GlobalManual Wheelchair Measurement Method
Overall Length
A manual wheelchair with a long total length requires a large space for movement and turning. Transportation vehicles and elevators also need to be large enough to accommodate it. The key to finding the correct overall length for you is in the type of chassis and available radius.
Overall Length
The distance from the front to the rear of the wheelchair that has been assembled and ready for use.
Overall Length with Legrest
A manual wheelchair with a long total length requires a large space for movement and turning. Transportation vehicles and elevators also need to have enough space to accommodate it. The key to the overall length is the type of chassis and radius.
Overall Length with Legrest
The distance from the front to the rear of the wheelchair that has been assembled and ready for use.
Overall Width
The general width of a front door is about 90 cm wide, and the bedroom or kitchen door are about 80 cm wide. Usually the smallest door is the bathroom door, at just 70-75 cm wide. In order to avoid the problem of not being able to turn in the wheelchair, pay special attention to the wheelchair width when choosing a manual wheelchair.
Overall Width
After the assembled wheelchair is ready for use, measure the distance between the left and right outermost points horizontally.
Overall Width
The door width of general front door is about 90 cm wide, and the bedroom or kitchen door is about 80 cm wide. Usually the smallest door will be the bathroom door, at only 70-75 cm wide. In order to avoid the problem of not being able to turn, pay attention to the wheelchair width when choosing a manual wheelchair.
Overall Width
After the assembled wheelchair is ready for use, measure the distance between the left and right outermost points horizontally.
Overall Height
A manual wheelchair that is too tall will limit the choice of transportation means. When applicable, changing the seat posture can to be used to reduce the total height. The total height will influence the sitting height.
Overall Height
After the assembled wheelchair is ready for use, measure the vertical distance between the highest point and the floor.
Overall Height
A manual wheelchair that is too tall will limit the choice of transportation means. When necessary, changing the seat posture can to be used to reduce the total height. The key to the total height is the sitting height.
Overall Height
After the assembled wheelchair is ready for use, measure the vertical distance between the highest point and the floor.
Folded Length
The longer the length of the folded wheelchair, the more storage space it takes up, which affects the convenience of transportation. The wheelchair’s foldable (or removable) components, such as footrests and anti-tipper, can affect the folded length.
Folded Length
Without using tools, remove all components and completely fold or disassemble the wheelchair. Measure the distance from the most front of the chair to the furthest back of the chair.
Folded Length
The longer the length of the folded wheelchair, the more storage space it takes up, which affects the convenience of transportation. The wheelchair’s foldable (or removable) components, such as footrests and anti-tipper, can affect the folded length.
Folded Length
Without using tools, remove all components with just your hands and completely fold or disassemble the wheelchair. Measure the distance from the most front of the chair to the furthest back of the chair.
Folded Width
The wider the width of the folded wheelchair, the more storage space it takes up, which will affect the convenience of handling. The wheelchair’s overall frame design will affect its folded width.
Folded Width
Without using tools, remove all components and completely fold or disassemble the wheelchair. Measure the widest points of the wheelchair.
Folded Width
The wider width of the folded wheelchair, the more storage space it takes up, which will affect the convenience of handling. The wheelchair’s overall frame design will affect its folded width.
Folded Width
Without using tools, remove all components with just your hands and completely fold or disassemble the wheelchair. Measure the distance from widest points of the wheelchair from left to right.
Folded Height
The higher the total height of the collapsed wheelchair, the higher the storage space need, which in turn affects the convenience of transportation. The wheelchair’s foldable (or removable) components, such as headrest, foldable backrest, detachable armrests, can affect the folded height.
Folded Height
Without using tools, remove all components and completely fold or disassemble the wheelchair and fold the backrest towards the seat as much as possible. Without the removed parts, measure the height from the floor to the highest point.
Folded Height
The higher the total height of the collapsed wheelchair, the higher the storage space need, which in turn affects the convenience of transportation. The wheelchair’s foldable (or removable) components, such as headrest, foldable backrest, detachable armrests, can affect the folded height.
