The Evolution of Wheelchair and How it Has Helped

Ever since the first time when the wheelchair was invented, it has given mobility to humans. It was in the mid to late 1500s when the wheelchair was designed and gained fame as the invalid’s chair. Those with little to not much power in their legs got the freedom to move around without assistance. There was no need to go for using any crutches, and it gave speed to the overall movement. Back in those days when the wheelchair was in its humblest forms too, it was a greatcontraption, and even today, it remains so.

Tracing the Journey of Wheelchair

Fold-able wheelchairs later became a trend for those who had to move from one place to another. Giving a motor and engine to power up the wheelchair came as the next step. This is why, later on, with power wheelchairs and chairs suitable for sportsperson and people with more significant disabilities too came up. This kind of evolution that we see in the best wheelchair in India has instilled in the users a lot of confidence.

There are wheelchairs with more than just two wheels on the sides. There are small wheels with brakes to protect the chair from slipping on sloping ground. You will be able to find small pockets and cup holders as additional features on the wheelchairs for those who have to move around on their own a lot.

What was the need for this evolution?

It is a thought to consider what propelled the continuous innovation and today, and we have an electric wheelchair with different detachable fittings and fixtures. We have commode seat wheelchair and wheelchairs with excellent back support too. Why should wheelchairs get these extra features?

The users included senior citizens to people with partial to severe physical impairments. Hence the manufacturers and innovators felt that while using the chairs, they should not face any problem doing anything. Whether it was to go to the bathroom unassisted, or go on a bus journey, or even go to work alone, they should do it on their own. Considering these aspects, the innovations kept on happening.

The fold-able and detachable parts like leg rest and armrests gave the users more fluidity and freedom in their chairs. They can sit and relax without their armrests.

While these are some of the noticeable features, the entire body structure of the wheelchairs has undergone a sea change. The standard steel or heavy metal bodies exist alongside the lighter metal and other bodies. These help in the easy lifting of the wheelchair. It makes sense to have lighter wheelchairs, especially if the user has to go to work or move around the house with more freedom. Steps should not be a deterrent to someone who has come a long way with the help ofwheelchairs.

The seat’s width and the backrest support are getting ergonomically advanced to suit the users. Innovators and manufacturers are working steadily on the improvement of the wheelchair. In short the future of wheelchair industry is going to be more tech-savvy and innovative.