All about extra tall wheelchairs: aka high back or reclining wheelchairs

Did you know, that we have two dedicated categories specifically for people that are extra tall?  Click on either of the below links to get more information on these two categories, or watch the below video.  There is a third option if either of the below two doesn’t work for you, so stay tuned.

RECLINING WHEELCHAIR vs. TILT IN SPACE WHEELCHAIR

A wheelchair that is designed for taller than average people will need to have a larger seat height than usual, it would also need to be a longer frame height, and it would also need to have longer footrests. Tall people find it difficult sometimes to find a wheelchair that fits their large body type.  Wheelchairs that are designed to be larger typically are heavier and have a back rest that extends at least twice the normal size of a wheelchair.  The frame of the wheelchair is typically larger in general to account for not only above the waist but also below as well.  This would be typically designed for someone that is above 5’11 and beyond.  

One of the things you can do to accommodate a tall person, is to tweak the footrest legs to the lowest possible setting, this will allow the user enough leg room to make up for the upper wheelchair space. The issue with this is that you can set the footrests so low that any type of sudden change in surface levels, and you could find yourself falling over if your footplates hit the ground at some point.  If the above two categories didn’t work, then you might want to take look at our bariatric category and extend the back rest extensions or ad more height by a custom type of head rest and / or back extension.  There are also tailored type custom wheelchairs to your needs.

 

For more customized types of wheelchairs, check out our ERGO FLEXX and BARRIATRIC CATEGORIES for more information. 

Extra Tall Wheelchair

Seat Height and Wheelchair Adjustments

An alternative to buying a larger wheelchair to accommodate a user’s height is to buy a padded cushion, a very tall cushion to allow the user the room they need to fit their body in the chair comfortably. What this would do is heighten the level where the user is seated, meaning that there is more room below the seat to accommodate their large lower limbs.

One problem with this alternative is that if you were to try to fit your chair under a table, you would probably not be able to with a large seat cushion. This means that when you are going to sit at a table with your chair, you would need to remove the extra cushion to allow your body to be leveled with the table.

Larger footplates can also help taller users to be comfortable when they place their feet. If your feet were large then I would recommend looking into buying a pair of oversized footplates. The only problem with this is that when you pass through a narrow space, such as a doorway, the footrests may get in the way of you getting through that space.

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Reclining Wheelchairs are specially designed to allow a person to comfortably recline at incremental angles safely and comfortably. Typically used for accommodation of severe hip extension contractures, orthostatic hypotension, and pressure re-distribution for prevention of skin breakdown.

Recliner Wheelchairs work better with Elevating Legrests (ELRs); the user’s legs and feet can also be re-positioned for maximum comfort and health benefits. The “ELRs” are optional on some models and standard on others.  Be sure to ask about which type of ELR is best suitable for your seating and position needs.

On some wheelchairs this is an option so be sure to check the options and accessories when purchasing. Tilt in Space wheelchairs are often considered for those who seek the best product in a reclining wheelchair or tilt in space wheelchair. The MVP-502 Recliner is the “top of the line” recliner wheelchair available on the market today.  With tension strap seating and back positioning, it also provides a patented ergonomic “V-Shape” seating system providing maximum comfort and is also used as a “seat dump”, preventing the user from sliding out of the chair while in the full recline position.

Furthermore, the MVP-502 has an articulating pivot point for the armrests and is the only reclining wheelchair on the market today where the armrests incrementally shift to the rear of the wheelchair as the user is reclined.  This promotes good posture and offers a natural armrest positioning when the user seeks a favorable reclining angle.