Width Of A Wheelchair As A Rule
At first glance, discussing the typical wheelchair width appears unimportant. Yet, a wheelchair’s breadth determines whether a user is included or excluded.
Rules for Standard Doorways
The Americans with Disabilities Act contains regulations that specify how wide doors must be in public structures to provide access for wheelchairs in order to ensure accessibility for the impaired. For more on our best foldable power wheelchairs visit Everlasting Mobility.
According per the ADA’s accessibility requirements:
With a maximum length of 24 inches and a continuous width of 36 inches (915 mm), the minimum clear width for single wheelchair transit must be 32 inches (815 mm) at a location.
In order for wheelchair users to pass through doors with enough clearance to avoid striking the walls, the ADA’s requirements mandate a 32-inch wide opening.
Sizes For Typical Wheelchairs
The majority of wheelchairs have an average width of 28 inches in order to adhere to ADA rules. This width provides wheelchair users with enough room to pass through regular doorways. If your chair is bigger than 28 inches wide, though, you might have trouble fitting through conventional doorways and run into the walls if you try.
Typically, wheelchair descriptions from manufacturers include information like the seat width or cushion size. The chair’s actual breadth is not that wide.
The overall width of a manual wheelchair, according to wheelchair specialists, is 9 inches broader than the seat, making a conventional seat measuring 18 inches by 16 inches equal to a chair that is 27 inches wide.
Width Of A Powered Wheelchair
Standard manual wheelchairs are wider than electric wheelchairs. While deciding between powered and manual wheelchairs, take that into account. Generally speaking, powered wheelchairs range in width from 24 to 25 inches, though some may be a little bigger depending on the features and design (leg rests, swing-away armrests, etc).
There are also 21.5-inch-wide narrow power wheelchairs on the market. These wheelchairs feature small seats that are 16 or 17 inches wide. Compared to other power chair models, they are frequently more expensive.
Yet, the turning radius of electric wheelchairs is just as crucial as their breadth. The smaller the number, the less space is required for turning, thus if you have a narrow wheelchair with a big turning radius, it could be challenging to maneuver it in a corridor or other compact locations.
Yet, a power chair that is a little bit wider and has a smaller turning radius allows for easier navigating through confined spaces. Typically, power wheelchairs are narrower than standard wheelchairs.
Standard doors, wheelchair-accessible structures, and other wheelchair-friendly facilities are probably not going to cause you any issues. Just be sure to carefully consider the narrow wheelchair dimensions and choose one that properly fits your body.
Everlasting Mobility is the number one online seller for all terrain power wheelchairs. With excellent customer support, no sales tax, FREE Shipping and financing, we offer the best in web pricing.