Nowadays, innovation, captured in electric wheelchair ranges, has helped modern society remain mobile, especially those affected by challenged mobility including disabilities. What’s now available on the market represents a long and rich history of change, where electric wheelchairs have transformed from a basic mobility device to become an advanced method for getting around conveniently and comfortably.

Here’s the evolution of the electric wheelchair through the ages, from its initial invention to the first time a motorised wheelchair was introduced to the market. The experts at LITH TECH have the key dates that every wheelchair user will find interesting.

The Electric Wheelchair – A Short History

Before the Wheelchair

The earliest mention of the wheelchair is hard to pinpoint, but many historians have discovered inscriptions and other evidence suggesting that mobility devices were around in ancient Greece and China (sixth century AD).

In 1595, when he was challenged by severe gout (which made walking less practical), an inventor for King Philip of Spain (who reigned between 1529-98) created an elaborate chair which was designed to ease mobility.

1783 – The Electric Wheelchair Was Invented

The first wheelchair that was invented was the Bath wheelchair in 1783. This was made by an investor called John Dawson, and it outsold all other wheelchairs throughout the first part of 19^th century. However, the wheelchair was supposedly very uncomfortable and in the later years of the 19^th century many improvements had to be made to the chair. The first patent for the wheelchair came about in 1869.

The 1800s – The Early Wheelchair

In 1869, as told by historians, a patent was submitted for wheelchair casters and a rear push feature. From this rough depiction of a wheelchair, this is largely considered the earliest memory of this kind of model being built.

The End of the 19^th Century

In the late 18^th century, between 1867 and 1875, investors introduced rubber wheels and included them in the design of the wheelchair. It was thought that rubber wheels looked like those on a bicycle from the same time. Importantly, this laid the groundwork for push rims, enabling users to be more independently mobile. But this advancement didn’t come until 1881, or near the end of the 18^th century.

1916 – Introducing the Motorised Wheelchair

One of the most historic developments in the 19^th century came in 1916, when a motorised wheelchair was reportedly first invented and used in London.

1932 – The Modern Folding Wheelchair

In 1932, engineer Harry Jennings built, designed and tested what would later become the modern folding wheelchair. Its design is closely similar to what’s available on the market today. In fact, through a friendship with Herbert Everest, Jennings would establish and launch one of the most competitive wheelchair companies to exist in its time.

1953- The Beginning of Electric Wheelchairs

Even though the push rim, along with other advancements, enabled users to independently operate their wheelchairs, mobility would quickly become motorized. Depending on the user’s personal circumstances, manual wheelchair can be of limited use.

After initial experiments in 1916, it wasn’t until George Klein’s invention in 1953 that electric powered wheelchairs became a reality. Originally, Klein and his team invested in motorized wheelchairs to aid veterans returning injured from World War II.

As an early demo of the motorized wheelchair, Klein’s design featured heavy wheels with limited steer and turning. It was later mass-produced, demonstrating market demand for a more sophisticated, powered wheelchair option.

Key Dates in the History of Electric Wheelchairs

• In 1900, the first spoked wheels were used on wheelchairs.
• In 1916, the first motorised wheelchair was used in London.
• In 1932, the first folding wheelchair was made.
• In 1953, the first mass produced electric wheelchair enters the market.

Modern Electric Wheelchairs

In recent years, the wheelchair market has only grown. From its original demand back in the late 1950s, a sense of popularity that was owed to Everest and Jennings, the wheelchair has become more relevant and significant today.

In fact, the wheelchair so critical to the continued wellbeing and health of society that the World Health Organization declared it a basic human right. That’s because wheelchairs enable users with a range of limited mobility and disabilities to regain some independence.

Throughout the most recent decade, the market has seen a demand for comfort, reliability, and innovation. New technologies have the power to change the ways we think about mobility. This might, for example, means tighter turning circles, or a nimbler design so that wheelchairs can fit into smaller, more compact spaces.

Over time battery sizes and weights have gradually improved. LITH-TECH, for example, use batteries that weight very little compared to lead acid batteries (which were more popular in the 1990s and early 2000s).

LITH-TECH and the Future

Looking back, the electric wheelchair has evolved through constant innovation.

LITH-TECH lives up to that history of innovation, where even our company name is short for lithium technology. That’s because our electric wheelchairs are operated through state-of-the-art, lightweight lithium batteries, or e technology that sets us apart from the market.

Our wheelchairs are fully foldable and feature lightweight frames, because they use the latest in material technologies. Our SMART Chair range, for example, features not only some of the most impressive, market leading components, but also boasts additional functionalities like multi-terrain handling.

With help from our friendly team, we can make sure you find a comfortable electric wheelchair that suits your needs and lifestyle today. You can make sure you’re getting the most from an electric wheelchair when you buy from LITH-TECH. For more information about how we can help, get in touch.