When compared to mobility scooters, wheelchairs appear to be a basic mobility aid, yet they’re far more adaptable than you may imagine. They are less expensive than scooters because they don’t have engines or batteries, and they make excellent everyday transportation devices for many individuals. They’re also convenient to carry, with compact models that fit in the trunk of your car or on the bus or train.

Additionally, most occupations nowadays demand a significant amount of time spent sitting at a desk — in fact, for many people today, their whole day entails sitting at a desk and using a computer, as well as occasionally a telephone. Offices full of workstations have replaced manufacturing workshop floors all across the world as the service industry has become computerized. This isn’t a problem for most workers, but wheelchair users may suffer unless they have a chair that’s tailored for the job.

Are all wheelchairs made to be used outside?

While some wheelchair users like to use their wheelchairs outside, many manual wheelchairs are not built for constant use on uneven ground. Fortunately, almost all manual wheelchairs are built for outdoor use, which is why they contain features that make it easier to maneuver them outside. Although some easy-propel wheelchairs are designed to be more off-road capable than others, manual wheelchairs can be used on practically any terrain. All outdoor manual wheelchairs can be used indoors too, but not all indoor manual wheelchairs can be used for outdoor activities. 

Indoor Manual Wheelchair

  • Those with strength and endurance can push themselves in manual indoor wheelchairs
  • Upper body strength, on the other hand, is insufficient; the user must also be coordinated to sit effectively in the wheelchair
  • Indoor wheelchairs, also known as manual house wheelchairs, should only be used indoors
  • Indoor wheelchairs are not like conventional wheelchairs in that they are virtually flipped
  • The larger wheels are in the front and the smaller wheels are in the back of the indoor wheelchairs
  • Because the larger wheels are on the front, the chair is a little shorter than ordinary wheelchairs
  • The indoor chair’s decreased length makes it easier to maneuver in compact spaces
  • Footrests are not required on these chairs, hence the user’s feet can be parallel to the floor

Outdoor Manual Wheelchairs’ Distinguished Wheelchairs

There are a few key features that every wheelchair designed for outside use should have. The following are some of them: 

Rear Wheels that are quite large

The rear wheels are usually larger to make it easier for the user or caregivers to operate the chair. While some manual wheelchairs have smaller wheels, due to thicker manufacturing in most cases, these wheels are still larger than the front casting wheels

  • Footrests that can be adjusted

When in a wheelchair, no one wants their foot to drag on the ground since this can cause not only an annoyance but also a variety of ailments. As a result, a manual wheelchair must have footrests that can be adjusted high enough to support a person’s feet. For convenience or to make the outdoor manual wheelchair more portable, these can be disconnected, swung out, or simply flipped up.

  • Metal Structures

Carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum are the most common materials used to make wheelchairs. Some manual outdoor wheelchairs have titanium frames, but these aren’t as prevalent as they should be because titanium is a premium metal that’s typically used to support higher weight capabilities.

  • Armrests with padding

Padded armrests make users of outdoor manual wheelchairs feel more at ease and secure when traveling. But, most significantly, they assist to keep the user secure by providing additional stability.

  • Seat Back Collapsible for Travel and Convenience

A folding seat, backrest, and even frame are available on some outdoor wheelchairs. These lightweight wheelchairs are perfect for storing while traveling and may be utilized in practically any situation. These versions are particularly effective in outdoor and recreational settings.

  • Seat Widths can vary

In most wheelchairs, the average seat width varies depending on the rider. As a result, the seat should be selected with the size, comfort, and safety of the individual user in mind. The majority of seats are 16 to 18 inches wide, but some pediatric and adult compact outdoor manual wheelchairs have seats that are anywhere from 12 to 20 inches wide.

Which wheelchair (indoor or outdoor) to be used? 

Outdoor wheelchairs will be ideal for those with impairments and mobility issues because they operate effectively in those situations. Indoor wheelchairs lack the mobility that outdoor wheelchairs provide. You may have real-world adventures and enjoy the world as it exists with sports or other activities if you choose the right outdoor wheelchair for your circumstances.

Choose the right manual wheelchair with Avacare Medical 

AvaCare Medical is the foremost provider of outdoor manual wheelchairs, and we want to help you select the right one for you. We carry a big selection of medical products, including walking aids, bathtubs, daily living aids, bed rails for seniors, and many other daily living aids. Simply give us a call at 1-877-813-7799 or check out our Wheelchair Buying Guide now.