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The Standards
Seat width is the most common
measurement used to determine the correct size wheelchair to
order. You may have noticed that wheelchairs are most commonly
offered to consumers by the seat width. The industry
standards are 17, 18, 20, 22 and 24 inches respectivelly
for most of our chairs. However, chairs with wider seats are
available. Also, a major factor in determining the type
of wheelchair to buy is its weight capacity. Usually,
manufacturers design wheelchairs so the wider chairs
have more weight capacity. Some other factors are important
when measuring - see the guidelines below to assist you in
your shopping. |
This is a standard 18"
wheelchair |
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How to measure for a
wheelchair
Print
this page, get a tape measure and take down
the following measuements.
Then, call us or click on the phone
number to contact us with our online form. Let us help you
find the right wheelchair.
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Seat width:
(Measurement A) _____________________
The correct
width is determined by measuring the width of the body from
outside hip to outside hip while sitting. Be sure to add an
extra inch to allow movement, and any extra width to allow
for bulky clothing, if applicable.
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Seat depth: (Measurement
B)_____________________
The correct depth is
determined by measuring from the most posterior point of the
body to the inside of the knee. Subtract at least 2 inches,
to allow for relaxed posture, and consider that some may
prefer more leg overhang to make room for their hand when
lifting their leg for repositioning.
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Seat back
height: (Measurement
F)__________________
The correct back height is
determined by measuring from the seat base to the top of the
shoulder blades Based on your
medical condition, you may require full back support. Most
riders only require lumbar support, and the standard medium
back height will work fine.
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Seat height:
(Measurement
C)______________________
The correct seat
height is determined by measuring from the sole of the foot
to the back of the knee.
This measurement is used to
determine where your feet will rest comfortably, without
strain on your legs or back. This is the seat height in
relation to the footplate or footrests.
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This is a 20" Lightweight chair
with elevated legrest attachments. Note that it also
has removable desk arms that can easily slide under a
table or be removed completely. This is important, since many
people need to remove an armrest to get out of a car and into
the wheelchair.
It is considered a "lightweight"
only because the wheelchair has a lighter fabric and frame -
not because it is designed for a lighter person to sit in
it. This is a common misconception. It can hold a person
weighing more than 300 pounds.
This is a 19" transport chair. If an individual is unable
to push themself around , this is the most economical chair to
buy - as it is much lighter because of smaller wheels. And the
prices on these wheelchairs are generally less.
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