Firstly, it is Good to be Know. Your Needs and Abilities Should Always Determine Whether to Choose a Manual or Power/ Electric Wheelchair.  

When is it Advisable to Use a Manual Wheelchair?

Manual Wheelchairs are normally used in these Situations:

• Where your Arms are Strong and Active enough to Push you Around in the Wheelchair
• Where you have a Constant Carer or Companion. Willing and Able to Push you Around in the Wheelchair
• Where you are Concerned about Exercising your Muscles. So you don't Lose its' use
• Where Cost is a major Concern to you. It's usually the least Expensive Wheelchair Option Available
• Where you Intend to Sit in it for just a Short Ride - Say, your Bedroom to the Living Room Armchair
• Where you will only Need a Wheelchair for a Short While - Till you get Better

Why Choose a Manual Wheelchair? (Advantages)

• Manual Wheelchairs are Easier to Service and Maintain
• It is Easily put to Multiple Use. You can Push yourself. Have Someone Push you. Or Add a Power Assisting Hub to Push you - Temporarily Transforming it to a Power Chair.
• Easier to Store. Simply fold it Up, and Put Away
• Takes up Less Space in Storage
• Usually Lightest in Weight. Easier to Pick Up and Lift, for Transporting Anywhere
• Involves the Most Use of your Muscles

Or Not? (Disadvantages)

• Manual Wheelchairs move at a Slow Speed - Unless a Power Assist Hub is Attached
• Will Quickly Tire you Out, if Physically Pushed over a Long Distance
• Very Difficult to Use on Certain Grounds. E.g, Up a Slope. Carpet or Loose Gravel. Again, Unless a Power Assist Hub is Attached
• When Used as the Only Means of Moving Aroung Over a Long Period, Manual Wheelchairs may cause Sprains or Muscular Pains on the Arms. Or Callouses and Corns on your Palms.
• While Pushing yourself, it Reduces your Freedom to do other things. Like Clutching your Shopping. Or Walking your Dog.

Remember, Your Needs and Abilities Should Always Determine your Choice of Mobility Assist Equipment.

If your Arms and Legs are still Strong, but your Legs are not Quite as Strong as they used to be - Maybe all you need is a Walker, Rollator or Walking Stick. To Help you Move Around More Easily.

So you can do the things you need to do. So you can achieve those things you desire.