Wheelchair Measuring Secrets YOU NEED TO KNOW TO AVOID GETTING AN INCORRECTLY FITTED WHEELCHAIR

Wow! This has been the best explanation of how to fit a chair that I have ever heard and I have been in a chair for 36 years. Thank you so much! I have not purchased a new chair for about 15 years because I was afraid of getting a worse fit.

Youtube recommended me this (probably because I've been searching a lot about wheelchairs) and I can't even describe how fast I clicked on this video lol. I'm way too excited about the fact that a video like this one exists, so even before watching the whole thing I want to say: thank you! After years of struggling with a spinal cyst (probably caused by a hypermobility syndrome), I decided to get a proper wheelchair... and no matter where I turn to, everyone says "well, ask your doctor or an OT", which is on one hand understandable, BUT... due to my atypical diagnosis, this all will have to be out of pocket, so insurance connected doctors and therapists wouldn't help me with this as there's not going to be any insurance assistance with this (not even talking about how indication for a wheelchair is only leg amputation or a full leg paralysis here). Plus I've been made aware by other people that even the doctors and OT's here don't always fully know how to pick a wheelchair and how to make it fit properly, so many people apparently have it measured wrong... so being constantly told to "just go to professionals and leave it up to them" isn't really as helpful as people think (if it would reliably solve everything, then I would do that already, I promise lol). I'm elated that you made this video, thank you once again.

From what I’ve seen, I swear 90% of OT’s have no idea how to script a wheelchair. As a 44 year veteran para in Australia, it makes me sad to see capable paras’ put into chairs way to big for them, or CG so far back and backs so high that they are restricted in their activities. I settled on my specs 30 years ago, and I still have to argue to get it the same. Think about that. 44 yrs lived experience vs usually <10 yrs OT at best. And they think they know better. Well done 👍🏻 for this video, and To Reg for keeping them on track.

i know you posted this 2 years ago so im hoping you get this msg. ABSALUTLY brilliant. Im on my second wheelchair. My situation has changed. Iv had a through knee amputation and my old chair just wasnt right for my balance or pushing. Having to use my left leg to Keep my balance. That means i have to move my foot to centre of foot bar. I no longer could use the single foot rests. My seeting had to be changed. Now a bucket position. Longer cushion to hold ALL of my stumpl etc etc. I was lucky to know and be involved with the Invictus set up. Exersize classes shown on TV. Thats where i headed. Yes people head for a place that has a wheelchair user. I didnt last time and realise so many wrong measurments. This one is tippy and im getting use to that. Never did wheelies before. Thought it was just me. Now i realise my chair just wouldnt allow me to do that. Hard work pushing. Very comfy though and i think thats what sold it to me. But this one is just right for me. Had teething trouble choosing breaks. Thought we had nailed it but by time chair made for me i was having problems with my hands. The break handles looked cool and neet. but not practicle. Now have different style. Thats one thing i love about this chair. Ive gone for solid this time and there are many adjustments i can meke if kneeded. So hopfully i wont have to change the whole thing. Just parts. Hearing how the fixed chairs began was facinating. All the info has bee usfull and answered my biggest question.. "why does my chair feel tippy". Thank you for your post... from Hereford England.d..

Thank you SO MUCH! I’m over due for a new chair and have probably put it off because of the bad experiences I’ve had with the first two. The information you’ve provide has given me new hope and a big smile!

Thank you! This is so fantastic. Incredibly helpful!

Thank you for taking the time to go into detail.

Very interesting stuff. Something you spend many hours a day in should always be custom made. Like you said it’s an extension of your body. One size fits nobody really in this case. So it has to be made for how you use it.

So helpful! My chair is definitely not well fitted for me. Thank you for your insight and Reg’s… He’s the man!

Its the only video that goes more deeper in the measurements good job it has helped me in the order .The dimension you are showing on the cad drawing is not the wheelbase . For 4 inch casters the minimum distance between the center of the wheels can be 380mm , 16inch is for 5 " casters

Watching this the day of my second sizing. Thank you so much

Thank you so much for this video 🙏🏻 Saving up for my first wheelchair. Have some many questions and couldn’t find an actual video regarding just what you covered here. Awesome video.

Best video on choosing a wheelchair that I've seen! You did an excellent job Brittany. Wish I'd had this when I got my chair.

This is amazing. Thank you so much for sharing your experience, and doing this so others dont have to spend so long living without this information! It is priceless

Great video! Been a chair user for 40 years and I always feel like the people who measure don't always know how to measure correctly. This helps me as I go forward in purchasing my next chair.

Awesome video secrets thanks for the video really cool

Thank you for this! Great questions and answers. I think it definitely helps to design and purchase from someone who also is a wc user. When I got my accident that made me a T6 paraplegic five years ago the person who fitted my wc didn't reeally understand the nuances and mechanics that need to be considered in the design. Its so frustrating that I cannot sustain a wheelie which is crucial to getting around in certain situations among some things.

Very helpful, thank you both for sharing your Knowledge & hopefully save us wasting time money & pain in not getting what we need!

Great video

Wow this is so helpful! Happy International Wheelchair Day! I just subscribed.