Center for International Rehabilitation

Whirlwind Africa 1

Finding Seat Heights and Seat Widths - Standard Sizes

To figure out the size wheelchair to build for your customer you will need to measure your customer to find the seat width.

Finding the Seat Width Have your customer sit in a wheelchair, or a table, that is larger than she is. Slide books in on either side of her until the books just touch but are not squeezing her hips. A seat this wide will give most riders enough room to move while still keeping the chair reasonable narrow. Measure the distance between the two books and use this measurement for the width of the seat.

Standard Seat Heights for 24" and 26" rear wheels

We have set some standard seat heights for common wheel sizes. See Page ? if you want to make special seat heights.

Making Cross Tubes for Standard Sizes

1. Find the seat width that fits your client.
2. Find the size to cut your cross tube for the wheel size you are using

See Jigs and Fixtures Drawings for full scale

Cut length 24" wheel 26" wheel a 28cm 24cm 20cm b 32cm 29cm 26cm c 36cm 34cm 31cm d 40cm 39cm 36cm e 44cm 42cm 41cm f 48cm 47cm 46cm

3. Drill holes centered in the square tube.

Metal Working Techniques

To round the ends of your round tubing, you can use Tube Ending Tools. See Drawings Jigs and Fixtures.