While observing a wheelchair basketball scrimmage, it became apparent to the designers that hands have two primary roles in the game: propelling, turning or stopping the player's own chair and shooting, passing, dribbling, stealing and blocking. The hands-free braking and turning system of the Balance Sport Wheelchair allows athletes to maintain control of their wheelchair without using their hands, which are then available for dribbling, shooting and passing. When the athlete leans to the left or right, the chair turns accordingly. In order to slow and stop, the athlete simply leans back.