Sports wheelchairs for every discipline

Many adapted sports are designed to be performed in particular conditions, be they indoor or outdoor, on one type of track or another, whether for more speed or greater stability... Which is why different models of sports wheelchairs have been adapted to incorporate different features into their designs.

Whether you are considering practising a sport in either an amateur or a professional capacity, it is important to know about the different types of sports wheelchairs available on the market.

Why are there different sports wheelchairs for each discipline?

Although wheelchair basketball is probably the best known, other sports such as tennis, padel, cycling or adapted rugby also use sports wheelchairs. Basketball and tennis chairs require speed, stability and ease of rotation, hence their angled wheels.

The hand bikes used for cycling have the unique feature of having to be propelled with the arms, with their primary function being for speed, meaning that they require a more aerodynamic design. Those made for rugby and hockey require the addition of different accessories for both attack and defence during a game.

Sports wheelchairs are often complex in their design and technology, adapting not only to the rigours of each discipline but also being tailored to the individual needs of each person, meaning that they are fully personalizable.  They are generally lightweight and made from either titanium or aluminium.

Sports wheelchairs for basketball

Sports wheelchairs for basketball fundamentally require two things: a rigid frame and an anti-tip system. As with all sports wheelchairs, personalization is a valuable feature that provides players with both comfort and security.

RGK is a world-class brand that specialises in building personalized sports wheelchairs that allow players to take full advantage of their potential.  Among the RGK sports wheelchair range for basketball you will find:

RGK Club Sport - the standard model, versatile and recommended for entry and mid-level use. Although designed for basketball, one of its advantages is that it can also be used for other sports. Another advantage is that is comes in a range of sizes and is easily adjustable. 

RGK Elite - designed for high level athletes who know their specific requirements, and who expect responsiveness to each and every one of their movements.  Its aluminium design, integrating the axle chassis tube, footrest, bumper and anti-tip system makes it one of the most competitive sports wheelchairs on the market.

Cycling: light, aerodynamic and personalizable hand bikes

Hand bikes are the sports wheelchairs used for cycling, useful for both elite sports and for overall muscle exercise. The Shark bikes by QUICKIE are synonymous with lightweight design and durability. All of the models from this range are characteristically tough and hard wearing, improving their propulsion efficiency and the overall performance of the hand bike.

The Shark RT hand bike is the most basic model, providing an excellent ride with reduced weight. It has adjustable handles and feet supports that allow the riding position to be modified according to each individual.

The Shark RS is the racing model. With an aerodynamic design, it has numerous custom options as well as minimal frame flexibility, ensuring maximum performance on the track.

The Shark RS Attack (available in Built4me) goes one step further: it has a shorter and wider frame than the RS, 20 inch rear wheels and a welded back. It is made entirely to measure.

Tennis: Match Point, sports wheelchairs for tennis

Match Point and Match Point TI are the QUICKIE sports wheelchairs for tennis and padel tennis.  Both share a lightweight structure and belts that can be adjusted by a system similar to those used on ski and snowboard boots, guaranteeing maximum support. They also have a centre of gravity adjustment system with two camber (rear wheel angle) options of 16° y 20° that provide excellent stability and the ability to make turns with hardly any effort.

The main difference between the two is that Match Point is made from aluminium whilst the TI model is made from titanium.  Both models allow for precise adjustments without having to replace parts, providing you with the speed and stability to hit that perfect drive, break and smash.

Also within the RGK sports wheelchair range is one made specifically for tennis: the Grand Slam, ideal for competition tennis and the one chosen by the best Paralympic athletes in the world. This chair incorporates an anti-tip system, a knee support that can be adjusted in height, depth and angle, and a fastening system that guarantees safety whilst allowing propulsion energy to be efficiently transferred to the chair.

Do you already know what you need to get on with your active lifestyle? If you are still undecided as to which sport to practice or if you just want to discover new ones, visit our blog where you will find plenty more articles.