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
This wheelchair anatomy quiz names one part at a time and you tap it on the drawing. Names only: nothing here is about fitting or using a chair.
Read the full guide
Pairs that get swapped
A caster is the small front wheel; the caster fork is the piece above it that holds the wheel and swivels. A footrest is the whole bar sloping down at the front; the footplate is the flat plate at its end. The handrim is the ring fixed to the rear wheel, slightly smaller than the tire.
Where the questions are
The first five are the big parts: push handles, seat, rear wheels, handrims and casters. The backrest and the cross brace come last, and both are asked on the lower drawing, the chair from behind.
The push handles are the top ends of the back posts. The backrest is the fabric stretched between those posts.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between a wheelchair and a transport chair?
A wheelchair like the one in this quiz has large rear wheels with handrims, so the person seated can roll it. A transport chair, also called a companion chair, has small wheels front and rear, and a person standing behind moves it by its handles.
What is the difference between a folding and a rigid wheelchair?
A folding chair closes by bringing its two sides together. A rigid chair has welded joints and far fewer moving parts, which makes it lighter. The chair in this quiz is a folding one: that is why it has a cross brace.
Is it a handrim or a push rim?
Both name the same ring. The quiz writes handrim. If you type the names instead of tapping, push rim counts, and so do castor for caster, brake for wheel lock and leg rest for footrest.
Which wheelchair parts are not in the quiz?
Anti-tip bars, the seat cushion, side panels and the quick-release axle. They are optional, or too small to tap on the drawing.