Harry Jennings and his friend Herbert Everest, both mechanical engineers, invented the first lightweight, collapsible wheelchair in 1933. Mr Everest had broken his back in a mining accident.  Their "x-brace" design is still in common use, albeit with updated materials and other improvements.

Many rigid models are now made with aluminium.  Light weight manual wheelchairs can attract high prices.  The high end of the market contains ultra-light aluminium models, extensive seating options and accessories, and all-terrain features.