Around 10 percent of the U.S. population has some sort of mobility impairment. Mobility limitations affect every aspect of life. People with reduced mobility often report a lower quality of life and an inability to perform some of the tasks they used to. In addition, it isn’t uncommon that they need assistance when performing everyday tasks.

A wheelchair can help a person with reduced mobility reclaim their independence. Wheelchairs provide increased mobility for their users, enabling them to perform everyday tasks and participate in activities with minimal or no assistance.

One of the most important things to check before buying a wheelchair is its drive wheel (the larger wheel). A wheelchair’s drive wheel can have a significant impact on its maneuverability in different environments.

Below we discuss some common drive wheel placement options including their advantages and disadvantages. Remember, when it comes to choosing a drive wheel configuration, one size does not fit all. Simply because most users prefer a particular configuration does not necessarily mean you will benefit from it.

Consider your lifestyle and how you intend to use your wheelchair to determine which drive wheel would be best for you.

The drive wheels of this type of wheelchair are at the front. There are two caster wheels at the rear for maneuverability and stability.

Some front-wheel drive wheelchairs include two additional casters in front of the drive wheel casters. These additional wheels do not provide traction. Their benefits include smoother movements at low speeds and enhanced balance at high speeds allowing for more stability.

Front-wheel power chairs offer a smooth ride and are designed for off-road use and can be driven on uneven terrain. The biggest wheel is placed at the front, which dramatically increases an FWD power chair’s ability to climb.

Benefits

• The front-drive wheel meets an obstacle first and pulls the rest of the wheelchair, resulting in a smoother ride.
• Can navigate tight corners, including 90-degree turns in hallways.
• For people using alternative drive controls, less casters on the ground mean less impact. The user has to provide less corrective inputs when changing directions.
• Perform well on different terrains.
• They are designed to help users get directly in front of sinks and counters and allow them to pull up closer to items.
• Provide superior traction as force is distributed over four tires.
• Lower seat-to-floor height allows users to fit more easily under standard desks and tables.
• Lack of front caster wheels allows users to position their feet closer to their body for comfort.

Consideration

Front-wheel drive wheelchairs have a larger turning radius than mid-wheel drives. The movements may not feel as intuitive when you are learning to control your wheelchair.

They are a popular choice for people who intend to use their wheelchairs on different terrains.

The drive wheels of a mid-wheel drive are located directly under the user. There are four caster wheels on the ground, two each at the front and back.

A mid-wheel drive is designed to keep the user’s center of gravity directly over the drive wheels, improving stability and maneuverability.

The drive configuration is preferred for indoor use. However, with advancements in suspension technology, modern mid-wheel drives perform well even in outdoor environments.

Benefits

• Tight turning radius. (much smaller than the front and rear-wheel drive)
• Six wheels for enhanced stability.
• Front and rear casters prevent slips even when navigating uneven terrain or going over bigger curbs and slopes.
• Easier to control and drive as the user’s center of gravity is directly over the drive wheels.
• Ideal for first-time users.

Considerations

As there are more wheels, so users may feel the impact of bumps more. The central drive wheels on an old mid-wheel drive wheelchair can lose traction. Thanks to advancements in suspension technology, the problem is rare in more recent models. On uneven terrain, the casters can get stuck in obstacles.

Mid wheel drive wheelchairs are ideal for people who want the benefits of the front-wheel and rear-wheel models. However, they are not right for everyone (for example, people with a vibration-sensitive condition such as spasticity).

Need help choosing a suitable wheelchair? Look no further than Mobility Masters. We are a top-rated wheelchair store near you.

Whether you want a mobility aid that can help you get around and get through daily tasks without feeling tired or need a mobility device that can help you stay active, we have the right wheelchair for you. To know more, contact Mobility Masters at (800) 936-7006.