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How to Measure Someone for a New Wheelchair

21 November 2008 · Viewed 6939 times · Disclaimer & Terms
Tags: medical equipment, durable medical equipment, electric scooters

Medical equipment including wheelchairs, electric scooters and other durable medical equipment is needed by many people.  When purchasing a wheelchair, it is important to make sure the wheelchair fits the user. An ill fitting wheelchair can cause back and hip pain and poor posture.


Use this guide to help measure for a wheelchair:

  • Seat width- Measure across the widest point of the hips or thighs.
  • Seat depth: measure from the rear of the buttocks to the inner surface of the back of the knee.
  •  Back height: Measure from the rear underside of the buttock to the underside of the extended arm (ask the person to extend their arm out in front of them).
  • Footrest height: Measure from the bottom of the heel to the undersurface of the thigh at the back of the knee.


    Keep in mind if the user has a seat cushion to add or subtract 1/2 inch as needed.
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