ABLEDATA FACT SHEET ON MANUAL WHEELCHAIRS Introduction Thirty years ago there was no need for a "fact sheet" on manual wheelchairs. Someone needing a wheelchair at that time simply would have gone to a doctor and received a prescription for a wheelchair, and that chair would have been fairly standard in size and appearance. It would have been a heavy, metal chair with black or dark green upholstery. Nothing else was available. That era has passed, and today's active wheelchair user has literally hundreds of options available. Manual wheelchairs come in sporty styles and stylish colors, and can be made of lightweight composite materials which greatly reduce their weight. The challenge today is to select the wheelchair which most directly meets an individual's needs. The objective of this Fact Sheet is to provide the reader with a basic introduction to manual wheelchairs. Sources of additional information, including a list of wheelchair manufacturers, are found at the conclusion of this fact sheet. Types of Manual Wheelchairs Because the wheelchair market is changing so rapidly, there is no universally accepted terminology to describe the various kinds of manual wheelchairs. However, manual wheelchairs sold today generally can be placed in one or more of the following categories. Lightweight/Sports Chairs The most popular type of wheelchair for everyday use for a person with good upper body mobility is the lightweight manual wheelchair. Lightweight chairs provide maximum independence of movement with a minimum of effort. Many active wheelchair users also prefer the sportier look of the lightweights compared with the more standard looking everyday chair. It should be noted, however, that heavy or obese persons may be unable to use these types of chairs because the lighter weight of the frame results in a reduced user capacity as compared to standard everyday chairs. Once used primarily by wheelchair athletes, the lightweight chair today is used by people in virtually all walks of life as a preferred mode of assisted mobility. Three-wheeled chairs, also developed for such sports as tennis and basketball, are also an everyday chair alternative. Standard/Everyday Chairs Some wheelchair users still prefer or require a standard wheelchair, which is characterized by a cross-brace frame, built-in or removable arm rests, swing-away footrests, a mid- tohigh-level back, and push handles to allow non-occupants to propel the chair. Child/Junior Chairs Children and young adults need chairs that can accommodate their changing needs as they grow. In addition, it is important that wheelchairs for children or teens be adaptable to classroom environments and be "friendly looking" to help the user fit more readily into social situations. Manufacturers today are becoming increasingly sensitive to these market demands and are attempting to address them with innovative chair designs and a variety of "kid-oriented" colors and styles. (See also Fact Sheet No. 22, Wheelchairs for Children.) Specialty Chairs Because of the diverse needs of wheelchair users, wheelchairs have been designed to accommodate many lifestyles and user needs. Hemi chairs, which are lower to the floor than standard chairs, allow the user to propel the chair using leg strength. Chairs that can be propelled by one hand are available for people who have paralysis on one side. Oversized chairs and chairs designed to accommodate the weight of obese people are also offered. Rugged, specially equipped chairs are available for outdoor activities. Aerodynamic three-wheeled racing chairs are used in marathons and other racing events. Manual chairs that raise the user to a standing position are available for people who need to be able to stand at their jobs, or who want to stand as part of their physical conditioning routine. These and other specialized chair designs generally are manufactured by independent wheelchair manufacturers who are trying to meet the needs of specific target markets. Institutional/Nursing Home/Depot Chair The least expensive type of chair available, an institutional chair, is designed for institutional usage only, such as transporting patients in hospitals or nursing homes. It is not an appropriate alternative for anyone who requires independent movement, as the institutional chair is not fitted for a specific individual. These types of chairs are now also used as rental chairs and by commercial enterprises (such as grocery stores and airports) for temporary use. Wheelchair Components Frame One of the biggest breakthroughs in wheelchair technology has been the development of new, lightweight materials for wheelchair frames. Whereas stainless steel used to be the only frame material available, wheelchair users today have their choice of stainless steel, chrome, aluminum, airplane aluminum, steel tubing, an alloy of chrome and lightweight materials, titanium, and other lightweight composite materials. The type of material used to construct the frame affects the weight of the frame, and therefore the overall weight of the wheelchair. The type of frame material also can affect the wheelchair's overall strength. The two most common types of frames currently available are rigid frame chairs (where the frame remains in one piece and the wheels are released for storage or travel), and the standard cross-brace frame (which enables the frame to fold for transport or storage). Upholstery Upholstery for wheelchairs must withstand daily use in all kinds of weather. Consequently, manufacturers provide a variety of options to users, ranging from cloth to new synthetic fabrics to leather. Many manufacturers also offer a selection of upholstery colors, ranging from black to neon, to allow for individual selection and differing tastes among consumers. Seating System Seating systems are sold separately from the wheelchairs themselves, as seating must be chosen on an individual basis. It is important when selecting a wheelchair