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Choosing a Wheelchair: Measurements, Manual and Powered Models, Cushions and Accessories
How to choose the right wheelchair: seat width and depth, manual, attendant-propelled and powered models, pressure-relieving cushions and safe use.
Contents
A wheelchair supports independence and social participation, but the wrong one can cause pressure ulcers, poor posture, shoulder pain and falls. It must fit the user's body, purpose and living space.
Define the purpose
How many hours a day will it be used? Will the user propel it or will someone push? Indoors, outdoors or in a car? What is the user's upper-body strength and trunk balance?
| Model | Feature | For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard manual | User turns large rear wheels | Adequate arm strength |
| Transport (attendant) | Small rear wheels, pushed by a carer; light and folding | Short trips, hospital visits |
| Lightweight manual | Less weight, easy to lift | Active users, frequent car use |
| Powered | Joystick control | Limited arm strength, longer distances |
| Tilt-in-space / reclining | Adjustable back and leg angles | Poor trunk control, long sitting |
| Measurement | General rule |
|---|---|
| Seat width | Widest hip point plus about 2–3 cm each side |
| Seat depth | About 2–3 fingers between seat edge and back of knee |
| Seat height | Feet rest comfortably on footplates, a few cm above the floor |
| Back height | According to trunk support needs |
| Armrest height | Elbows bent comfortably at 90° |
Too wide makes the user slide and push awkwardly; too narrow presses on the hips and can cause sores.
Cushions
Long sitting raises pressure ulcer risk at the tailbone and sitting bones. Use a pressure-relieving cushion (gel, foam or air) that fits the seat, and shift weight every 15–30 minutes by leaning forward or sideways or pushing up on the armrests.
Accessories: seat belt, removable or swing-away armrests and footrests, anti-tip bars, elevating leg rests, headrest, rain cover and bag.
Safe use
Lock the brakes for transfers, lift or swing away footplates, take kerbs and ramps backwards when descending with a carer, check tyres and brakes regularly, and manage battery charging and speed on powered chairs.
At home, doorways of about 80 cm are comfortable for standard chairs; remove thresholds or add ramps and leave turning space.
We rent and sell manual, transport and powered wheelchairs across Yalova, with measurement, model selection and transfer training by our physiotherapists, and deliver to Bursa, Istanbul and Kocaeli–Gebze.
