Find the right wheelchair with our wheelchair sizing and fitting guide. Choose the right wheelchair for comfort, safety and independence.
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Fitting a wheelchair is a physical thing and should be done by a professional. In this guide, we’re going to provide some basic information on wheelchair sizes and fitting.
No two people are exactly the same, so wheelchairs are designed to fit a range of body shapes and sizes.
Healthwatch estimates that hundreds of thousands of wheelchair users are in chairs that don’t fit properly. This can cause serious health problems, including pressure ulcers.
We’re going to show you how to find a wheelchair that fits and is comfortable, safe and smooth to use.
A correctly fitted wheelchair is comfortable to sit in, the seat and backrest provide enough support, while enabling you to move freely and stay in control of the chair.
A properly fitted wheelchair helps prevent pain, pressure injuries, and bad posture. It also makes moving around much easier.
On the other hand, a wheelchair that’s too big, small, or poorly fitted can lead to problems with your back and other parts of your body. You’ll also be less efficient at moving and manoeuvring.
You may have heard about the 90-90-90. This is the concept that when you’re in a wheelchair you’ll have:
There are lots of different wheelchairs on the market and they can vary slightly in terms of design and style. As a result, it’s impossible for us to provide advice and guidance. Instead, we can help provide some basic information on sizing and link to essential resources like Wheelchair Check.
We always recommend speaking with a professional to ensure that you find a chair that fits today and for the future.
If you’re looking for personalised information on wheelchair sizing and suitability, visit: Wheelchair Check.
Wheelchair Check is a screening tool built by experts that enables wheelchair users to assess if their chair is suitable.
The tool is suitable for various types of wheelchairs: powered, manual, push and sport wheelchairs. It can also be a useful tool for professionals, including occupational and physical therapists and wheelchair advisors.
You’ll need to add some information about yourself and the tool will provide insight into potential problems and solutions in the match between you and your wheelchair.
The personalised review report can help you to optimise your wheelchair setup or, if it’s unsuitable, justify the need for another wheelchair:
Here are some of the basic things you’ll need to consider when assessing whether your chair fits or doesn’t.
The seat should be just wide enough to fit your hips comfortably, with a small gap (about 2cm) on each side. If the seat is too wide then the user can slide around. If it’s too narrow, it can cause pressure and discomfort.
The seat depth measures the distance from the front to the back of the chair. It should support your thighs without pressing into the back of the knees, which can be painful.
The backrest should be positioned in the right place so it’s comfortable without restricting movement. A higher backrest gives more support and comfort, while a lower one allows more movement.
The armrests should enable you to use your arms naturally without having to lift them or slouch. Adjustable armrests can help to improve posture and reduce shoulder strain.
The footrest in the chair should keep your feet supported with knees at roughly a right angle (that's 90 degrees). Adjustable footplates can prevent pressure on the thighs and improve circulation.
You’ll want to have free movement so you can stay in control and propel yourself forward. Your elbows should be at a right angle when your hands are on the push rims.
When you’re sitting correctly in the chair, you should be able to put your feet flat on the floor. If your feet aren’t able to be flat on the floor, your chair may need adjusting.
Too much pressure can cause pressure sores. You’ll want to ensure the chair is comfortable. If you can, check that the pressure under your seat bones is acceptable.
This guide provides some basic information on wheelchair sizing. If you’re experiencing problems with your chair, a qualified wheelchair assessor or occupational therapist can help measure and recommend the right fit for your body and lifestyle.
While guides like this can help, we believe it’s always better to work with a professional.
Here’s a reminder of what we’ve covered:
Perform these daily wheelchair safety checks stay safe and prevent issues. Get simple wheelchair maintenance tips from the experts.
Learn about different wheelchair types, sizes and construction, covering manual and powered wheelchairs. Understand the difference and find what's best for you.
