TheHistoryOf.net

A wheelchair is at its core quite simply that – a chair mounted on wheels. The purpose of a wheelchair is to provide locomotion to an individual who lacks the ability to walk under their own power.

Wheelchairs vary greatly in design to suit many different styles and requirements:

• Manually powered
• Electric
• Sports-related
• Folding
• Ultra-light
• Portable
• Attendant propelled
• Bariatric
• Pediatric

And many more.

Invention and Development

The earliest recorded wheelchair comes from the 6th century, in a carving found on an ancient stone slate in China. A more detailed record of an early wheelchair dates back to Germany during the Renaissance.

But the modern version of the wheelchair was developed by two mechanical engineers named Harry Jennings and Herbert Everest in 1933. Herbert Everest broke his back in a mining accident, and together with the help of Jennings invented a model much like the wheelchairs we see today. It was made of steel, and folded for easy storage.

These two men went on to become the first wheelchair manufacturers, and their design is still visible in the wheelchairs used to this day by millions of people worldwide.

Sports-related Wheelchairs

Disabled athletes use special sports wheelchairs designed for increased speed and control. Using these modern marvels of engineering, disabled athletes are able to play everything from basketball to rugby to tennis – and even racing!

Sports wheelchairs are usually non-folding to increase sturdiness, have tilted wheels to provide turning stability, and are crafted from lightweight composite materials or alloys.

In fact, new sports have been developed for powerchair users called “Powerchair Football” or “Power Soccer.” So far, this is the only competitive team sport for powerchair users. The Federation Internationale de Powerchair Football Associations governs the sport and is located in Paris, France with country affiliates around the world.

Scooters and Lift Chairs

With increasing technology and the reduced cost of manufacturing, mobility scooters are beginning to replace wheelchairs as the preferred mobility solution for those unable to maneuver freely.

Scooters are more durable, more comfortable, and easy to mount and dismount than wheelchairs, since they generally come equipped with a special swiveling seat and built in steps.

The Lift chair is a powered recliners or seat that moves the user physically from a standing to a sitting position and back again, assisting individuals who have trouble changing posture.

In fact, Pride Mobility Products Corp. has just introduced a combination product called the Jazzy, which is an extra-comfortable chair mounted on a mobility scooter frame. Pride Mobility lift chairs and Pride Mobility scooters are sold throughout the country and around the globe.

While the mobility scooter may be more comfortable, one thing is for sure – you can play Power Football in a mobility scooter!

About the Author

Jan Heinen is a mother of three adult sons who now each have families of their own, and has a soft spot for cats. She loves the outdoors, and enjoys living in the scenic city of Surrey in southwest British Columbia, Canada. Jan is a self-avowed bookworm, and enjoys traveling to places near and far. A chiropractor by career, these days Jane loves helping others as a B.E.S.T. practitioner.

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