Standard Wheelchair Dimensions: A Complete Size Guide Before You Buy
Wheelchairs are a perfect answer for individuals seeking a temporary mobility aid to help recover from illness or an injury.
However, choosing the right kind of wheelchair is not limited to selecting a comfortable seat or a lightweight collapsible wheelchair model. It is more about selecting a wheelchair that perfectly fits the user’s need and aids in fast recovery by fulfilling physical and physiological requirements.
Without any ado, read through to understand the key factors that you must take note of when deciding a standard wheelchair’s dimensions.
6 Factors That Decide the Standard Wheelchair Dimensions
Choosing a wheelchair that adjusts to the user’s needs helps prevent discomfort, aid recovery and offer safety. To choose an ideal lightweight wheelchair for your loved ones you must take the below-mentioned measurements while keeping them in a seating position on a firm flat surface.
Seat Height
When deciding the standard seat height of a wheelchair you may have to consider whether it is going to be a self-propelling wheelchair or a remote-controlled wheelchair for elderly. If the wheelchair is equipped with a leg rest, the seats must be higher. Typically, the bottom of the leg rest must be at least 2 inches off the floor.
Seat Width
For an ideal seat width measurement, one must measure the user's hips and add 2-3 inches for added comfort. Standard wheelchairs typically have a seat width between 16-20 inches to avoid discomfort for the user.
Seat Depth
Seat depth is the distance between the front and the backrest of the wheelchair which must ideally be such that the thighs of the user are supported while being seated.
Back Height
Ranging between 16-20 inches, the backrest is the part of the wheelchair that offers support from the back. If the user requires more upper body movement, they must go for a lower backrest whereas, people seeking better trunk control must choose a lightweight collapsible wheelchair with higher backrest.
Leg rest Height
The leg rest is the part of the wheelchair that offers support to the calves and feet of the user. To measure the length of the leg rest height, ask the user to sit straight and measure. The length from the seats edge to the feet of the user. Typically the leg rest of your wheelchair must be 1-2 inches off the ground.
Armrest Height
Armrest height is crucial to avoid strain on the shoulder areas. To measure the armrest height of the wheelchair, ask the user to sit upright and measure the distance between the seat cushion and the part of arm resting on the armrest.
Standard Lightweight Wheelchair Sizing Chart
Here’s a table to help you have a quick customized measurement of a wheelchair on the go!
|
Wheelchair specification |
Body Measurement |
What to look for |
|
Seat depth |
Length of the user’s thigh |
Reduce 2-3 inches from the user’s thigh length |
|
Seat width |
User’s hip width |
Body width plus 2 inches |
|
Armrest height |
Height from seat to the elbow |
Measurement plus 1 inch |
|
Leg rest Height |
Length of the user’s lower leg |
Keep the lower leg 1-2 inches off the ground for ground clearance. |
|
Seat Surface Height |
Between floor to knee |
Consider leg clearance such that the user’s heel do not touch the ground. |
|
Back Height |
Seat to underarm |
Measurement minus 4 inches |
Conclusion
Keeping the above-mentioned points in consideration can help you bag in the ideal wheelchair for your loved ones that can in turn help them have a mobility aid they can rely on.
If you are still wondering where to find the right guidance and the perfect wheelchair for our needs, look no further than First Class Mobility.
At First Class Mobility, we take pride in meeting our customer’s requirements and thus we offer a range of models from bariatric wheelchairs to wheelchairs for outdoor use.
Check out our collection and book a quick call with our expert to let us help you today!