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Manual wheelchairs, which are the basic means of transport for physically disabled people, are usually characterized by an inefficient adaptation to the physical capabilities of their users. For this reason, it is advisable to search for such solutions that will allow to change the parameters of the mechanical power generated by human muscles. For this purpose, mechanical gearing known from other solutions, for example from bicycles, can be used. The paper describes the design methodology and a number of issues related to the construction of an innovative wheelchair prototype using a chain transmission in its drive system. This solution allows for the implementation of a variable ratio between the wheels and the pushrims. Thus, it effectively allows for matching the demand for driving torque to the movement conditions and the physical capabilities of its user. The use of such a system provides the basis for increasing the efficiency of the manual propulsion process.