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When it comes to fitting for wheelchairs, there is nothing more important than making sure the chair is a perfect fit for its owner.

If any measured element of the chair is too long, too short, too wide or too skinny, it can be incredibly uncomfortable for the owner or user. We hope that you read the following article to learn how to measure a wheelchair and ensure it will be a great fit for the owner!

Standard Wheelchair: is Considered to have a 18″ Seat width & 16″ Seat Depth.

Around the home it’s usually a bathroom door or narrow hallway that limits access. In general, use the formulas below to determine the overall width of a wheelchair:

• Transport Wheelchair: Seat Width + 3″
• Standard Folding Wheelchair: Seat Width + 8″
• Reclining Wheelchairs: Seat Width + 8″
• Bariatric Wheelchairs: Seat Width + 8″Its very important to consider the use of the wheelchair
  1. Will it fit thru the door ways?
  2. Will i need door way ramps?
  3. Sitting for extended periods of times may require specialized cushions such as a ROHO Cushion?
  4. Leg Rests: Elevating or Standard?
  5. Armrest: length has to be considered full for comfort and Desk length allow a user access to the table?
  6. Weight of the wheelchair?
  7. There are a number of types of wheelchairs on the market today.
     1. Motorized Electric Wheelchairs: Battery powered
     2. Transport Wheelchairs: user needs to be pushed
     3. Standard Wheelchair: most common, available in many styles
     4. Lightweight Wheelchairs: made from lightweight aluminum, this type allows the care giver a lot of help in loading and transporting the wheelchair.
     5. Custom Wheelchair: As the name implies, offered are a varied amount of options available.
     6. Mobility Scooter: Easy to use and available in many styles.

      

     For most folding, standard weight and lightweight wheelchairs the overall width of the chair (outside wheel to outside wheel) is determined by adding 8″ to the seat width.

     Transport chairs generally add 0-3″ to seat width, depending on wheelchair model. (Due to arms)
     Your Patients info:
     Patient Weight._________
     Patient Height.___________
     Seat width. See # 3 in wheelchair diagram below. This is the width of the back-side when sitting on a flat surface. __________
     Seat Depth. Make this measurements by measuring from back of buttock to inside of knee as in “C” below.______________
     Back height. Measure this from the top of the shoulders down to the bottom of the back-side when sitting on a flat surface. See “B” below.___________
     Seat-to-Floor Height. Make this measurement as pictured in “D” below. This is important if the patient is going to propel the wheelchair using feet. Otherwise, wheelchairs are available in various seat heights.__________________

     Our Trained  Staff is happy to assist you in selecting the proper wheelchair! Call 866-218-0902