Sports wheelchairs – discover your sports possibilities

Summary

With a sports wheelchair it is possible to perform many different sports such as basketball, rugby or tennis. It differs from other wheelchairs in several aspects in order to meet the specific requirements of sports activities. Sports wheelchairs are generally designed for stability with the lowest possible net weight in order to enable improved manoeuvrability and speed, which are essential for sports competitions. Ottobock attaches great importance to stability and durability when designing a sports wheelchair so that it can withstand the increased physical strain associated with sports. Almost all of the sports wheelchairs are therefore permanently welded. The manufacturer uses high-quality, lightweight materials such as aluminium or carbon. Reinforcements such as a ram guard or special protection bars provide additional safety. Furthermore, the sports wheelchairs offer individual adjustment options to ensure the best possible performance as well as a high level of comfort for the athletes*. Below we have compiled the most important information regarding the various Ottobock sports wheelchairs for children and adults as well as how to apply for the device.

The German national wheelchair rugby team applauds themselves. The athletes are sitting in Ottobock’s Invader Rugby sports wheelchair.

Definition

What is a sports wheelchair?

A sports wheelchair is a specially designed wheelchair, which is optimised for participation in various sports activities and competitions. In contrast to conventional wheelchairs, which are primarily designed for everyday mobility and comfort, a sports wheelchair has features that are specifically tailored to the needs of people with disabilities doing sports. Sports wheelchairs, for example, do not have push handles or brakes, since these are not necessary for sports and may pose a risk of injury.

A player from the German national team’s wheelchair rugby team plays basketball indoors.

What sports are sports wheelchairs available for?

Wheelchair basketball is probably the best-known sport that uses sports wheelchairs. There is an official game, which breaks down from the Bundesliga to the lower leagues at the federal state level. The event is organised by the German Wheelchair Sports Association (DRS). This team sport will also be represented at the Paralympic Games alongside wheelchair curling and wheelchair rugby. These manoeuvrable wheelchairs can also be used for activities such as tennis, fencing, badminton and dancing.

What is the difference between a sports wheelchair and a wheelchair for active use?

Sports wheelchairs have special features such as a low weight and a pronounced wheel camber, which means the drive wheels are set at an angle. This design makes the wheelchair manoeuvrable and turnable while also preventing tipping over sideways. Sports wheelchairs are also equipped with metal reinforcements, frame guards or bars to minimise the risk of injury in contact sports such as basketball or rugby. For contactless sports such as tennis or badminton, the frame guards are not necessary. The seating surface is usually narrower than for an active wheelchair, so the user can sit securely with the knees positioned higher than the buttocks. As a result, sports wheelchairs feature a very sturdy, rigid frame. Compared to folding models, they offer handling characteristics that are especially well suited for sports. Custom-made devices are often used in high-performance sports.

In addition to special sports wheelchairs, Ottobock also offers manual wheelchairs for active use of any type and version. The task of a wheelchair for active use is indirectly to compensate for a disability, as defined in the German Social Security Code. It is intended to help people with reduced mobility cope with their everyday lives, but is not designed for sports activities. The wheelchairs for active use are available with both a folding and a rigid frame. The following Ottobock product ranges are suitable for daily use and rehabilitation: Start, Motus, Zenit and Avantgarde lines, as well as the Ventus.

Models

What sports wheelchairs does Ottobock offer and how do they differ from each other?

Ottobock offers the right wheelchair for many sports and individual requirements. We have been developing sports wheelchairs for several decades together with high-level athletes and are a partner to the Paralympic Games. Ottobock opened a customer experience centre and a factory in Bad Oeynhausen in 2021. Here you will find a large showroom offering individual consultation. Discover our 6 sport variants in the slide show below and obtain important information about the models in the Ottobock Sportsline:

Sports wheelchairs

Multisport

The Multisport sports wheelchair is an all-rounder that was designed as an entry-level model for a wide range of sports such as basketball, tennis and dance. It is suitable for all age groups and a body weight of up to 100 kg. It is permanently welded and has a box-frame design. Compared to specific sport-specific wheelchairs, the greatest advantages of the Multisport model are its versatile use and the adaptable seat and back support upholsteries. All this at a very good price-performance ratio.

Multisport

Sports wheelchairs

Pointer

The Pointer sports wheelchair is particularly well suited for recreational sports. It complies with the rules and regulations of the IWBF (International Wheelchair Basketball Federation) and IWAS (International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation) and is therefore approved for basketball, tennis and badminton. It offers variable adjustment options for the seat height, lower leg length and centre of gravity. The Pointer is also the perfect first wheelchair to work on the respective sitting and playing position.

Invader Pointer

Sports wheelchairs

Invader Basketball Ultralight

The Invader Basketball Ultralight sports wheelchair is designed especially for the requirements of basketball. It is custom fabricated according to the user’s measurements and playing position. Like most components, the anti-tippers are permanently welded to the frame. The wheelchair is designed according to IWBF rules. All components such as the side panels, the front frame or the back support upholstery are also individually adaptable.

