Wheelchair For a Tall Person: Find the Perfect Fit

Many tall individuals with mobility challenges often hesitate to use wheelchairs because they have difficulty finding one that accommodates their body proportions. The standard wheelchair design does not always cater to the needs of tall users, making it a hurdle to search for a comfortable, ergonomic option. However, taller people can choose from some specific types and models. These types can range from standard to tilt-in-space wheelchairs, each with features to support a taller person's needs.

Types of Wheelchairs

Manual Wheelchair

Manual wheelchairs typically have a lightweight frame and are easy to transport. The user operates them, or an attendant pushes the wheelchair, which is why handicapped users prefer getting a transport wheelchair for a tall person. Tall individuals can benefit from these wheelchairs as they can be customized to fit personal requirements, including seat depth, back height, and armrest height.

Power Wheelchair

Power wheelchairs are for those who cannot self-propel a manual wheelchair. This electric wheelchair for a tall person can have an adjustable backrest, a high seat height, and configurable seat dimensions to accommodate longer legs. Some power wheelchairs even come with adjustable footrests and push handles.

Heavy-Duty Wheelchair

These heavy-duty wheelchairs are designed for larger individuals, but they can also benefit taller users. They usually come with a wider seat and a higher backrest, making them more comfortable for people with longer legs and a taller upper body. The wheelchairs are built with sturdy materials for additional strength and durability.

Reclining Wheelchair

Reclining wheelchairs allow the wheelchair-bound individual to recline at certain angles safely and comfortably. This feature is great for tall individuals since it offers increased comfort and eases transfers from the wheelchair. This high-back wheelchair for a tall person includes a backrest that’s approximately twice the height of a standard wheelchair, making it a great option for individuals with longer torsos who would benefit from the additional support all the way up their back.

Standing Wheelchair

This type of wheelchair enables users to stand with ease. Specific models can be adjusted for tall people. Standing wheelchairs promote better bone density, enhanced kidney and bladder function, and improved circulation.

Tilt-in-Space Wheelchairs

These wheelchairs offer tilt adjustments that allow users to modify their seating position, lowering pressure sores and improving comfort. Manual tilt wheelchairs are ideal for tall people who can adjust the wheelchair to aid their leg length effectively.

Factors to Consider When Buying Wheelchairs for a Tall Person

• Seat Width. For a tall person, it is important to choose a wide wheelchair that has a suitable seat width. Tall individuals often have a larger body frame. A narrow seat can cause discomfort and restrict movement, whereas a wider seat can affect maneuverability.
• Seat Depth. Seat depth is the distance from the front to the back of the seat. If the seat depth is too short, the user might not have enough support for their thighs, which could lead to discomfort or pressure sores. If the seat is too deep, it can create pressure behind the knees, causing discomfort.
• Seat-to-Floor Height. Also known as the knee-to-heel length, it is an important measurement for wheelchair users and determines how high up the seat is off the ground. Most manual wheelchairs on the market range from 17.5" to 19.5" STF height. One of Aracent Healthcare's models, the Invacare 9000 XDT Heavy-Duty Manual Wheelchair, has a "TALL" STF height option that could be selected to offer a 21.5” high seat.
• Backrest Height. For most users, the back upholstery should come up to their scapula (i.e., shoulder blades). Most standard manual wheelchairs, though, have a fixed 16" back height. Three of Aracent Healthcare's models, the 9000 XT Manual Wheelchair, the 9000 SL Manual Wheelchair, and the 9000 XDT, come with adjustable back heights that range from 15" to 19". So, taller users would benefit from these chairs when moving the backs to the upper range.
• Leg Length. Most wheelchair footrests and leg rests have a fixed length to the footplate or, more likely, a small range to adjust the length (around 17" to 21"). Some footrests, however, like the Invacare Smartleg® Articulating Legrests offered by Aracent Healthcare, have spring-loaded telescopic footplates for effortless extension up to 25". This added length makes them an excellent choice for someone with long legs.
• Armrest Height. For maximum comfort and proper positioning, a wheelchair’s armrest height should be one that supports the user’s forearm in a position parallel to the floor without raising or lowering the shoulders. The correct height can also be crucial for individuals who use the armrest to push themselves up when transferring from the chair. Considering this, the fixed-height armrests included with many wheelchairs simply aren’t suitable for taller people. Instead, tall wheelchair users should look for options with adjustable-height armrests that can be raised to the proper position for ideal comfort and support.
• Armrest Length. Wheelchair armrests are generally offered in two standard lengths. Desk-length armrests are shorter and ideal for individuals who would like to scoot in closer to a desk or table. However, full-length armrests are often more suitable for tall wheelchair users with longer arms, as they extend further and provide added support through the wrist and hands.
• Wheelchair Weight. The weight of the wheelchair is another important factor to consider. A lightweight wheelchair can be more manageable for self-propelling but also needs to be sturdy enough to withstand the height and weight of the user over prolonged use.
• Maneuverability and Size. The wheelchair should be easy to use, particularly in tight spaces. It should not be too wide or long, making maneuvering difficult for the wheelchair user.
• Durability. Considering the user's size and weight, the tall wheelchair must be sturdy enough to sustain long-term use without compromising its function and structure.
• Comfort. Lastly, comfort should always be a priority. Good cushioning, comfortable armrests, adequate knee space, and an overall ergonomic design are essential for higher comfort levels.

