Wheelchair Type

Various wheelchairs vary in size, weight, transportability, and customizability, depending on the user’s needs.

• Transporter or travel wheelchairs are designed to be pushed by caregivers. They have smaller rear wheels, which makes them light and portable but cannot be manually propelled. They are meant for indoor and temporary use or short distances.
• Power wheelchairs are for people who cannot propel wheelchairs by themselves or for whom propelling is not recommended. They are controlled using joysticks. Alternative controls are also available, such as sip and puff system, head, chin, and tongue-controlled wheelchairs. Multiple seating options are also available (e.g., reclining, tilting, standing) to suit the user’s needs.
• Mobility Scooters are for users with limited walking ability. They are steered with a tiller and usually have 3 or 4 wheels. They do not look like wheelchairs and are more challenging to navigate than power wheelchairs. Scooters also have a large turning radius, which may make transfers easier.
• Manual wheelchairs, on the other hand, can be self-propelled or attendant/caregiver propelled. They can alternatively be propelled using both feet, or one foot and on hand.

Wheelchair Fit

To ensure comfort, the wheelchair you will purchase must be a good fit for the user. While physical and occupational therapists usually do wheelchair fit and assessment, you may use this guide to see if the secondhand wheelchair that you will be buying is the best fit for the user:

• Seat width: There must be ample space between the thighs and the chair. The allowance provides clearance between the thighs and the chair and allows ease in repositioning and transfers. If you are fat or obese, you might want to go for a bariatric wheelchair.
• Seat depth: there must be a space between the back of the knee and the seat edge to prevent blood circulation and movement from being restricted. Additional space may be needed if the user will self-proper with the feet.
• Seat height: footrests must be two inches from the floor for clearance. When checking for this, make sure that additional seating such as cushions is taken into consideration. The goal is to keep the thighs parallel to the floor with the feet comfortably resting on the footrests.
• Seat-back height: the back seat must provide the necessary support the user needs. If the user will self-propel, the back support must be low enough to ease upper extremity movement while still providing enough back support.
• Armrest height: an armrest that is too high may cause the user’s shoulder to be elevated or stooped, while an armrest that is too low may cause leaning. The optimal height for armrests not only provides support to the arms. It also helps maintain good posture and provides leverage for pushing the self up during pressure release.