6
USER ADAPTATION
Wheelchair users must take into account these three important aspects when choosing a
wheelchair.
On one hand, we have body features. The wheelchair must adapt to the user’s dimensions.
On the other hand, it is important to consider the activity to which the wheelchair is going
to be exposed (transfers, foldings...). And, ultimately, we must think of the place where the
wheelchair is going to be used in:
USER’S DIMENSIONS
RELATED TO
RECOMMENDED SIZES OF
THE WHEELCHAIR
Arm length
Pushing rim scope
Angle between arm and fo-
rearm: 120º when grabbing the
push rim
Head-ground height
Visual scope
Elbow-ground height
Armrest height
2cm over the elbow with the
arm extended
Popliteal height
Seat-footrest distance
Footrest height of 10-13cm
Popliteal back
Seat depth
Seat space: 2,5 cm between leg
and armrest
Legs length
Seat depth
3-5 cm between the seat and
the back of the knee
Hips width
Seat width
Seat space: 2,5 cm between leg
and armrest
Knees angle
Seat and footrest inclination
Seat inclination of 1-4º
backwards
Armpit-trochanter distance
Backrest height
2,5cm backrest height below
the shoulder blade
Weight
Wheelchair resistance
Maximum weight of 140kg
