Development of a universal wheelchair narrower.

Abstract

A wheelchair user's mobility may be hampered by narrow doorways and restricted turning spaces. Mobility may be improved by undertaking expensive building alterations in the wheelchair user's own home and work environment. However, other environments, including modes of public transport, may still present considerable difficulties. One way of improving mobility is to reduce the overall width of a wheelchair with the occupant still seated within it. This is achieved by using a clamp, known as a "wheelchair narrower" which can be fitted and operated either by the wheelchair user or an attendant. The narrower takes advantage of the inherent design of a wheelchair which permits folding for storage. A universal wheelchair narrower was manufactured and tested at Tayside Rehabilitation Engineering Services. It was designed to be used on 69% of wheelchairs issued through the National Health Service in Scotland. Tests revealed that wheelchairs could be narrowed by between 38 and 127 mm depending upon the type of wheelchair. Active wheelchair users reported that the device was particularly useful when travelling.