Push handlesFor a helper to push the chair. They are at the top of the back posts, with hand grips.
SeatA fabric seat, the seat upholstery, stretched between the side frames. A cushion usually goes on top.
Rear wheelsThe rear wheels: the two large ones at the back.
HandrimsRings on the rear wheels the user pushes to roll the chair. The user slows it with them by hand. Also called push rims.
CastersThe two small front wheels. They swivel so the chair can turn.
From the side: 11 6
ArmrestsThe armrests, with a pad on top.
Wheel locksLevers that press on the rear tires to hold the chair still. They are parking brakes, not for slowing down.
FrameThe frame: the metal tubes that everything else is fixed to.
Caster forksThe caster forks, which hold each caster and swivel on the frame.
FootrestsThe footrests, or leg rests, hanging forward from the frame. They often swing away to one side for getting in and out.
FootplatesFlat plates at the bottom of the footrests where the feet rest.
From behind: 2 2
BackrestThe backrest: fabric stretched between the back posts, the back upholstery.
Cross braceThe cross brace: the X under the seat. It folds so the chair can close up narrow.
How this list was compiled: Read 2026-09-27. (1) Wikipedia, Wheelchair, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheelchair : a self-propelled manual wheelchair has a frame, a seat, a footplate (footrest) or two and four wheels: usually two front casters and two large rear wheels; a seat cushion is generally provided; brakes bear on the rear tyres and are parking brakes only, and in-motion braking is by the user’s palms on the push-rims; two push handles at the upper rear let a second person push; leg rests, armrests, adjustable backrests and anti-tip bars are options; folding steel chairs have sling seats. (2) Drive Medical, Sentra EC Heavy Duty Wheelchair user manual, https://archive.org/details/manuallib-id-2708532 : labelled parts back upholstery, hand grip, armrest pad, side panel, seat upholstery, rigging, rear wheel, footplate, caster, front caster fork; wheel locks; swing-away footrests and leg rests. (3) Graham-Field (Everest & Jennings) transport chair manual, https://archive.org/details/manualsbase-id-639224 : push handles and hand grips; crossbraces in the centre of the chair that fold. Licence: own work
The drawing: Drawn for this site by script, 2026-09-27. Own work, nothing traced. Licence: own work
How it works
These are the parts of a wheelchair on a folding manual chair: first from the side, then from behind, where the backrest and the cross brace show. Start with the 6 main parts.
Read the full guide
Moving the chair
The user rolls the chair by pushing the handrims on the two big rear wheels. The small casters at the front swivel so it can turn. A helper can push from behind with the push handles. The wheel locks press on the rear tyres to hold the chair still.
Sitting in it
The seat and backrest are fabric stretched across the frame, with armrests either side. The footrests hang forward, with a footplate for each foot. Underneath, the cross brace folds so the chair closes up narrow.
Wheel locks are parking brakes: engage both before getting in or out, and never use them to slow down.
Questions and answers
What are the rings on a wheelchair's wheels called?
Handrims, or push rims. They are fixed to the big rear wheels. The user pushes them to roll the chair and grips them to slow down, since the wheel locks are only for parking.
What are the small front wheels on a wheelchair called?
Casters. Each one sits in a caster fork that swivels, so the chair can turn in any direction.
How does a wheelchair fold?
On a folding chair, a cross brace under the seat lets the two sides move together. Lift the seat in the middle and the chair closes up.