Shopping for a new wheelchair might feel overwhelming, especially if you get it for the first time. One of the trickiest parts is figuring out the correct wheelchair dimensions for your manual wheelchair.
Many options include seat height, width, depth, overall size, weight capacity, and more. It's easy to get lost in all the details and need clarification.
But which measurements matter? Well, it depends on your needs. What's crucial for one person might be less important for another. However, everyone should consider some critical things before buying a wheelchair.
Let’s discuss the wheelchair dimensions so you can make an informed decision.
What are Wheelchair Dimensions?
Wheelchair dimensions refer to the measurements of a wheelchair, including its width, height, length, and depth.
These dimensions determine how well the wheelchair fits the user and how easily it can go through different spaces.
Key dimensions include the width of the seat, the overall width of the wheelchair, the height of the seat from the ground, the overall height of the wheelchair, the depth of the seat, and the overall length of the wheelchair.
Let’s break these dimensions down in easy words:
1- Size of the Seat
When picking out a wheelchair, whether a manual or a transport wheelchair, one of the most important things to know is how wide and deep the seat should be for you.
The seat width tells you how much space there is between the armrests, not the actual cushioning of the chair.
Here are some quick tips to help you get the right size:
- Seat Width: This is how wide the seat is between the armrests. It's best to choose a seat that's about 1 to 2 inches wider than your hips. This extra space makes sure you are comfortable and have room to move.
- Seat Depth: This is how deep the seat is from front to back. When sitting down, you want it to be about 1 inch less than the length from the back of your hip to the back of your knee.
2- Seat to Floor Height
The seat-to-floor height is essential because it helps ensure the wheelchair fits you right. It also affects how easy it is for you to get in and out of the chair.
Some manual wheelchairs let you adjust the height so that you can find the perfect fit for you. Usually, wheelchair seats are around 18 to 20 inches high.
Here's a quick tip to help you get the right seat-to-floor height:
Measure from the back of your knee to your heel. This measurement should match up with the seat-to-floor height of your wheelchair. That way, your legs will be comfortable when you're sitting down.
3- Overall Wheelchair Width
When using your wheelchair indoors, think about how wide it is. Standard wheelchairs usually fit through regular doorways just fine, but if you have narrow doorways or if your wheelchair is extra-wide, it could be tricky.
Here are some quick tips to help you figure out the correct width:
- Manual Wheelchairs come in different widths, ranging from 23 to 39 inches. So, measure your doorways and make sure your wheelchair can fit through comfortably.
- Transport Chairs are usually narrower, starting from around 18.5 inches wide. They're great for getting through tight spaces like narrow doorways or crowded hallways.
4- Armrest Height
Getting the armrest height right is vital because if they're too low, you might find yourself hunching forward, leading to back pain.
To ensure the armrests are at the right height, try this: Sit in a chair with your arms at a 90-degree angle and measure the distance from your elbow to the seat. It will give you a good idea of how high your armrests should be.
5- Back Height
While sitting in the wheelchair, a helpful way to measure the right height for the backrest is to measure from the seat up to your collarbone or shoulder blade.
It helps understand whether the backrest provides good support and comfort for your upper body while using the wheelchair.
Ready to Get the Right Wheelchair?
Other measurements like folded width, overall length, and height are also necessary, mainly if you have limited storage space.
- Folded Width: It tells you how wide the wheelchair is when folded up for storage.
- Overall Length: Remember that removing the leg rests can reduce the total length of the wheelchair.
- Overall Height: It includes the handle height, which is essential for caregivers who need to maneuver the wheelchair comfortably.
For a wide range of comfortable and best wheelchairs to suit your needs, visit MoovKart.
People Also Ask!
What size is a standard-size wheelchair?
A standard-size wheelchair is typically around 26 to 28 inches wide.
Can a wheelchair fit through a 30-inch door?
Yes, most standard wheelchairs can fit through a 30-inch door.
How wide is a wheelchair mm?
The width of a wheelchair is usually measured in millimeters and can vary, but standard widths range from 550 mm to 710 mm.