The bitmap drawings below show top and side views of a later model rehab wheelchair:

Later Rehab Wheelchair Side View

Later Rehab Wheelchair Top View

The Role Of Later Rehab Wheelchairs

Because the later model rehab wheelchairs can be operated in either their standard as-manufactured configuration or in an extensively modified configuration -- like their earlier power / rehab wheelchair counterparts discussed on pages W-17 through W-19 -- these wheelchairs are ideal for anyone who:

-- might be able to use a wheelchair in a standard as-manufactured configuration at present but whose condition may become such that the individual will later need modification of the wheelchair as their circumstances change. This helps to avoid a scenario in which a "standardized" powered wheelchair is used by an individual while their circumstances permit use of such a wheelchair followed by the procurement of an entirely new "rehab" wheelchair when an individual's circumstances become such that use of a modifiable wheelchair is required.

-- already needs a powered wheelchair which can be extensively modified to suit their needs.

A Clarification Of Terms

As we prepare to begin our discussion of modern rehab wheelchair characteristics, it is important that we point out a clarification in our use of terminology.

When we discussed the earlier power / rehab wheelchairs on pages W-17 and W-18, we mentioned that we were not at that time referring to differing wheelchiar types but rather to the fact that a given earlier powered wheelchair was being used in either a standard as-manufactured configuration or a modified one.

The fact of the matter is that the internal structure, parts and operation of the earlier powered wheelchairs gave these the capability of being used in either configuration.

With respect to the later modern rehab models, our use of the term "rehab" wheelchair refers specifically to the fact that the modern "rehab" wheelchair has the capability of being modified extensively while the modern "power" wheelchair does not. We'll comment on this further two paragraphs below.

Modern Rehab Wheelchair Characteristics

Like their modern power wheelchair counterparts, modern rehab wheelchairs no longer closely resemble manual wheelchairs in appearance. In fact, modern rehab wheelchairs more closely resemble their modern power wheelchair counterparts in their overall appearance and operation.

One difference between modern power wheelchairs and modern rehab wheelchairs exists in that while modern power wheelchairs are designed for operation in their standard configuration with minimal modifications, modern rehab wheelchairs -- like their earlier power / rehab wheelchair counterparts -- are designed to allow many possibilities in terms of modifications to suit the needs of individual users.

Another difference between modern power wheelchairs and modern rehab wheelchairs is that while many modern power wheelchairs have "mid" wheel drive, many modern rehab wheelchairs have "rear" wheel drive as did their earlier power / rehab wheelchair counterparts. This in and of itself dictates a somewhat larger turning radius than that of the modern power wheelchairs.

Note that the bitmap drawings above show a modern rehab wheelchair equipped with a seating system which consists of three adjustable segments -- much like a recliner or easy chair. The "back", "seat", and legrest / footrest sections can all be independently adjusted. The seat assembly attaches to the wheelchair base unit at the hinged joint between the "back" and "seat" segments. The forward portion of the "seat" segment -- to which the legrest / footrest section is hinged -- can be raised off of the wheelchair base unit if needed and is shown in a variation of this raised position.

With such a seating system, a variety of sitting positions ranging from upright to nearly horizontal can be selected. This type of seating system is crucial in allowing the wheelchair user to shift positions and thus avoid the formation of the potential serious or fatal sores mentioned in our "accomodating" discussion earlier. This seating system is needed by and beneficial to a variety of other wheelchair users as well.

Depending upon how far the forwardmost edges of the footrests are extended at any given time depending upon the currently selected seating system position, the outer edge of a modern rehab wheelchair's turning radius can change accordingly. The farther forward the extension at any given time, the larger the turning radius at that time.

Wheelchair "A La Carte"

It is interesting to note that in order to increase the overall flexibility in terms of the customization of modern rehab wheelchairs, one of the latest trends on the part of some wheelchair manufacturers has been to offer the major components of a wheelchair separately, much as many manufacturers of home stereo and entertainment system components offer their merchandise in such a way that a customer can purchase components made by different manufacturers and connect these together to customize their overall stereo system to their needs and preferences.

As an example, it is becoming increasingly common for wheelchair manufacturers to offer "wheelchair base units" or "wheelchair bases" -- the wheelchair component that has the wheels, batteries, and drive systems to move the wheelchair about.

Parts and components of the control and seating systems -- and other components -- can be purchased separately and then installed on the wheelchair base unit to complete the entire customized wheelchair.

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