Quickie All Court Sports Wheelchair

A wheelchair that is too narrow or too wide can cause discomfort. When too narrow, a wheelchair can become restrictive and increase the likelihood of pressure sores, while when it's too wide, becomes more difficult to push due to the angle of the arms from the shoulders to the wheels.

To determine the necessary seat width, measure the rider's widest area of the body and add one inch. This will allow for optimum seat width while maintaining ideal usability, comfort and safety.

To determine the appropriate seat height, measure from the bend of the knee to the bottom of the foot. Subtract the height of the seat cushion if one is being used. If the wheelchair is not being self propelled by the feet, also add about 2 inches to allow for foot clearance.

Casters typically come in sizes from 3"" to 8"". The smaller the caster the better the maneuverability of the chair and the less likely it is to shimmy. But smaller casters on unpaved surfaces, riding in and out of elevators, or passing over street grates can be more problematic. Smaller casters are typical of chairs used for sports like basketball, which is played on an even, hard surface, yet their maneuverability makes them popular for everyday use. 3"" casters require the most riding skill and may not be the best choice for a first time wheelchair user.

The large 8", pneumatic (air-filled) caster provides the softest ride and easily rolls over bumps and raised surface, yet makes propelling the chair more difficult. Because of their size, 8"" casters can be an obstruction coming into contact with furniture or the rider's foot. Pneumatic tires need to be kept inflated with the correct pressure, and are capable of going flat.

4" to 6" casters offer a good combination of maneuverability, performance and ease of riding over surface obstructions. Composite (airless) casters offer better durability and quicker ride, while pneumatic casters provide a softer, slower experience.

A chair's rear seat-to-floor height is most commonly set at a height 1" lower than the front seat height.

The rear of the seat is generally set at lower height than the front of the seat to prevent sliding forward.

2. Elevating Leg Rests are used when better circulation is needed or there is limited mobility in the leg. They raise the foot, straightening the leg. A calf pad is usually included.

3. Fixed Riggings are attached to the wheelchair frame and are not collapsible or removable, but the height of the footplate can be adjusted to the proper fitting.

For optimum comfort and safety, leg rests should provide a proper foundation for the legs and feet. The bottom thigh area should be fully supported by the seat while the soles of the feet are supported by the foot rests.

Discomfort, stress and poor posture can be caused when the legs and feet are left hanging without the support they need or when the foot rests are too high. Poorly fitted leg rests can have a destablizing effect on the chair, making it more difficult to push and navigate due to improper weight distribution.

Removable and fixed footrests are available at different angles depending on the users needs. A lesser angle allows the feet to extend further in front of the wheelchair for people who do not bend well at the knees. It also allows the heels of the feet to avoid the wheels when using larger diameter casters. A higher angle will bring the feet closer to your body and the wheelchair, shortening the overall wheelbase, allowing the wheelchair to turn in tighter spaces.