A post of mine from a few days ago regarding the Lasher Sport BT-Mg raised an interesting comment regarding the use of magnesium for wheelchair frames. The commenter had concerns regarding material fatigue and reaction to salt. All reasonable concerns considering we are talking about something as important as a wheelchair. At that time I had no real answers and said that I would ask around and find out. I did.

Being a bit rusty on my metallurgy, I reached out to some industry people who are a trifle more polished on the subject than I am. Keep in mind that when used in production of wheelchairs such as the BT-Magnesium, it is a magnesium alloy (mixture) that is used. The alloy state modifies or enhances the metals original state and properties.

Here is what they are saying-

Track Record or Pedigree
1- Magnesium is not a stranger to playing the role of a frame or for that matter many other components. There are bicycle manufacturers utilizing magnesium in bicycle frames, including the frames for mountain bikes which normally take a much heavier pounding than the average manual wheelchair will take. Magnesium alloy components are also used in high stress and fatigue parts by the auto and aircraft industry without problems. As stated in my last post- The dimensions of the frame tubing will also influence the ability to resist fatiguing.

“It is one third lighter than aluminum, and in alloys is essential for airplane and missile construction.”

2- A Salty Tale
While magnesium can be susceptible to corrosion if unprotected, magnesium alloys have been found to have outstanding saltwater corrosion resistance. When it comes to wheelchairs, any manufacturer who is worth their salt will apply a powder coating to the frame. This gives the frame added protection. That same salty manufacturer will also give you a lifetime warranty on the wheelchair frame. This doesn’t mean you can use it for a boat anchor or bury it in the Bonneville Salt Flats. It means that it will hold up to hard everyday use without turning into a rust bucket. For the record, the BT-Magnesium does in fact come standard with this coating and the lifetime warranty.

Feeling academic? Read up on your magnesium.

3- The Long Bottom Line
The material used in fabricating a wheelchair is not necessarily the tell-all about the wheelchair. When it comes to crafted wheelchairs, the metal of the frame may tell you a great deal less than the metal of the crafter will. These wheelchairs are created one at a time and are often one of a kind. The companies manufacturing these types of wheelchairs are not the giant mass-manufacturers who assemble prefabricated parts from all over the globe, package them in hype, and sell them as being special or exotic.

Putting metals aside for now. Why am I so big on the small custom wheelchair manufacturing companies such as Lasher Sport? I thought you would never ask.

Accessibility- Call them and you will most likely wind up talking to someone who is involved in the design and manufacturer of your wheelchair.

Flexibility- They are extremely flexible and will make accommodations for special needs, wants, and desires.

Understanding- Quite often designers, crafters, and company principles are wheelchair users themselves. That’s what drove them to the business to begin with.

Diversity- It is often much more than just making a wheelchair. It’s incorporating attitude, emotion, fashion, innovation, and often some of the wheelchair user’s own persona into the chair.

By choice or by circumstance, crafted wheelchairs are not for everyone. Regardless of where your wheelchair preferences take you, crafted or bulk, aluminum or magnesium, be a wise consumer. Make every effort to get what you want and not just what is being offered.