Learn how chairs moved by the user or a helper work and what parts they have.
Wheelchair accessories guide: what to check before you choose
Wheelchair accessories are parts and add-ons that a maker or supplier describes as made to be fitted to a wheelchair or used with one, such as footrests, casters, brakes, armrests, cushions, bags and covers. This page is a neutral guide to wheelchair accessories and replacement parts: what each one is for, what to check for fit with the chair, and what to ask a supplier or a therapist. It makes no promise that any part fits any chair, so it tells you what to ask the maker and gives no part numbers, sizes or makers. It also points to the guides for a manual wheelchair, an electric wheelchair and a folding wheelchair, because the type of chair changes which accessories suit.
What are wheelchair accessories?
Wheelchair accessories are parts and add-ons that a maker or supplier describes as made to be fitted to a wheelchair or used with one. Some replace a part that has worn out, some add comfort or support, and some help carry things or protect the chair. The names are not a standard and makers use them in their own way, so compare what each maker states about a part and not the name alone.
Accessory, part or replacement part?
An accessory is usually an extra that the chair can be used without, such as a bag or a cover. A part is something the chair needs in order to work, such as a caster, a brake or a footrest, and a replacement part is a new one that takes the place of a worn or damaged one. The line between them depends on the chair, so ask the maker or supplier how it describes each item.
Which accessories suit which chair
The type of chair changes what suits it. A manual wheelchair has hand rims and rear wheels that the user or a helper moves. An electric wheelchair or motorized wheelchair adds a motor, a battery and controls. A folding wheelchair has a frame that folds, so check that a part does not stop it folding. A scooter has its own parts; see the mobility scooters and folding mobility scooter guides.
What this guide does not tell you
This guide names no brands, part numbers, sizes or makers, and it cannot say that any accessory fits any chair. Fit depends on the make and model of the chair and on the user, so use the questions on this page with the maker, the supplier and a healthcare professional or therapist.
How to check that an accessory fits your chair
Fit and compatibility are the first questions for any accessory, because a part that does not suit the chair can work badly or fail. These notes cover what to check before you choose.
Ask whether the maker says it suits your chair
Ask the maker or supplier whether the part is stated to suit the make and model of the chair, and ask for that statement in writing. A listing that says universal or fits most chairs is not a substitute for asking. Do not assume a part suits a chair because it looks the same.
Check the chair type and its frame
Note whether the chair is manual or powered, whether it folds, and how the part is attached. Compare the way the old part is fitted with the way the new one is stated to be fitted, and check that the part does not stop the chair from folding, locking or moving as the maker describes.
Measure and compare
Where a size matters, measure the part on the chair and compare it with the sizes the maker lists, as the maker lists them. Ask a healthcare professional or therapist which measurements matter for the user's seating and positioning.
Who fits it
Ask who will fit the part and whether the maker's instructions say it needs a trained person. A part that affects how the chair stops, steers or supports the user is a safety matter, so follow the maker's instructions and ask a supplier or a technician if you are unsure.
Footrests and leg rests
Footrest for wheelchair: what it is for
A footrest supports the user's feet and lets them rest in a steady position while the chair is used. Many chairs have footrests that fold up, swing away or come off for transfers, and some have a single footplate. Ask the maker which kind the chair has and how a replacement is attached.
Leg rests for a wheelchair and elevating leg rests
Leg rests support the lower leg, and elevating leg rests can be raised for people who need the legs held at a different angle. Whether a user needs them is a medical question, so ask a healthcare professional or therapist before choosing or adjusting one. Ask the maker how elevating leg rests work on a power chair, and whether a power chair footrest is stated to suit the chair.
Footrest extenders and attachments
A footrest extender or attachment changes how far the foot support reaches or how it is fitted. Ask the maker whether the extender is stated to suit the chair's footrest, whether it changes how the chair tips or turns, and who can fit it.
Calf straps and foot positioning
A calf strap is a band that holds the lower legs in place behind the footrests. Ask a healthcare professional or therapist whether the user needs one, how it should be adjusted and how it affects transfers.
Wheelchair casters, wheels and tires
Wheels and casters are the parts that touch the ground, so they affect how the chair rolls, turns and grips. These notes cover the wheelchair casters, wheels and tires people search for and what to ask before replacing one.
Casters and caster wheels
Casters on a wheelchair are the small front wheels that swivel as the chair turns on many chairs. Replacement caster wheels and replacement front wheels come in different types, so ask the maker which type is stated to suit the chair and the surfaces where it is used. Do not mix parts that the maker does not say go together.
Caster forks, front wheels and bearings
A caster fork holds the caster wheel to the frame, and bearings let the wheel spin. If a front wheel wobbles, sticks or squeaks, stop using the chair until it has been checked, and ask the maker or a technician which parts need replacing.
