Wheelchair Advancements: Then vs. Now

What active wheelchair rider hasn’t inadvertently crashed into a couch or fallen over a curb, often ending up with injuries? (Or nearly did). Traditionally, wheelchairs, scooters, and other types of mobility equipment have not been known for their safety, accessibility, or level of comfort. However, with rapid technological advancement in the healthcare industry, the wheelchair space has come a long way, and the future looks bright. To begin, let’s take a look at the humble wheelchair.

Key Takeaways

  • The earliest wheelchairs were used between the 4th and 6th century BCE.
  • 3D printed carbon fiber wheelchairs are the future of wheelchairs.
  • Wheelchairs will become smarter and have self-driving capabilities.

The Humble Beginnings

It is believed that the earliest wheelchairs were used sometime between the 4th and 6th century BCE; however, the first instance of their usage dates back to the 17th century. In 1655, German innovators developed a type of rolling chairs, mainly referred to as “invalid chairs.” These weren’t much more than chairs with two wheels at the front, but they were a step toward chairs with rotating wheels.

The first usage of the term “wheele-chaire” itself was documented in a private letter written by the famous English novelist Jane Austen. Later, in the 18th century, wheelchairs emerged as a transport vehicle for surgical and medicinal causes. A few modifications were made to the structure in the 19th century, the most notable of which was the adoption of timber frames with cane seats.

In the same century, wheels with wire spokes and rubber tires began to debut. Nevertheless, these early designs restricted individuals to the limitations of flat interior areas. This was because earlier versions were heavy and unwieldy, constructed from wood or metal, making it impossible to move.

The 20th century saw the advent of a foldable wheelchair, which included a more durable wheel design and enhanced mobility capabilities. Subsequent versions made consistent moves toward lighter construction, better maneuverability, and overall performance.

The Advent of Electric Wheelchairs

After World War II, disabled soldiers needed assistance, so George Klein, a Canadian inventor, came up with the idea for the electric wheelchair. By attaching simple motors to regular chairs, Klein transformed ordinary chairs into smart, electric wheelchairs. From that point on, the development of electric chairs witnessed advancements in design, mobility, dependability, and comfort, which ultimately led to the contemporary machines we see whizzing down the streets today.

The Wheelchair Space Today

The private sector has recently driven a progressive and integrative approach to technological advancements, making it possible to investigate and develop “high-tech” assistive devices to join the competition. Even better, these designs of the 21st century are pushing the limits of technological growth in the wheelchair space even further. Transportable power wheelchairs, lightweight power wheelchairs, and heavy-duty power wheelchairs are some prominent examples.

The Future Advancements

As of now, there are close to 131 million individuals worldwide who are restricted to wheelchairs and utilize them for mobility. To better serve the enormous community of wheelchair users, many wheelchair brands are now undertaking crowdfunding campaigns to gather funds to develop and launch the wheelchair of the future. Some new inventions we hope to one-day hit markets include the self-driving wheelchair, 3D printed carbon fiber wheelchairs, and accessibility-friendly chairs.

Future Advancements in the Wheelchair Space

What active wheelchair rider hasn’t inadvertently crashed into a couch or fallen over a curb, often ending up with injuries? (Or nearly did). Traditionally, wheelchairs, scooters, and other types of mobility equipment have not been known for their safety, accessibility, or level of comfort.

However, with rapid technological advancement in the healthcare industry, the wheelchair space has come a long way, and the future looks bright. To begin, let’s take a look at the humble wheelchair.

Key Takeaways

  • The earliest wheelchairs were used between the 4th and 6th century BCE.
  • 3D printed carbon fiber wheelchairs are the future of wheelchairs.
  • Wheelchairs will become smarter and have self-driving capabilities.

The Humble Beginnings

It is believed that the earliest wheelchairs were used sometime between the 4th and 6th century BCE; however, the first instance of their usage dates back to the 17th century. In 1655, German innovators developed a type of rolling chairs, mainly referred to as “invalid chairs.” These weren’t much more than chairs with two wheels at the front, but they were a step toward chairs with rotating wheels.

The first usage of the term “wheele-chaire” itself was documented in a private letter written by the famous English novelist Jane Austen. Later, in the 18th century, wheelchairs emerged as a transport vehicle for surgical and medicinal causes. A few modifications were made to the structure in the 19th century, the most notable of which was the adoption of timber frames with cane seats.

In the same century, wheels with wire spokes and rubber tires began to debut. Nevertheless, these early designs restricted individuals to the limitations of flat interior areas. This was because earlier versions were heavy and unwieldy, constructed from wood or metal, making it impossible to move.

