There are several aspects to consider when choosing a manual wheelchair, we detail them below:
- Chassis: It can be folding or fixed. A folding chassis offers us the option of reducing the space of the chair when we fold it. A fixed chassis transmits, with greater efficiency, the force exerted by the user to the transmission rings.
- Seat: The seat is usually made of canvas so that the wheelchair can be folded and should be wide enough to accommodate the width of the user's pelvis. It should also be long enough to accommodate, almost completely, the user's pelvis and thighs.
- Backrest: The backrest is also usually made of canvas, also because most chairs are folding. The height of the backrest usually reaches the height of the lower edge of the user's shoulder blades. It should not be higher because it would limit the mobility of the user's upper limbs when the user wants to self-propel.
- Armrests: Armrests are usually removable and foldable. These properties facilitate transfers and the approach to a table.
- Footrests: Standard footrests are folding and collapsible to facilitate transfers. Elevating footrests are available to allow a leg to be extended if the patient is immobilized for any reason.
- Wheel size: The rear wheels can be large (600mm self-propelled) or small (320mm non-self-propelled). It is advisable that all are solid to reduce maintenance and incidents.
