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 depth, measure from the back of a chair to the inside of your knee. Subtract one inch to assure no contact is made between the edge of the wheelchair seat and the inside of your leg, which could cause discomfort and prevent the rider from sitting back fully in the chair.

Armrests are mostly a matter of personal choice, but most often users without much mobility appreciate armrests to help alleviate shoulder and back stress. Armrests also provide additional stability for users with limited upper body balance and are helpful when navigating in and out of the wheelchair. Additionally, armrests allow users the ability to do pushups, helping relieve pressure as well as protecting clothing from the wheels.

When armrests are not fitted properly the wheelchair can become more difficult to push. Not all armrests are adjustable. Height should be fitted to allow the forearm to rest fully on the armrest without pushing up on the shoulders. For users who sit at a table or desk, swing-away armrest can beneficial.

There are four basic types of armrests:
1. Full length, fixed height (entire armrest is padded with a non-adjustable height)

2. Full length, adjustable height (entire armrest is padded with various height seetings)

3. Desk length, fixed height (partial armrest is padded for easier access with tables, non-adjustable height)

4. Desk length, adjustable height (partial armrest is padded for easier access with tables, various height seetings)

Armrest that can be easily removed or flip up and down gives users the choice of when to use the armrests.

1. Swingaway, Removable Foot Rests swing aside to allow easy access in and out of the chair as well as unobstructed use with tables and desks. Removable footrests also help to make the wheelchair more manageable when traveling.

2. Elevating Leg Rests are used when better circulation is needed or there is limited mobility in the leg. They raise the foot, straightening the leg. A calf pad is usually included.

3. Fixed Riggings are attached to the wheelchair frame and are not collapsible or removable, but the height of the footplate can be adjusted to the proper fitting.

For optimum comfort and safety, leg rests should provide a proper foundation for the legs and feet. The bottom thigh area should be fully supported by the seat while the soles of the feet are supported by the foot rests.

Discomfort, stress and poor posture can be caused when the legs and feet are left hanging without the support they need or when the foot rests are too high. Poorly fitted leg rests can have a destablizing effect on the chair, making it more difficult to push and navigate due to improper weight distribution.

Removable and fixed footrests are available at different angles depending on the users needs. A lesser angle allows the feet to extend further in front of the wheelchair for people who do not bend well at the knees. It also allows the heels of the feet to avoid the wheels when using larger diameter casters. A higher angle will bring the feet closer to your body and the wheelchair, shortening the overall wheelbase, allowing the wheelchair to turn in tighter spaces.

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.