Invader Basketball

Sports wheelchairs

Invader High Performance

Ottobock is ushering in the next step in the evolution of sports wheelchairs with its high-performance models. The tennis and basketball variants of the Invader High Performance primarily ensure perfect seating guidance and the direct transfer of forces to the court. The anatomically shaped seating shell provides the player with a perfect connection to their sports equipment. The seating shell can be subsequently adjusted by +/- 30 millimetres from the defined centre of gravity. The mobility base of the Invader High Performance is permanently welded and can reduce the weight by up to two kilograms compared to the regular Invader Basketball, for example. Every single length and angular dimension in the design meets the customer’s wishes, providing optimal support for every athlete’s performance. These sports wheelchairs have also been approved according to IWBF rules.

Sports wheelchairs

Invader Rugby

Robustness and speed are especially important in rugby. These are precisely the features that the lightweight, sturdy Invader Rugby sports wheelchair offers. It is available for both offensive and defensive positions and meets the IWRF (International Wheelchair Rugby Federation) requirements.

Sports wheelchairs

Invader Badminton

This sports wheelchair model is derived from the tennis version of the Invader and is specially tailored to the requirements of badminton. Ottobock has used carbon applications to reduce weight.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about sports wheelchairs

What is the difference between a sports wheelchair and a wheelchair for active use?

Sports wheelchairs have special features such as a low weight and a pronounced wheel camber, which means the drive wheels are set at an angle. This design makes the wheelchair manoeuvrable and turnable while also preventing tipping over sideways. Sports wheelchairs are also equipped with metal reinforcements, frame guards or bars to minimise the risk of injury in contact sports such as basketball or rugby. For contactless sports such as tennis or badminton, the frame guards are not necessary. The seating surface is usually narrower than for an active wheelchair, so the user can sit securely with the knees positioned higher than the buttocks. As a result, sports wheelchairs feature a very sturdy, rigid frame. Compared to folding models, they offer handling characteristics that are especially well suited for sports. Custom-made devices are often used in high-performance sports.
In addition to special sports wheelchairs, Ottobock also offers manual wheelchairs for active use of any type and version. The task of a wheelchair for active use is indirectly to compensate for a disability, as defined in the German Social Security Code. It is intended to help people with reduced mobility cope with their everyday lives, but is not designed for sports activities. The wheelchairs for active use are available with both a folding and a rigid frame. The following Ottobock product ranges are suitable for daily use and rehabilitation:
Start, Motus, Zenit and Avantgarde lines, as well as the Ventus.

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Will health insurance cover the costs for a sports wheelchair?

Devices such as wheelchairs are generally mandatory benefits under statutory health insurance. However, the sports wheelchair is not directly compensating for the disability. Health insurance providers will cover the cost of a sports wheelchair only in specific cases. The situation is slightly different for school-age children and adolescents. They are entitled to participation in school sports and integration with peers. Numerous final judgments have already been passed in this context regarding the reimbursement of a sports wheelchair.

Even in rehabilitation sports, it is often worthwhile to apply for reimbursement of the costs. In any case, you will need a doctor’s prescription for a sports wheelchair and, if possible, a statement on the positive aspect of wheelchair sports for people with a disability. Upon presenting your prescription, you can seek advice about sports wheelchairs at the medical supply company of your choice and, if necessary, test the wheelchair during training on site. Your medical supply company will then prepare a cost estimate and submit it to the health insurer along with the required application documents.

If the health insurance company refuses to cover the costs, it is possible, in addition to a timely objection, to apply for the sports wheelchair as an integration aid from the social welfare office. Your specialist dealer will be happy to assist you with the application process. In some cases, the health insurance only covers part of the costs. It is also possible to get the costs reimbursed by a foundation. However, the respective purpose of the foundation as well as the individual financial situation must be taken into account.
If you want to try out a new sport, it is advisable to first borrow a sports wheelchair from a sports club or rent it from a specialist retailer. Another option is to buy a used sports wheelchair for a lower price.

Does Ottobock have sports wheelchairs for children and adolescents?

Yes, Ottobock also offers sports wheelchairs for children and adolescents. The Multisport model is available in a junior version. The junior model also differs from the larger versions of the Multisport model in terms of its shorter lower leg length and seat height. One of the advantages of this sports wheelchair is that it can be used for a wide variety of sports. The Invader Pointer can be individually adapted to the user’s height and grows with the user. Starting with adolescence, all Ottobock sports wheelchairs can be used since they are adapted to the individual body dimensions.

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Solutions

Ottobock sports wheelchairs

The products shown represent fitting examples and a selection of Ottobock products. Many different factors determine whether a product is actually suitable for you and whether you are capable of taking full advantage of the functionality of the product. Key aspects include your physical condition, fitness and a detailed medical examination. Ask your medical supply dealer to explain the treatment, contraindications and potential risks to you in detail. Please read the product information and instructions for use.

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