Folded Height
Without using tools, remove all components with just your hands, completely fold or disassemble the wheelchair and fold the backrest towards the seat as much as possible. Without the removed parts, measure the height from the floor to the highest point.
Total Mass
For lightweight manual wheelchairs, it is the total weight for reference for human handling. For chassis-type manual wheelchairs, it is the total weight for reference for transportation.
Total Mass
After the vehicle is equipped with it’s standard equipment, it is the total weight of the whole wheelchair.
Total Mass
For lightweight manual wheelchairs, it is the total weight for reference for human handling. For chassis-type manual wheelchairs, is the total weight for reference for transportation.
Total Mass
After the vehicle is equipped with standard equipment, it is the total weight of the whole vehicle.
Mass of the Heaviest Part
Dismantle all parts of the wheelchair by hand, regardless of the total volume or weight, so that every part of the manual wheelchair can be transported. This make it easier to be taken out or reduce the total volume of the wheelchair for convenient storage.
Mass of the Heaviest Part
Without using tools, after disassembling all the parts of the wheelchair, measure the weight of the heaviest single piece.
Mass of the Heaviest Part
Dismantle all parts of the wheelchair by hand, regardless of the total volume or weight, so that the lightweight power wheelchair can be transported and make it easier to go out; or reduce the total volume of the wheelchair for convenient storage.
Mass of the Heaviest Part
Without using tools, after disassembling all the parts of the wheelchair, measure the weight of the heaviest single piece.
Ground Clearance
Avoid obstacles higher than this range during wheelchair travel to avoid damage to the wheelchair body or accidents during driving.
Ground Clearance
After removing the detachable wheelchair components such as the anti-tippers and footrests, measure the lowest distance between the main frame and the ground. The distance between the front caster and the ground is usually the lowest.
Ground Clearance
Avoid obstacles higher than this range during wheelchair travel to avoid damage to the wheelchair body or accidents during driving.
Ground Clearance
After removing the detachable wheelchair components such as the anti-tippers and footrests, measure the lowest distance between the main frame and the ground. The distance between the front caster and the ground is usually the lowest.
Turning Radius
Minimum Turning Radius, defines the smallest radius for a user to turn around on a wheelchair 360°. Before buying a wheelchair, it is important to check if the wheelchair can be navigated through all the confined places in one’s living environment, such as an elevator.
Minimum Turning Radius
This is the radius of the smallest area in which the wheelchair (WITH an RLG dummy) can be turned for 360° in one constant forward drive with maximum steering effect.
If the wheelchair is equipped with adjustable footrests or anti-tippers, these parts are to be configured into their most compact position.
A turning radius measured with an RLG dummy takes into consideration not only the wheelchair, but it also covers the feet of the human body, which gives a more realistic and exact measurement to help you evaluate your decision.
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RLG (Reference Loader Gauge) is like a dummy. It is designed to simulate the mass distribution of the human body. The Adult RLG is 51kg and the Child RLG is 11kg. They consist of a seat and back unit with a specified mass distribution. |
Minimum Turning Radius without RLG
This is the radius of the smallest area in which the wheelchair (WITHOUT an RLG) can be turned for 360° in one constant forward drive with maximum steering effect.
If the wheelchair is equipped with adjustable footrests or anti-tippers, these parts are to be configured into their most compact position.
Turning Radius
Minimum Turning Radius, defines the smallest radius for a user to turn around on a wheelchair 360°. Before buying a wheelchair, it is important to check if the wheelchair can be navigated through all the confine places in one’s living environment, such as the elevator in apartments. All else equal, the mid-wheel drive electric wheelchair offers the smallest turning radius, followed by the front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.
Minimum Turning Radius
This is the radius of the smallest area in which the wheelchair (WITH an RLG dummy) can be turned for 360° in one constant forward drive with maximum steering effect.
If the wheelchair is equipped with adjustable footrests or anti-tipper, these parts are configured into their most compact position.
