The frame is the most basic unit of a manual wheelchair and the most influential in terms of performance. However, the components that are attached to the frame to generate a functional manual wheelchair are significant as well. The key components are the tires, the wheels, the axles, the casters, the leg rests, and the armrests.
Tires
Wheelchair tires are either solid rubber or pneumatic (air-filled). Solid rubber tires are almost always used with standard wheelchairs and sometimes with lightweight wheelchairs. Those tires provide a hard ride and have a high rolling resistance, but they have low wear rates and are low maintenance. Pneumatic tires are almost always used with ultralight wheelchairs and sometimes with lightweight wheelchairs. Those tires provide a softer ride, lower rolling resistance, and are lower in weight, but they have high wear rates and are high-maintenance (particularly in maintaining appropriate air pressure).
Wheels
The wheels are usually spoked (wired) or molded (mag). Wheel sizes usually range from about 30 to 66 cm (12 to 26 inches) in diameter, depending on the purpose of the wheelchair. Molded wheels have low maintenance requirements. However, they are significantly heavier and less responsive than spoked wheels.
Axles
Rear-wheel axles are either fixed or quick-release. Fixed axles are almost always used on standard wheelchairs. Quick-release axles are almost always used with ultralight wheelchairs, and either fixed or quick-release are used with lightweight wheelchairs. Fixed axles are a bolt and locknut that require tools to remove and attach the rear wheel to the frame. A quick-release mechanism has a button on the end of the axle that allows for easy removal of the tire without any tools. That may be critical for disassembling a wheelchair when transporting it in an automobile. The fixed axle is low-maintenance, whereas the quick-release axle requires frequent monitoring.
Casters
The casters range in size from about 7.6 to 23.8 cm (3 to 9 inches) in diameter, with the majority falling in the 12.7- to 20.3-cm (5- to 8-inch) range. The caster tires can be solid rubber or pneumatic but are limited to either mag or solid hub wheels.
Leg rests
The leg rests are fixed, swing-away, or elevating. They consist of a hanger that is attached to the frame and a footplate that supports the individual’s feet. Fixed leg rests are integral to the frame; they produce a lighter-weight system since there are fewer components. Swing-away leg rests allow for the removal of the leg rests from the frame in order to facilitate transfers into and out of the wheelchair. Elevating leg rests allow the lower extremities to be positioned at different angles with relation to the seat surface, thereby raising and lowering the leg position. This is often critical to address an individual’s specific physiologic issues (e.g., swelling in the lower extremities).
Armrests
The armrests are either fixed-height or adjustable-height. Armrests facilitate transfers by providing a handhold for the individual. They support the upper extremities when the individual is not propelling the wheelchair, and they provide a means for weight shifting if the individual has the strength to lift his or her body weight using the upper extremities.
Carmen P. DiGiovine
FAQs
Widening doorways can make a significant difference in terms of accessibility and ease of movement. A minimum doorway width of 32 inches is recommended by the ADA. Furniture Placement: Furniture should be arranged in such a way as to allow enough space for easy movement throughout the house.
How to design a wheelchair accessible home? ›
The first area of focus should typically be making sure a deck or porch is accessible from the interior. This may be as simple as a using a small threshold ramp and ensuring the doorway is a minimum 36" wide. It is recommended that accessible areas have at least 5' of space in all directions.
What is the radius for wheelchair accessibility? ›
Turning Radius of a wheelchair
Defined as a circular space that allows a wheelchair to make a 180-degree or 360-degree turn, it requires a 1500mm minimum diameter turning space.
How to design a wheelchair accessible kitchen? ›
First, there should be ample space to access appliances and maneuver around cabinets. Be sure to choose flooring that's slip-resistant and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Avoid using area rugs, as they can be trip or fall hazards. If you're renovating, remember the kitchen triangle principle.
What are the features of wheelchair design? ›
Basic features
The large wheels support the majority of the individual's weight and provide the primary means of propulsion. The casters facilitate maneuverability. Traditionally, wheelchairs are divided into two categories: manual and electric-powered.
How big should a wheelchair accessible bedroom be? ›
The size of your bedroom will be determined, in part, by how many things you have to put in it (furniture, accessories, equipment). As well as, how much open space you prefer, while keeping areas and accessible open for your wheelchair. In general, the ADA recommends a 5′ diameter area for a turning radius.
What is an example of wheelchair accessibility? ›
9 Ways to Create a Handicap Accessible Home
- Install a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance. ...
- Doorways- What is Handicap Accessible Door Width? ...
- Open Floor Plans and Open Space. ...
- Accessible Kitchens. ...
- Accessible Bathrooms. ...
- Stairlifts. ...
- Wheelchair Accessible Closets. ...
- Outdoor Spaces.
Kitchen Counters
Because the typical height of a wheelchair armrest is about 29”, a recommended countertop height for a person using a wheelchair is a minimum of 28” and should be no higher than 34”.
What is the best type of table design for someone in a wheelchair? ›
An accessible table has a surface height of no more than 34" and no less than 28" above the floor. At least 27" of knee clearance (29" is preferable to serve persons using larger electric wheelchairs) must be provided between the floor and the underside of the table.
What is the most important consideration when designing a wheelchair? ›
Wheelchairs should be designed to enable their users to participate in as many activities as possible. As a minimum, a wheelchair should enable the user to lead a more active life without having a negative effect on their health or safety.
The most important measurements you need to take are seat width, back height, seat depth and seat-to-floor height. By providing a wheelchair with the proper dimensions in these four areas, you will avoid some of the most common and dangerous positioning concerns.
What defines wheelchair accessibility? ›
a method by which someone can enter or leave a place in a wheelchair: The Disability Discrimination Act requires businesses to provide ramps for wheelchair access. (Definition of wheelchair access from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)
How to design a room for a disabled person? ›
Keeping your space free of clutter is another way to design an accessible living room. Wheelchairs and walkers require extra room to get around and pathways should be at least 32 inches wide. Arranging furniture in a manner that creates an open path helps everyone navigate the area.
How to design a bathroom for a disabled person? ›
7 Ways to Create an Accessible Bathroom Design
- Accessibility Issues. Accessibility issues come in many shapes and sizes. ...
- Wheelchair Accessible Layout. ...
- Space Below the Vanity. ...
- Curbless Shower Base. ...
- Built-In Shower Seating. ...
- Non-Slip Shower Flooring. ...
- Reinforced Walls for Grab Bars. ...
- Angled Mirrors.
ADA Bathroom Dimensions
In general, minimum accessible bathroom size is 60 inches wide by 56 inches deep plus clearance space for fixtures. Adding more fixtures or door swings will demand more space and a larger bathroom.
What is an appropriate ratio of length to height when building a wheelchair accessible ramp? ›
The slope percentage indicates the steepness of the ramp and determines how easily a wheelchair user can ascend or descend the ramp. The recommended slope for wheelchair ramps is 1:12 (one inch of rise for every 12 inches of ramp length).
