Wheelchair

Self-propelled wheelchair
A self-propelled or manual wheelchair has very large wheels and is lightweight. The person sitting in the manual wheelchair uses their hands and arms to turn the wheels in order to move. The person can grip either the handrims parallel to the rear wheels, or the tyres. The front wheels are small and are known as castors. Most self-propelled wheelchair have handles at the back to allow someone to help, for example by pushing up a slope or over a step.

Power chair
A power chair or electric wheelchair is typically moved by a joystick-type control used by the person sitting in the wheelchair, who controls the direction and speed. Power chairs cannot be pushed and are legally treated as essential, and allowed in all indoor and outdoor areas including shops or public areas. Power chairs are often used by people who cannot walk or stand, and are unable to use a self-propelled wheelchair.

Transit wheelchair
A transit wheelchair or attendant wheelchair cannot be moved by the person sitting in it, transit wheelchairs have small wheels and are moved by a carer or attendant who pushes the chair from behind. These wheelchairs are often provided for temporary use in airports, hospitals, in some supermarkets, or in very large public buildings where elderly or disabled people who have difficulty walking distances but can walk a limited distance may visit.