History of wheelchairs

Wheelchairs are a type of medical aid used by people with disabilities, as well as those with temporary injuries that limit mobility. They are fairly common in this day and age, but it was not always the case.

First wheelchairs

The first preserved historical trace of a wheelchair dates back to 530 B.C. It is a bas-relief depicting a man sitting in something resembling a chair with three wheels. It was carved into the stone of a Chinese sarcophagus. In Europe the first mention of chairs with equipment designed to accommodate disabled people comes from the 16th century. The invention of a wheelchair as we know it is credited to the French – the chair on wheels used to transport people in a sitting position was documented in the country on the Seine in the Renaissance.

The evolution of wheelchairs

First wheelchairs could only be moved by a caregiver of a disabled person. It changed in 1795, when John Dawson designed a wheelchair similar to those in use today. It had two large wooden wheels at the front and one smaller wheel in the back. It was not until 1850 that the first steel drive wheels were introduced, and not until 1907 that the wooden frame was replaced by a structure made with metal pipes.

 A step towards independence

Wheelchairs produced at the beginning of the 20^th century weighed approximately 50 kg, had high backrests, and were very wide and long. A person seated in such a chair had trouble moving from one place to another. Back then it was also impossible to fold the wheelchairs for transport or fit them in a car, even though the vehicles were very spacious. The first wheelchair that was easier to maneuver and could fold for transport was designed and constructed in 1932 by Herbert Everest and Harry Jennings. The two later created a company Everest & Jennings that monopolized the market for years and in 1950 introduced the first electrically powered wheelchair.

Introduction of active wheelchairs

In the 1950s the progress in the field of wheelchair design got accelerated by the attempts to practice wheelchair sports. It led to the introduction of a light model that weighed only 12 kilograms, so over two times less than previously existing models. The new wheelchair had a rigid frame and low backrest. It was also shorter and more narrow, so it did not visually overwhelm the user. Active wheelchairs, as they were called, dominated the market and they continue to do so also today – currently all major wheelchair manufacturers produce active wheelchairs.

The amenities and functions of modern wheelchairs

Modern wheelchairs are easily adjustable to the needs of the individual user. It is possible to choose width and sometimes also length of the frame, as well as the height of the backrest and the diameter of the front wheels. Modern wheelchair models can also be customized in terms of:

• location of the center of gravity,
• footrest height,
• backrest angle,
• inclination of the rear wheels.

Active wheelchairs give the users the ability to ride in balance, which allows them to overcome obstacles such as curbs, make quick turns, drive in difficult terrain, as well as climb and descend the slopes. A lightweight wheelchair is also easier to maneuver and can be quickly folded and placed in the means of transport, all of which greatly improves the disabled person’s mobility and, as a result, makes them more independent.

Recomedic – a renowned wheelchair parts manufacturer

Recomedic is a renowned wheelchair manufacturer. We use high quality materials and advanced production methods, while complying with strict regulations and standards applicable in the field of medical devices. We provide spare components and accessories that elevate the comfort of wheelchair users and make their lives easier.