Most wheelchairs are, technically, medical wheelchairs, and there are many types to serve various health needs. There also are a variety of chairs with wheels that are used for assorted nonmedical purposes, such as in an office setting, but so-called wheelchairs most often have a medical purpose. They are used mainly by sick or disabled people to help with medical conditions, making them a medical wheelchair.

Some people may think they need a wheelchair when there's no medical cause for it, making their wheelchair technically nonmedical. Programs that pay for wheelchairs based on the user's medical need also may determine there is no medical need, making it an officially non-medical wheelchair even if the user derives some form of health benefit from it.

A standard wheelchair is often used by someone who has hurt a leg or lost a limb, so he can get around more easily. A person may choose to use a wheelchair, even if he can get around on crutches, in part to reduce the risk of falls. Standard medical wheelchairs come in many forms, including an extra wide version for larger users. Standard wheelchairs tend to have large back wheels so the person sitting in the chair can push himself and handles so others can lend a hand.

A few types of medical wheelchairs do not have large back wheels. These chairs require a second person to propel the medical wheelchair forward when someone is sitting in it. A lightweight version is available for travel purposes and may be used when a caregiver is taking the wheelchair user out in public.

A shower commode wheelchair can be used in the shower and is often made of plastic to prevent rust. Being able to take the chair into the shower helps to prevent unnecessary falls and can be what makes bathing possible at all. This type of chair also can be equipped with a bedpan for use if the patient needs to use the restroom. This can be better for a patient who has been bedridden than trying to make the walk to the restroom; it also is more appealing than using a regular bedpan.

A reclining wheelchair is a specialized medical wheelchair often used for people who spend a majority of their time in the chair. If a patient is incapable of moving himself from the chair to a car or a couch, this might be a more freeing option, because the chair is designed so the user can recline the chair himself. These chairs tend to have more padding and be comfortable for long durations. They are also more difficult to pack up and are not as good for travel unless a specialized vehicle is available.

People with back problems or tailbone issues can use a highly specialized medical wheelchair. This one is designed for standing. If an electric one is used, it can be self-propelled, though it usually is a push-style chair. This chair also can be used in psychiatric wards and other settings where the patient might need to be transported but also needs to be controlled through use of full restraints.

Power wheelchairs, such as the scooters often seen in grocery stores, are also considered medical wheelchairs. Many elderly people enjoy more freedom by utilizing these devices when they are physically incapable of standing or walking for very long. This type of vehicle allows them to retain their mobility even when alone.