Wheelchairs have become considered not only a way of transportation but additionally as a way to allow users to express their individuality. You will find a large variety of custom-made top quality ultra-light high-performance wheelchairs available in addition to accessories that enable people to individualize their look and style.

There have been many attempts to connect furniture to wheels dating back to the time of Christ. But perhaps the very first wheelchair was invented for King Phillip II of Spain. A drawing of the king dated 1595 shows him in a chair with wheels, armrests and footrests. However, he needed assistance to propel it plus the chair resembled a modern-day baby's high chair more than a wheelchair of today.

In 1665 one of the first self-propelled vehicles was invented by Stephan Farfler. However it looked more like a present day hand-bike than a wheelchair, as it had been propelled by hand cranks attached to the front wheel. The modern wheelchair began to take shape around the late 19th century to early 20th century with the arrival of push rims for self-propulsion and slings for seat and back rests.

Wheelchairs are usually heavy and rigid. Though rigid wheelchairs are generally more durable they will generally age better than folding wheelchairs. Much of the energy from the push on the wheels is lost in the flexing parts of the folding wheelchair. Since the rigid wheelchair has less movable parts, a lot of the energy from the push on the wheels is translated into forward motion. In short, the rigid wheelchair might be easier to push than a folding wheelchair. As a result of the necessity to fold, the folding wheelchair design may not be optimized for performance. For instance, the casters of the folding wheelchair tend to be placed well behind the foot-rest, so as to allow the wheelchair to close properly. This design puts a lot of weight on the casters. With the rigid wheelchair, the space between the footrest and casters is generally much shorter; thereby placing more of the load over the rear wheels. Less weight on the casters makes the rigid wheelchair easier to turn. Because rigid wheelchairs are lighter and more maneuverable than folding wheelchairs they, perform better, that is, they're easier for an individual to maneuver in.

Wheelchairs are specially designed to transport individuals who're heavier in weight than the typical person. Most basic power wheelchairs are only able to manage an individual person as much as 350 pounds or so while heavy duty, or bariatric, power wheelchairs can handle users that weigh as much as 500 or 600 pounds while still delivering the appropriate quantity of speed. Bariatric power wheelchairs are not only designed to physically be capable of carrying someone who's overweight but the cushions, features and accessories are all made to accommodate those of heavier weight. Also, heavy duty power wheelchairs might need specially made cushions that are able to cradle an individual more than standard cushions plus the seats are much wider as well so that the consumer has the best comfort possible at all times. Portable power wheelchairs are perfect for those who want or need to travel in addition to those that just desire to keep one in their truck or hooked onto the car for pure convenience. Portable power wheelchairs will typically be smaller and more lightweight than another style of power wheelchairs. The one downside to buying a portable model is that the chair won't be able to hold users that are in excess of 250 pounds or so plus they won't be able to travel as fast either. However, the majority of people who purchase portable power wheelchairs are buying one for specific reasons including convenience and being prepared.

Bob Nielsen is co-owner of RoSa Medical Supply available at http://www.rosamedicalsupply.com