Purchasing a wheel chair in the not-too-distant past was a relative uncomplicated procedure. All wheelchairs were manually operated, so the basic concerns in selecting one was in finding the most comfortable fit.

But the technological advances win wheel chair design made wheelchairs an option for those whose size or physical condition would once have made it impossible for them to buy a wheelchair. Anyone who decides to buy a wheel chair which operates electrically can expect to spend between $5,000 and $30,000, so the decision to buy a wheel chair needs to be considered carefully.

The manual wheelchair is still appropriate for those whose physical condition will let them propel it, or who have someone available to push them. Manual wheelchairs weigh between four and thirty pounds; the user's strength will be a big factor when he or she decides to buy a wheel chair. Standard manual wheel chairs are usually capable of transporting people who weigh less than three hundred pounds.

It's recommended that anyone above three hundred pounds by a wheel chair custom-built with a heavier, wider frame; bariatric wheelchairs are appropriated.

Measuring For A Good Fit

For those weighing more than 300 pounds, it is suitable to buy a wheelchair that is heavy duty and extra wide, also known as a bariatric wheelchair. To determine if a wheel chair will accommodate its potential user, place a measuring tape beneath him or her to determine the seat width, and add two inches on either side.

To measure a person for seat depth, have him or her sit upright and measure from a point two inches in back of the knees to the rear edge of the seat.

The proper height for the wheel chair seat will correspond to the user's height; a 15" seat is a good fit fro kids and petite adults 4'11" and under; for those between 5' and 5'4", an 18" seat should work; and a 20" seat is a comfortable fit for those 5'5" and taller. Before you decide to buy a wheelchair, have the user try it on for size so that any adjustments can be made before you take it home.

Those who have little upper body strength with little head and trunk control need to buy a wheel chair with a higher back. And those who have poor upper body strength and cannot easily shit their position need wheel chairs which either recline at a 45 degree angle, or have memory foam cushioning to help them minimize the pressure on their backs, buttocks, and thighs and prevent bedsores.

Traveling With A Wheelchair

People who are able to get out and about might want to buy a collapsible transport wheel chair which can be used for excursions and will fit in a car's trunk. The transport wheel chair must either be pushed, or maneuvered by the user's feet. Power wheelchairs are not collapsible, and people who use them usually travel by van with specially designed wheel chair lifts.

Before you buy a wheel chair, measure all the tight spaces in the user's environment through which it will have to fit; widen the necessary doorway and move what furniture you need to. It would be very frustrating to buy a wheelchair which is a perfect fit for it user but an impossibly bad fit for the places where it will be used!

Before you actually buy a wheel chair, make sure the armrests, footrests, and any other add-ons you want will fit on the frame you have chosen. And, if you still need more information before you buy a wheel chair, consult a local supplier, or perform some online research.