Wheelchair Question What kind of wheelchair should I buy?

There are different types of wheelchairs available as per user requirements. You can choose from:

Manual Wheelchairs
Performance Wheelchairs
Reclining Wheelchairs
Transport Wheelchairs
Ramps

Adductors & Back Support
Footrests & Legrests
Holders Pouches & Trays
Lightweight Wheelchairs
Wheelchair Misc
Wheels
https://www.cascadehealthcaresolutions.com/Wheelchairs-Accessories-s/36.htm

Too broad of a question. what are your needs and limitations

There are all different kinds of wheelchairs, what you need is to find a place like Easter Seals, and have an evaluation done, they can better access your needs and figure out what you need, based on your situation. Yes Joystick ones look easy, however there's a lot of practice in getting used to them, I just got my electric wheelchair just recently, and although I've been in a manual wheelchair is very different. With electric you have to think about your threshold, going in and out of your home, if you can walk out of your home, but just need something for short distances you might just get a fold up Scooter that can take you to the places you can't walk, Also Electric Wheelchairs don't fold up, and you can't take them places, once you get one, your forced to ride handicapped buses if you want to use it all the time, And although the last person said it can negotiate curbs, and road crossings, that doesn't mean that you can "go over a curb with the electric wheelchair- because the electric one isn't designed to do that,Or most of them aren't, However there is one on the market that is, its the IBOT, that climbs stairs, however I wouldn't get this one unless your really unable to do anything because its not cheap and Medicaid and Medicare I believe don't cover the cost of it. You need to sit down and write all the things you'd use your wheels for, example, inside, outside, long distances, short trips, and take that to a place like Easter Seals, they can usually set up a wheelchair evaluation with a doctors perscription, I hope this can help.

Nowadays, wheelchairs can be cheap to purchase and are widely available, so choosing a wheelchair can be confusing. Somebody using the wheelchair independently will require a self propelling (large wheels) model they push themselves.

A self propelled, or transit wheelchair (smaller wheels) will be appropriate if the wheelchair will be pushed by an attendant. A folding wheelchair is a good choice for occasional use as they can easily be dismantled, folded and transported by car. It is much easier for the disabled to get around independently than it used to be, and there are two types of wheelchair on the market that come with an engine. Motorized scooters and motorized wheelchairs.

Motorized scooters can negotiate curbs and road crossings easily and does not need much physical strength making it easier for elderly people to use.

The motorized / power wheelchairs were designed for people who have very limited mobility, this is powered by a joystick in one hand for easy use. This product is can also negotiate with curbs and road crossings reasonably easily.

You should choose this type of wheelchairs if you are an independent person who would not like help with it. Realize again that these are less maneuverable than self-propelling chairs. Notice that you will not be able to fit these in most cars although you can fit them in modified vehicles.