How to Measure for a Wheelchair? Get Expert Reviews In 2022

Lately we have been talking about wheelchairs. While we have discussed so many topics on our previous posts, I remembered that there is one vital topic that we haven’t touched at all. Thanks to one of the readers who wanted to know how to measure for a wheelchair.

Well, because of this, we will look at how to measure for a wheelchair in this post. Generally speaking, it is important that someone gets a wheelchair that fits them too.

So, whether you are recovering from a surgical procedure, suffering from old age related diseases, or if you have mobility challenges, finding the right wheelchair size is very important. Hopefully, once you read this post, you will be able to understand how to get the perfect fit wheelchair.

Let’s take a look at what I have in store for you.

Measuring For A Wheelchair

There are two things that you need to keep in mind when looking for the best way on how to measure for a wheelchair. They include the following:

Measuring the Seat’s Width

If you want a fitting seat width for your wheelchair, here is what you have to remember. The standard wheelchair seat width is set at 18 inches. This should be for the average adult. However, to get an accurate measurement for your own wheelchair seat width here is what you should do.

  • Match the wheelchair’s seat width measurement with the measurement of your hips.
  • Now add a couple of inches, usually two inches to the measurement that you get for your hips
  • The final measurement that you get will be your perfect fit wheelchair seat measurement

NOTE: Adding two inches on the measurement that you find for your hips is done to cater for any heavy clothing and headroom that you may use.

Getting the Right Posture

The next part is to choose the right posture adjustment. This includes the choice of the correct seat depth so as to enjoy a comfortable ride.

The posture adjustment will dictate the placement of your knees and will play a crucial role on the type of comfort that you will end up with.

A good seat depth will prevent the edge of the wheelchair seat from pinching your knees. Nonetheless, the right seat depth depends on the level of adjustments that you’re your wheelchair is willing to give you.

General Adjustments

One more thing that you must understand is this. The wheelchair’s seat depth is often relative to your personal adjustment – more specifically on what your wheelchair will allow you to do or have.

There are some wheelchairs that are very adjustable. Such wheelchairs will allow you to enjoy very many different wheelchair adjustments including the leg height adjustments and handle adjustments.

If you want to measure for a wheelchair, here is what you must do. Follow this simple guideline that I am going to give you.

NOTE: If the wheelchair seat is very narrow, your weight will fall on your thighs. This will cause knee inching which is one of the common wheelchair problems (best wheelchair carrier).  Poor fitting will mean poor posture and poor comfort.

Two Main Factors Determining the Size of Wheelchair

While most people will prefer to try out a wheelchair until they land the model that they need, it is important to understand the factors that also influence the type and size of the wheelchair that you need.

Stature

Height, size, and weight will play a crucial role on the type of (best folding power wheelchair) that you want. Anyone who needs a wheelchair requires a chair that can support their weight. They also require a wheelchair that they can sit on comfortably.

They don’t want to strain their back or their legs. In short, there shouldn’t be too much bending of the limbs or even the back too.

Physicality

The stature of your body goes together with the strength. If you don’t have enough power to roll the wheelchair you will need someone to help. This is especially true when it comes to manual wheelchairs. It is, therefore, important that you don’t take wheelchair that’s too heavy but rather one that you can roll around easily.

Conclusion

The best thing about having the perfect fit wheel chair is simply because it makes it easy for you to move around. First, it is easy to maneuver and then you won’t strain at all. More importantly, the wheelchair will allow you to move through tight spaces easily.

Thanks to the reader who raised the question and this post, most of us now understand how to measure for a wheelchair. Whichever type of wheelchair you have chosen to go with, make sure that it is the perfect fit and a comfy design for you.

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