Seat Width – Seat width is one of the first things to consider when choosing a wheelchair. The seat width is important for ensuring comfort as it needs to be wide enough to accommodate the users hip width. The most widely available sizes are 16 – 20 inches.
Seat Depth –
Seat depth is measured from the front to the back of the wheelchair seat. The edge of the seat should be two inches away from the back of the knees in order to avoid blood vessel constriction in the legs.
Seat to Floor Height –
If a wheelchair user needs to use their feet to propel, the height of the seat should be set to allow them to reach the floor with their heel. The use of footrests will require a higher seat.
Back Rest Height –
Back height is measured by the top of the backrest to the top of the seat. Those who require additional back support may prefer a full-length backrest with the addition of a headrest. Some wheelchairs include an adjustable backrest height for additional comfort.
Armrests –
There are two categories of armrests: desk length and full length. The choice will depend on how much support is required. There are also optional features such as flip-back, adjustable height or removable wheelchair arms, which allow for easy transfers.
Leg Rests –
When it comes to leg rests, there are two styles: elevating and swing-away. Elevating leg rests include a calf pad to raise the legs and prevent swelling while swing-away leg rests can be moved to the side, allowing the user to transfer to and from the wheelchair with ease.
Turning Radius -
This affects how easily the wheelchair can be maneuvered. Smaller wheelchairs are generally easier to steer, but are generally less stable as they are lighter.