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Wheelchair Buying Guide

Buying a wheelchair might seem overwhelming. So consider the chair components separately and it will be easier to find a chair that is right for you. We will first look at the technology available (manual versus electric and standard versus transport) before considering weight, seat, arm, and leg support. Consider these questions before moving forward:

• Will the individual using the chair be pushing the chair?
  
• Will anyone else be pushing the chair?
  
• Where will the individual be going most the time? On what terrain?
  
• Will the chair need to be lifted into a car or van?
  
• How much weight must the chair support?
  
• How wide and long of a seat is needed?
  
• How high or low do the armrests need to be?
  
• How long or short do the leg rests need to be?
  
• What special additions might the chair need?

The wheelchair is comprised of a back support and seat as well as foot and arm rests. Each of these components is typically available in various sizing or can be custom made. Finding the right size support and seat ensure maximum comfort and ease of maneuverability. Wheel size depends on the type of chair: manual standard, manual transport, or electric.

Manual chairs allow an individual to propel oneself or to be pushed by a companion. These chairs are usually lightweight, which makes them easier to push, transport and maneuver. Additionally, a manual tends to be less expensive than an electric device. If restricted by budget and in need of a chair that is versatile, which can be easily lifted into a car or easily pushed by a friend or family member as well as the user, then a manual is the best option.

There are two types of manual chairs to choose from. One is a standard chair and the other is a transport chair. Standard chairs include two large back wheels with smaller caster wheels up front. Standards allow an individual to propel him or herself. However, transport wheelchairs feature only four caster wheels and do not allow an individual to propel him or herself. Transport chairs are used mostly for transporting an individual from one sitting or bed area to another.

After deciding on a manual, consider the weight support requirements. Standard sizes can hold up to 250 lbs. However, others (such as a bariatric model) can support from 200 lbs. to 800 lbs. These are also known as extra-wide or heavy duty.

Remember that every body is different and finding adjustable or custom arm rests and leg or footrests provide comfortable chairs, which are easy to use. Measure the arm from shoulder to elbow as well as elbow to hand. The arms should rest without forcing the shoulders to extend or retract. Legs should be measured from tailbone to knee and from the knee to the heel. Without a proper footrest and leg cushioning, legs can go numb or cause problems when the individual must stand or move from the chair.