Individuals who may use sport chairs:

Any individual with good upper body mobility may choose to use an ultra-light or sport wheelchair.  There are also designs for those individuals, who may have paralysis involving one upper extremity, which enable them to propel with greater ease and speed.  These chairs are not recommended for individuals who weigh over 250 lbs.  Oftentimes, individuals with disabilities choose these forms of chairs regardless of their athletic status.  This is due to their appearance, convenience, and adaptability.

Materials used and design:

Unlike many standard wheelchairs, sport chairs are extremely lightweight (approximately 19-30 lbs.).  In addition, they must be able to withstand high speeds, quick changes of direction, and possible impact forces.  Aluminum, airplane aluminum, steel tubing, titanium, chrome, and various combinations are replacing the traditional frame material, stainless steel.  They may be folding or non-folding. Tires may be pneumatic, solid rubber, or plastic.  Athletes also have choices regarding the size of wheels and casters.  An example is specialty tires used for rugged terrain, like that of a mountain bike or roller blade micro caster of 3 inches.  These vary from the standard 24-inch wheels and 6-8 inch casters.  Wheels have spoke guards and rubber push rims for safety and ease.  Sport chairs include skirt guards and removable wings.   Seats may be contoured or have customized textures for specific positioning or support of the individual.  Durable and practical coverings, such as plastics, vinyl, spandex, and blends are used on seats.  They are easy to clean and able to withstand pressure and shifting.

The base of support is generally made wider by angling the tops of the wheels inward by 12-20 degrees of the camber measure.  There are also center of gravity adjustments that can be made.  These, along with extended wheels, decrease the likelihood of tipping.  The backs are shorter (12-19 inches), so as to allow more mobility of the upper body.  Sport chairs often do not have armrests or handles that an assistant would use to push the individual.  These chairs also tend to have a more streamline design that is more aerodynamic and provides less resistance to fast movement.  Footrests may swivel, flip up, or be removed for easier playing.

Accessories:

• Belts or other harnesses may be used to stabilize an athlete in his/her chair while performing.
• Pushing gloves may be used for protection and extra traction.
• Tote bags may be attached to hold drink bottles to hydrate the athlete.
• Specialized seats or back supports for optimum positioning and performance

Prices:

When buying a sports wheelchair there are several factors to consider:  Prices, brands, and what environment the wheelchair is specifically used for.

There are many types of wheelchairs.  Court, hand cycles, racers, tennis, skiing, all-terrain, water ski, and beach chairs are some of the specific types that are made.  Each of these types of chairs is made differently to allow a person to move in a more efficient manner. All of these different chairs have multiple accessories that can be purchased by a manufacturer.

• The average of all prices for Quickie® chairs found was approximately US$1500.00
• The average of all prices for Invacare Terminator® chairs found was approximately US$1770.00
• The average of all prices for Colours® chairs found was approximately US$1375.00

Photo of sport chairs: 

Weight training and gym workouts are important among chair users, to tone the upper body and stay trim. The 'No Boundaries'  exercise equipment above is typical of products now available to help wheelers keep in shape.

Of course, you can muscle your way to the top, like mathematican Ken Archer, above, who won several wheelchair bodybuilding competitions, after retiring from a wheelchair racing career.

Just when you think you've seen it all, you discover Geno Rodgers, paralyzed from the shoulders down, who'll do just about anything to stay active.  Here, he climbs a cliff in New Mexico -- in his chair!