5 Important Wheelchair Features to Consider
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Now that you have accessed your needs for the wheelchair, here are the 5 important wheelchair features that you should consider in choosing the right wheelchair:
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Q1/ Manual or electric?
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The choice is often made between manual or electric wheelchair, it is largely dependent on your level of autonomy.
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Manual wheelchairs are generally divided into 2 types: the self-propelled types have larger back wheels and are designed for people with high degree of independence, while the non-self-propelled wheelchairs are narrower, have smaller back wheels and will require the assistance of a caregiver / attendant.
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Electric wheelchairs are usually for users who have difficulties in propelling either due to lack of upper body strength, low tolerance level or other limiting medical/physical condition.
Q2/ A wheelchair for your body and size
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The correct fit and size is crucial to ensure your comfort and safety when using the wheelchairs. The wheelchair should neither be too big that you have a lot of space or too small that you have to squeeze to fit.
To get the accurate measurement, make sure you are seated comfortably, with back as straight as possible and buttocks touching the wheelchair back and hips, knees and ankles at 90 degree.
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There are 6 basic measurements to help you find the ideal prescription wheelchair:
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Seat width: Add a maximum of 2cm to each side of your hips or thighs. If your widest aspect of your hips or thighs is 42cm for example, look for a chair seat of 46cm (18”).
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Seat depth: This is the distance between the back of your buttocks to the back of your knee. Usually a space to fit 3-4 fingers is preserved, approximately 5cm (2”). For example, if the distance between the back of your buttocks to the back of your knee is 46cm, look for chair of 41cm seat depth (16”).
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Seat height: Determined by the height of the individual and if the wheelchair is self-propelled. When using the feet to propel, the seat height should allow for them to reach the floor with their heel. The bottom of the footrest is 5cm (2”) from the floor.
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Armrest height: The user’s arms should rest comfortably.
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Backrest height: This is dependent on the level of support required. For users who have difficulty sting upright may need a higher backrest. For users with good body strength may prefer a shorter back that allows more shoulder movement.
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Footrest length: The footplate must be about 5cm (2”) from the floor to allow adequate ground clearance. Footrests can be adjusted.
​Q3/ Materials
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Wheelchairs are usually made in 4 materials: steel, aluminium, titanium or carbon fiber. Each material offers different benefits, level of durability and varies in cost.
Q4/ Special features
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Reclining wheelchair: Similar to a reclining easy chair, the seat back of a reclining wheelchair tilts back from a sitting position to lying down position. Some reclining wheelchairs allow user to lie completely flat (a full 180 degrees).
This wheelchair is commonly used by people with high level spinal injuries, neck down injuries or stroke patients. It also helps to relieve the skin sores caused by constant pressure on the same body parts.
Tilt-in-space wheelchair: This type of wheelchair allows the whole chair to tilt up to 30 or 60 degrees, while maintaining your hip and knee angles at 90 degrees. It is usually more comfortable than a reclining wheelchair and minimised pressure irritation on the body.
This wheelchair is commonly used by people with cerebral palsy, muscle diseases, people with limited range of hip and knee motion or people who need help in feeding and respiratory function.
Stair climbing wheelchair: This takes wheelchair mobility to a greater height, allowing user to move about freely getting up and down stairs independently.
They are usually electric powered, larger, heavier and costlier than their conventional electric wheelchair counterparts. Stair climbing wheelchairs are gaining popularity and we continue to see more development and advancement in this aspect.
Active leisure wheelchair / sports wheelchair: Sports wheelchairs are typically a self-propelled wheelchair that is non folding to increase rigidity and is often made of lightweight materials for speed, acceleration and manoeuvrability.
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Foldable models are also available these days designed particularly for compact car users. Depending on lifestyle, these wheelchairs could be used as the primary mode of transportation.