Wheelchairs, Electric, and Ramps.

WheelchairsThewheelchaircompany.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.