Millions of people around the world suffer from a walking disability; wheel chairs have given them a new life by giving them a means of mobility. A wheel chair is a chair mounted on large wheels, making it possible for a sick or disabled person to be mobile.

A wheel chair might come handy to those who have temporarily lost the ability to walk and more so to those who are permanently rendered immobile. The wheel chair helps such people get around and carry on with their daily life to the best of their capabilities.

The history of the wheel chair can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians who used hand-pushed carts for people who were unable to walk. Over the years, the wheel chairs evolved to the ones we see today. The earliest wheel chairs were bulky 50-pound seats that featured vinyl upholstery. Today, the wheel chairs are much lighter, more maneuverable and far more comfortable.

There are several types of wheel chairs available in the market today. Manual wheel chairs are the most common ones. These are propelled either by the wheel chair user’s arms or by someone pushing it. These are lightweight, affordable and ideal for everyday use. Electric wheel chairs are self-propelled with the help of an electric motor. Also known as power wheel chairs, an electric wheel chair lets the user attain mobility with minimum effort. However, with an average price tag of

$3000, it does not fit every budget. The other two specialized wheel chairs are designed for specific sports and for dogs.

Several factors are to be considered while selecting a wheel chair for an individual. Weight, size, maneuverability and cost are some of the prime factors. Above all, the user’s comfort and safety is of utmost importance. Picking the right wheel chair will ensure that the user has a safe and comfortable life – with mobility they never dreamed of.