5 Cliches About Fold Up Wheelchairs You Should Avoid Fold Up Wheelchairs

Fold-up wheelchairs are great for those who have to move around on a daily basis or for those looking for a lightweight chair to take with them on a holiday.

The rigid frames won't move when you push the chair, which may create a waste of energy and lead to loss of tone.

Look for footplates that can be rotated in and out and a switch to change from manual to power which can be flipped up away from the chair.

Rigid Manual Wheelchairs

Rigid frame wheelchairs are made for the user and with stability in mind. They are usually lighter than a custom-designed manual wheelchair that folds and can be more maneuverable, like in doors.

Rigid wheelchairs are constructed with a rigid frame that is usually based on sports and athletic chairs to maximize the energy transfer through the wheels. This ensures smoother, faster and more responsive ride.

Many rigid frame wheelchairs have swing-away legs that allow the user to move to and from the chair. Additionally, some models have quick release axles to simplify maintenance and transport by reducing the weight of the wheelchair to make it easier to load into vehicles.

Certain rigid frames are constructed from ultralight materials, like titanium which help to reduce the weight of the chair and increase its efficiency. This is particularly important for those who need a lightweight chair in order to aid mobility.

The rigid frame design of these wheelchairs is generally more robust than a folding model, making it a more suitable choice for long-term and frequent use. The greater durability of the chair may reduce the frequency at which components such as footplates and seats require replacement thus reducing time and cost for both the user as well as the caregiver.

Custom-designed rigid chairs can offer more spinal support and a more tailored fit, which can increase the comfort and reduce pressure sores. This kind of wheelchair is ideal for people who are active and require an appropriate chair to accommodate their life style.

The right wheelchair to meet your needs is a vital step in maintaining your independence and increasing your quality of living. QUICKIE provides a range of options to create a rigid wheelchair or folding chair that fits your lifestyle. It is recommended that to maximize the use of your wheelchair and minimize the chance of injury, you include safety features such as seatbelts, chair harnesses with heel loops, anti-tippers and heel loops.

Folding Manual Wheelchairs

A manual folding chair is one that can be folded and stored when not in use. This kind of wheelchair is ideal for those who want to carry their wheelchair with on vacations or trips as it can be easily stowed in the back of a vehicle or a storage compartment on public transport. This type of wheelchair is also lighter than rigid wheelchairs, making it easy to transport and move.

If wheelchairs folding lightweight considering buying a manual folding wheelchair to meet your mobility needs It is crucial to consider the features and functions that are most important to you. You might need a wheelchair that is a specific size or weight, or a specific type of seating system. You might also require a lightweight compact wheelchair that is easy to fold and unfold, or a more advanced chair for outdoor use.

Consult your doctor or physical therapy to determine the best manual wheelchair to consider when weighing your options. They'll be able to advise you on what type of wheelchair will best support your mobility and health as well as provide suggestions for how to use the chair safely and effectively.


To make the most of your new chair, it is crucial to be able fold and unfold it correctly. This will ensure that you don't risk getting injured or damaging the chair, especially if you're not comfortable with the process.

In the beginning, you'll need to plan the area in which you intend to fold and unfold your wheelchair. This is essential because it ensures you have enough space to work and that your wheelchair doesn't get damaged or entangled by any obstacles in your way. It is also recommended to lock the brakes of your wheelchair before folding it. This will stop any sudden movements which could result in injury to you or anyone else in the vicinity.

Once you've prepared your space, you can start the folding process by grabbing onto the chair's front and back handles (or the seat tube handles if your wheelchair doesn't come with armrests). Pull the handles gently and steadily. The chair will slowly unfold and become easier to lift when you're done.

Rigid Folding Frames

The rigid frame wheelchairs are known for their durability and are a great option if you're looking to get the most out of your chair. They also tend to be more efficient than folding frame chairs as they don't have the additional weight of folding mechanisms that hinder your mobility.

You can pick from a wide range of materials for rigid frames, which include aluminum, titanium and carbon fibre. They're also lighter than a standard or configured wheelchair because their sleek design reduces the amount of materials used in their construction.

If you're not sure whether a rigid frame wheelchair is suitable for you, ask your doctor for an evaluation. It's important to find the right chair that fits your body well, as the positioning of your backrest and feet can make a big difference in the way you feel. It is also important to ensure whether the hoist-point is in the position that allows you to use it with your chosen vehicle and if there are any quick release axles that could be used 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 could sometimes be a problem with folding frames that have to flex to fit in vehicles. This can cause the wheels to move away from the footplate. This can affect your driving experience as it makes pushing more difficult due to the increased drag.

In addition a rigid wheelchair could be trimmed from the knees to the hips, or the aluminium between the knees and footrest can be made more narrow to assist in fitting it better to your body and making it more comfortable. This isn't always the case with a folding wheelchair, as the X mechanism required to allow them to fold can restrict their configurations and adjustments. A rigid frame wheelchair can provide additional features, including strap-based backrests, as well as fully-fitted backrests.

Folding Rigid Frames

Rigid frame chairs are light and provide energy-efficient power. The single-piece frames don't have a crossbrace which helps to reduce the weight of the entire structure and eliminates side-toside folding. This allows the user to focus more energy on pushing the wheelchair forward, thus increasing its efficiency.

The rigid frame can be constructed from lightweight materials such as titanium. This material is more durable and lighter than aluminium, but it is also more resistant to corrosion. Some rigid frame wheelchairs feature foldable footplates that increase the range of motion for the user. These features are able to increase the overall comfort of the wheelchair and allow users to move themselves on rough surfaces.

They are also less likely to flex which could reduce the efficiency of the propulsion systems. The frame of the wheelchair will transfer less energy to movement because it is moving.

The ability to tailor rigid wheelchairs to fit each user's needs is another advantage. The widths, depths and angles can be adjusted to suit the requirements of the user. This flexibility lets the user find the perfect wheelchair and adapt to their needs as they grow.

Although rigid frame wheelchairs are more robust, they can be heavier to transport and store. They generally require a larger vehicle like a van to transport from one location to the next and may require to be disassembled prior placed into the vehicle.

If you are thinking about a rigid chair, it is crucial to test several models before making a final decision. These chairs aren't suitable for everyone, and they could be difficult to use for new users particularly in the event that they don't have the upper body strength and trunk balance to maneuver the chair. If you decide to buy a rigid wheelchair, look for one with back canes that fold down to reduce the size of the frame when not in use and "quick release axles" to enable the wheels to be removed in order to reduce the size of the frame when it is being stored.