Anthropometry of Wheeled Mobility Project: Final Report

This data provides the minimum dimensions for the rectangular floor area required by occupied wheeled mobility devices (i.e., with the occupant seated in their own wheeled mobility device) when stationary. Clear floor area dimensions are used for determining the size of spaces designated for wheeled mobility users (such as on buses, in movie theaters, sports stadiums). The clear floor area width dimension also informs the minimum clearance width for successful passage through corridors, doorways, and wheelchair ramps. Currently, the ADA accessibility guidelines prescribe a minimum floor area of 760 x 1220 mm (30 x 48 in.) for wheeled mobility access. Dimensions are based on length and width measurements obtained from occupied wheeled mobility devices as part of the Anthropometry of Wheeled Mobility Study. These data suggest minimum clear floor area dimensions of 786 x 1362 mm (31 x 54 in.) for manual chairs, 827 x 1414 mm (33 x 56 in.) for powered chairs, and 837 x 1435 mm (33 x 56 in.) for scooters when needing to accommodate 95% of users.