Wheelchairs come in many shapes, sizes, and configurations. Here’s what to know before ordering and how Platform Solutions makes the process easier for your procurement team.
When it comes to mobility aids, wheelchairs are one of the most important, and often most misunderstood, pieces of equipment in healthcare. Whether you’re purchasing for an individual, a hospital, or a long-term care facility, the right wheelchair can drastically improve comfort, independence, and quality of life. The wrong one, however, can lead to discomfort, reduced mobility, and higher replacement costs. According to the National Institutes of Health, a poorly chosen wheelchair can lead to issues like poor posture, pressure sores, and unnecessary strain on caregivers. That’s why procurement teams need a clear framework for ordering, so nothing gets overlooked.
In this guide, we’ll break down the different wheelchair types, features, and accessories to consider, along with practical tips for procurement teams.
The Most Common Wheelchair Configurations
At Platform Solutions, our procurement platform ensures product descriptions are clear and consistent. Each wheelchair listing follows a format we consider the most important for decision-making:
Wheelchair → Seat Width × Seat Depth → Armrest Type → Leg rest Type
This helps buyers quickly scan for key specifications without sifting through dense technical manuals.
Here are some of the most commonly ordered features:
Leg Rests: Elevating leg rests are popular for comfort and circulation support, while swing-away leg rests make transfers easier.
Seat Sizes: The standard 20”W × 16”D and 18”W × 16”D are the most frequently purchased. While 20” × 18” and 18” × 18” options exist, they are less common and tend to cost more.
Armrests: Desk arms (more common) allow the chair to fit under tables and desks, while full-length arms provide additional support for transfers.
Additional Wheelchair Options to Consider
While most orders follow the standard setup, certain situations call for specialized adjustments:
- Highback or Reclining Models: Ideal for residents requiring extra head, neck, or back support.
- Height Adjustability: A “hemi” wheelchair sits lower to the floor (14–15”), useful for users who propel with their feet. Hemi kits can retrofit certain chairs, though they often come at a higher cost.
- Upholstery: Vinyl is easier to clean and disinfect, a key priority for infection control, while nylon offers better breathability for comfort.
- Transport Wheelchairs: Lightweight and designed for short-distance travel, these chairs lack large self-propel wheels and require an attendant to push.
Replacement Parts and Accessories
Wheelchair maintenance is crucial for safety and usability. Commonly ordered replacement parts include:
- Brakes
- Cup holders
- Anti-tippers (to prevent tipping backward)
- Anti-rollbacks (to keep the wheelchair stable when not moving)
By keeping these parts on hand, facilities can minimize downtime and extend the lifespan of their wheelchair fleet.
How Platform Solutions Simplifies Procurement
Traditional ordering methods can be slow, unclear, and prone to errors. Platform Solutions changes that with a centralized, easy-to-navigate procurement platform designed for healthcare organizations.
If your facility is ready to streamline procurement, reduce costs, and improve resident outcomes, visit our Platform Solutions homepage . We are always there if you have any questions! Reach out to info@platformsolutions.com for more information, or call 732.519.0400.
Next up: We’ll dive into Broda chairs — a specialized, high-end seating solution for residents with complex mobility and positioning needs.
