Manual Wheelchairs

In 1932 the very first wheelchair was invented by an engineer named by an engineer named Henry Jennings. This primitive device of the time would soon revolutionize and change the lives of the disabled forever. The wheelchair made movement possible for those with limited use of their legs. Although not up to today’s standard, the disabled could travel short distances and perform tasks for themselves.

Today, the wheelchair has improved and changed greatly. Manual wheelchairs are much easier to operate and use. They are much lighter than earlier models making longer distances possible for travel. They are also much less stressful on the arms and shoulders.

The manual wheelchairs vary greatly in what they can do. Some are very light weight and foldable. Many of the famous wheelchair basketball teams use these types of chairs in competition. Others are more bulky and heavier. However these models are highly durable and offer a greater degree of protection to the person using it.

Manual wheelchairs can be an expensive item to buy. Depending on the type one could expect to pay hundreds, even thousands of dollars for one. Some health insurance policies may help offset some of the costs but a fair amount may still remain to be paid. An alternative is to buy a used manual wheelchair. Several shops that supply them new will likely have a range of used manual wheelchairs. This can result in significant savings for the wheelchair user.

The wheelchair has been around since 1932. When it was first introduced it was rather primitive compared to the models of today. However, for the first time the disabled could do things for themselves without having to depend on others.