or a seating system to ensure that the two components are compatible. Brakes "Braking" on a manual wheelchair in use is accomplished by applying the hands on the wheels. However, "parking brakes" (wheel locks) are available in several different designs, and can be mounted at various heights to maximize convenience to the user. Wheels/Tires Most wheelchairs use four wheels, with two large wheels at the back and two smaller ones (casters) at the front. The standard tire used for the rear wheels on most wheelchairs is a pneumatic tire, for which the standard size is 24 inches. Smaller and larger sizes, however, also are available. Many manufacturers now also offer other types of tires--such as solid tires, semi-pneumatic, or radial tires--at extra cost. Mag wheels and off road wheels also are options on some chairs. Casters, too, vary in size (ranging from six to eight inches in diameter) and composition (pneumatic, solid rubber, plastic, or a combination of these). Footrests For rigid frame chairs, footrests usually are incorporated into the frame of the chair as part of the design. Cross-brace folding chairs often have footrests which swivel, flip up, and/or can be removed. Armrests Many lightweight manual chairs are designed to be used without armrests. The absence of armrests makes it easier for the user to roll up to a desk or table, and many active wheelchair users prefer the streamlined look of a chair with no armrests. However, armrests are helpful if the user has difficulty with upper body balance while seated. Armrests come in a variety of styles including desk length (to allow the user closer access to desks and tables) or full length and both types may be flip-up, fixed, or detachable. Cost of Manual Wheelchairs The cost of a manual wheelchair can go from approximately $500 for an institutional chair to more than $4,000 for a customized lightweight wheelchair with "all the trimmings." Most lightweight manual chairs, depending upon the manufacturer, are in the $1,800 to $2,800 range. These figures should not be used, however, to suggest an "appropriate price" for a wheelchair for any specific individual; special accessory needs or customization required to accommodate specific disabilities could put the actual purchase price much higher. Conclusion New wheelchairs are being introduced to the market every year. Information on specific models is available from the manufacturers (a list of manufacturers and their phone numbers is found at the conclusion of this Fact Sheet). One of the easiest ways to keep up-to-date on what is available is to call ABLEDATA. ABLEDATA is a database of more than 19,000 products for people with disabilities. Included in the ABLEDATA database are descriptions of all wheelchair types currently available in the United States, as well as information about wheelchair manufacturers and local distributors. ABLEDATA can be reached by calling 800/227-0216 or 301/588-9284. Information specialists are on hand to assist callers locate the information they need. Computer users may also search the database themselves and download the search results using the ABLE INFORM computer bulletin board service. ABLE INFORM can be accessed via modem at 301/589-3563 (8-1-n), or through Internet. There is no charge for this service except long-distance telephone charges for calls placed from outside the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area. The database is also available for purchase on CD-ROM in DOS and Windows formats. The 1994 CD-ROM database contains more than 19,000 product entries from more than 2,500 domestic and foreign manufacturers and distributors. It provides detailed entries about commercially available products, non-commercial technology (including prototypes), nearly 800 do-it-yourself designs, and includes more than 1,000 electronic images of products. Database records also provide end-user and clinician comments about the product, manufacturer statements about product compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and a research and historical reference of discontinued products. The $25.00 purchase price also includes a User's Guide containing start-up information and instructions and information for searching the database. Mail orders to ABLEDATA, 8455 Colesville Road, Suite 935, Silver Spring, MD 20910 or FAX to 301/587-1967. Please make checks payable to Macro International, Inc. ABLEDATA also offers more detailed information on the wheelchair selection process in its Informed Consumer Guide to Wheelchair Selection. This publication also provides a list of resources and related reading on wheelchairs and wheelchair selection. In addition, Fact Sheets on Powered Wheelchairs, Children's Wheelchairs, Sports Wheelchairs, and Scooters are available. Individual copies of the Fact Sheets and Consumer Guide are available free of charge from ABLEDATA. Highlights in the History of the Manual Wheelchair Civil War First record of wheelchairs being used in the United States 1907 First patent applied for a folding wheelchair with a tubular steel frame. 