History of the Wheelchair – From Ancient to Modern Times

It is not hard to understand why wheelchairs are among the most commonly used mobility devices. Wheelchairs provide people with limited mobility an opportunity to go out into the world. The popularity of wheelchairs prompted you to ask yourself about the history of one of the best mobility devices ever invented. How was the first wheelchair invented? Who invented the wheelchair? These questions must have popped into your head. Let us take a look at the development of wheelchairs.

Who Invented the Wheelchair? 

It is not possible to identify the inventor of the wheelchair; however, the history of the wheelchair is rooted in early concepts of fitting wheels to chairs or beds to ease mobility. One early example cited by Herman L. Kamenetz is a Greek vase dating from the sixth century B.C. depicting a wheeled bed for a child. Many years after this, King Philip of Spain used a special wheelchair to assist him with the management of gout.  

When Was The First Wheelchair Invented 

The first self propelled wheelchair was invented by Stephan Farffler, a 22-year-old German watchmaker who was paralyzed. His wheelchair was made of a three-wheel frame, with the use of hand cranks on the front wheel. It is also said that the first-ever use of a wheelchair goes back to China in 525 AD, when disabled people used wheelbarrows for transportation purposes.

History of Wheelchair

• 5th Century BCE

The idea of using wheels to assist movement has existed since ancient times. In ancient China, there were wheeled chairs for transporting disabled persons and heavy objects. An ancient Greek drawing depicts a man riding a wheeled cart, providing us with another example of such a concept.

• 16th Century

In 1595, an unknown inventor in Spain constructed a wheelchair for King Philip II. This particular model of the wheelchair featured armrests and footrests, therefore resembling a modern wheelchair. Nevertheless, the king was unable to move this chair by himself and required someone to do so.

• 17th Century

A German watchmaker known as Stephan Farffler invented a wheelchair that could be moved by the user in 1655. Farffler had become a paraplegic at the age of nine. The invention was a wheelchair with three wheels and pedals. Users of the wheelchair moved the pedals to propel themselves.

• 18th Century

In the 18th century, the design of wheelchairs was further improved. An example of such a chair was the Bath Chair. Also known as an “Invalid Carriage,” it was invented in Bath, England. This design provided the user with greater comfort in moving around; however, someone else still needed to push it.

• 19th Century

In the 19th century, inventors concentrated on improving the design of wheelchairs to be more user-friendly and portable. The folding wheelchair became common during this era. In 1869, an American inventor, W. C. Brigham, patented a folding wheelchair that could be collapsed and stored easily.

• 20th Century

The next turning point came in 1932 when Harry C. Jennings and Herbert Everest invented a folding wheelchair. Herbert Everest was paralyzed from the waist and needed a wheelchair that could be easily carried and transported. Jennings constructed a folding wheelchair for him. Its practical design became the prototype for many modern wheelchairs.

Future of the Wheelchair 

With advancements in wheelchair technology, the concern moved away from facilitating movement only to facilitating more comfortable and need-appropriate movement. Reclining wheelchairs provide users with the facility to recline into a position and make it more comfortable, while heavy-duty wheelchairs provide more robust construction that facilitates higher weight capacity. Lightweight wheelchairs ensure easier transportation and folding, while standing wheelchairs help users easily stand up from a sitting position. The development of electric wheelchairs marks yet another significant advancement. Rather than depending only on their arms, users can now move around using joysticks or electronic controls. From being a mobility aid, the wheelchair has evolved into various types that are now tailored according to the convenience and comfort of users.

Permobil Contribution in Wheelchair 

The history of innovations within wheelchairs got one more turn in 1967 with the creation of Permobil by Dr Per Uddén. Being both a doctor and an advocate for disabled people, he understood that not all people need the same wheelchair. Dr Uddén wanted to invent solutions that would be adapted to users instead of vice versa. Combining medicine and technology as well as innovative designs, he coped with everyday challenges of movement. This tradition is kept to this day. Now Permobil produces manual and power wheelchairs, where everything can be adjusted depending on a particular patient, from the seat cushion to the chair’s controls.

Final Thoughts

The wheelchair that we see now did not develop overnight. It is a decades-long story, with each generation introducing new features to improve mobility. From early manually powered wheelchairs to modern lightweight manual wheelchairs and highly sophisticated electric wheelchairs, the focus has always been on making the ride more comfortable. There is no such thing as the one perfect wheelchair for all people. The selection of the right wheelchair depends on its use, environment, and the user. With an array of high-quality wheelchairs, free shipping, and maintenance services, Manafeth can help you find your perfect fit in the UAE.

Faqs:

When Did the First Wheelchair Appear?

The first evidence of wheeled furniture being used for transporting people was recorded during the 6th century CE in China through the depiction of wheeled chairs on stone carvings dating to around 525 CE.

Who was the first person in a wheelchair?

The first historically documented use of the wheelchair was by King Philip II of Spain, who employed an “invalid’s chair” with small wheels in 1595.

When was the folding wheelchair invented?

Harry Jennings, a mechanical engineer, invented the folding wheelchair in 1932 to help his paralyzed friend and fellow engineer, Herbert Everest. They used tubular steel with an X-frame configuration to make their chair foldable.