An indispensable mobility aid, wheelchairs today come with a variety of features to make daily lives easier. A standard wheelchair comes with large rear wheels and smaller front wheels designed to be propelled by the wheelchair user, manually or electronically, or pushed by a caregiver. Today, one can choose from options like manual and powered wheelchairs. If one is considering buying one, here are some of the common types available today:

1. Manual wheelchairs
These are the traditional wheelchairs that are propelled by the user’s hands. The user can move the chair backward or forward by holding onto the wheels. Alternatively, someone can push the chair on the user’s behalf by positioning themselves behind the user. This is why these chairs come with handles behind the backrest. Today, one can choose from various kinds of manual wheelchairs to meet specific needs. For instance, foldable and lightweight wheelchairs can be easily stored in vehicles, even those with limited storage space. Alternatively, one can opt for heavy-duty wheelchairs if they are looking for greater durability.

Manual wheelchairs work best for those who can operate them independently. But the downside is that they can quickly make the user feel tired, especially when using the chair on uneven grounds. Moreover, prolonged use of manual wheelchairs can trigger health problems if the user does not stand often. The cost for these wheelchairs typically starts from $100 (for the standard variant) but can go beyond $800 for lighter models.

2. Power wheelchairs
These battery-operated, electric wheelchairs can propel one forward with the use of controls. Today, one can find a wide variety of electric wheelchairs manufactured by popular brands. These chairs address the problem of fatigue and disabilities associated with the use of manual alternatives. Further, prolonged use of these chairs does not tire the user as easily, giving them a greater sense of independence than manual wheelchairs offer. However, powered wheelchairs (or power chairs) can come with a few disadvantages. For starters, they are heavier than traditional chairs, as they are equipped with a motor and battery, among other components.

While one can find multiple variants, a standard electric wheelchair allows the users to drive around and function using easy controls and hand steering. The starting price for most chairs can be between $1,200 and $1,500. However, if equipped with additional features, a high-end electric wheelchair can cost up to $30,000.

3. Pediatric wheelchairs
These wheelchairs are exclusively designed for children. This is an umbrella term for powered, manual, and specialized wheelchairs made for children with mobility issues. Specialized pediatric wheelchairs are designed to help those with certain mobility disorders feel independent using the chair’s assistive technology. The idea behind pediatric wheelchairs is to get children to quickly adapt to their chairs and feel comfortable using them. Many popular brands can offer customization options to make the wheelchair reflect the child’s preferences. A clever and fun exterior design can help children quickly get used to the chair.

4. Reclining wheelchairs
These wheelchairs enable the user to try different sitting positions on their chair. Reclining back wheelchairs are typically electric variants. However, one can find manual reclining chairs. Regardless of the working mechanism, these types of chairs allow the user to lean back and even set the angle of recline. Alternatively, some variants allow the user to adjust their leg and foot position.

Such positioning chairs are designed to enhance user convenience, letting the user choose a position that works best for them. These mobility aids can also offer health benefits. For instance, adjusting the sitting position can help improve blood circulation and lower the risk of clots, sores, and ulcers associated with mobility issues. Reclining can help distribute pressure on the skin, reducing the risk of sores that develop when the user sits in the chair for prolonged periods. Reclining and other positioning chairs can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $10,000, depending on the working mechanism.

5. Sports wheelchairs
Primarily manual variants, these wheelchairs are designed for tennis, basketball, rugby, racing, and tennis players. The technological advancement in sports wheelchairs has led to a growth in the opportunities for wheelchair-bound athletes and the implementation of wheelchair sports. A typical wheelchair designed for basketball has a slanted outward wheel design, helping the one maintain balance while giving them more space for upper body movement. Usually, sport wheelchairs have four smaller wheels underneath the two big wheels to improve stability. Moreover, these wheelchairs guard the athlete’s legs to prevent injuries on the court. One can find top-notch sports wheelchairs priced anywhere between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the brand and features they offer.