What Is a Basketball Wheelchair?
If you’ve ever seen a wheelchair basketball game, you may have noticed that the athletes do not play in normal everyday wheelchairs. While there are a lot of differences, the most noticeable are that they are not as bulky, have lower backs and have lightweight wheels that slant inward. These are basketball sports wheelchairs, specially made to allow athletes better speed and maneuverability on the basketball court.
Since the early 1980’s, wheelchair basketball athletes alongside wheelchair manufacturers have been developing lightweight chairs that are quick, durable and can turn on the spot with ease. Now more advanced than ever, these chairs are made with sets of four or sometimes three wheels along with additional fixtures like foam grips for push handles, castor wheels, brakes (different kinds are available), impact guards, seat belts and other accessories. Many basketball chairs also now have a fifth wheel installed in the back, which helps to prevent the chair from flipping over backwards during the game.
How much do athletic wheelchairs cost?
But such chairs do not come cheap, with standard basketball wheelchairs costing, on average, between $1500 and $4000, with highly specialized ones running upwards of $5,000. Some may be gotten for less than $1500, but oftentimes cheaper ones will not last as long, much less provide players with the movement that better chairs do. Wheelchair basketball players also use a separate everyday wheelchair when they are not playing basketball or training, and so just owning a basketball wheelchair is an added cost that many new athletes save up for.
Why Do Basketball Wheelchairs Cost So Much?
So just why are these chairs so expensive? First off, nearly all chairs are custom-made for each player. Because they are required to be lightweight but durable, most basketball wheelchairs are manufactured from the toughest and lightest steel or titanium. These materials are naturally expensive because of their high quality. Wheelchair basketball is considered a contact sport, so lesser materials just won’t do as more durable than regular wheelchairs because of the anticipated impact with other players. Additionally, basketball wheelchairs are not a “one size fits all” deal. They must be fitted for each person, and so this “customization” helps add to the high price. We witnessed this first-hand at the NWBA Championship Tournament in Louisville. We had the chance to learn all about the manufacturing and fitting of wheelchairs from Chris Kommer and Jason Nelms of Per4max Medical. We filmed as Chris took measurements for a new customer; every piece of the wheelchair is measured and custom fitted for the player.
By comparison, regular basketball is known to be one of the cheapest sports a person can take up, since it really just requires a ball, some sneakers and access to a hoop. Basketball sports wheelchairs may be a no brainer decision for someone serious about playing the sport in tournaments and with a regulated team, but those just looking to play wheelchair basketball casually and have a good time may be reluctant or unable to do so because of the costs. Fortunately, basic basketball skills can still be picked up with a regular chair, and there are some programs around the country that are helping to bring the sport to young disabled people.
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