Question: - I am looking for a wheelchair that is propelled by one hand, but is not electrical. The wheelchair has a handle that the person can push back and fourth. This handle is attached to the back wheel with a ratchet-like mechanism that propels the chair forward. If you could help me in my search for this wheelchair it would be extremely appreciated. ~Les

Answer: There are some one arm drive wheelchairs on the market, but they are not widely used and manufactured. These wheelchairs are generally larger, heavier and more difficult to fold and transport. A one arm drive wheelchair is a manual chair that has both of its hand rims mounted on one side of the chair. The chair consists of a wheel with two hand rims and the wheels are basically joined together so they can be controlled by one arm. One arm drive wheelchairs have been on the market for some time. The type of chair you are referring to is a lever-type drive system. These lever drive systems are also designed for one handed use. These are not wheelchair accessories, but are complete wheelchairs. Some of the larger wheelchair manufacturers make one arm drive wheelchairs. Lever-driven, or ratchet arm wheelchair systems, consist of a lever operated drive that is attached to the hub of each of the wheels. The wheelchair is propelled by applying a push or pull motion to the top end of the levers. You push or pull the lever forward and backward to move the chair and you turn the lever left or right to turn the wheelchair.