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Rolling through the Facts: Fun Trivia about Wheelchairs

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Rolling through the Facts: Fun Trivia about Wheelchairs
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Rolling through the Facts: Fun Trivia about Wheelchairs

Disability support services have seen wheelchairs evolve over centuries to become one of the most crucial mobility aids for individuals with disabilities. Despite being a common sight, there are still many interesting and surprising facts about wheelchairs that you may not know. In this article, we will explore some fun facts about wheelchairs.


  • The first known wheelchair was invented in 1595 by an unknown inventor. It was a basic chair with wheels, and was designed for King Philip II of Spain, who had gout.

  • The first folding wheelchair was invented in 1932 by Harry C. Jennings, who was a friend of a man with a spinal cord injury. The design was revolutionary, as it allowed the wheelchair to be folded and stored in a car trunk.

  • The first electric wheelchair was invented in 1916 by a Canadian engineer named George Klein. He developed the device to help injured soldiers during World War I.

  • There are several different types of wheelchairs, including manual, power, and sports wheelchairs. Each type is designed for specific uses and needs.

  • Wheelchair basketball was invented by American World War II veterans who had spinal cord injuries. The first official game was played in 1946, and the sport has since become a popular Paralympic event.

  • The Guinness World Record for the fastest wheelchair speed is held by a man named Heinz Frei from Switzerland. In 2011, he achieved a speed of 25.25 miles per hour.

  • In 2013, a wheelchair user named Aaron "Wheelz" Fotheringham became the first person to successfully complete a backflip in a wheelchair.

  • Wheelchairs can be customized with a wide range of accessories, including seat cushions, headrests, armrests, and footrests. There are also many add-ons available, such as cup holders, phone holders, and even umbrella holders.

  • Many famous people have used wheelchairs, including physicist Stephen Hawking, actor Christopher Reeve, and artist Frida Kahlo.

  • In some countries, there are laws that require public buildings to be wheelchair accessible. These laws have helped to make public spaces more inclusive for people with disabilities.

Wheelchairs are an important tool for people with disabilities and have a rich history and many interesting facts associated with them. From the first folding wheelchair to the Guinness World Record for the fastest wheelchair speed, there is much to learn and appreciate about these incredible devices.