The most common type of wheelchair used in hospitals is the manual or standard wheelchair. People with considerable upper body strength (arms, shoulders, back and trunk) prefer to use a standard wheelchair propelled by arm strength, or what is called a manual wheelchair.

Standard wheelchairs are most often propelled by the user himself, but can also be pushed by a companion. Standard wheelchairs are distinguished by the two large wheels in back and two small 'caster' wheels in front. These wheelchairs are propelled by the user by pushing rims on the two larger rear wheels. The standard heavy weight standard wheelchairs having the institutional looking metallic finish require a considerable amount of energy to propel, thus making them less practical than a lightweight standard wheelchair for everyday use for most people in today's hospitals.

Types of Manual Wheelchairs

• Rigid Frame Wheelchairs: A rigid frame wheelchair will consist of a welded frame made from either aluminium, titanium, carbon fibre etc. on which the patient sits. The wheels have a quick release mechanism to enable easy transportation and the back of the chair has the ability to fold down. It is preferable to opt for a lightweight rigid frame wheelchair which is easier to push and hence put less stress on shoulder joints. A rigid frame wheelchairs have less moving parts and stronger than folding wheelchairs.
• Folding Frame Wheelchairs: A folding wheelchair's frame is collapsible sideways. This is done by using an X mechanism in the frame, which is lockable. The wheelchair folds on release of two locking levers on the chair. This wheel chair is usually more heavy than a rigid frame wheelchair. As there are more moving parts in the folding wheelchair, and movable joints, the chair is not as durable as a rigid frame wheelchair.  For more details, click on Folding Wheelchairs.

Key Features of Standard Wheelchairs

• Tubular framework of standard wheelchair is made of Iron, Steel, ERW Steel, Galvanized Steel, Chrome Plated Steel, Aluminum etc.
• The metallic frame is painted or powder coated.
• The seat and back are made of various materials ranging from cloth to new synthetic fabrics to leather. Some are available with padded upholstery.
• There are four types of armrests on this manual wheelchair: Fixed or Permanent, Adjustable, Removable, and Flip-Back. Some armrests are a combination of types, such as Adjustable Removable armrests. The armrest are padded. There can be full length or desk length armrests.
• Footrests and leg rests to support manual wheelchair user's legs are either fixed or removable. Leg rests elevate and therefore include a Calf Pad. This enables a standard wheelchair user to raise or lower their legs and lock the leg rests in a desired elevation.
• Footrests provide leg support in a seated position and do not elevate. Both are available in swing away. These may be tucked out of the way from their position directly in front of the manual wheelchair. This allows for unobstructed access to and from the wheelchair seat.
• Wheel locks or brakes are available in several different designs, and can be mounted at various heights to maximize convenience to the user.