Wheelchairs, Electric, and Ramps.
Thewheelchaircompany.com
is here to provide information pertinent to wheelchairs and their related
accessories. This means all styles of wheelchairs, ranging from the
most basic needs version of manual to the most high tech and futuristic
version of electronic. Ramps, lifts, cushions, and other wheelchair
parts are also addressed within the pages of this site.
Many variations of wheeled chairs have existed throughout history.
As with numerous inventions, the first wheelchair versions seem to have
been solely created for royalty. A Chinese engraving from the year 525
A.D. depicts a man seated on such an item. King Phillip the II of Spain
also had his own wheel chair in 1595 on which he too was pictured.
In 1655, there was a young man named Stephen Farfler. He was a 22 year-old
watchmaker who had paraplegia. In that year, he built his own wheeled
chair, which was self-propelled.
From the late nineteenth century to the early twentieth century was
when the wheelchair as it is known today began taking shape. Push rims
were created in 1881, which made self-propulsion a more common feature.
Around 1900 was when wooden spokes began to be replaced by wired ones.
The first motorized wheelchairs began being produced in 1916. On the
other hand, the first foldable one was built in 1933. This allowed it
to be fit into an automobile for increased traveling options.
Wheelchairs which were aluminum, lightweight, and exceptionally adjustable
were becoming more standard in the 1970s. There were different styles
created in Germany, Switzerland, and California. Since then, contemporary
versions of the wheelchair have been speedily advancing.
Predictably, the wheelchairs of today are lighter and perform better.
This includes better suspension for a smoother ride. In addition to
that, wheelchairs can come in more specialized and customizable designs
to better suit an individuals tastes and needs.
When it comes to powered chairs, the most expensive and delicate part
in most cases is the controller. This is because these features are
fairly sophisticated and must be precise. These controllers allow the
chair to tilt, recline, and elevate their footrests as well as their
seats.
For some people, electric chairs offer a freedom of movement and better
quality of life. Other people who have the upper body strength may prefer
not to use electric wheelchairs. This is may be due to the fact that
an electric wheelchair can be even more restrictive by discouraging
physical fitness. In addition to that, insurance companies often do
not cover the expenses associated with electric chairs if the person
is able to operate a manual chair.
The various sections of this site discuss in more detail the different
types of wheelchairs from lightweight manual wheelchairs to power electric
wheelchairs. This site also addresses legislation and issues associated
with wheelchair lifts, wheelchair ramps, and the maintenance of wheelchairs.
We have also included a number of frequently asked questions which
may help you to get a better understanding of the issues associated
with wheelchairs for yourself or for others.
Thewheelchaircompany.com is not contracted with any group or business.
It is simply our goal to try to provide our visitors with the best,
most accurate and up-to-date wheelchair information on the Web.