Selecting the correct size for your electric wheelchair is essential for comfort, control, and safety. The right fit supports healthy posture, reduces pressure risk, and makes everyday manoeuvring easier at home and outdoors.
Why Size Matters
A properly sized chair improves stability, skin protection, and driving performance. Poor sizing can cause discomfort, reduced reach to controls, and difficulty navigating doorways or tight spaces.
Key Measurements to Get Right
Seat Width
Measure across the widest part of your hips while seated on a firm surface. Add ~2–5 cm (about 1–2 inches) for clothing and clearance. Too wide reduces lateral support and driving efficiency; too narrow increases pressure.
Seat Depth
Measure from the back of your hip to the crease behind the knee. Subtract ~2–5 cm to avoid contact with the calf. Correct depth supports the full thigh and helps maintain pelvic alignment.
Backrest Height
Choose a back height that supports your trunk without restricting shoulder movement. Many users prefer support to the lower scapula for active driving, while higher backs or powered backs suit those needing more postural control.
Seat-to-Floor Height
Seat height influences transfers, reach to armrests or tables, and footplate clearance. Confirm that daily surfaces (bed, sofa, desk) are compatible with your chosen height.
Footplate Height and Position
Feet should rest flat on the footplates with knees and hips close to 90°. Ensure adequate ground clearance and that the footplates do not contact thresholds or slopes during driving.
Overall Chair Dimensions
Check overall width and length against your home. Measure doorways, hallways, turning circles, and lift spaces. Compact mid-wheel drive chairs often offer tighter turning indoors; longer wheelbases can improve outdoor stability.
Drive Base and Sizing Considerations
- Mid-wheel drive (MWD): Excellent indoor turning and centred pivot. Verify anti-tip and caster clearances for thresholds.
- Rear-wheel drive (RWD): Stable at higher speeds and outdoors. Requires more space to turn indoors.
- Front-wheel drive (FWD): Good kerb approach and obstacle climbing. Front casters track behind footplates; check toe clearance.
Posture, Pressure, and Comfort
Seating should maintain a neutral pelvis and aligned spine. Consider contour cushions, pressure-relieving foams or gels, and back supports that match your shape. If you need extra support, discuss lateral supports, headrests, or powered seating options.
Powered Seating Options and Size
Powered tilt, recline, elevating leg rests, seat raise, and anterior tilt can transform comfort and independence. Confirm that frames, back heights, and footplate positions still fit your body when these functions are in use.
Professional Sizing Assessment
A clinical assessment refines every dimension and tests real-world driving. Our specialists record precise measurements, review your home environment, and help you trial different bases and seating to confirm fit and function.
Book a personalised assessment:
📞 Call: 01789 339 738
📍 Visit: Unit 3 & 4, Avenue Fields Industrial Estate, off Ave Farm, Birmingham Rd, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 0HT
🌐 Book online: Free Home Assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
What seat width do I need?
Measure hip width on a firm seat and add ~2–5 cm for clothing and movement. An assessment confirms the final size based on posture and skin protection.
How do I choose seat depth?
Use hip-to-knee length minus ~2–5 cm. Correct depth supports the thigh without pressing behind the knee.
Will powered seating change my sizing?
Yes. Tilt, recline, and leg elevation alter body position. We verify clearances and support in each powered position during your assessment.
What if my home has narrow doors?
We measure critical spaces and recommend bases with tighter turning or narrower configurations, plus options like swing-away leg rests or compact arm supports.
