Electric wheelchairs are a convenient mode of transportation for people with limited mobility. People who have used manual wheelchairs probably won't switch unless they need to, but prospective users should understand the considerations they face when choosing one over the other.
They must also consider the physical capabilities of the person using the chair and whether or not the wheelchair can get through doorways, hallways, or even restaurants in some cases. For which the knowledge of the wheelchair dimensions, especially the width, matters.
But have you ever wondered how wide is an electric wheelchair? Wondered if a doorway at a friend's house would be wide enough for your wheelchair to fit through? This blog post tells you exactly that, plus it tells you how wide doorways should be to accommodate wheelchair users and how to make your home wheelchair accessible.
How Wide Is an Electric Wheelchair?
The width of a wheelchair may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but not by a lot. Because manufacturers need to consider the average width of the doorways, besides the dimensions of the persons who will use them.
On average, the width of an electric wheelchair is 27 inches, but it can be anywhere from 26 to 29 inches. If you're worried about whether it will fit your doorways or not, you don't need to worry much. Because the standard door width in US homes is 36 inches. Even small homes have 30-32 inches doorways which are very common.
The problem is that electric wheelchairs come with their own bells and whistles. The larger batteries, whether it has armrests or not, and whether it has any footrests at all, may affect the width of a wheelchair, which may end up inappropriate for your home. So, don't forget to take a measuring tape with you while shopping.
How Wide Should Doorways Be to Accommodate Wheelchair Users?
There are no definitive guidelines for how wide doorways should be to accommodate wheelchair users, as there are many factors to consider. However, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recommends a minimum clear width of 32 inches for doorways.
This means that there should be at least 32 inches of clear space between the door and any obstacles, such as walls or furniture. There are also a few other factors to keep in mind when determining how wide doorways should be for wheelchair users.
For example, the width of the wheelchair itself should be taken into account. If the wheelchair is too wide for the door, then the user will not be able to enter the room. In addition, the type of wheelchair should be considered. Some wheelchairs have wider seats than others, which means that they will need a wider doorway.
Finally, it is important to remember that not all wheelchair users are the same. Some users may need more space to maneuver their wheelchair, while others may be able to get by with a narrower doorway. It is important to consult with wheelchair users to determine their specific needs.
Make Your Home Wheelchair Accessible
Only altering the doorway width and buying a narrower electric wheelchair won't be enough. You need to make other changes to the different areas of your house to make it more wheelchair-friendly:
1. How Can I Make My Doorways Wheelchair Friendly?
The first thing you need to do is widen the doorways in your home. This can be done by removing the door trim and framing. Then, you will need to install a wheelchair-accessible door. These doors are wider than standard doors and have a lower threshold. You can find these doors at most home improvement stores.
2. How Can I Make My Home Entrances Wheelchair Accessible?
If you have a step at your home's entrance, you will need to install a ramp. This can be a temporary or permanent ramp. There are many different types of ramps available. You can find one that best suits your needs at most home improvement stores. However, before buying, you need to know the maximum slope for a wheelchair ramp.
3. How Can I Make My Bathrooms and Kitchens Wheelchair Friendly?
Making your bathroom and kitchen wheelchair-friendly can be a bit more challenging. You will need to install grab bars in the shower and near the toilet. You will also need to lower the height of your countertops. This can be done by removing the base cabinets.
4. How to Make the Whole Home Wheelchair Friendly?
Making your whole home wheelchair-friendly can be a bit more challenging. You might need to rearrange your furniture. With a little planning and effort, it can be done. Here are some tips on how to make your home wheelchair accessible:
- Remove any obstacles in the way. This includes things like stairs, thresholds, and narrow doorways. If possible, widen doorways and install ramps to make it easier to get around.
- Make sure all rooms are easily accessible. This means having enough space to move around in and being able to reach everything you need.
- Pay attention to the details. Things like doorknobs, light switches, and appliance controls should be easy to reach and use.
- Invest in quality products. When it comes to things like wheelchair lifts and ramps, you want to make sure they're built to last.
With a little planning and effort, you can make your home a comfortable and convenient place to live.
Conclusion
The width of an electric wheelchair and the width of a doorway for a wheelchair user are interconnected. That's why, when you are considering a home modification for an electric wheelchair user, it is important to take into consideration the width of the wheelchair.
In general, a standard door has 80cm (31.5 inches), but if this door needs to accommodate a power wheelchair user, then it may need to be altered sometimes. Generally, 36 inches is usually sufficient for doorways for most electric wheelchairs.
Another option is to buy an electric wheelchair that is smaller than your doorways, not just 1-2 inches, but probably a bit more than that. Because to be able to get through a doorway and have enough space to maneuver, you need a certain amount of space both in front of you and beside you.
FAQs
1. How much does the average electric wheelchair weigh?
Answer: A manual wheelchair may range in weight from 15 to 60 pounds. In contrast, an electric wheelchair typically weighs between 50 and 250 pounds.
2. How can I make my home wheelchair accessible?
Answer: There are a few things you can do to make your home more accessible for a wheelchair user. First, make sure all doorways and hallways are at least 32 inches wide. Second, install ramps or lifts as needed. Third, make sure there are no obstacles in the way that could block the path of a wheelchair.
3. What are some tips for using an electric wheelchair?
Answer: Here are a few tips for using an electric wheelchair:
- Make sure the area you are using the wheelchair in is clear of obstacles.
- Always use the handrails when going up or down ramps.
- When going up or downstairs, use the wheelchair's lift or have someone assist you.
- Be careful when going over uneven surfaces.