Sunrise Medical Wheelchairs

Sunrise Medical Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs can be used when there are mobility issues. There are a number of different types of wheelchairs since people have varying needs. Sunrise Medical offers multiple types of wheelchairs to suit a variety of purposes.

A manual wheelchair has to be pushed or rolled by hand in order to move. Some types are:

• Transport: These have small back wheels and come with handlebars on the back of the chair for use by the person who will be pushing the chair to move its occupant. Many transport models can be folded down for storage.
• Standard: With large back wheels that have rims to hold onto, these manual chairs can be propelled by the wheelchair users themselves.
• Heavy-duty: These have wider and sturdier frames, capable of accommodating someone weighing as much as a few hundred pounds.
• Lightweight: Some models are built to weigh less than 40 pounds so that people can load them into and take them out of vehicles more easily.
• Sport: These wheelchairs are designed for speed and maneuverability.
• Pediatric: These are designed for children's smaller frames. The seats are generally shallower and narrower than those of traditional wheelchairs.

The devices in this category are propelled by electric motors. They can be categorized by where the drive system is located.

• Front-wheel drive: This style can provide stability and allow users to maneuver around tight spaces. The battery may be located at the back of the chair to balance out the weight since the heavier components and larger tires are in front.
• Mid-wheel drive: A mid-wheel drive chair is also known as a center-drive chair. These wheelchairs have their power source located directly under the seat. They often have tight turning radii.
• Rear-wheel drive: A rear-wheel system can help with directional stability. When going forward, the chair will naturally move straight ahead.

Besides determining whether you need a manual or a powered wheelchair, you can also take these factors into consideration:

• Seat depth: Consider the height and leg length of the person who will be using the wheelchair.
• Weight capacity: Remember that there will be a maximum load that each model is designed to hold safely. You can factor in any bags or other equipment, like oxygen tanks, that the wheelchair may also need to carry.
• Armrests: Armrests can come with different types of padding. Some armrests can swing out or in so a wheelchair can be positioned close to a table or desk.