Category: Mobility Aids

Are you looking to purchase one of the best wheelchairs available in Ireland? Irish Stairlifts & Bathrooms (ISB Mobility) offers an extensive selection of high-quality manual and power wheelchairs to suit a wide range of mobility needs. Since 1999, we have been proud to serve customers throughout Dublin, Leinster, and across Ireland with expert advice and reliable mobility solutions.

Why Choose a Wheelchair from ISB Mobility?

At ISB Mobility, all our wheelchairs—from lightweight manual models to advanced powerchairs—are carefully selected and tested by our knowledgeable team to ensure superior quality, durability, and comfort. Whether you need a wheelchair for everyday use, travel, or specific medical requirements, our experts are ready to guide you to the best fit.

Types of Wheelchairs Available

Manual Wheelchairs

Manual wheelchairs require the user or a caregiver to propel the chair and are excellent for those looking for independence or assistance during short-term mobility. We stock:

• Self-Propel Wheelchairs: Designed for users who want control over their movement, featuring large rear wheels for easy self-propulsion. Ideal for active users.

• Transit Wheelchairs: Lightweight and portable, these are pushed by caregivers and are perfect for short trips or transport.

• Specialist Models: Including pediatric and wide-seat options, with adjustable features to enhance comfort and usability.

Powerchairs (Electric Wheelchairs)

Powerchairs provide electric-powered mobility, excellent for users who cannot propel a manual wheelchair or who need longer-range travel indoors or outdoors. Considerations include:

• Functionality: Choose a chair suited for indoor use, outdoor terrains, or both.

• Comfort: Look for adjustable seats, padded armrests, and ergonomic designs.

• Practicality: Consider weight, portability, and battery life for ease of transportation and extended use.

Features to Consider When Buying a Wheelchair

• Size and Fit: Ensure the seat width, depth, and height suit the user to prevent discomfort or injury.

• Weight Capacity: Verify the chair can safely support the user’s weight.

• Portability: Folding mechanisms and lightweight materials make transport and storage easier.

• Comfort and Support: Adjustable backrests, cushions, headrests, and leg rests enhance posture and reduce pressure points.

• Durability: Choose sturdy materials like aluminum or carbon fiber for long-lasting use.

• Special Features: Reclining, tilt-in-space functions, and pressure-relief technologies are beneficial for users with specialized needs.

Highlight: The Bluebird Travel Chair

One standout product is the Bluebird Travel Chair, a unique folding wheelchair that folds into a compact and lightweight package. It’s perfect for storage at home or in car boots, making travel easy and convenient without sacrificing comfort or stability.

How to Get Started

Explore our full range of manual wheelchairs, powerchairs, mobility scooters, and other mobility aids on the ISB Mobility website. Our expert team is on hand to offer personalized advice, free demonstrations, and help you select the perfect wheelchair tailored to your lifestyle and needs.

Contact ISB Mobility

Don’t hesitate to get in touch for more information or expert guidance:

• Phone: 01 616 7079

• Email: showroom@irishstairlifts.ie

• Visit: Our showroom in Clane, Co. Kildare

Visit the ISB Mobility website today to browse wheelchairs and powerchairs for sale and take the first step towards greater independence and mobility.

It is uncertain as to what can be considered the first wheelchair, or who invented it. However, its origins date back to ancient times. The earliest records of a wheeled transportation device were found on a stone slate in China and a child’s bed depicted in a frieze on a Greek vase, both dating between the 6th and 5th century BCE.   The first records of wheeled seats being used for transporting disabled people date to three centuries later in China; the Chinese used early wheelbarrows to move people as well as heavy objects. A distinction between the two functions was not made for another several hundred years, around 525 CE, when images of wheeled chairs made specifically to carry people begin to occur in Chinese art.  

Kink Phillip II of Spain

The first known wheelchair purposefully designed for disability and mobility was called an “invalid’s chair”. It was invented in 1595 specifically for King Phillip II of Spain. The chair had small wheels attached to the end of a chair’s legs and it included a platform for Phillip’s legs and an adjustable backrest. It could not be self-propelled but most likely the King always had servants transporting him around.  

First Self-Propelling Chair

In 1655, Stephan Farffler, a 22 year old paraplegic watchmaker, built the world’s first self-propelling chair on a three-wheel chassis using a system of cranks and cogwheels.However, the device had an appearance of a hand bike more than a wheelchair since the design included hand cranks mounted at the front wheel.

The Bath Wheelchair

In 1783, John Dawson of Bath, England, invented a wheelchair named after the town of Bath. Dawson designed a chair with two large wheels and one small one. The Bath wheelchair outsold all other wheelchairs throughout the early part of the 19th century.  

Late 1800’s

However, the Bath wheelchair was not that comfortable and during the last half of the 19th century many improvements were made to wheelchairs. An 1869 patent for a wheelchair showed the first model with rear push wheels and small front casters. Between, 1867 to 1875, inventors added new hollow rubber wheels similar to those used on bicycles on metal rims. In 1881, the pushrims for added self-propulsion were invented.

The Folding Wheelchair

In 1932, engineer, Harry Jennings, built the first folding, tubular steel wheelchair. That was the earliest wheelchair similar to what is in modern use today. That wheelchair was built for a paraplegic friend of Jennings called Herbert Everest. Together they founded Everest & Jennings, a company that monopolized the wheelchair market for many years. An antitrust suit was actually brought against Everest & Jennings by the Department of Justice, who charged the company with rigging wheelchair prices. The case was finally settled out of court.  

The First Electric Wheelchair

The first wheelchairs were self-powered, and worked by a patient turning the wheels of their chair manually. Of course, if a patient was unable to do this, another person would have to push the wheelchair and patient from behind. A motorized or power wheelchair is one where a small motor drives the wheels to revolve. Attempts to invent a motorized wheelchair were made as far back as 1916, however, no successful commercial production occurred at that time. The first electric-powered wheelchair was invented by Canadian inventor, George Klein and his team of engineers while working for the National Research Council of Canada in a program to assist the injured veterans returning after World War II. George Klein also invented the microsurgical staple gun. Everest & Jennings, the same company whose founders created the folding wheelchair were the first to manufacture the electric wheelchair on a mass scale beginning in 1956.  

Mind Control

John Donoghue and Braingate invented a new wheelchair technology intended for a patient with very limited mobility, who otherwise would have issues using a wheelchair by themselves. The BrainGate device is implanted into the patient’s brain and hooked to a computer to which the patient can send mental commands that results in any machine including wheelchairs doing what they want it to. The new technology is called BCI or brain-computer interface.