Adjustable Seat Height Wheelchairs for Better Independence

Using a wheelchair with an adjustable seat height offers several benefits, including elevating the user to an eye contact level with other people. If you want to know the type of adjustable seat height wheelchair that best suits your circumstances, keep reading.

The three common seat height adjustable wheelchairs available on the market are: power adjustable seat height wheelchairs, electric adjustable seat height wheelchairs, and manual seat height adjustable wheelchairs.

Can Wheelchair Seat Height Be Adjusted?

Not every wheelchair seat height can be adjusted. But to make it easier for individuals in wheelchairs to reach desk heights and create an independent environment, modern wheelchair manufacturers like XSTO Mobility are leading in manufacturing wheelchairs with adjustable seat heights.

Types of Wheelchair with Adjustable Seat Height

The type of wheelchair with adjustable seat height you choose will determine your in-seat activity level, access to objects, mobility ease, and independence level. Let’s now look at the different types of wheelchairs with seat height adjustment.

i) Adjustable Seat Height Electric Wheelchair

Wheelchairs with electric adjustable seat height use power motors to actuate hydraulic cylinders or gas pressure springs to raise and lower the seat. This type of wheelchair comes equipped with a lithium battery, which provides power to the adjustable seat system and also propels the wheelchair.

According to the Tandfonline journal, wheelchairs with power-adjustable seat heights can elevate the seat from its standard seat height up 10–12”. From this elevated seat height, one can typically access objects and spaces without much strain.

We also have power-adjustable wheelchairs. They basically have a power base for raising the seat from its standard seat height. Using a user-operated control at the armrest, the wheelchair user can raise or lower the seat independently if capable.

Just like the power seat height adjustable wheelchairs, the electric wheelchair has a user controller function at the figure tips on the armrest for easy and faster seat height adjustment.

Advantages ofElectric Adjustable Seat Height Wheelchair

1. a) No assistance is required to adjust seat height.
2. b) Easy to operate.
3. c) Prevent pain and injuries caused by the upper extremities.
4. d) Increase independence.
5. e) Elevate the user to functional heights.

Disadvantages of Electric Adjustable Seat Height Wheelchair

1. a) Heavier compared to manual wheelchairs.
2. b) Spare parts replacement cost.

Easily Set Your Ideal Seat Height on XSTO M4 Wheelchair

The XSTO M4 is a wheelchair with adjustable seat height and a tilting backrest to give the independence and comfort you need.

XSTO M4 has a control feature for easy seat height adjustment and reclination. This power wheelchair has an automatic Self-balancing function to maintain posture self-balancing at elevated heights. The M4 recline function offers an adjustable angle of 15°, and the seat height range is 347mm-650mm.

ii) Manual Seat Height Adjustable Wheelchairs

As the name suggests, the seat height is adjusted manually. Besides being lightweight, most height-adjustable manual wheelchairs are extra padded for maximum comfort and have a reclining seat for easy adaptation to different environments.

Manual seat adjustable height wheelchairs are relatively cheaper than power and electric wheelchairs, but they require an helper to help with adjusting the seat height. Not much maintenance is necessary, and spare parts replacement costs are lower.

Advantages of manual height-adjustable seat wheelchairs

1. a) Affordable.
2. b) Low maintenance costs.
3. c) Longer life span.
4. d) The majority are made of a strong aluminium frame.

Disadvantages of manual height-adjustable seat wheelchairs

1. a) Require assistance to adjust seat height.
2. b) Doesn’t offer an independent experience.

Tips to Determine Wheelchair Seat Height

Having selected the right seat height adjustable wheelchair, knowing how to set the right seat height will enable the user to experience the wheelchair’s full potential.

When adjusting seat height on a wheelchair, consider these tips:

Tip 1: Determine the height of the wheelchair user

Wheelchair users have varied heights. If the user is short, you’ll need to set the wheelchair seat to a high height. Conversely, a tall

user doesn’t have to raise the seat too high. Depending on the user's height, set the seat height to an eye contact level with other people.

Tip 2: Match leg length with seat height

For optimal foot support at the foot contact surface, ensure the calf length equals the length from the footrest to the top of the wheelchair cushion. This applies if the user intends to use feet to propel it.

Tip 4: Consider wheelchair stability and maneuverability

Whether a manual, power, or electric wheelchair with adjustable seat height, its stability is determined by the position of its centre of gravity. The higher the seat height, the higher the centre of gravity. This results in less stability.

Tip 3: Match the full arm distance to the pushrim for a manual wheelchair

To avoid challenges in pushing a manual wheelchair's rims, set the seat height such that the user’s forearm-upper arm angle is 100-120°. Matching the full arm's length with the pushrim for a manual wheelchair allows the user to have a firm grip to propel the wheelchair.

Frequently Asked Questions

i) What is the standard seat height on a wheelchair?

There’s no standard seat height for wheelchair users since every user has different needs and varied body part sizes. Therefore, one needs to adjust the seat height according to one’s needs and body measurements.

ii) What distance is used to determine proper wheelchair seat height?

A wheelchair's seat height is determined by the distance from the user's heel to the underside of the knee, plus 2 inches. This distance gives the foot a comfortable footrest.

ii) Do wheelchairs come in different seat heights?

Yes. Wheelchairs with adjustable seat heights come in different seat heights. The wheelchair’s standard seat height is determined by: seat cushion, base structural design, seat adjustment system, and other factors.

Conclusion

Seat height-adjustable wheelchairs have different seat adjustment systems. You can either buy a wheelchair with a manual, power, or electric seat height adjustment system. Using a wheelchair that can adjust seat height offers independence in many tasks, whether in an office, supermarket, workshop, or kitchen at home.