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Manual_Wheelchairs
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What Are Wheelchairs Made of?

A very important consideration when purchasing wheelchairs is the material. Generally, when making a purchase decision, buyers and their loved ones only check the weight capacity of the wheelchair and the frequency of the user. However, the wheelchair parts require equal thought as they dictate the durability, price, ‘feel’, safety, and overall user experience.

Since the recipients of the wheelchair use the vehicle on a long-term basis, it is necessary to ensure the materials boast the quality that maximizes the user’s comfort. Plus, you don’t want anything that breaks down easily or requires a lot of maintenance.

This blog post will cover all you need to know about ‘what are wheelchairs made of.’ Having knowledge of different wheelchair materials will help you pick the right one for your lifestyle.

The Importance and Health Benefits of Quality Wheelchair Materials Used

Commonly, a wheelchair is designed using steel, aluminum, rubber, and upholstery. While steel and aluminum help hold the wheelchair together, rubber is used for the armrest, wheels, and push handles.

The upholstery for the seat helps support wheelchair users and keep them comfortable. It keeps the seating area ventilated and prevents accumulation from heat. Sitting in moisture can cause infections in users and make them uneasy. This is why wheelchair manufacturers use upholstery, which doesn’t stretch or tear easily.

The material of the wheels also influences the durability of the chair. The more resistant the rubber is, the fewer replacements should be required for wheelchairs.

The Most Common Wheelchair Materials (Pros & Cons)

Plastic

A plastic wheelchair is a very standard type of vehicle. The woven plastic seating and footrest have a steel construction rod frame to aid propelling. They are inexpensive and within the budget of users who cannot afford high-end vehicles.

Pros:

  • Simple design
  • Comfortable seating
  • Easy to clean

Cons:

  • Heavy and difficult to transport
  • Not suitable for bumpy terrains
  • Unreliable and fragile

Aluminum

Aluminum is the lightest material available in wheelchairs and is optimal for everyday use. It can stand all kinds of challenging terrain without showing any sign of stress. The material of the aluminum wheelchair is corrosion-resistant and can last a long time.

Pros:

  • Durable
  • Very light and easy to transport
  • Easy maneuverability
  • Customizable

Cons:

  • Can dent and scratch easily
  • Expensive than plastic and steel wheelchair

Steel

One of the first materials used for wheelchairs was steel. And for this reason, the material is often considered outdated and ‘old school.’ They are the cheapest style of wheelchair available and mainstream in hospitals, airports, nursing homes, and other care facilities. Of course, the low price also equals low quality and heavy frame weight.

Pros:

  • Cost-efficient
  • Easy to obtain through government and Medicare programs
  • Simple folding mechanism

Cons:

  • Difficult to transport due to weight
  • Requires greater exertion for propelling

Titanium

A titanium wheelchair is classified as the top of a line mobility aid. They are designed with special techniques and tooling. Plus, they are very lightweight and convenient for travelers.

Pros:

  • Smooth rides
  • Durable
  • Corrosion resistant
  • High tolerance to dents and scratches

Cons:

  • Very expensive
  • Not very rigid and can cause discomfort to the user

Carbon

The carbon fibers are mixed into a plastic resin to create a sturdy wheelchair. They have exceptionally high-quality construction, similar to those we see in Formula One race cars and high-speed aircraft designs. The carbon wheelchair is very flexible and ideal for people with an active lifestyle, preferably those participating in wheelchair sports.

Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • Compact and sleek construction
  • Comfortable

Cons:

  • Prone to chipping
  • Expensive

Wheelchair Parts and Materials Used for Their Production

1. Frame

The frame is the most basic component of a wheelchair and has the most influence on the vehicle’s performance. It holds the complete structure together and signifies the design outcome of the wheelchair. The frames can be either foldable or rigid (non-foldable).

Standard wheelchairs usually have steel frames. While the lightweight and travel ones come in aluminum, titanium, or carbon material options.

But do note that the lighter your wheelchair frame is, the easier it will be to propel. Furthermore, a rigid wheelchair frame will flex less and make everyday trips more effortless.

2. Wheels

Wheelchairs commonly come with two sets of wheels: a large rear wheel for self-propulsion and small front wheels (casters). They can be either solid rubber or pneumatic (air-filled).

The standard wheelchairs come with rubber tires that provide a hard ride. Low maintenance and low wear rates make them very popular.

You will find lightweight wheelchairs made from aluminum and titanium equipped with pneumatic tires. Similar to their frames, they have very low weight. They also provide very soft rides and comfortable rides. But they are expensive and wear easily - require periodical maintenance.

3. Armrest and Footrest

The wheelchair armrest is designed to support the end users and offer balance during travel. They are created using metal or wood and further customized to improve comfort using hard plastic, fabric, and solid urethane.

However, hard plastic has no padding and can be uncomfortable for prolonged use. Padding with fabric such as nylon, vinyl, and urethane is the most popular option for armrests as they are breathable and soft.

When it comes to footrests, the material ranges from aluminum, carbon, and steel. They come in different sizes, but make sure to choose one that supports the user’s foot, from heels to the balls, for stability and comfort.

4. Seat and Backseat

The material of the seat and backseat is another critical selection that affects the ergonomics of the end user. Vinyl and nylon are the most common fabric chosen for wheelchair upholstery.

Generally, nylon is a more breathable and insulating material. However, it is difficult to clean because it absorbs spills and body fluids more easily. Therefore, you may be required to replace it frequently.

On the other hand, vinyl is a non-porous material and is likely to make the user sweat more. It is designed to mimic leather and is a popular material for hospital wheelchairs. It is also an ideal choice for people prone to spills or incontinence issues, as it is easy to clean and disinfect.

5. Push Handles

The push handles can be made from different materials, including steel, aluminum, titanium, or coated with plastic to assist grip. However, steel is the most common for offering optimal performance, despite its heavy weight.

6. Casters

The casters of a wheelchair facilitate maneuverability. They range from 3 inches in diameter to 8 inches. However, the smaller the wheels are, the less friction they will have, and be easier to turn.

What Materials to Look for When Choosing a Durable Wheelchair?

The choice of wheelchair material depends solely on the user’s lifestyle and budget. People usually prefer the steel wheelchair for its low cost and easy maintenance. They are also stronger with the capacity to hold more weight.

However, it is heavier in weight than its aluminum, titanium, and carbon counterparts. It is also challenging to propel and transport.

But again, the final selection depends on your specific needs!

Conclusion

The buying decision becomes less challenging now that you know the complete anatomy of a wheelchair. Consider each aspect of what are wheelchairs made of to make a choice that satisfies your lifestyle perfectly.

Remember, a wheelchair is a significant investment. And the materials used in their making play an important role in determining their performance and durability. Having an understanding of each will help you make the most fruitful selection for you and your loved one!

Alex Vander Poel
Alex Vander Poel
Marc’s Mobility was created by my Father Marc in 1995 when I was 7 years old. I have grown up in and around this industry and from an early age would clean, drive and repair these units with Marc. I graduated high school in 2006 and headed to Gainesville, FL to get a Business degree at the University of Florida. Once graduated, I moved back to Lakeland FL to help my father grow the business to what it is today.

I have been full-time in this industry for almost 12 years as of 2022. When I graduated college the company was a small 3 member operation. At the beginning, it was my primary role to inspect, repair, and prepare units for shipping all across the US. As we have grown to over a 10 man operation, I now oversee all aspects of the business but understand each and every role here at Marc’s Mobility. I believe what makes us successful is we do our best to treat everyone we interact with as if they were family.

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