Advantages of Manual Wheelchairs So many people wonder, "Why bother to push that chair around when you can get one with a motor?" Well, for those with sufficient balance and strength, there are good reasons... by Gary Karp

Manual chairs have a number of advantages over power chairs, and most people would prefer to use a manual chair if at all possible. Consider the following list of "pros," but also be honest with yourself about your strength and energy—you’ll need a lot more of both to operate a manual chair rather than a power chair.

• Manual chairs are lightweight, and getting lighter all the time thanks to modern metals and composite materials. Lightweight chairs require less strength and energy to push.
• Manual chairs have unlimited range, not being tied to the charge capacity of a battery.
• Manual chairs cost less to purchase than power chairs. Maintenance costs are also lower thanks to fewer working parts, and not needing to replace depleted batteries.
• Manual chairs are more discrete than power chairs, being less visually bulky and, with no motor noise, quieter—assuming the manual chair is well maintained.
• Manual chairs are easier to maneuver for slight rotations or small movements, although the newer controls for power chairs are excellent.
• Manual chairs travel more easily than power chairs, whether on an airplane or stored in the back seat or trunk of a car. Depending on options, a manual chair can be stored more easily when broken down to its component parts. Swingaway footrests can be removed, as can the wheels by means of the now-common quick release axles.
• Manual chairs can extend mobility. For those with the strength and agility to master the art of the "wheelie," many curbs and single steps no longer represent an obstacle in a manual chair, as you can safely "jump" a curb or step either going up or down.

Some people resist choosing a power chair because it makes them feel "too disabled." It’s important to ask yourself how much of your daily energy you are willing to invest in pushing a manual chair. If you have marginal upper body strength you could exhaust yourself just getting where you're going. Perhaps you are attending a college that is on a sloping site or live in a hilly town or city. It can be a difficult decision, but consider whether you prefer to trade having more energy in the day against your public image as a power chair rider. Lack of energy from pushing a manual chair around might even make a difference in your ability to hold a job.

Finally, think about how the effort needed to operate a manual chair will affect your health in the long run. Many manual chair riders with twenty or so years of pushing behind them find that their shoulders begin to give out. You are better off using a manual chair if you can, but not at the expense of your long-term health.