Wheelchair spokeguards are indeed very cool but for more than just their looks.

Wheelchair spokeguards can make a statement. Not just any statement, but the one you want to send. It can be political or whimsical or it can have a load of attitude. Whatever direction you take them in they look great, especially when spinning in a kaleidoscopic swoosh of eye-catching colors.

Aside from aesthetics and statements, wheelchair spokeguards serve some important purposes. For starters, they keep spokes from getting banged up, broken and bent from impacts. Speaking of broken and bent, they also keep the wheelchair user’s fingers from getting jammed up in the spokes when pushing a wheelchair. I’m told that really hurts. Lastly, they help keep road debris away from your wheels and axles.

Here are some cool wheelchair spokeguards that are from various sources. Some of the manufacturers do custom design work which can really take your statement or attitude a long way.
Coolhubcaps.com
Spokeguard Art
Tewo
Wheels of Fun

How did it all start? Early wheelchair athletes who wanted to minimize the spoke-snapping results of impacts with opposing players made their own. They were basic looking then but very functional. Over time, well, you can see what developed over time.