What are the Pros and Cons of a Manual Wheel Chair?

Are you trying to decide between a manual wheel chair and an electric one? Before I explain the pros and cons of owning a manual wheel chair as opposed to an electric wheel chair, here are some important considerations to take into effect.

A manual wheel chair requires you to use your own muscles to propel yourself forward. So if you have decent to good upper body strength, these may be ideal for you. You can get manual wheel chairs that are lightweight. You can also get sports chairs and outdoor chairs too.

Here are the pros and cons of owning a manual wheel chair:

Pros:
1. More affordable.
2. Great for temporary/short term use.
3. May maintain upper body strength and endurance, as it is a self-propelled wheel chair requiring upper body ability.
4. Most common models are lightweight and fairly easy to transport.
5. May require less maintenance.

Cons:

1. If you lack upper body strength or ability, and the ability to self-propel yourself throughout the day, on a daily basis