To be able to correctly select a wheelchair that meets the user’s needs, it is important to understand how many different substantial components are available in a wheelchair.
This way, you can choose a mobility device that best suits your needs or the needs of your loved ones and thus get the most out of the vehicle. The main wheelchair components consist of frames, wheels and brakes, footrests and armrests that need to be discussed.
Wheelchair Frame
A wheelchair frame can be rigid (fixed) or foldable. According to the study, rigid frames require 10–15% less energy per push than folding frames. Folding wheelchairs lose propulsion energy through frame flexing and movement at hinge points, and this reduces their efficiency. Rigid frames transfer energy more directly.
Other advantages of a rigid frame include its ease of handling and its somewhat lighter weight than a similar folding frame. However, a folding wheelchair is generally more convenient to transport and store as it takes up less space when folded.
What Materials Are Used for Wheelchair Frames?
The composition of a wheelchair frame is a key factor in its functionality. Steel, being the most common, is the heaviest but also the cheapest. A wheelchair with an aluminum frame is much lighter and, therefore, easier to propel, but also more expensive. You can also find frames made of very lightweight materials such as titanium and carbon. These are commonly used in rigid-frame wheelchairs and are very expensive.
Front Casters
Wheelchair front wheels (or casters) are present as inflatable or solid. For example, 3” and 5” wheels are recommended for indoor sports wheelchairs, such as basketball, and for fast wheelchairs. On the downside, they easily get caught on obstacles and uneven terrain.
Large wheels are more recommended for outdoors and on rough terrain, as they are easier to navigate over obstacles and don’t dig into the ground. Their downsides are that lowered friction makes maneuvering a challenge. Plus, the larger size of the wheels increases the turning radius.
Common Types of Wheelchair Front Wheels
A fork adjustment is a must in case you change the size of the front wheel. The pivot axis of the fork needs to remain at a right angle position relative to the ground (90°). The fork adjustment option is absent from basic models of wheeling chairs. Adjusting wheel size can be found in mid- to high-range models. Always consult with a professional technician to handle any doubts about wheel installation procedures. The adjustment of wheel size has the potential to modify the chair’s tilt which ultimately affects its stability performance.
Wheels below 5” are usually solid. All wheels larger than 5” can exist either as solid units with no maintenance needs or inflatable types offering better cushioning but may require maintenance work for inflation and potential punctures.
Rear Wheels
Regarding the rear wheels of a wheelchair, you should get the hang of the following details: size, tire type, and rim and wheel composition.
Size
The most common rear wheel is 24” in diameter. Smaller 22” or 20” wheels are used on child seats, for people with limited shoulder movement, or for people with hemiplegics, so they can reach the ground and propel themselves with their foot. The smaller wheel allows for less effort to propel it but also requires more pushes. 26” rear wheels are used for very tall people and for sports wheelchair models.
There are different types of wheel covers to consider:
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Solid tires. They offer less rolling resistance and require no maintenance, but they are heavier and harder to ride as they don't absorb the impact of the terrain. They have a poorer grip on wet surfaces.
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Solid insert. These are a cross between solid tires and pneumatic tires. They consist of a normal tire with a solid insert inside it. They require no maintenance and offer better grip than solid tires on wet surfaces, although they don’t cushion as much as pneumatic tires and weigh slightly more.
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Pneumatic tires. These are more comfortable to ride because they cushion the impact of terrain and offer good grip on most surfaces. They are the lightest cover. Their disadvantage is that they require slightly more force to propel them because they are softer, and they require maintenance (they can get punctures and must be inflated and the air pressure monitored to maintain their performance). Wheelchairs for active use come with narrower tires with higher pressure, which makes them easier to move around.
Recently, tires with puncture protection have appeared.
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Tubular. Very light and with minimal rolling resistance. Disadvantages: Low puncture resistance and high maintenance. They are used for sports wheelchairs on courts such as basketball courts.
Wheelrim
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Plastic rims. They require little maintenance, but they weigh more than spoked wheels.
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Aluminum spoke rim. It’s lighter than a plastic rim and absorbs rough terrain better. The crossed spokes provide a stronger lacing.
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Carbon rims. Carbon fiber offers high performance with very low weight but such models usually come with a hefty price tag.
Handrim
They can be made of aluminum, steel (which is heavier but less slippery), titanium (very light), or plastic-coated. In addition to the material, there are rings with projections to facilitate gripping by people with limited hand mobility, as well as rings with ergonomic shapes and parts coated in other materials to increase grip. The projections can be purchased separately and installed on a standard ring.
Brakes
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Shoe brakes. High-mount brakes represent the most frequently used type since they get installed on the tube beneath the seat. Two types of shoe brakes exist which can be operated either by pushing forward or pulling back. The brakes can be equipped with extensions which make handling easier.
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Scissor brakes. Lighter and hidden when at rest, making transfers easier, they are usually seen on sports/ultralight chairs.
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One-hand brakes. For hemiplegics (people with paralysis of the muscles) and those who prefer this option.
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Drum brakes. Typically used on chairs where the caregiver handles the chair. The brake is activated by a bicycle-style lever attached to the backrest handles.
Armrest
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Fixed: they are part of the chair frame and cannot be removed.
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Removable: they can be removed.
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Height adjustable: allows for more precise adjustments.
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Desk type: lowered at the front to allow access to tables.
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Tubular: they weigh less but have a smaller support surface.
Footrest
They can be fixed or removable. When space is limited (like in elevator areas), the use of a removable footrest is the preferred solution. A fixed footrest is a nice choice in cases without space limitations because they provide stronger support. An optimal position for footrests in wheelchair design should be set at 90 degrees. However, in senior adults, their feet can interfere with the rotation of the front forks, so the angle tends to be reduced. The most common angles are 80°, 70°, and 60°.
There are also elevating footrests. These elevate the entire leg for more comfortable postures. They are widely used in chairs with reclining backrests.
The manufacturing materials for footrest platforms include composites and aluminum alongside other alternative materials. Users can access footrest platforms with either double or single configurations which might or might not include heel straps. Most footrest platforms are set at a 90-degree angle yet there are adaptive options available for different user requirements.
Backrest
The wheelchair backrest comes in a variety of heights. Active people with good core control often prefer low backrests that maximize freedom of movement.
Regarding the backrest frame, it can be fixed, foldable, or removable. The choice depends on your requirements when disassembling the chair or the position you need to adopt.
Adjustable backrest tension is recommended if possible. You can achieve better comfort with adjustable straps since these allow you to find the right tension level for targeted zones. Through this feature, you can change the backrest into a shape that fits your individual body position.
Seating
They are usually made of a durable fabric that allows the chair to fold. They are attached to the chair frame with screws or other systems. In some wheelchair models, you can tilt the seat position to suit your needs.
An anti-bedsore cushion can be placed over the seat fabric to minimize excessive pressure. There are foam, gel, and air cell cushions, among others.
