- a wheelchair human-powered by the rider (alternatively it can be pushed by another person).
- an electric wheelchair
- a wheelchair that can only be pushed by another person (also known as a transport chair, having all four wheels of equal size, usually approximately 8 inches in diameter, instead of two large in the rear [usually approximately 22 -24 inches] and two small 8 inch wheels in the front. )
It typically consists of a seat and back supported on two large wheels on an axle attached towards the back of the seat and two small wheels near the feet, though there are often small additional features to prevent toppling or to assist mounting curbs. Wheelchairs come in many sizes and colors and can be highly customized with several options including seat size (width and depth), seat to floor height, footrests/legrests, and much more.
A person moves by pushing with his/her hands circular bars on the outside of the large wheels with a diameter that is slightly less than that of the wheels, or by actuating motors, usually with a joystick.
Experiments have also been made with unusual variant wheels, like the omniwheel or the mecanum wheel. These allow more directional movement options.
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Powerchairs or "electric wheelchairs" use electric motors instead of manpower. They are usually powered by deep-cycle batteries similar to those used to power outboard boat engines. The user typically controls speed and direction by operating a "joystick" similar to that found on arcade video game consoles. Many other input devices can be used if the wheelchair user lacks coordination or dexterity of the hands or fingers or cannot use the hands at all.
Adapting the built environment to make it more accessible to people with disabilities who use wheelchairs is one of the key campaigns of disability rights movements and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). For example, the construction of low floor trams and buses is being encouraged whereas the use of paternosters in public buildings without any alternative method of transportation has been criticized due to the lack of access for wheelchair users. Modern street furniture design now incorporates better accessiblity for people with disabilities.
- Julie Fernandez, British actress (see The Office)
- Stephen Hawking, theoretical astro-physicist
- Ron Kovic, Vietnam veteran and peace activist
- Christopher Reeve, late movie actor, the former Superman
- Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States
- Sheik Ahmed Yassin, assassinated founder of the Hamas organization
- Katie, from Sesame Park
- Timmy, from South Park
- Joe Swanson, from Family Guy
- Wheels of the Burger King Kids Club Gang
- Andy of Little Britain (doesn't really need it.)
- Dr. Strangelove (apparently doesn't need it.)
- Guy Caballero, head of SCTV (only uses it for respect.)
- [Frank Gardner] – BBC Journalist who was paralysed after being shot by Al-Qaeda.