There are varieties of wheelchairs available in the market. Before buying wheelchairs for hospital purpose, it is very essential to have a basic idea on wheel chairs. The following guideline will help you to choose proper wheelchairs:

Types of Wheelchairs
Lightweight wheelchair
You can use this wheelchair:

• If the patient weighs under 300 lbs.
• If the patient can self propel with some difficulty or has someone that pushes them.
• This is the most popular type manual wheelchair.
• It can do everything the standard wheelchair does but weighs about 10 lbs less.

Heavy duty, extra wide or bariatric wheelchair
This is a heavy wheelchair for persons weighing from 300 to 1000 lbs.

Reclining Wheelchair

• This is recommended for patients that spend long hours in one or who need to be in a prone position at times.
• This wheelchair is heavy and hard to transport.

Transport Wheelchair

• This is for occasional use.
• This wheelchair is lightweight and easy to transport.
• Many models have a folding back and fit in an ambulance very easily.

Seat Size
This is probably the most important information needed when buying a wheel chair. You need to know the seat width, depth, and height.

Seat Width
The wheelchair user should use a measuring tape to get an accurate measurement and it is recommended to allow one to two inches on each side for winter coats, heavy clothing etc.

Seat Depth
With the user or the patient sitting upright in a chair, measure from the back of the seat to about two inches behind the knees. The seat should be long enough to provide proper leg support without rubbing against the back of the lower legs.

Seat Height
For a person 5'4" and above, the standard 19" to 21" seat height of the wheelchair works well unless they are using a wheelchair seat cushion. For a person below 5'4" , the semi seat height of 17" to 18" seat height works best and for a person 4'11" and below, the super-semi seat height of 14" to 16" is what is required.

Types of Footrest
Footrest
Swing-away footrest is available if any user or patient do not need his legs elevated because of swelling or other problems but do need to swing the footrest out of the way to get into and out of the wheelchair. This is available on almost all manual wheelchairs. It does not have calf pads to help support the leg.

Elevating Legrest
Elevating Legrest or Articulating Legrest are your choices for wheelchairs if the patient or the user require his legs to be elevated because of swelling or other problems. The basic difference between Elevating Legrest and Articulating Legrest is that on the Articulating Legrest the footplate extends out a few inches as the leg is elevated.

Types of Armrest
Desk Length Arms
This is for getting close to tables, etc. Available in detachable style only.

Full Length Arms
If the extra length is needed for pushing themselves up from the chair or if extra arm support is needed, full length arms are available in detachable or fixed styles.