Fold Up Wheelchairs
If you're looking to move around for your daily activities or are seeking a lightweight chair for a trip the fold-up wheelchair is a great option.
Frames that are rigid don't bend when you move the chair, which may create a waste of energy and lead to loss of tone.
Find footplates with swing-in/away and an electric switch that flips up away from the chair.
Rigid Manual Wheelchairs
Manual wheelchairs with rigid frames are designed with the user in mind, and a concentrate on stability. They are usually lighter than a custom-designed manual wheelchair that folds and can be more maneuverable, for instance in doorways.
Rigid wheelchairs use an efficient rigid frame, which is typically based on sports and athletic chairs to maximize energy transfer through the wheels. This means a faster more responsive and smoother ride for the individual.
Many rigid frame wheelchairs have swing-away legs, which make it easier for users to transfer into and out of the chair. Alternatively, some models use quick release axles that simplify maintenance and transportation by decreasing the weight of the wheelchair, allowing it to be easier to load into vehicles.
Some rigid frames are also composed of ultralight materials such as titanium which help to reduce the overall weight of the chair and improve efficiency. This is especially crucial for those who require an ultralight chair to help with mobility.
The rigid frame design of these chairs is generally more durable than folding models, making it a more suitable option for long-term and frequent use. This increased longevity of the chair can decrease the need to replace components such as seats and footplates as frequently which could reduce time and cost for the person who uses it and their caregivers.
Rigid chairs that are custom made to measure can offer better postural support and a better fit for the user, which can enhance the comfort of users and reduce pressure sores. This type of wheelchair can be particularly beneficial for those who are active and require a chair with high-performance to suit their specific needs.
The right wheelchair is crucial to maintain your independence while improving the quality of your life. With a wide range of options, QUICKIE can create a rigid or folding wheelchair that is suitable for your lifestyle. To ensure that you get the most out of your chair and reduce the risk of injury, it is recommended to include a variety of safety features such as a seat belt, chair harness as well as anti-tippers and heel loops to your customized wheelchair purchase.
Manual Folding Wheelchairs
A folding manual wheelchair is one that is easily folded down and stored away when not in use. This type of wheelchair can be stored in the boot of your vehicle or in a storage compartment when using public transport. This type of wheelchair is also lighter than rigid wheelchairs, making it easier to transport and handle.
If you're thinking of buying a manual wheelchair that folds for your mobility needs it is important to think about the features and functions that are most important to you. It could be that you require a chair that has a specific size or weight, or a specific type of seating system. You might also require an ultra-compact, lightweight wheelchair that is easy to fold and unfold, or a more advanced chair for outdoor use.
When you're looking at your options, it's important to consult with your doctor or physical therapist regarding the kind of manual wheelchair that is the best fit for your needs. They'll be able to guide you on what type of wheelchair will best support your mobility and health, as well as offer suggestions regarding how to use the chair safely and efficiently.
To get the most out of your new chair, it is crucial to know how fold and unfold it correctly. This will ensure that you don't risk being injured or damaging the chair, particularly if you're not familiar with the procedure.
To begin it is necessary to plan the area in which you intend to fold and unfold your wheelchair. This is important as it will ensure that you have enough space, and that the wheelchair doesn't get caught or damaged by any obstructions that block your path. It is also recommended to lock the brakes on your wheelchair prior to folding it. This will prevent any sudden movements that could result in injury to you or others in the area.
Grab the handles on the back and front of the chair (or the seat tube handles, in the case that your chair does not have armrests) to begin folding. Pull the handles gently in a smooth, steady motion. ultra lightweight folding wheelchairs will cause the chair to slowly unfold and make it easier to lift into the position after you've finished.
Rigid Folding Frames
Rigid frame wheelchairs are known for their robustness and are a good option for those looking to get the most out of your chair. They also perform better than folding frames, since the weight of the mechanism that folds isn't an issue.
Rigid frames can be constructed from a variety that range from titanium lightweight to aluminum and carbon fibre and carbon fibre, so you're certain to find one that is right for you. They are also less heavy than a conventional or a configured folding wheelchair, as their sleek design reduces amount of material that is used to create them.
If you're unsure whether rigid frame wheelchairs are right for you, ask your doctor for a test drive. Finding a chair that is suitable well is important because the position of your feet and the backrest can make an enormous difference in how comfortable it makes you feel. It is also important to ensure that the hoist-point is in the position that allows you to use it with your preferred vehicle, and whether or not there are any quick release axles that can be fitted to reduce the dimensions of the frame when you take it on and off a car lift or other similar device.
Another advantage of a rigid wheelchair is that it doesn't fold side-to-side, which can sometimes be a problem for folding frames that must bend to fit into vehicles. This could cause the casters to move forward from the footplate, which can adversely affect your driving experience because it makes pushing more difficult due to the increased drag.
A rigid wheelchair can also be shaped to taper between the hips and the knees, or it can be made to be narrower between the footrest and the knees. This will allow it to be more affixed to your body and make it more comfortable. The X mechanism which allows folding wheelchairs to fold may limit the configurations and adjustments. A rigid frame wheelchair has an array of accessories such as strap-based lumbar supports and fully-fitted seperate backrests.
Folding Rigid Frames
Rigid frame chairs are lightweight and provide energy-efficient power. Their one-piece frames are built without a cross-brace which eliminates side-to-side folding and helps reduce overall weight of the chair. This lets users transfer more of their energy into moving the chair forward, thus increasing the efficiency of the system for propulsion.
The rigid frame of a wheelchair can be constructed from lighter materials such as titanium. This material is stronger and lighter than aluminum, but also more corrosion resistant. Some rigid frame wheelchairs also incorporate foldable footplates to expand the user's range of motion. These features can help to improve the overall comfort of the wheelchair, and make it easier for users to propel themselves over rough surfaces.
Rigid wheelchairs may also be less susceptible to flexing, which can decrease the effectiveness of the propulsion system. This is because the frame of the chair will not be transferring as much of its energy into movement because of the flexibility.
The ability to modify rigid wheelchairs to fit each particular user is a further benefit. Seat widths, depths, and angles can be adjusted to suit the needs of the user. This flexibility allows the user to find the ideal wheelchair and then adjust to their needs as they grow.
While rigid frame wheelchairs may be more durable than folding wheelchairs, they can also be difficult to store and transport. They generally require a larger vehicle, such as vans to move from one location to another and may need to be disassembled prior to being put into the vehicle.

It is crucial to try a few different types of rigid wheelchairs before making a choice. These chairs are not for everyone, and they can be difficult to use for those who are new, especially if they do not have the upper body strength and balance to manage the chair. If you do decide on a rigid wheelchair look for a model that has back canes that fold down to reduce the size of the frame when it is not in use and "quick release axles" to enable the wheels to be removed, thereby reducing the size of the frame when it is stored.