How Wheelchairs Are Made—and What It Really Takes to Get One
When I received my first wheelchair, I had no idea how much went into it. I thought it was a tool, nothing more. But over time, I learned it’s so much more than a device—it’s a lifeline.
As someone living with spastic hemiplegia cerebral palsy, my wheelchair helps me move, participate, and thrive. Learning about how it’s made and what it takes to receive one has completely changed my perspective.
Step 1: Evaluation and Custom Design
The journey starts with a mobility assessment. I met with a physical therapist who evaluated my posture, daily needs, and muscle tone.
Every part of the wheelchair must be personalized:
Seat width and depth
Backrest height and angle
Footrest positioning
Cushion type for pressure relief
Whether it’s a manual or power wheelchair, the design is based entirely on the user’s body and lifestyle.
Step 2: Materials & Manufacturing
Once measurements are taken and the order is placed, it enters the manufacturing stage.
Wheelchair frames are commonly made of:
Aluminum – lightweight and affordable
Steel – heavy but strong
Titanium – ultra-light and durable
After welding the frame, manufacturers add:
Wheels, footrests, armrests
Anti-tip bars and safety brakes
Foam, gel, or air-based seat cushions for support
Step 3: Testing & Adjustments
Every wheelchair goes through rigorous testing for:
Safety and stability
Terrain handling
Comfort and endurance
But even after testing, final tweaks are needed—like adjusting seat height, joystick sensitivity (for power chairs), or repositioning the footrests. It’s all about getting the perfect fit.
Step 4: Insurance & Approval
This is the hardest part.
Wheelchairs can cost thousands of dollars, so most people rely on:
Medicare or Medicaid
Private insurance
Nonprofit funding assistance
Unfortunately, the approval process can include delays, documentation issues, and multiple denials. It took months of advocacy and paperwork to get mine approved.
Step 5: Delivery & Final Fitting
After approval, your chair is delivered—and your life changes.
At your final fitting, a specialist makes sure the chair feels like an extension of your body. I remember the moment I sat in mine and realized: this chair fits me, supports me, and gives me back my freedom.
Why It All Matters
This isn’t just about a chair. It’s about empowerment.
Behind every wheelchair is a team of therapists, manufacturers, advocates, and loved ones working together to help someone live their best life.
Your wheelchair becomes your wings.
Final Thoughts
Getting a wheelchair is not fast or easy—but it is worth it. Now, when I roll through the world, I carry the strength of everyone who made this mobility possible.
Every detail in my wheelchair exists because someone believed I deserved to thrive.