A turning radius measured with an RLG dummy takes into consideration not only the wheelchair, but it also covers the feet of the human body, which gives a more realistic and exact measurement to help you evaluate your decision.
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RLG (Reference Loader Guage) is a device, like a dummy, used to load wheelchair seat and form a basis from which to make measurements. |
Minimum Turning Radius without RLG
This is the radius of the smallest area in which the wheelchair (WITHOUT an RLG) can be turned for 360° in one constant forward drive with maximum steering effect.
If the wheelchair is equipped with adjustable footrests or anti-tipper, these parts are configured into their most compact position.
Reversing Width
Reversing a manual wheelchair requires some practice. If there are only small turning spaces or small walkways, a smaller reverse turning width is essential.
Reversing Width
When moving through a narrow passage, the wheelchair user must wheel forward, backwards and forwards again to make a 3-point turn to turn 180°. Measure the minimum distance it takes to make a 3 point turn without touching the walls.
Reversing Width
Reversing a manual wheelchair requires some practices. If there are only small turning spaces or small walkways, a smaller reverse turning width is essential.
Reversing Width
When moving through a narrow passage, the wheelchair user must wheel forward, backwards and forwards again to make a 3-point turn to turn 180°. Measure the minimum distance it takes to make a 3 point turn without touching the walls.
Wheelbase
The length of the wheelbase is related to the total length of the wheelchair. A shorter wheelbase has the smaller minimum turning radius and good flexibility when turning, but the stability of the wheelchair may be reduced.
Wheelbase
In the forward direction, the distance between the driving wheels and turning wheels at the ground contact point adjacent to the wheels’ axels.
Wheelbase
The length of the wheelbase is related to the total length of the wheelchair. The shorter wheelbase has the smallest minimum turning radius and good flexibility when turning, but the stability is reduced.
Wheelbase
In the forward direction, the distance between the driving wheels and turning wheels at the ground contact point adjacent to the wheels’ axels. For mid-wheel drive chassis, this measurement will include the distances between the front and middle wheel, and the middle and rear wheels.
Front, Middle, and Rear Wheel Track
The greater the distance, the higher the stability of driving, however the smaller the distance the better the flexibility of turning.
Front, Middle, and Rear Wheel Track
The Wheel Track is the distance between the floor contact points (measured from the center part line of the tyre.) of the left and right wheels.
Front, Middle, and Rear Wheel Track
The greater the distance, the higher the stability of driving, but the smaller the distance the better the flexibility of turning.
Front, Middle, and Rear Wheel Track
The Wheel Track is the distance between the floor contact points (measured from the center part line of the tyre.) of the left wheels and right wheels.
Seat Plane Angle
A positive seat plane angle means the front edge of the seat is higher than the rear, which stabilizes the pelvis and make it harder for the users hips to slide forward. A negative seat plane angle can help the user to stand up from the front of the wheelchair.
Seat Plane Angle
Take the horizontal plane as the reference at 0° and measure the angles of the of the seat (back and front).
Seat Plane Angle
A positive seat plane angle means the front edge of the seat is higher than the rear, which stabilizes the pelvis and make it harder for the users hips to slide forward. A negative seat plane angle can help the user to stand up from the front of the wheelchair.
Seat Plane Angle
Take the horizontal plane as the reference at 0° and measure the angles of the of the seat (back and front).
Tilt Angle
Sitting in a wheelchair for a long time will cause pressure to concentrate on the hips after a long time. When you ‘Tilt-in-Space’ over 30°, the pressure originally concentrated on the hips will be fully transferred to the back. By ‘Tilting-in-Space’ at a small angle, you can increase the stability of the users sitting position and avoid sliding.
Tilt Angle
Use the horizontal surface of the seat cushion as the reference at 0°, measure the angle between the stationary position and the most extreme tilt of the ‘Tilt-in-Space’ seat.
