A wheelchair’s measurement is determined based on the Size & abilities of the wheelchair user which is used to determine the seat width, seat height, leg rests, seat tilt, backrest dimensions and tilt, wheel alignments and sizes etc.

Know your need…

If you are a new wheelchair user, you need to take a professionals advice before buying a wheelchair. It is advised that you buy an adjustable type wheelchair (In an adjustable type wheelchair the height, wheel alignments, seat tilt etc can be adjusted) because normally a wheelchair dimension that looks perfect in the first try may cause discomfort in a week or so. At that time, if these adjustments are available, the wheelchair can be adjusted according to the user’s need.

An experienced wheelchair user knows exactly what he needs. Most people prefer the old dimensions as a small variation too can cause discomfort. So if you are perfectly satisfied with the present dimensions of your wheelchair, do not try to make it still better for the above reason. However, if you find the present wheelchair dimensions are causing discomfort, you surely need to address it while buying a new wheelchair. For example, some people may gain weight in time so they may need a little wider and stronger wheelchair. Or some may find difficult in transfer to their new automobile so they may need height adjusted.

Wheel alignment

• Offset distance (the distance between the wheel and the frame)
• Both wheels of a wheelchair should be equidistant from the frame.
• If one wheel of a wheelchair projects out more than the other, then you have a problem. You need double the effort to push the wheelchair.
• The ideal offset should be 1 ½ inches to 2 inches

Toe-out / Toe-in

Can a duck walk faster? No.. The reason - Its toes are pointed out. Someone with opposite toes cannot either. Rear wheels of a wheelchair are like legs of a walking person. Whether a wheel is slanted out in one end or the other there is trouble. These days all wheelchairs come with these adjustment that can be done easily.

Tired Tire

Due to certain peoples maneuvering behavior or sitting posture, one tire on the wheelchair wears out faster than the other. If that is the case then it is like a person with one leg short walking. This too can make maneuverability tough.

Casters

Casters are small wheels in the front in the front of a wheelchair. They can easily gather dust, hair and threads which will make riding harder. Cleaning caster frequently too will make a joyful wheelchair experience. Also check if the casters’ spin full 360 degrees without hindrance.

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