The word paraplegic refers to a person who's paralysed from the waist down. Even though some individuals are still able to walk to some degree, the use of a wheelchair is sometimes still essential. The right wheelchair can make all the difference. A paraplegic has the option of several different wheelchairs because they still have use of their arms.
The most basic type of wheelchair is the manual chair. You power this type of wheelchair by pushing rims on the wheels. Someone can push you from behind as well. These chairs are lightweight and fairly easy to move around. This, of course, depends on how often you need to use your chair and in what conditions or on what terrain you plan to use it on. For example, a manual wheelchair is more difficult to use in harsh weather conditions and it can be tiresome after using it for prolonged periods of time. It can, however, be easier to transport compared to other types of chairs. Manual chairs can have a rigid frame, the back of the seat folds down and the wheels are easy to take off for quick storage. Rigid manual chairs are also a little sturdier than folding manual chairs. The great thing about manual chairs is that they're very light, so they can be taken just about anywhere.
If you are looking for a chair that does some of the work for you, then an electric wheelchair is the way to go. Electric wheelchairs use electric motors to manoeuvre about and a rechargeable battery fuels the motor. The controls are typically attached to the armrest and allow you to select the speed and direction of the chair. As with all technology, the more sophisticated the device, the more options available. If an individual lacks the dexterity to control the wheelchair or doesn't have full use of their arms, then there are devices available to help compensate.
Choosing the right wheelchair can be a daunting task. There are endless options out there to meet almost every need. The best way to sift through the different styles and types of wheelchairs is to try them out, but first do your research to find out which chair is best suited for you needs. Remember that most wheelchairs can be custom designed to meet your specific needs. You can decide on the size, colour, the type of seat, and many other options. A dependable sales representative would be the best person to ask for help.