Tilt Angle
Sitting in a wheelchair for a long time will cause pressure to concentrate on the hips after a long time. When you ‘Tilt-in-Space” over 30 degrees, the pressure originally concentrated on the hips will be fully transferred to the back. By “Tilting-in-Space” at a small angle, you can increase the stability of the users sitting position and avoid slipping.
Tilt Angle
Use the horizontal surface of the seat cushion as the reference 0°, measure the angle between the stationary position and the most extreme tilt of the “Tilt-in-Space” seat.
Seat Depth
If the seat depth is shorter than user’s thigh length, the user is more likely to lean forward on the chair; if it is too deep, the legs will be blocked by the front edge of the seat, making it hard for the user to sit up straight, causing posterior pelvic tilt and other issues. Generally speaking, an appropriate wheelchair seat depth should be 2-3 cm shorter than the user’s thigh length.
Effective Seat Depth
The effective seat depth is measured from the intersection of the leg reference plane and the seat reference plane to the intersection of the backrest reference plane and seat reference plane. The reference planes are defined by ISO 7176-7.
The word “effective” specifically refers to the measurement method that is based on the “RLG dummy”.
Compared to “Nominal Seat Depth”, the Effective Seat Depth can more accurately simulate the degree of best fit between the human body and the wheelchair.
Nominal Seat Depth
The seat depth is measured from the front end of the seat cushion to the bottom edge of the back cushion (including the gap between the seat and the back cushion).
Compared to “Effective Seat Depth”, Nominal Seat Depth is easy to measure and is mostly used in ordering process among suppliers.
Seat Depth
If the seat depth is shorter than user’s thigh length, the user is more likely to lean forward on the chair; If it is too deep, the legs will be blocked by the front edge of the seat, making it hard for the user to sit up straight, causing posterior pelvic tilt and other issues. General speaking, an appropriate wheelchair seat depth should be 2-3 cm shorter than the user’s length of thigh.
Effective Seat Depth
The effective seat depth is measured from the intersection of the leg reference plane and the seat reference plane to the intersection of the backrest ref plane and seat ref. plane. The reference planes are defined by ISO 7176-7.
The word “effective” specifically refers to the measurement method that is based on the ” RLG dummy”.
Compared to “Nominal Seat Depth”, Effective Seat Depth can more accurately simulate the degree of fitness between the human body and the wheelchair.
Nominal Seat Depth
The seat depth is measured from the front end of the seat cushion to the bottom edge of the back cushion (including the gap between the seat and the back cushion).
Compared to “Effective Seat Depth”, Nominal Seat Depth is easy to measure and is mostly used in ordering process among suppliers.
Seat Width
Generally speaking, an appropriate wheelchair seat width should be 2-3 cm wider than the user’s hip width. A chair that is too narrow in width is not comfortable. A chair that is too wide in width might results in scoliosis because the user will have to lean to one side to remain stable sitting posture.
Effective Seat Width
The word “effective” specifically refers to the measurement method that is based on the “RLG dummy”, which takes into consideration of the width of the human body.
The effective seat width is the distance between the two side guards on a standard line, which is defined at 100 mm from the seat cushion surface and 120 mm from the back cushion surface.
If the wheelchair is not equipped with side guards, measure the distance between the armrests instead. (The standard line of a child’s wheelchair is defined at 60 mm from the seat plane and 72 mm from the back cushion).
Nominal Seat Width
The width of the seat cushion is measured 120 mm in front of the backrest. For some manual wheelchair models, it can be determined by the distance between the armrests.
Compared to “Effective Seat Width”, the Nominal Seat Width is easy to measure and is mostly used in the ordering processes among suppliers.
Seat Width
General speaking, an appropriate wheelchair seat width should be 2-3 cm wider than the user’s hip width. A chair that is too narrow in width is not comfortable. A chair that is too wide in width might results in scoliosis because the user will have to lean to one side to remain stable sitting posture.
Effective Seat Width
The word “effective” specifically refers to the measurement method that is based on the “RLG dummy”, which takes into consideration of the thickness of the human body.
