Manual or self-propelled Wheelchairs are propelled by the occupant, usually by turning the large rear wheels, from 20-26 inches in average diameter, and resembling bicycle wheels. The user moves the chair by pushing on the handrims, which are made of circular tubing attached to the outside of the large wheels. The handrims have a diameter that is slightly less than that of the rear wheels. Skilled users can control speed and turning and often learn to balance the chair on its rear wheels — do a "wheelie". The wheelie is not just for show — a rider who can control the chair in this manner can climb and descend curbs and move over small obstacles.
Manual wheelchairs do provide great advantages over power ones that many people overlook. For starters, lightweight wheelchairs are almost always manual. This can be a huge selling point for someone who does not possess a lot of body strength. They are easier to maneuver and even though power chairs do not have to be pushed, there is always the chance that the battery could die. Another advantage of manual wheelchairs is the fact that they can go almost anywhere. A person does not have to worry whether or not the terrain is bumpy or uneven, like they would with a power wheelchair.
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