The major difference between a rigid frame and a foldable frame wheelchair is just that, it is foldable and you have many things to decide when selecting which type d wheelchair you will buy. The one biggest advantage of a fold up wheel chair is that it can travel over rough terrain much better than a rigid frame as the folding wheelchair will give and absorb the bumps more than a fixed frame.

Cost of foldable wheelchairs

Folding wheelchairs come in two different formats which is the lightweight version and the heavy duty version and costs of these will range from anywhere around one thousand to five thousand dollars. So if you are considering to buy your first wheelchair then I would suggest you look at both rigid and folding frame wheelchairs.

Advantages of Foldable Wheelchair

The biggest plus point of the foldable wheelchair is the fact that it can be folded and then conveniently stored in the house or transported in the car. You will not require dismantling of the wheelchair, just collapse and fold the chair. With a rigid frame wheelchair you will require a large storage area and a large van to transport the chair around.

Since it is very flexible, all the four wheels remain on the ground especially when the surface is rough. The leg-rests of the folding wheelchair are swing-away, whereas the wheelchairs with rigid frames have fixed front ends. Storing is very easy, as it folds very neatly and easily and can be easily put away in small homes, even where space is a problem.

Disadvantages

Due to concept of a folding wheelchair the folding parts will generally have more wear and tear and are likely to break over time. The removable parts are easy removed and can be repaired quickly. Folding wheelchairs can do many sports as they require a wheelchair that can cope with high stresses.

Folding wheelchairs even though have two types they will generally be heavier than there rigid frame counterparts and hence will be slightly harder to push. Moving parts of a folding wheelchair will have greater wear and tear than a normal wheelchair

Still the advantages will out way the disadvantages and buying a folding wheelchair can be a good investment due to its functional design, simpler to use and are sturdier.