This allows those with challenges to move comfortably without fear of injury. The five main types of wheelchairs include the following:

1. Manual wheelchair
A user propels a manual wheelchair forward or backward by propelling the handle around the wheel. They also have handles in the backrest, using which caregivers can push them carefully. There are foldable and lightweight manual chairs that can be carried in vehicles. Manual wheelchairs are ideal for those who can maneuver themselves without any supervision. Pushing the wheelchairs manually for a long time can be exhausting and lead to other health problems. There are three types of manual wheelchairs:

• Standard
• Transport
• Lightweight

2. Powered wheelchairs
Battery-operated wheelchairs come with controls that are easy to use, are ideal for long hours of use, and are best suited to those patients who cannot operate manual wheelchairs. They are larger and heavier because they are fitted with batteries and motors. There are three types of powered wheelchairs:

• Front-wheel drive
• Mid-wheel drive
• Rear-wheel drive

3. Pediatric wheelchairs
They are designed specifically for kids and can be customized with turnable seats, a supine position option, seat lifting, back and knee-angle adjustments, and height-adjustable footrests. These features allow the child to use the wheelchair comfortably as they grow without often buying new ones.

4. Positioning wheelchairs
These wheelchairs allow users to maneuver the wheelchair into multiple positions, like backward reclining, raising and lowering footrests, and tilting. These wheelchairs help improve blood circulation and directly reduce the risk of sores and ulcers that result from staying in the same position for a long time.

5. Sports wheelchairs
Sports wheelchairs are designed for wheelchair sportspersons who participate in activities like dancing, rugby, basketball, tennis, archery, or racing. They are customized to provide more stability and, in some cases, to make sharp turns within the playing field. Sports wheelchairs are not ideal for everyday use, and users typically have a manual or a powered wheelchair when they are not involved in any sports or other activity. While some sports wheelchairs are built for a specific sport or activity, others can be used for multi-sport activities.

6. Standing power wheelchairs
As the name suggests, these wheelchairs can be powered to move the wheelchair from sitting to standing. These wheelchairs help users be more independent when doing chores that require them to be in a standing position.

7. All-terrain wheelchairs
All-terrain wheelchairs are fitted with larger wheels for better balance and allow the users to move on sand, puddles, or a beach. There are advanced all-terrain wheelchairs with large tires and casters that can be used in mountainous terrain and hiking trails.

Cost of wheelchairs
The cost of wheelchairs varies based on the type, features, material, and type of technology used. The costs may be higher than regular wheelchairs if clients want specific customization based on the user’s needs and health condition. Here is the range for different types of wheelchairs:

• Manual wheelchairs cost between $100 and $800.
• Powered wheelchairs cost between $1,500 and $13,000.
• Sports wheelchairs cost between $1,000 and $8,300.
• All-terrain wheelchairs cost between $1,000 and $4,500.

Tips for choosing the best wheelchair brands
Before choosing a wheelchair, users must test multiple brands to see if they can easily maneuver and operate independently. It should be sturdy when they move from a wheelchair to a bed or need to use the bathroom. Here are a few tips for choosing the best wheelchair brands:

• Look for a brand that makes wheelchairs in multiple sizes and fits so a user can choose a comfortable model. Seating that is too snug can cause great discomfort. Seats can become wobbly while moving if they are too large.
• Ensure that the brand uses high-quality materials that are safe, non-toxic, rust-proof, easy to maintain, and do not lead to sores in the buttocks or bruises in their hands caused by pushing the wheelchair.
• Look for brands that have gone through multiple quality tests and have the necessary approvals. The brand’s wheelchairs should also be ADA-compliant.
• Verify if the brand offers customization and can add features necessary for the user’s special needs.
• Check if the brand offers a warranty that can cover maintenance costs or the cost of replacing casters, restraints, handles, or seating.
• Before buying sports or outdoor wheelchairs, look for companies that allow users to test them.