Stay Mobile in an Extra-Wide Wheelchair
An extra-wide wheelchair may be what you need if you're hoping to stay comfortable while you get around or travel. There are many types of wheelchairs on eBay in a variety of conditions to suit your needs and budget.
How big are the seats?Standard wheelchairs are usually either 16 or 18 inches, but wide wheelchairs start at 20 inches and many bariatric models can come in 20, 22, or 24 inches. There are some larger models that can measure 28 or 30 inches across. See the manufacturer site for details.
To determine the ideal width, take a measurement of the widest part of the body when seated. If the model that you're interested in has armrests that are affixed to the outside of the seat, you can stick with the measurement you've taken. If a particular wheelchair has armrests mounted above the edges of the seat, you may need to add an extra inch or two.
Features of extra-wide wheelchairsAll of these products will be able to get you from point A to point B. They may come with additional features for added comfort or convenience, such as those listed here:
- High-strength aluminum footplates
- High weight capacity
- Removable and/or adjustable armrests
- Dual axles for adjustable seat height
- Loop brakes
- Elevated leg rests
- Back rests that can recline
Many models have capacities of 350 or 450 pounds, and some can go up to 500 or 650 pounds, or even higher. See the manufacturer site for details. Many of these wide wheelchairs are very strong and durable. Their strength comes from a few factors, the first of which is the type of material used. Many models incorporate titanium, steel, or aluminum because of their stiffness. Other features that help the wheelchairs withstand regular wear and tear could include:
- Reinforced frames with gusseted side frames and additional supports at load-bearing points
- Dual cross-braces
- Heavy-duty welded forks to reduce wobbling
- Solid casters
- Double-lined upholstery
On eBay, you'll likely find products, such as new and used extra wide wheelchairs, made by several companies. Brands of wheelchairs that can accommodate larger users include:
- Excel
- Invacare
- Sentra
- Merits
- Everest and Jennings
- Karman
- Quickie
- Traveler
When you're getting in and out of a wheelchair and traveling frequently, you could consider getting a foldable model. There are foldable wheelchairs that have wide seats and high-weight capacities. These can easily be folded up, or even disassembled when not in use, so that you can store them out of the way.