What are the dimensions of a standard size wheelchair?

If you’re searching for standard size wheelchair dimensions, you’ve probably got one or two scenarios in mind. You may be a) concerned by space considerations or, b) looking to confirm whether a standard size wheelchair is suitable for your sizing.

These are questions we commonly get asked at Felgains, so we’ll answer them here! Ultimately, you should know the standard wheelchair sizes you need to know to decide whether it works for you.

What size is a standard wheelchair?

The variation in human shapes and sizes means there is no set standard for wheelchair sizes. However, we can give you some typical dimensions.

A typical adult size manual wheelchair is around 635mm (25in) wide and 889mm (35in) tall. A transit wheelchair, with 14in back wheels, will typically be around 914mm (36in) long. A self-propelled wheelchair, with 24in back wheels, will typically be 965mm (38in) long.

Will a standard wheelchair width fit through a door?

If you’re looking to buy a manual wheelchair, you may be considering whether you need wheelchair accessible doors.

The standard door width in England and Wales is 762mm, or 30 inches. In Scotland, it’s 726mm, or 28.5 inches. This means a standard adult size wheelchair, which is usually 25 inches wide, will comfortably fit through UK standard door widths.

Although you won’t need to worry about a wheelchair accessible door width, you will need to consider the turning space either side of the door.

Will a standard size wheelchair fit me?

To confirm whether a standard size wheelchair will fit you, you need to look at the internal seat measurements.

As we’ve mentioned above, there is no set standard for wheelchair sizing. However, a ‘standard’ size wheelchair will typically have a seat width of around 482mm (19 inches), a seat depth of around 457mm (18 inches) and a seat height of around 495mm (19.5 inches).

Here’s how a wheelchair’s seat dimensions correspond to your body measurements:

• Seat width corresponds to your hip to hip width, measured in a straight line
• Seat depth corresponds to your hip to back of knee measurement
• Seat height corresponds to your back of knee to bottom of foot measurement

If your body measurements are significantly different to the wheelchair seat dimensions, you may require a bespoke wheelchair instead. This may be the case if, for example, you’re a plus-sized adult or a child.

Summary

I trust this article has given you the information you need to decide if a standard size wheelchair dimensions are suitable for you. To discuss your specific needs in more detail, please just get in touch.