by 
The Curious Bag
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Not all wheelchairs are the same. Different manufacturers create slightly different wheelchair components. If you know the parts of your wheelchair, you can save yourself some money and replace a part instead buying a whole new chair.
Frame
Most wheelchair frames are made of either aluminum or steel.
Tires
There are three types of tires. Pneumatic air tires provide a smooth ride but can go flat. Semi-pneumatic tires contain gel, which simulates air tires but are not susceptible to flats. Hard rubber tires are durable but are not very smooth.
Push Rim
The wheelchair occupant propels the wheelchair forward by gripping the push rim. The push rim can either be steel or aluminum.
Casters
Casters are the smaller wheels that allow the wheelchair to maneuver. Small casters provide more mobility while large casters are more stable.
Upholstery
The seat and back rest of the wheelchair can be an ultra light nylon fabric or vinyl.
Foot Rests
Foot rests stabilize the legs while the wheelchair is in motion. The supports are steel or aluminum similar to the frame while the actual foot rest can be steel or hard rubber.
Source:
Carmen P. DiGiovine, BS; Manual Wheelchair Materials
D. Michael McKeough, PT, EdD; Anatomy of a Manual Wheelchair
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