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Choosing Weight Capacity |
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| Standard wheel chairs generally have a 250 lb. weight capacity. If the user requires a stronger chair, heavy-duty or “bariatric” wheel chairs can support up to 500 lbs. |
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Choosing Seat Size |
| Seat size is measured in width and depth. Most wheel chairs come in several sizes but the standard size is 18 inches wide by 16 inches deep (18" x 16"). For an accurate measurement: lay a tape measure down, sit on top, and measure the distance from hip to hip. Add an additional 1" to 2" on each side to ensure proper comfort, for example while wearing a heavy coat or bulky clothes. Seat depth is measured from the back of the seat to 1" to 2" behind the knee. |
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Choosing a Seat Height |
| User Height |
Seat Height |
| 4' 11" and under |
14" to 16" |
| 5' to 5' 4" |
17" to 18" |
| 5' 4" and up |
19" to 21" |
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Seat height is the measurement from floor to seat. If the wheel chair seat is too low the user's feet may drag. If the seat is too high, the user may have a difficult time exiting the wheel chair. To measure proper seat to floor height, have the user sit upright and measure the length from the heel to bend in knee. Add 1" or 2" for clearance & subtract the thickness of your cushion.
Seat cushions are strongly recommended, especially for users who are likely to spend any significant amount of time in their wheel chair.
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Choosing Armrests |
| Armrests provide arm and shoulder support. There are 4 types: "Fixed" or "Permanent", Adjustable, Removable, and Flip-Back. Some armrests are a combination of types, such as Adjustable Removable armrests. "Fixed" or "Permanent "armrests cannot be adjusted or removed. Adjustable armrests, on the other hand, can be adjusted to different heights. Removable and Flip-Back armrests can be moved out of the user's way to allow for easy transfer in and out of the wheel chair.
Armrests also come in two lengths, Full Length and Desk Length. Desk Length armrests are shorter in length and allow the user to sit closer to a table or desk.
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Choosing Footrests / Legrests |
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| Footrests and Legrests are the two basic types of support for a wheel chair user's legs.
Legrests elevate and therefore include a Calf Pad. This enables a wheel chair user to raise or lower their legs and lock the legrests in a desired elevation. Footrests provide leg support in a seated position and do not elevate. Both are available in Swing-Away. These may be tucked out of the way from their position directly in front of the wheel chair. This allows for unobstructed access to and from the wheel chair seat.
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| We hope you've found these few steps helpful. For more assistance in choosing the right wheel chair, don't hesitate to take advantage of our Online Live Help, "Ask Fern" email or call 1-800-320-7140 to speak with a customer service representative. |