The 20th century saw the advent of a foldable wheelchair, which included a more durable wheel design and enhanced mobility capabilities. Subsequent versions made consistent moves toward lighter construction, better maneuverability, and overall performance.

The Advent of Electric Wheelchairs

After World War II, disabled soldiers needed assistance, so George Klein, a Canadian inventor, came up with the idea for the electric wheelchair. By attaching simple motors to regular chairs, Klein transformed ordinary chairs into smart, electric wheelchairs. From that point on, the development of electric chairs witnessed advancements in design, mobility, dependability, and comfort, which ultimately led to the contemporary machines we see whizzing down the streets today.

The Wheelchair Space Today

The private sector has recently driven a progressive and integrative approach to technological advancements, making it possible to investigate and develop “high-tech” assistive devices to join the competition. Even better, these designs of the 21st century are pushing the limits of technological growth in the wheelchair space even further. Transportable Power Wheelchairs, Lightweight Power Wheelchairs, and Heavy Duty Power Wheelchairs are some prominent examples.

The Future Advancements

As of now, there are close to 131 million individuals worldwide who are restricted to wheelchairs and utilize them for mobility.

To better serve the enormous community of wheelchair users, many wheelchair brands are now undertaking crowdfunding campaigns to gather funds to develop and launch the wheelchair of the future.

Some new inventions we hope to one-day hit markets include the self-driving wheelchair, 3D printed carbon fiber wheelchairs, and accessibility-friendly chairs.

The Best Power Wheelchairs for Overweight People

Many buyers who may purchase a wheelchair for the first time ask do wheelchairs have a weight limit. Yes, wheelchairs have a weight limit, and if you buy one without considering its weight limit, you may run into a slew of problems. To avoid this, here is a list of some of the best heavy-duty power wheelchairs on the market with high-weight capabilities.

Key Takeaway

  • Merits Vision Super Power Chair, Pride Jazzy Elite HD, Karman Tranzit Go Foldable Lightweight Power Wheelchair, Pride Jazzy 600 ES, and FeatherFold+ Power Chair are some of the best heavy-duty power wheelchairs on the market.

5 Best Power Wheelchairs for Overweight People

Here is a list of heavy-duty power wheelchairs that might interest you.

1. Karman Tranzit Go Foldable Lightweight Power Wheelchair

If you are looking for lightweight wheelchairs with the heavy-duty weight capacity feature Karman Tranzit Go Foldable Lightweight Power Wheelchair is ideal. The wheelchair can accommodate individuals weighing up to 330lbs, and the wheelchair weighs only 59lbs.

The best feature about this wheelchair is that you can use it indoors and outdoors, so you don’t have to worry about getting two separate wheelchairs.

2. Merits Vision Super Power Chair

Dual in-line motors in the Merits Vision Super Power Chair‘s distinctive design increase torque, efficiency, and range. It has a weight capacity of 450 lbs. and a mid-wheel drive to improve movement in narrow spaces. The wheelchair can readily overcome obstacles and function well on rough terrain thanks to the complete rear and front suspension.

The wheelchair also comes equipped with a dynamic Shark completely programmable controller. For those who value luxury and comfort above all else, the four-post seat and a partially adjustable backrest are the icings on the cake.

3. Pride Jazzy Elite HD

The Pride Jazzy Elite HD comes with different seat sizes and styles for you to choose from. It comes with flat-free tires, so you don’t have to worry about getting a flat tire after driving on rough terrain.

The wheelchair offers optimal comfort on long travels thanks to the headrest and depth-adjustable seats. It can accommodate weight capacities of 450 lbs. and the wheelchair itself only weighs 178 lbs.

4. Pride Jazzy 600 ES

The Jazzy 600 ES allows users to experience remarkable stability and stellar performance. It comes with a portable design making it easy to carry and store. It has a weight capacity of 300 lbs., making it excellent for overweight individuals.

It comes equipped with high-quality Active-Trac ATX Suspension, which allows it to perform well indoors and outdoors, making it the ideal multipurpose power chair for you.

5. FeatherFold+ Power Chair

If you are looking for a heavy-duty wheelchair with a weight close to the famous featherweight wheelchair’s remarkable 13.5lbs weight, the FeatherFold+ Power Chair is worth looking into. The wheelchair weighs only 35 lbs. and has a weight capacity of approximately 220 lbs.

The Featherfold power chair is also the lightest power wheelchair ever made. The wheelchair is also foldable and has a unique one-touch lock and fold technology.