A person using a locally made wheelchair in Tanzania.

Are Locally Made Wheelchairs Meeting Needs in Tanzania?

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A study examines user satisfaction and areas for improvement in locally manufactured wheelchairs."

For individuals with mobility limitations, wheelchairs are more than just assistive devices; they are keys to independence and participation in daily life. Recognizing this, the Tanzanian government has supported local production of wheelchairs designed to suit the country's unique environment and the needs of its people. But how well are these locally made wheelchairs actually meeting the needs of their users?

A recent study delved into this question, seeking to understand the experiences of wheelchair users in Tanzania. The research focused on several key areas: assessing whether the wheelchairs adequately support users' activity and participation needs, determining user satisfaction levels with the provision and maintenance of the wheelchairs, and identifying specific features or services that could be improved.

By understanding the perspectives of wheelchair users themselves, this study provides valuable insights for manufacturers, policymakers, and healthcare providers alike. It sheds light on what's working well, what's not, and what steps can be taken to ensure that locally made wheelchairs truly empower individuals with mobility limitations in Tanzania.

How Well Do the Wheelchairs Meet User Needs?

A person using a locally made wheelchair in Tanzania.

The study, which involved 75 adult wheelchair users, revealed that the majority of participants had been using wheelchairs for an average of 9.3 years. Spinal cord injuries were the most common cause of disability among the participants (61%), and three-wheeled wheelchairs were the most frequently used type (76%).

Overall, the findings were encouraging. More than 90% of participants reported that their wheelchairs positively influenced their ability to engage in activities and participate in daily life. A significant majority (85%) also expressed satisfaction with their ability to carry out daily activities using the wheelchairs.

Durability: A high percentage (89%) of users were satisfied with the durability of their wheelchairs.
Professional Services: 71% of participants were happy with the professional services they received.
Follow-up Services: A notable area of concern was follow-up services, with only 77% of users expressing satisfaction.
Wheelchair Type: The study also found a statistically significant difference in satisfaction levels between users of three-wheeled and four-wheeled rigid chairs (p=0.030), suggesting that certain wheelchair types may be better suited for specific needs or environments.

While the study paints a generally positive picture, it also highlights important areas for improvement. The lower satisfaction rate with follow-up services, in particular, suggests a need for better support and maintenance programs to ensure the long-term usability and effectiveness of the wheelchairs.

Moving Forward: Addressing User Concerns and Improving Services

This study provides valuable preliminary evidence that locally manufactured wheelchairs in Tanzania are indeed having a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities. However, it also underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to address user concerns and improve the overall quality of wheelchair provision and support.

To ensure that these assistive devices truly empower individuals and promote greater inclusion, the following steps should be considered: <ul> <li>Strengthening Follow-Up Services: Implementing robust follow-up programs that provide ongoing maintenance, repairs, and user training.</li> <li>Addressing Transportation Challenges: Working to improve the accessibility of public transportation for wheelchair users.</li> <li>Reducing Costs: Exploring ways to make locally manufactured wheelchairs more affordable, potentially through subsidies or financing options.</li> <li>Promoting User Involvement: Engaging wheelchair users in the design and development process to ensure that their needs and preferences are fully considered.</li> </ul>

By taking these steps, Tanzania can further enhance the effectiveness of its local wheelchair manufacturing program and create a more inclusive and equitable society for people with disabilities.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4314/ahs.v16i4.37, Alternate LINK

Title: Locally Manufactured Wheelchairs In Tanzania – Are Users Satisfied?

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: African Health Sciences

Publisher: African Journals Online (AJOL)

Authors: Seyi Amosun, Aston Ndosi, Helen Buchanan

Published: 2017-03-07

Everything You Need To Know

How have locally made wheelchairs in Tanzania affected the lives of their users, according to a recent study?

A study in Tanzania found that over 90% of users reported locally made wheelchairs positively influenced their ability to engage in activities and participate in daily life. 85% expressed satisfaction with their ability to carry out daily activities using the wheelchairs. Key factors contributing to this positive impact included the durability of the wheelchairs, with 89% of users expressing satisfaction. These wheelchairs are often three-wheeled, which were frequently used in the study.

What areas for improvement were identified in the study regarding locally made wheelchairs in Tanzania, particularly concerning ongoing support?

The study revealed that only 77% of users were satisfied with follow-up services. This suggests a need for improvement in after-sales support, maintenance programs, and user education to ensure the long-term effectiveness and usability of the locally made wheelchairs. Addressing this gap could involve establishing regular check-up schedules, providing training on basic repairs, and creating accessible channels for users to report issues and receive timely assistance.

Did the study reveal any differences in user satisfaction based on the type of locally made wheelchair being used?

The study indicated a statistically significant difference in satisfaction levels between users of three-wheeled and four-wheeled rigid chairs (p=0.030). This suggests that the type of wheelchair can significantly impact user satisfaction, potentially due to varying suitability for specific needs or environments. Factors such as terrain, activity levels, and individual physical requirements may influence which wheelchair type is most appropriate.

What were the key objectives of the study evaluating locally produced wheelchairs in Tanzania?

The study focused on assessing whether the locally made wheelchairs adequately support users' activity and participation needs. Also, the study determined user satisfaction levels with the provision and maintenance of the wheelchairs. Finally, the study identified specific features or services that could be improved. By understanding the perspectives of wheelchair users themselves, the study provides valuable insights for manufacturers, policymakers, and healthcare providers alike.

What were some key characteristics of the wheelchair users who participated in the Tanzanian study, such as their conditions and the types of wheelchairs they used?

Spinal cord injuries were the most common cause of disability (61%) among the 75 adult wheelchair users in the study. Three-wheeled wheelchairs were the most frequently used type (76%). Participants had been using wheelchairs for an average of 9.3 years. Satisfaction levels were high for durability (89%) and professional services (71%), but lower for follow-up services (77%). This user demographic data helps to tailor wheelchair design and support services to meet the specific needs of the target population.