As of 2010, about 1.44 million Filipinos have a disability, based on the 2010 Census of Population and Housing. The statistics continue to increase as years pass by.
According to the United Nations, 10 to 15 percent of any given population are persons living with disabilities (PWDs) in need of mobility aids.
With over 100 million population as of 2018, the percentage could be equivalent to 15 million Filipinos living with a disability today.
With these numbers, the supply of wheelchairs for Filipino PWDs could be far shorter than the demand. Also, many are still unable to have one because of a lack of knowledge about wheelchairs.
There are many types of wheelchairs in the market. You have to consider a lot of factors before you find the right one for you.
But no worries, we’re here to help you! In this article, we’ll discuss with you the different types of wheelchairs. We’ll also give tips on how to choose the best one for yourself!
Types of Wheelchair in the Philippines
Wheelchair types vary based on their features and specific need of use.
Consult a doctor and ask for a prescription before choosing a wheelchair to buy. Some medical conditions need a specific type of mobility.
It is better to have medical help before you proceed with buying. Make sure also to transact only with a trusted and authorized wheelchair seller. (Read: Where to Buy a Wheelchair in the Philippines?)
Below are the following types of wheelchair.
Standard Manual Wheelchair
The standard manual wheelchair is the most common type of mobility aid. It is usually used in hospitals.
The chair does not use a motor or electricity to propel. It’s self-propellable and may also need help from another person to maneuver around.
Foldable Wheelchair
A foldable wheelchair, by its name, is foldable into a more compact size. It can fit most types of vehicles because of this unique feature.
Some types of wheelchairs also have a foldable feature. It makes them smaller and easier to store and transport.
Reclining Wheelchair
A reclining wheelchair allows the user to tilt and switch from a sitting position to a sleeping one. This feature is perfect if you will be using a wheelchair most of the time.
The recline feature can also give ease when getting on and off the chair.
Commode / Bathroom Wheelchair
A commode or bathroom wheelchair aims to assist users in the toilet or shower. It is usually made of washable materials and has an opening seat for the waste receptacle.
Sports Wheelchair
Sports wheelchairs are perfect for athletes and individuals with an active lifestyle. This chair allows users to take part in sports activities despite their disabilities.
Do you like high rate and speed sports like basketball and tennis? Choose a sports wheelchair that’s lightweight and durable to enjoy your playtime better.
Electric, Motorized, or Powered Wheelchair
An electric or powered wheelchair has a motor to propel.
The motor serves as a source of electricity that maneuvers the wheelchair. It is controllable by a joystick or remote.
Electric wheelchairs are for people suffering from severe cases of reduced mobility.
Cerebral Palsy Wheelchair
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a disorder in which the brain is not able to control and coordinate the movements of the body. You’re likely to get this from brain damage during childbirth.
Not all children with CP must use a wheelchair. Almost 60% of kids with this disorder can walk without any equipment.
Of the 40% who need a mobility aid, 30% are prescribed to use a wheelchair.
Wheelchairs for people with cerebral palsy have seatbelts. Seatbelts hold and secure them while on the chair.
Heavy Duty and Bariatric Wheelchair
A Bariatric wheelchair is a heavy-duty chair type made for obese users.
This type of wheelchair is larger, wider, and has a higher weight capacity than other types.
Transport Wheelchair
Transport wheelchairs are lightweight chairs for temporary usage only. The user needs help from someone to push the device.
This type of chair has smaller wheels compared to standard ones. It is foldable into smaller sizes, making it fit and easier to transport in any vehicle.
Transport wheelchairs are good to use when traveling with a companion.
Pediatric Wheelchair
Many children in the Philippines are also in need of assistive devices. 18.9% of PWDs belong to the 0-14 years old age group, based on the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) 2010 census.
A pediatric wheelchair is smaller and simpler in appearance. This type of chair is usually adjustable as children grow older and taller.
Wheelchair for Senior Citizens
According to PSA, 22.1% of disabled Filipinos are senior citizens, 65 years old and older.
Wheelchairs for senior citizens are often lightweight, as they have limited strength.
If the user still has strength, they can still opt for a manual type of wheelchair. They only need to make sure that the chair is lightweight to ease the use of muscle strength.
But if the elderly have limited strength, consider getting an electric one. With the aid of a motor installed in the wheelchair, it can be easier to move around.
Electric wheelchairs need less muscle strength for their user. You can maneuver it around either through a joystick or remote.
Get Your Own Wheelchair Today!
With all the available options in the market, you’re sure to find the right type of wheelchair for you.
Seek medical advice from a trusted medical specialist to know what wheelchair to buy. Other factors you need to add to consideration are:
- Comfort features (to make sure bedsores orcervical spine issues)
- Size (to fit your weight and height)
- Stability and durability
- Budget (Read: How Much is a Wheelchair in the Phillipines?)
Make sure to buy only from a trusted authorized wheelchair seller. If you’re looking for a reputable store online, check out Mobility Supplies.
Mobility Supplies is a local wheelchair retailer in the Philippines. We offer and deliver affordable and high-quality mobility aids right at your doorsteps.
Contact us today and we will be happy to assist you!
