Manual Wheelchairs - World Health Organization

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Transporting the wheelchair. For long-distance travel by, for example, bus, taxi or train, it is
important to take account of the design and size of the wheelchair and the materials used in its
construction. Weight is a crucial factor in transporting a wheelchair, and weight is determined by
the types of component (wheels/frames) used and by the construction materials (e.g. steel, steel/
aluminium alloy or other metal). Reducing weight has a direct effect on durability and cost. Design
and size are equally important, foldable and smaller wheelchairs being easier to carry. Ways of
making it easier to transport a wheelchair and their associated advantages and disadvantages are
shown in Table 2.11.
Table 2.11. Aim: to make it easier to transport the wheelchair
Advantages Disadvantages
By reducing the weight of the wheelchair
n greater convenient for the user and family members/ n reduced durability.
caregivers.
n greater mobility and productivity.
By using folding mechanisms built into the frame (i.e. cross-folding frame, folding backrest)
to make the wheelchair more compact for transporting
n n Makes the wheelchair easier to carry and transport.
Makes the wheelchair comparatively heavier.
By having components (i.e. wheels, footrests, armrests) removable to help reduce
the overall weight and size for lifting, transport and storage
n n reduced weight and volume.
removable parts can get lost, bent or broken.
n n Makes the wheelchair easier to carry and transport.
Standard push-button quick-release axles are not
available everywhere and are expensive compared to
fixed axles.
n Standard push-button quick-release axles have a shorter
life where conditions of use are rough, whereby sand,
dust and moisture can cause the locking mechanism to
seize. This can allow the axle to slip out of the axle socket
and the wheel to fall off the wheelchair.
Other factors
n Wheel camber increases the folded width of the
wheelchair.
n More stable wheelchairs with long frames are more
difficult to transport.
n Spiked or knobbly “mountain bike” style tyres tend to
collect more mud and soil than smooth tyres, which may
reduce cooperation from taxi drivers and bus passengers.
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