Fold Up Wheelchairs
Whether you need to get around for your daily activities or you're looking for a light-duty chair for the road, a fold up wheelchair is a great option.
The rigid frames won't move when you push the chair, which could result in energy loss and loss of tone.
Look for footplates that are able to be swung in or out and a switch to change from power to manual that can be turned up away from the chair.
Rigid Manual Wheelchairs
Manual wheelchairs with a rigid frame are designed with the user in mind, and a focus on stability. They are generally lighter than a foldable custom manual wheelchair and are more mobile in tight spaces such as doorways.
Using an efficient rigid frame design, which is typically inspired by athletic and sports chairs, rigid wheelchairs maximize the energy transferred through the wheels to propel the chair forwards. This means a faster, more comfortable and smoother ride for the user.
Many rigid frame wheelchairs have swing-away legs, which make it easy for users to transfer into and out of the chair. Some models have quick release axles that make it easier for maintenance and transport by reducing weight.
Some rigid frames can also be constructed using ultralight materials like titanium. This helps to reduce the weight of the chair while increasing its efficiency. This is particularly important for individuals who require a lightweight chair to assist with mobility needs.
The rigid frame design of these wheelchairs is generally more robust than a folding model which makes it a more suitable choice for frequent and long-term use. This increased durability of the chair can reduce the frequency with which components like seats and footplates need to be replaced which saves time and money for both the individual and caregiver.
Custom-designed rigid chairs offer more support for the spine and an improved fit, which can increase comfort and reduce pressure sores. This kind of wheelchair can be particularly beneficial for people who are active and require a chair with high-performance to suit their specific needs.
Choosing the right wheelchair that is suitable for your needs is a crucial step to maintain your independence and improving your quality of life. With a range of options, QUICKIE can create a rigid or folding wheelchair that is perfectly suited to your lifestyle. To ensure you get the most value from your wheelchair and reduce the chance of injury it is recommended to include a variety of safety features, such as a seat belt, a chair harness and anti-tippers as well as heel loops to your custom wheelchair purchase.
Manual Folding Wheelchairs
A folding manual chair is one that can be folded and stored when not in use. This kind of wheelchair can be stored in the trunk of your car or a storage compartment when you are using public transport. This type of wheelchair also is generally lighter than rigid wheelchairs which makes it easier to handle and transport.
If you're considering buying a manual wheelchair that folds for your mobility requirements It is crucial to consider the features and functions that are most important to you. For instance, you may have a particular weight and height requirement or require a particular kind of seating system. You might also require a lightweight, compact wheelchair that is easy to fold and unfold, or a more functionally advanced chair for use outdoors.
If you're considering your options, you need to talk with your physician or physical therapist to determine the type of manual wheelchair that will work best for you. They can help you choose the best wheelchair for your health and mobility and offer suggestions on how to make use of it safely and effectively.
To get the most of your new wheelchair, it's essential to learn how to fold and unfold it correctly. This will help to prevent any injuries to yourself or damage to the chair when it's being handled, especially if you're not experienced with the procedure.
In the beginning you must plan the area in which you'll fold and unfold your wheelchair. This is essential as it will ensure that you have enough space and also ensure that the wheelchair will not be damaged or caught by any obstructions in your path. It is also recommended to lock the brakes of your wheelchair before folding it. This will stop any sudden movements which could result in injury to you or anyone else in the vicinity.
Take the handles at the front and back of the chair (or the handles on the seat tube, in the event that your wheelchair doesn't come with armrests) to fold the chair. Simply pull the handles in a smooth, steady motion. This will cause the chair to slowly unfold, making it easier to lift it into place after you've completed.
Rigid Folding Frames
The rigid frame wheelchairs are known for their durability and are an excellent option if you're trying to get the most out of your chair. They also tend to be more efficient than folding frame chairs, as they don't have the additional weight of folding mechanisms that hinder your mobility.
Rigid frames can be made from a variety of different materials, from lightweight titanium to carbon fibre and aluminum and carbon fibre, so you're certain to find one that's right for you. They're also lighter than a conventional or a configured wheelchair because their sleek design reduces the amount of components that are used to construct them.
Ask your healthcare provider to let you try a rigid-frame wheelchair if you aren't sure. Selecting a chair that fits well is important because the position of your feet and the backrest can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel. It's also important to check that the hoist-point is located in a position that will allow you to utilize it with your selected vehicle and whether there are any quick release axles that could be fitted to reduce the dimensions of the frame when you take it on and off a car lift or similar device.
A rigid frame for a wheelchair does not fold side-toside. This could be an issue for folding frames which need to bend in order to fit into vehicles. This can cause the wheels move away from the footplate. This could have a negative impact on your driving experience, as it can make pushing more difficult because of increased drag.
Additionally, a rigid wheelchair can be tapered from the hips to the knees or the aluminum between the footrest and knees could be made smaller which aids in making it more suited to your body shape and make it more comfortable. This isn't always feasible with a folding wheelchair, because the X mechanism that is required to allow them to fold can limit their configurations and adjustments. A rigid frame wheelchair offers more accessories such as strap-based backrests, as well as fully-fitted backrests.
Folding Rigid Frames

Rigid frame wheelchairs offer an energy efficient motor and a lightweight construction. The frames are made without a cross-brace which eliminates side-to-side folding and helps to reduce the weight of the wheelchair. This lets the user focus more energy on pushing the wheelchair forward, thereby increasing the efficiency of the wheelchair.
The rigid frame is made from light materials such as titanium. It has a greater strength-to-weight ratio compared to aluminum and is also resistant to corrosion. Some rigid frame wheelchairs also incorporate foldable footplates to increase the user's range of motion. These features can improve the wheelchair's overall comfort and help in guiding the user over rough terrains.
They are also less likely to bend, which can reduce effectiveness of the propulsion systems. This is due to the fact that the frame of the chair will be transferring less its energy into movement due to the flexible.
Another advantage of rigid wheelchairs is that they can be adjusted to meet the needs of each user. transport wheelchairs lightweight folding , depths, and angles can be adjusted to the needs of the user. This flexibility allows the user to find the ideal wheelchair and to adjust it as they grow.
While rigid frame wheelchairs may be more durable than folding ones, they can also be difficult to transport and store. Moving them from one location to another requires a larger vehicle such as a van. They may also need to be taken apart.
If you are thinking about a rigid wheelchair, it is important to trial several models before making a final decision. They aren't suitable for all people, and aren't always easy for novice users to use, especially if they don't have the upper body balance and strength to manage the chair. If you decide to buy a rigid wheelchair, look for a model with back canes that fold down to reduce the size of the frame when it is not in use. Also, look for "quick release axles" to enable the wheels to be removed to reduce the size of the frame when it is stored.