Things to consider when purchasing a wheelchair:
- Usage. Indoor, outdoor or both?
- Wheelchair weight. Will you be transporting it?
- Folding or Rigid. Do you need the convenience of a folding chair?
- Size. Get your wheelchair seat measurements.
Folding wheelchairs are by far the most popular chairs purchased. Wheelchair weight is always an issue and this holds true even for the chairs competing for your business in the Transport wheelchair category.
Get seat measurements.
Seat width and depth can also limit the models available. There are many models available for standard size chairs like 16" and 18" seat widths, but chair seat-widths for heavier users are in demand. As seat-width increases the selection decreases. Those requiring a 22" seat width have a limited number of models to choose from and those requiring 24"-26" have even less to choose from.
Got clearance?
Make sure there are no clearance restrictions in the home or anywhere else you go. Measure some of the smallest hallways and doorways you know of that you will be passing through. Excluding Transport chairs, most standard folding chairs overall width can be calculated by adding 8" to the seat width of the chair. (example 16" seat width + 8" = 24" overall width) This rule does not apply to transport chairs, which are about seat width + 3", so a 17" seat width becomes 20" overall.
Wheelchair information:Wheelchair sizes:
If you are shopping for a Transport or Standard Wheelchair the seat width and depth is generally all you'll need to know, but keep the user's height in mind if the chair offers multiple seat height settings (usually indicated by Adult or Hemi height). Standard Adult height wheelchairs are 18"-20" seat-to-floor. Hemi height wheelchairs are around 17.5" seat-to-floor. Use our wheelchair sizing chart to measure an individual for a wheelchair.
Wheelchair Cushion information:
Which wheelchair cushion is right for you? See Wheelchair Cushion Types and Styles
Weight of Wheelchairs:
Weight is usally at the top of everyone's list of wheelchair features. The lighter the better, generally. Transport chairs can weigh 15 to 35-lbs, standard weight wheelchairs weigh around 45-lbs, lightweight chairs are usually around 32-36 lbs, ultra-light wheelchairs are around 25-lbs. Titanium chairs are available that weigh in the high "teens" for Rigid riders.
Folding vs. Rigid wheelchair:
You probably came here looking for a folding-wheelchair, but just so you know, there are many wheelchair user's that prefer the "solid feel" of a rigid chair. These are usually more seasoned full-time riders.
Wheelchair Tire Types:
Pneumatic tires have inflatable tubes and are more cushioned than solid rubber tires. Pneumatic tires puncture quite easily and when they do, you don’t want to ride on them. You can minimize this somewhat by using Kevlar tires which are heavy duty and more resistant. Solid rubber tires never go flat but the ride is not as smooth. These are know as composite polyurethane tires. Pneumatic with flat free inserts-have rubber inserts is in the tire instead of a tube and don’t go flat.
Medicare and Manual Wheelchairs:
Manual wheelchairs are a capped-rental thru Medicare. This means that you must visit a local store that rents chairs and bills Medicare monthly. We do not file Medicare claims for wheelchairs for Internet orders. See Medicare FAQ
Things to know about using a wheelchair: Wheelchair Safety
If you have a question regarding the proper choice or size issues please call Customer Service toll-free 866-553-5319.
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