Wheelchair Parts
Wheelchairs are the mode of transportation for the disabled and the injured. There is a very extensive range of wheelchair parts in the market. A lot of wheelchairs feature a mechanical brake, and power controls which can be connected and disconnected by the user. Today some wheelchairs manufacturers are favoring dynamic brakes instead of mechanical brakes. While they do bring the chair to a stop while it’s driving, they cannot stop a chair from rolling down a steep surface. Therefore, most people think it is necessary to include a mechanical brake, which lowers the accident risk significantly.
A wheelchair should be equipped with the right wheelchair parts to make it run smoothly. Also, it should be given maintenance regularly, in order to make sure that the chair is a safe and efficient ride.
A manual wheelchair has 2 basic models: folding frame wheelchairs and rigid frame wheelchairs. The newest versions of folding frame wheelchairs are much lighter than the earlier used steel models, but they are still heavier than the rigid frame wheelchairs because of their heavy parts. Most users find the rigid frame wheelchairs very light and efficient as they are made of lightweight aluminum and usually weigh around 10 to 20 pounds without wheels.
In a manual wheelchair, there are several wheelchair parts, such as upholstery, arm rests, foot rests, casters, wheels, wheelchair tires, airless inserts, foam filled tires, bearings, etc.
In a powered wheelchair, a wheelchair battery is one of the most important wheelchair parts, and needs to be charged regularly. Batteries come in dry and wet types, but dry type batteries are mostly preferred due to their ease of operation and smaller maintenance requirements. Other important wheelchair parts are casters. Casters are necessary in order to provide support for the wheelchair base. They come in all shapes and sizes, so they have to be correctly chosen according to each wheelchair. The most delicate and expensive part of a powered wheelchair is the joystick or controller that is used to make the wheelchair move. The back upholstery that is most commonly used, includes medium density foam, and is made of waterproof nylon which is strong, long-lasting and can be easily cleaned.
Finally, there are several wheelchair parts and accessories available in the market such as custom cushions, storage compartments, baskets, cup holders, etc. There are also many variations on the basic design of a wheelchair, depending on the individual user’s requirements. Some wheelchair parts that can be added or modified are seat size, controls, seat-to-floor height, adjustable backrests, half and full trays, safety belts, bags and packs, carriers and holders, anti-tip bars or wheels, etc.
