It's important for the wheelchair to be fitted properly and be as narrow as possible while maintaining comfort and safety. This will insure the best performance for navigating tight areas both inside the home as well out in public spaces.

A wheelchair that is too narrow or too wide can cause discomfort. When too narrow, a wheelchair can become restrictive and increase the likelihood of pressure sores, while when it's too wide, becomes more difficult to push due to the angle of the arms from the shoulders to the wheels.

To determine the necessary seat width, measure the rider's widest area of the body and add one inch. This will allow for optimum seat width while maintaining ideal usability, comfort and safety.

To determine the appropriate seat height, measure from the bend of the knee to the bottom of the foot. Subtract the height of the seat cushion if one is being used. If the wheelchair is not being self propelled by the feet, also add about 2 inches to allow for foot clearance.

The rear of the seat is generally set at lower height than the front of the seat to prevent sliding forward.

There are two types of rear wheels, Spoked Wheels and "molded" Mag Wheels.

1. Spoked Wheels are made of metal and are similar in appearance to that of bicycle wheels. The number and size of the spokes affect durability, shock absorption, weight, and performance. The more spokes, the more stable the wheel will be.

2. Mag Wheels are made of molded plastic or a composite. They have a small number of wide molded spokes that are an integral part of the wheel. Mag wheels are more durable, require less maintenance, and usually weigh more then spoked wheels.

There are typically three types of tires:

1. Pneumatic (air-filled) tires provide a softer ride, but need to be kept inflated. Because pneumatic tires are softer than urethane tires, they are harder to push, with more resistance to the shoulders.

2. Pneumatic Flat Free (foam-filled) tires provide a stiffer ride compared to air-filled tires, and will never go flat.

3. Urethane (solid, flat-free) tires provide the quickest and stiffest ride. And they will not go flat.

Tire Tread also affects the wheelchair ride. Tires with very little tread offer a quicker ride and turn more easily because there is less rubber in contact with the ground, causing less friction. "Knobby" tires with deep treads are helpful on unpaved and rougher surfaces, yet offer less maneuverability. A 1 3/8" treaded tire is a good basic tread for everyday use.

The greater the camber angle, the further the distance between the bottom of the rear wheels and the closer the distance between the top of the wheels. Increasing the camber angle provides the rider with increased maneuverability and stability, but also increases the overall width of the wheelchair.

Typically 0-3 degrees of camber is considered standard for everyday use to accommodate narrow doorways and aisles. A higher camber angle is useful for sporting activities such as basketball where added stability and maneuverability is desired.