Different Accessories to Assist Taller Wheelchair Users

• Height-Adjustable Wheelchair Footrest. These offer comfort and proper leg positioning for taller individuals. There are also swing-away footrests if the user needs to get off the wheelchair without removing the entire footrest.
• Elevated Leg Rests. Basic footrests can sometimes lead to discomfort for tall wheelchair users when improper leg angles create unwanted pressure. This in turn can negatively impact pelvic and sitting positions when attempting to compensate, subsequently transferring discomfort to the lower back. Elevating leg rests with supportive calf pads allow the user to raise their legs up to 180° to spread out the pressure load while maintaining pelvic positioning. They also help increase circulation and prevent swelling.
• Extended Armrests. These support longer arms, reducing muscle tension and promoting proper posture.
• Extra-Tall Back Cushions. Cushioned backrests are a great option for improving a wheelchair user's posture, support, and overall comfort level. What’s more, many backrests are offered in height options greater than what’s normally available with a wheelchair’s standard sling upholstery back. Upgrading to a cushioned backrest is a perfect way to increase support and comfort for taller users.
• Extended Wheelchair Frame. Taller individuals often require a longer frame with a deeper seat for more space and comfort. The 16” or 18” standard seat depths typically offered with basic depot wheelchairs don’t always provide adequate support for taller users with longer thighs. Oftentimes, customizable wheelchairs are the perfect solution for taller users, as they offer deeper seat options than are normally available with their standard counterparts.
• Wheelchair Seat Cushion. Seat cushions come in various heights, making it suitable for tall individuals to select a proper one. There are even innovative features of seat cushions that improve skin protection, like the Matrx PSP Cushion from Aracent Healthcare. This cushion type has a Startex™ inner cover for extra moisture protection and a molded high resilient polyurethane foam made with Ultra-fresh™ antimicrobial for bacteria and odor protection.
• Adjustable Headrest. Wheelchair headrests are great for providing added head and neck support, especially when using tilting or reclining models. Some wheelchairs may include a fixed headrest that fails to align correctly with the head of taller users. Look for headrest options that offer vertical posts for height adjustment and pivot balls for head pad angle orientation.
• Adjustable Anti-Tippers. Placed at the back of the chair, they prevent the wheelchair from tipping over. This safety feature is crucial for taller individuals who may have the ability to lean back over the backrest, shifting the wheelchair’s center of gravity.
• Wheelchair Joystick Extension. This type of accessory is important for powered wheelchairs since the user has a joystick to move the wheelchair around. A longer joystick can help taller people operate their wheelchairs comfortably.

Buy Wheelchairs Built for Taller Individuals From Aracent Healthcare

Choosing the correct wheelchair is crucial for ensuring comfort, mobility, and independence for taller people. Aracent Healthcare knows the needs of taller individuals, so we have functional and comfortable wheelchairs tailored to meet those needs. Whether it's a power or manual wheelchair for a tall person, we'll ensure you find the solution for your mobility needs with us.

Aracent Healthcare is a reliable supplier of wheelchairs designed for taller individuals. Experience the comfort of a perfectly fitted wheelchair that can improve your daily life. Get in touch with us for any inquiries regarding our custom chairs or accessories.