Wider footplate for wheelchair
The client uses a wheelchair but, following several strokes, her feet are splayed and cannot sit comfortably in the existing footplate on the wheelchair. A wider footplate is required that will not impede the normal working of the wheelchair.
The Challenge
The client’s existing wheelchair has a narrow footrest – the client’s feet can no longer rest comfortably in this restricted space and a solution is required to allow the user to rest her feet comfortably while using the chair.
The solution
The existing footplate is small and centred, it folds up on a hinge when required:
It was decided to replace only the footplate and make use of the existing fittings and folding hinges. The solution was therefore to make a wider footplate with a contoured shape to fit the gap between the wheels, which can fold into the same area. A strong plastic Ikea shelf was repurposed and machined to accept the existing fittings:
A plastic lip was fixed to the edge of footplate at the rear and sides, to prevent the client’s feet from slipping off.
The benefit
The client can use her wheelchair more comfortably without the annoyance of trying to fit her feet into the previous small footplate, and with the added benefit of edge rails to help her feet stay on the new footplate.
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