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Can a chair fit through a 30-inch door? Yes, most standard doorways measure 30–32 inches wide and are enough for standard chair access.
After I started using a manual chair, I had to think about my accessibility around the house. If you are facing the same issue, here are some helpful answers. Read more!
Table of Contents
Can a Wheelchair Fit Through a 30-inch Door?
Most chair users have to deal daily with limited access through tight doorways. But the standard wheelchair is 26 inches wide, and a 30-inch door won’t be challenging to pass through. (1)
However, the chair width range can span from 25 to 35 inches, so some wheelchair types won’t fit through an average doorway. It would be best if you considered widening narrow doorways so these mobility devices can have access.
Another option is to have a narrow chair, which is best suited to tackle narrow spaces. These transport chairs have a reduced seat width of up to 20 inches, allowing access through tight spaces.
You may also check a few of the narrow and the best chair for seniors.
Here is a YouTube video on how individuals with disabilities can navigate tight corners using power wheelchairs.
Check how to get a free wheelchair in the video below.
What Is the Best Doorway Width for Wheelchair Users?
According to ADA accessibility standards, a regular 32-inch door can fit the standard type of wheelchair. However, not all doorways, such as bathroom and side doors, meet this recommended standard. (2)
Most bedroom doors lack a direct approach, forcing one to make a tight corner to access the room. This can prove challenging to people with disabilities since the maneuvering space may be too small.
For this reason, you may need a 36-inch wide door, the highest door measurement the ADA recommends. This will give you ample space and ground clearance to quickly access the room without injuring your elbow.
How To Make Your Door Chair Accessible?
The average chair size is 26 inches wide, but most people with mobility disabilities may need wider chairs. This warrants disability-friendly design changes to your home to accommodate the wheelchair.
So what can you do to ensure the new chair fits into your floor space?
1. Get the Narrowest CAhair
Narrow transport chair types help wheelchair users maneuver through tight doorways. You will also operate throughout the floor space without much rearrangement.
Lightweight chairs are foldable, allowing easy storage when traveling or not in use. A YouTube video from NOVA Medical Products shows how lightweight chairs work.
2. Widen Your Doorways
Widening doorways for wheelchair access is your best option if you need a wider-seat chair. The project will be costly since you will need professionals who understand the universal design principles and local construction details well. (3)
This process also includes moving light switches and electric sockets posing architectural barriers. Also, note that you will reframe the doors, so account for the two inches most door frames take.
3. Remove Doors Where Possible
Removing doors is another excellent way to have the needed wide doorway. I had my kitchen door and frame removed, which gave me extra inches of additional space.
Using French doors saves you extra space, allowing easy maneuverability. I opted for pocket doors for my bathroom space.
How To Choose a Wheelchair That Fits Narrow Doorways?
If you’re looking to buy a chair that fits through a 30-inch door, making an informed decision is crucial. The last thing you want is achair that cannot meet your assisted mobility needs.
Here are three factors to consider.
1. Comfortability
Since people with mobility disabilities spend most of their time in a chair, comfortability is essential. You want to avoid uncomfortable situations or pressure sores from the wrong chair fitting. (4)
So, be free to try out different chairs before opting for one. You can request custom wheels from your chair supplier.
2. Cost
Different narrow chair models have unique price tags on them. But you want one you can afford without straining your set budget.
Note that power chairs are more pricey than their manual counterparts. So, think about why one type of chair is a better fit than the other.
3. Weight
A bulkier wheelchair will prove challenging to carry around, especially if you can walk for shorter distances.
You will have challenges transporting the device since you might even have to check it out as luggage in airports.
Lightweight chairs are more flexible to carry around. If you live in a tight space, these devices are foldable; hence, you can stash them below the bed or in a wardrobe.
READ MORE: How to Get Wheelchair Assistance at Airport?
FAQs
What is the standard doorway width according to ADA regulations?
The Americans with Disabilities Act states that the standard doorway width is 32 inches minimum. People in chairs can navigate through such an opening.
How wide is a standard wheelchair?
The typical width of a standard chair is 26 inches. But various mobility devices like power and bariatric chairs are larger and take up extra space.
How wide are the narrowest wheelchair measurements?
The narrowest chair available measures 21 inches wide and comes with a 17” seat width. The narrowest self-propelling chair has a 16” seat and is 23.5 inches wide.
Conclusion
The question “can a chair fit through a 30-inch door?” bothers many wheelchair users. This is because wheelchair accessibility is affected around the house and in public buildings.
If you’ll need to frequently pass through a 30-inch doorway, don’t worry, your wheelchair will probably fit through it. If it doesn’t, my tips will help you find a new one.
And if your house will need renovation, now you have all the info you need.
Did you try moving the chair through a 30-inch door? Let us know in the comments
References
- 1. Figure A3. Dimensions of Adult-Sized Wheelchairs [Internet]. www.ada.gov. Available from: https://www.ada.gov/1991standards/descript/reg3a/figA3ds.htm
- 2. U.S. Access Board – Chapter 4: Entrances, Doors, and Gates [Internet]. www.access-board.gov. Available from: https://www.access-board.gov/ada/guides/chapter-4-entrances-doors-and-gates/
- 3. Freed S. Home Remodeling and Improvement Costs [Internet]. AARP. Available from: https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/housing/info-2015/home-fit-dollars-and-sense.html
- 4. Moore ZE, van Etten MT, Dumville JC. Bed rest for pressure ulcer healing in hair users. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2016;
