Foldable wheelchair with optional power or manual drive

摘要

An economical light weight foldable wheelchair is selectively operable in a motorized, attendant or occupant driven self-propelled mode of operation. The wheelchair includes two opposed side frames that are foldable to a laterally more compact condition, a motor drive assembly and a foldable energy supply system support assembly. The energy supply system support assembly slidably receives two battery units with convenient front access and automatic electrical connection. Storage under the seat assures a center of gravity well ahead of the rear wheels. The motor drive system includes a releasable wheel drive assembly that supports two large rear wheels with a center of rotation behind, under or in front of the back support of the seat. Manual drive rings are mounted on the outside of the rear wheels and the occupant can easily reach a hub mounted toggle handle for the wheel drive assembly to control engagement of the rear wheels with the drive motors. An occupant may thus use the motor drive assembly or idsengage the drive motors and manually self-propel the wheelchair using the manual drive rings.