The effective seat width is the distance between the two side guards on a standard line, which is defined at100 mm from the seat cushion surface and 120 mm from the back cushion surface.
If the wheelchair is not equipped with side guards, we will measure the distance between the armrests instead. (The standard line of a children ’s wheelchair is defined at 60 mm from the seat plane and 72 mm from the back cushion)
Nominal Seat Width
The width of the seat cushion is measured 120 mm in front of the backrest. For some manual wheelchair models, it can be determined by the distance between the armrests.
Compared to “Effective Seat Width”, Nominal Seat Width is easy to measure and is mostly used in the ordering processes among suppliers.
Seat Surface Height at Front Edge
When the seat height is too high, it is more difficult for the user to move to the wheelchair by themselves. If the seat height is low it is easier for the user to move but make sure that the distance between the seat surface and the footrests can still accomodate the calf length. Seat height also affects the accessibility of the environment, such as eating at a table or driving etc.
Seat Surface Height at Front Edge (with Cushion Foam)
This is the vertical height of the front edge of the seat surface to the floor. This will be the first point of contact between the occupant and the wheelchair.
Seat Surface Height at Front Edge
When the seat height is too high, it is more difficult for the user onto move to the wheelchair by themselves. If the seat height is low it is easier for the user to move but make sure that the distance between the seat surface and the footrests can still accomodate the calf length. Seat height also affects the accessibility of the environment, such as eating at a table, driving by yourself, etc.
Seat Surface Height at Front Edge (with Cushion Foam)
The vertical height of the front edge of the seat surface to the floor, which is the first point of contact between the occupant and the wheelchair.
Seat to Back Angle
Function-wise, if the seat to back angle is less than 90°, the stability of the pelvis increases and the user has more control. When the angle is greater than 90°, the occupant can release any pressure on the hips and abdomen. Physically, the adjustment of the seat to back angle can be adapted to users with hip contractures or limited angles to stabilize their sitting posture.
Seat to Back Angle
Using the seat cushion as the reference point at 0°, measure the angle of the back cushion reference plane, that is, the angle between the seat cushion and the back cushion.
Seat to Back Angle
Functional-wise, if the seat to back angle is less than 90°, the stability of the pelvis increases and the user has more control. When the angle is greater than 90°, the occupant can release any pressure on the hips and abdomen. Physically, the adjustment of the seat to back angle can be adapted to users with hip contractures or limited angles to stabilize their sitting posture.
Seat to Back Angle
Using the seat cushion as the reference point of 0°, measure the angle of the back cushion reference plane, that is, the angle between the seat cushion and the back cushion.
Backrest Angle
The reference value is the same as the angle of the seat to back angle, but the measurement standard is different.
Backrest Angle
Using the vertical line of the horizontal plane as the reference point at 0°, measure the angle between the reference point and the back pad.
Backrest Angle
The reference value is the same as the angle of the seat to back angle, but the measurement standard is different.
Backrest Angle
Using the vertical line of the horizontal plane as the reference point at 0°, measure the angle between the reference point and the back pad.
Backrest Height
If the height of the back is high, there is a decent degree of support however, the trunk is easily pushed forward and can cause instability. If the back is too low then the trunk lacks support, and it is easy for the body to slide forward and harder to maintain overall body stability.
Backrest Height (with Cushion Foam)
From the surface of the seat cushion, measure the distance to the highest point of the back cushion.
Backrest Height
If the height of the back is too high, the degree of support is good, but the trunk is easily pushed forward to cause instability. If the back is too low then the trunk lacks support, and it is easy for the body to slide forward and harder to maintain overall body stability.
Backrest Height (with Cushion Foam)
From the surface of the seat cushion, measure the distance to the highest point of the back cushion.
Headrest Height Above Seat
If the height of the headrest is too high it can increase the risk of neck injury. If the headrest is too low, it will lack head support, and the head and neck will be prone to being excessively stretched.