1936 First single cross-brace wheelchair patented by Everest & Jennings 1948 Removable armrests introduced 1950's Lightweight chairs developed for sports use 1980's-present New composite frame materials developed to further reduce the weight of chairs Companies Accumec Corp. 408/294-3100 Chair Type(s): Specialty Activeaid, Inc. 507/644-2951 or 800/533-5330 Chair Type(s): Specialty Alpha Kinetics, Inc. 507/263-4774 Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport Amigo Mobility 517/777-0910 or 800/821-2710 Chair Type(s): Institutional/commercial Beach Wheels, Inc. 813/775-1078 Chair Type(s): Specialty Bencraft Limited ENGLAND 021 4579001 Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday California Cruisers, Inc. 818/718-2828 Chair Type(s): Child/Youth; Institutional/commercial Canadian Wheelchair Manufacturing Ltd. 416/275-3960 Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth; Institutional/commercial; Specialty Car Chair Ltd. 213/394-3640 Chair Type(s): Specialty Colours 'N' Motion 714/978-1440 or 800/892-8998 Chair Type(s): Child/Youth; Racing Convaid Products 310/539-6814 or 800/552-1020 Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth Crown Medical Keystone Corp. 614/866-9803 Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday Cyclone Wheelchairs ENGLAND (0244) 310089 Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth Damaco, Inc./ Freedom on Wheels 805/532-1832 or 800/432-2434 Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth; Racing Eagle Sportschairs 404/972-0763 Chair Type(s): Child/Youth; Racing; Institutional/commercial Elite Wheelchair Products 404/972-3757 or 800/824-7903 Chair Type(s): Child/Youth; Racing; Institutional/commercial Enduro by Wheel Ring, Inc. 203/647-8596 Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth ETAC USA 414/796-4600 or 800/678-3822 Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth Everest & Jennings, Inc. 314/569-3515 or 800/235-4661 Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth; Institutional/commercial; Specialty Fortress 209/323-0292 or 800/869-4335 Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth; Racing 44 Caliber 704/784-3440 Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth Gendron, Inc. 419/445-6060 or 800/537-2521 Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth; Institutional/commercial; Specialty Grove Innovations 814/364-2677 Chair Type(s): Guardian Products A Sunrise Medical Company 818/504-2820 or 800/255-5022 Chair Type(s): Institutional/commercial Gunnell, Inc. 517/871-4529 or 800/551-0055 Chair Type(s): Child/Youth; Institutional/commercial; Specialty Hall's Wheels 617/628-7955 Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport; Racing Hausted 800/428-7833 Chair Type(s): Institutional/commercial IMEX Healthcare 408/370-6361 Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Specialty Innovative Products Unlimited, Inc. 414/738-9090 or 800/833-2826 Chair Type(s): Institutional/commercial Interior Mediquip, LTD CANADA 604/542-1363 Chair Type(s): Specialty Invacare Corp 216/329-6000 or 800/333-6900 Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Child/Youth; Institutional/commercial; Specialty Iron Horse Productions 810/987-6700 Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Institutional/commercial; Specialty Jaken Medical 800/678-4499 Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport Kendall-Futuro Co. 606/655-3400 or 800/388-5278 Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth; Institutional/commercial Kareco International 908/752-9636 or 800/KARECO Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport; Specialty Kuschall of America 805/484-3595 Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth; Institutional/commercial LDC Corp. of America 215/586-0986 or 800/782-6324 Chair Type(s): Specialty Levo USA 818/882-6944 or 800/882-6944 Chair Type(s): Specialty Lumex 516/273-2200 Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport Medical Lab Automation, Inc. 800/237-1162 Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Institutional/commercial Meyra, Inc. 302/324-4400 or 800/833-9962 Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth Morgan Technology, Inc. 708/963-3210 or 800/906-5483 Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport Mulholland Positioning Systems, Inc. 805/525-7165 Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth Newton Wheelchairs, USA 407/483-7184 Chair Type(s): Olympian Wheelchairs 813/343-8375 Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth; Racing Omni Manufacturing 800/554-9215 Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday Ortho-Kinetics, Inc. 414/542-6060 or 800/588-7786 Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport Otto Bock 612/553-9464 or 800/328-4058 Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Child/Youth Patient's Personal Needs Chair Type(s): Institutional/commercial Quickie Designs, Inc. 209/292-2171 or 800/456-6168 Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth Quickie Designs/Shadow Products 206/872-0741 or 800/342-1579 Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth; Racing Rx Rocker Corp. 805/499-0696 or 800/762-5371 Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport Redman Wheelchairs 602/294-2621 or 800/727-6684 Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport Rehab 'n Motion Technologies 603/358-0437 Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport RGK Wheelchairs ENGLAND 44 (0) 543-379905 Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth Rolleez 804/461-1122 or 800/347-2278 Chair Type(s): Samhall Rehab 203/380-0000 or 800/882-0098 Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Child/Youth; Institutional/commercial; Specialty Scott Designs 510/294-1700 Chair Type(s): Child/Youth Seatcase 512/892-4991 or 800/221-SEAT Chair Type(s): Specialty Technovations, Inc. 414/354-8895 Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday Theradyne Corp. 612/469-4404 or 800/328-4014 Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth; Institutional/commercial Top End by Action 813/522-8677 or 800/532-8677 Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth; Racing Tuffcare, Inc. 714/524-1133 or 800/367-6160 Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth; Institutional/commercial; Specialty Up and Over Engineering 415/233-1328 Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport Vision Performance 800/462-8266 Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport Wheelchairs of Kansas 800/537-6454 Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Specialty Wheelsport, Intl. 209/276-3271 Chair Type(s): Standard/everyday; Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth XL Wheelchairs 916/891-3535 or 800/356-3554 Chair Type(s): Lightweight/sport; Child/Youth; Specialt