Wheelchair
Object detail
Accession number
F1590.2004
Description
Wooden wheelchair with wood seat framing, maroon vinyl arm and back rests. 2 large wheels on sides, 2 small wheels at the back. Seat is on springs to absorb jolts. At back of the wheelchair, is a metal rail for pushing the chair. Side wheels are fixed, but the rear wheels can rotate. Hinging foot rest with chains attached.
Brief History
While images of forms of wheelchairs show them to have been in existence for many centuries, wheelchairs as we now think of them did not make an appearance until the mid-1800s. A patent recorded in 1869 shows a wheelchair with rear push wheels and small front casters, very similar to today’s models. Between 1867 and 1875 inventors added new hollow rubber wheels similar to those used on bicycles on metal rims. In 1881 push rims were invented.
These improvements increased comfort and manoeuvrability, and promoted independence.
These improvements increased comfort and manoeuvrability, and promoted independence.
Media/Materials
Credit Line
Wheelchair, F1590.2004. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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