Headrest Height Above Seat (with Cushion Foam)
From the surface of the seat cushion, measure the distance to the midpoint of the head.
Nominal Headrest Height Above Seat (with Cushion Foam)
From the surface of the seat cushion, measure the distance to the top of the headrest.
Headrest Height Above Seat
If the height of the headrest is too high it can increase the risk of neck injury. The user is likely to move away from the headrest due to discomfort; on the contrary, if the headrest is too low, it will lack head support, and the head and neck will be prone to being excessively stretched.
Headrest Height Above Seat (with Cushion Foam)
From the surface of the seat cushion, measure the distance to the midpoint of the head.
Nominal Headrest Height Above Seat (with Cushion Foam)
From the surface of the seat cushion, measure the distance to the top of the headrest.
Calf Length (Footrest to Seat Distance)
Everyone has different calf lengths. If the foot support to the seat is shorter than the user’s calf length, it will raise the user’s knees, increase the angle of the thigh, and therefore concentrate more pressure on the hip-bone area. If the foot support to seat setting is longer than the user’s needs, it will cause the user to slide forward and force them to use their feet for support. This can increase the risk of posterior pelvic tilt or scoliosis in the long term.
Calf Length
(Footrest to Seat Distance)
The foot support to seat distance is measured from the seat reference plane to the footplate. The reference planes are defined by ISO 7176-7.
Calf Length (Footrest to Seat Distance)
Everyone has different calf lengths. If the foot support to seat setting is shorter than the user’s calf length, it will raise the user’s knees, increase the angle of the thigh, and therefore concentrate more pressure on the hip-bone area. If the foot support to seat setting is longer than the user’s needs, it will cause the user to slide forward and use their feet for support. This can increase the risk of posterior pelvic tilt or scoliosis in the long term.
Calf Length (Footrest to Seat Distance)
The foot support to seat distance is measured from the seat reference plane to footplate. The reference planes are defined by ISO 7176-7.
Leg to Seat Surface Angle
This angle is related to the angle of the knee joint. For users with knee contracture, a smaller angle can increase the stability of the ride. A wheelchair with adjustable foot angles can provide knee joint mobility, and allow the user to comfortably stretch their lower limbs.
Leg to Seat Surface Angle
The angle from the seat cushion to the footrest. Calculated from the reference plane of the seat cushion at 0°, and downward is the angle of the calf.
Leg to Seat Surface Angle
This angle is related to the angle of the knee joint. For users with knee contracture, a smaller angle can increase the stability of the ride. The wheelchair with adjustable foot angle can provide knee joint mobility, and can comfortably stretch the lower limbs when riding in a wheelchair.
Leg to Seat Surface Angle
The angle from the seat cushion to the footrests. Calculated from the reference plane of the seat cushion at 0°, and downward is the angle of the calf.
Armrest Height
When an occupant rides in a wheelchair, their hands naturally hang down, and the elbows are placed on the armrest. When the elbow is placed on the armrest and the user is in the “shrug” posture, it means that the height of the armrest is too high. If the elbows cannot fit on the armrest pads or they hang in the air, it means that the position of the armrests are too low. This will reduce the support of the shoulders and increase the risk of joint deterioration or dislocation of the user.
Armrest Height
Measure the vertical distance between the armrest and the surface of the seat cushion.
Armrest Height
When an occupant rides in a wheelchair and their hands naturally hang down, the elbow is placed on the armrest. When the elbow is placed on the armrest and the user is in the “shrug” posture, it means that the height of the armrest is too high. If the elbow cannot fit the armrest pad or they hang in the air, it means that the position of the armrest is too low, which will reduce the support of the shoulders and increase the risk of joint deterioration or dislocation of user.
Armrest Height
Measure the vertical distance between the armrest and the surface of the seat cushion.
Front Location of Armrest Structure
The typical height of furniture table tops is usually 680mm. The height of the front end of the armrest will affect how close the wheelchair can be to the table. The closer the occupant’s body can be to the table, the better the efficiency of daily activities such as eating and writing.
