Wheelchair Drive Types

A power wheelchair (often also referred to as an electric wheelchair) will typically utilise one of three wheelchair drive types. Front-wheel drive (FWD), mid-wheel drive (MWD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD). These three options have the drive wheel as the largest of the wheels on the wheelchair. There are also all-wheel drive power wheelchairs available for those looking for an all-terrain option.  

The drive wheel position of a power wheelchair is determined in relation to the wheelchair users centre of gravity. A power wheelchair with a front-wheel drive has the user’s centre of gravity behind the drive wheel. A mid-wheel drive electric wheelchair will have the user’s centre of gravity somewhere close to directly over the drive wheel. A rear-wheel drive wheelchair has the user’s centre of gravity position ahead of the drive wheel.  

The drive wheel position of a wheelchair has an extensive consequence on the suitable wheelchair type for an individual. As the drive wheel position holds great influence over the driving dynamics, manoeuvrability, ability to climb obstacles and the ride comfort and stability across various terrains and environments.    

Different Wheelchair Drive Configurations

Front-wheel Drive (FWD)

The manoeuvrability and turning radius of a front-wheel drive wheelchair makes them a great option for indoor use and getting around tight spaces. They are also a good option for outdoor use as the drive wheel at the front helps pull the wheelchair and the smaller caster over obstacles and uneven terrain.   

Advantages

Manoeuvrability: With their compact turning radius, front-wheel drive wheelchairs excel at navigating tight corners and indoor spaces. Although a front-wheel drive wheelchair won’t have the tight 360° turning radius of a mid-wheel drive wheelchair, their smaller front turning ability is often more practical in everyday situations than requiring a full circular turn.

Everyday Application: With the drive wheels positioned at the front allowing the user to pivot around corners and objects. A front-wheel drive wheelchair is able to get close to objects like a sink, cupboard etc. The pivot capability of having the drive wheels positioned forward allows the chair and the user to manoeuvre in close proximity of items and ensures optimal accessibility and interaction.

Clearance & Traction: The ground clearance of a wheelchair is significant in determining its ability to clear and go over obstacles. In essence a wheelchair can only climb an obstacle smaller than its drive wheels. With the wheels positioned at the front of the chair, a front-wheel drive wheelchair will engage and climb an obstacle more effectively as the drive wheels are the first point of contact and will pull the chair and smaller rear casters over the object.

On an inclined surface most front-wheel drive wheelchairs will offer great traction.

Considerations

Outdoor performance & stability: Although suitable for outdoor usage (urban paths and areas), a front-wheel drive wheelchair is not designed for more challenging terrain and environments. A rear-wheel drive wheelchair will handle the rough and challenging terrain better and offer more stability than a front-wheel drive option.

Learning to operate: With the axis of rotation at the front, a front-wheel drive wheelchair handles a lot like a forklift. For many this initially feels less intuitive to control compared to a mid or rear wheel option. However, with the right advice, guidance and practice, most will learn to master it quickly.

Mid-wheel Drive (MWD)

Mid-wheel drive wheelchairs have a balance between manoeuvrability and stability with their drive wheels positioned beneath the user. This provides the wheelchair with a tight turning radius and navigation capabilities in small indoor spaces.  

Advantages

Intuitive drive control: With a mid-wheel drive wheelchair’s axis of rotation generally in line with the user’s midline. The turning point of the wheelchair is much more in line with the body’s natural walking and turning arc. Turning a mid-wheel wheelchair starts as the user’s body reaches the corner point of the turn. The same as when you would begin to turn while walking.  

Turning radius and manoeuvrability: The turn on the spot 360 ̊ turning radius of a mid-wheel drive wheelchair and the centre drive wheel position, provides a steady and controlled ability to manoeuvre in tight spaces.

Considerations

Outdoor use: Much like a front-wheel drive wheelchair, a mid-wheel drive excels indoors, however for outdoor usage is designed for urban areas and established paths. A mid-wheel wheelchair doesn’t have the stability and control of a rear-wheel drive wheelchair in more uneven and challenging outdoor terrain.

Clearance: With the drive wheels centred and smaller caster wheels the first point of contact, a mid-wheel drive wheelchair doesn’t have the same obstacle climbing capacity of a front-wheel drive wheelchair.

Rear-wheel Drive (RWD)

Rear-wheel drive wheelchairs are known for their stability and drive control in outdoor environments. The drive wheels positioned at the back offer a greater sense of control. With the added stability on uneven terrains the user can take advantage of the wheelchairs extra torque when going up hills and ramps.

Advantages

Outdoor usage: The added stability of the rear-wheel configuration makes these wheelchairs ideal for outdoor use in uneven surfaces. The rear-wheel design also provides more control of the wheelchairs added torque. This allows the wheelchair to tackle inclines and hills with ease.

Considerations

Turning radius: Rear-wheel drive wheelchairs have a larger turning radius than a front or mid drive option. This makes a rear-wheel drive wheelchair not as agile in tight spaces. This often means they are not as practical for most everyday home applications as a front or mid wheel option.

All-wheel Drive (AWD)

An all-wheel drive, also referred to as a 4×4 wheelchair is a power wheelchair purpose built for tackling diverse and challenging outdoor terrain and obstacles. Unlike other power wheelchairs that use a two-wheel drive system. An all-wheel drive powerchair powers four wheels and often also comes with specially designed suspension and robust tires.

Advantages

Outdoor adventure: With power going to all four wheels, an all-wheel drive powerchair provides superior traction and manoeuvrability on uneven surfaces, mud, sand, snow, and other challenging terrains.

They are durably constructed to better handle the robust challenges of difficult outdoor environments. The suspension systems absorb shocks and vibrations, providing more stability and a smoother and more comfortable ride when on bumpy or rocky ground.

Considerations

Everyday usage: The size, turning capacity and power of an all-wheel drive powerchair is not as practical for indoor and everyday usage that the traditional wheelchair designs offer.

The features that make 4×4 powerchair excel outdoors, limit them indoors. The turning circle makes intricate movements like navigating a kitchen or bathroom more difficult. Manoeuvring through doorways, hallways and crowded spaces of an office or retail environment are also considerably more challenging.

Summary

As always, the best powerchair is the one that is best for the individual. What type of wheelchair and what drive system will provide them the most comfort, support, safety and independence. Whilst taking into consideration home, work and social environments. What are the everyday applications that a specific wheelchair will either provide solutions for or problems to. Research, trial and the option to hire are great ways to find the best solution, because – getting it right matters.