Paraplegic Wheelchairs For Adults and Children

The term paraplegic refers to a person that has suffered spinal cord injury relating to the Thoracic, Lumbar or Sacral section of the spine. In this sense the term paraplegic wheelchair is synonymously utilized in paraplegic wheelchair events. These are paraplegics that participate in sports events through the use of a paraplegic wheelchair.

Wheelchairs used by paraplegics are not much different from those used by other people with movement disabilities. In general, there are many types of wheelchairs that can be used. There are the manual wheelchairs that operate with human effort, most of the time the own effort of the wheelchair user. Subgroups of these wheelchairs include foldable manual wheelchairs and rigid frame wheelchairs. Although foldable manual wheel chairs are able to save space, they are not as lightweight as rigid framed wheelchairs.

Electric wheelchairs are also another form of paraplegic chair which operate through the use of battery-powered gear and belts. Quiet, powerful and easy to use, electric wheel chairs require some maintenance as compared to manual ones. Apart from that, there are rear-wheel drive , front-wheel drive and mid-wheel drive wheelchairs. Real wheel drive types are faster but have poor turning capabilities while front wheel drive wheelchairs turn better. Mid-wheel drive chairs can also turn tightly, but can be unsteady at times.

Paraplegic children will most likely be suited for pediatric wheelchairs, which come in different sizes for different ages. Furthermore, depending on the activities of the child, there are also sports wheelchairs which permit more movement in addition to lighter frames. Apart from that, there are also growing pediatric wheel chairs available in the market and designed specifically for growing children. These are equipped with components that can be changed as the child grows.

Finally, paraplegic wheelchairs come in many forms and prices. This is why it is best to consider the activity level of the paraplegic, the outdoor and indoor requirements as well as the budget before making a purchase.