Comparison of carbon fibre and aluminium materials in the construction of ultralight wheelchairs

Abstract

Carbon fibre-reinforced polymers have been used in the sporting goods industry for decades, and wheelchairs have incorporated the material since the late 1980s. There is no independently collected data available on carbon fibre-reinforced polymer wheelchairs’ performance on the ANSI/RESNA testing standards, however. This study evaluated three full carbon fibre wheelchair specimens to determine their performance versus similar wheelchairs. Testing determined that while the frames survived more testing cycles than any other wheelchair, the casters and rear tires failed similarly to other devices. Overall, due to the purchase cost, the cost benefit of the tested wheelchair model was similar to aluminium wheelchairs.

Implications for rehabilitation

• Carbon fibre wheelchair construction is a viable alternative to aluminium, titanium, or steel construction, and decreasing costs will continue to improve the benefits of carbon fibre over these models

• Carbon fibre wheelchair found to be more durable than aluminium models, but are also much more expensive. The additional cost may be justified for some users that need the increased durability, however

• Increased durability will reduce the number of repairs and warranty claims, potentially reducing the burden on a wheelchair user, and also improving their ability to travel and participate in their community

• The low weight of carbon fibre wheelchairs may increase the mobility of some users by allowing them to transfer more easily into and out of vehicles and manoeuvre throughout the environment

Keywords:

• Wheelchairs
• wheelchair testing
• carbon fibre wheelchair
• RESNA wheelchair testing standards
• FDA 510(k)
• wheelchair durability
• cost benefit

Additional information

Funding

Funding for the purchase of the wheelchairs tested in this study was provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs through the Rehabilitation Research and Development Center #B6789-C.