One of the most visible effects of spinal cord injury is loss of mobility. Many people assume a wheelchair is required after an SCI, however many people with SCI don't use a wheelchair.
Learn how popular wheelchairs are among people with SCI and the most popular alternative mobility devices.
Download a printable PDF version of the SCI Wheelchair Usage Statistics Infographic or a PNG image to share online.
68% of people with SCI reported using a wheelchair or scooter more than 40 hours per week. 28% don't and 4% are unknown.
Individuals are more likely to use a wheelchair the longer they've had their SCI.
39% of people with SCI reported using a manual wheelchair most often. Manual wheelchairs offer portability, lower costs, and fewer repairs. They also allow the user to get physical exercise, however, it's important to adjust your manual wheelchair properly to maintain good posture and reduce the risk of injury from repetitive motion.
27% of people with SCI reported using a power wheelchair most often. High C-level injuries usually require the individual to use a power wheelchair. There are 3 main categories of power chairs: portable, full-size, and heavy-duty.
Power-assist wheelchairs, scooters, and Hoverounds are less common alternatives to manual and power wheelchairs.
Power-assist wheelchairs are similar to manual wheelchairs but have a motorized propulsion system that can be activated when needed.
Mobility scooters are easy to operate and require minimal physical effort, making them ideal for individuals who may have difficulty using a manual wheelchair. They can be more affordable and portable than power wheelchairs and often offer increased range and battery life.
Hoverounds offer a comfortable and convenient way to travel both indoors and outdoors. The unique compact design of Hoverounds allows them to navigate tight spaces, making them ideal for use in small apartments. They're able to turn sharply and move in any direction.
Canes, walkers, braces, and crutches are the most common non-wheelchair mobility aids for people with SCI.
Wheelchair attachments are devices that can be added to a wheelchair to enhance its functionality, comfort, or appearance.
Attachments are designed to help users with specific needs, such as mobility, communication, convenience, or safety.
In this section, we will explore some of the most common and useful wheelchair attachments available in the market today.
Ergonomically designed custom joystick handles for power wheelchairs provide better comfort than standard joysticks by providing a place for the hand to rest. A custom joystick can help improve mobility by providing greater control over the movement of the wheelchair.
Elevating leg rests and footrests are another common feature or add-on of power wheelchairs. They improve blood flow to and from the legs which is important as individuals with sci are at higher risk for circulatory issues. Leg rests and footrests also improve comfort and reduce swelling for those that spend long periods of time in their chair.
Customized seating offers improved posture, reduced pain and discomfort, and reduced risk of pressure sores. Seating can be built specifically for an individual’s body. Prevents skin breakdown by improving blood circulation.
Power assist add-ons for manual wheelchairs provide additional propulsion making it easier to navigate hills, inclines, and other challenging terrain. This allows manual wheelchair users to travel further with less effort and reduces the risk of strain, fatigue, and injury.
Power assist add-ons help individuals maintain their independence and mobility while preserving many of the benefits of a manual wheelchair.
Adding a power seat elevator to a power wheelchair allows the user to raise their seat. This is useful to reach things that are high up, avoid constantly extending their arms, and get on eye level with others to avoid neck strain while making eye contact.
Download the infographic to print (PDF) or to share (PNG)
SpinalCord.com. Upgrade Your Wheelchair With These Attachments
National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center. “2021 Annual Statistical Report – Complete Public Version” University of Alabama at Birmingham (2021).
National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center. “Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury Facts and Figures at a Glance.” University of Alabama at Birmingham (2023).
