A male person who uses a wheelchair to get around because of a physical disability, injury, or illness.
example
Der Eingang des Museums ist für Rollstuhlfahrer barrierefrei zugänglich.
The museum entrance is barrier-free and accessible for wheelchair users.
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is a clear compound made up of 'Rollstuhl' (wheelchair) and 'Fahrer' (driver/rider). A 'Rollstuhl' is literally a chair that rolls, and a 'Fahrer' is a person who moves a vehicle. So a 'Rollstuhlfahrer' (wheelchair user) is the person who 'drives' or uses the wheelchair.
EXAMPLE
Der neue Supermarkt hat breite Gänge, die für Rollstuhlfahrer ideal sind.
The new supermarket has wide aisles that are ideal for wheelchair users.
Word-formation pattern
The word follows a common pattern in German for referring to people: [vehicle] + -fahrer. If you know this pattern, you can also easily understand other words like 'Autofahrer' (car driver), 'Radfahrer' (cyclist), or 'Motorradfahrer' (motorcyclist).
EXAMPLE
Als Radfahrer muss man im Stadtverkehr besonders vorsichtig sein.
As a cyclist, you have to be especially careful in city traffic.
Typical context
The word 'Rollstuhlfahrer' (wheelchair user) is very often used in connection with accessibility and access. Look for words like 'barrierefrei' (barrier-free/accessible), 'Rampe' (ramp), 'Aufzug' (elevator), or 'zugänglich' (accessible) in the same context.
EXAMPLE
Für Rollstuhlfahrer gibt es einen speziellen Eingang mit einer Rampe.
For wheelchair users, there is a special entrance with a ramp.