Rear wheels, rims and hand rims
On a manual wheelchair the user pushes the hand rims on the rear wheels. Ask the maker how a replacement wheel, rim or hand rim attaches, and ask a healthcare professional or therapist about grip and comfort for the user.
Tires and inner tubes
Wheelchair tires can be air filled, solid or airless, and an air filled tire has an inner tube. Ask the maker which type suits the wheel and the way the chair is used, and check tires often for wear, cracks and loss of air.
Quick release wheels and axles
A quick release wheel comes off the chair without tools, which some chairs use for carrying and storage. Ask the maker how the quick release and the axle work, how to check that the wheel is locked in place before use, and whether a replacement axle is stated to suit the chair.
Light up, off road and all terrain wheels
Some wheels are made with lights, and others are described by their makers as made for outdoor or rough surfaces. Ask the maker what each wheel is stated to suit and whether it fits the chair, and see the all terrain wheelchair guide for chairs described as made for outdoor surfaces.
Wheelchair brakes
A wheelchair brake holds the chair still or slows it, and how it works depends on the chair. These notes cover what people search for when they look for a wheelchair brake and what to ask.
Types of wheelchair brake
Many manual wheelchairs have wheel locks that a user or helper pushes or pulls against the tire, and some chairs have hand brakes that a helper uses to slow the chair. Powered chairs have their own braking system. Ask the maker which kind the chair has and what a replacement is stated to suit.
Checking and adjusting brakes
Check that the brakes hold the chair firmly, that both sides work in the same way and that nothing rubs or slips. If a brake does not hold, stop using the chair until it has been checked, and follow the maker's steps for adjusting or replacing it.
Brake extensions and replacements
A brake extension is a part that changes how far a brake lever reaches. Ask a healthcare professional or therapist whether the user needs one, ask the maker whether it is stated to suit the chair, and ask who can fit it.
Armrests for wheelchairs
Armrests support the user's arms and can affect transfers and how close the chair can get to a table. These notes cover armrests for wheelchairs and the parts that go with them.
Types of armrest
Armrests can be fixed, adjustable, removable or swing away, and some are full length or desk length. Ask the maker which type the chair has, how a replacement attaches and whether it changes how the chair folds.
Replacement wheelchair arms and armrest pads
Armrests and their pads wear with use. If a pad is torn, a latch is loose or an arm moves when it should not, stop using that arm until it has been checked. Ask the maker which replacement arms and armrest pads are stated to suit the chair.
Arm cushions and arm supports
An arm cushion adds padding to an armrest. Ask a healthcare professional or therapist about arm position and comfort for the user, and ask the maker whether a cushion is stated to suit the armrest.
Side guards and impact guards
A side guard fills the gap between the seat and the wheel, and an impact guard protects the chair or the user from knocks. Ask the maker what each guard is stated to do, whether it suits the chair and whether it changes transfers.
Wheelchair cushions, seating and support
Is there a best cushion for a wheelchair?
No single cushion is best for every user, because the right one depends on the person, the chair and how long the user sits. Foam, gel and air cushions are all described by makers in their own way. Ask a healthcare professional or therapist which cushion suits the user, and ask about pressure and skin care before you choose.
Cushion covers and seat covers
A cover protects the cushion or the seat and can be washed or replaced. Ask the maker whether a cover is stated to suit the cushion or the seat of a manual or electric wheelchair, whether it changes how the cushion works and how to wash it. Follow the maker's care steps.
Backrests and back upholstery
The backrest and its upholstery support the user's back, and upholstery can stretch or wear. Ask a healthcare professional or therapist about back support and posture, and ask the maker which backrest or back upholstery is stated to suit the chair.
Head support for a wheelchair
A head support or headrest is made to support the head, and a wheelchair with head support is searched for by people who need it. Whether a user needs one is a medical question, so ask a healthcare professional or therapist, and ask the maker whether a headrest is stated to suit the chair and how it is fitted. For chairs that tilt or recline, see the reclining wheelchair guide.
Seat extensions and seat depth
A seat extension changes how deep the seat is. Ask a healthcare professional or therapist before changing seat depth, because it affects positioning, and ask the maker whether an extension is stated to suit the chair.
Bags, trays and holders
Many people add a way to carry things or keep items within reach. These notes cover bags, trays and holders and what to check before fitting one.
Wheelchair bags and pouches
A bag or pouch can hang from the back of the chair, sit under the seat or attach to an armrest. Check that it does not hang near the wheels or brakes, does not block folding and does not tip the chair when it is loaded. Ask the maker whether the chair states anything about carrying loads.
Phone holders, cup holders and trays
A phone holder, a cup holder or a tray holds items within reach. Check that it can be reached safely, that it does not get in the way of the controls, the wheels or transfers, and that it can be removed when the chair is folded. Follow the maker's instructions for fitting.
Carrying medical equipment
Some people carry medical equipment such as an oxygen supply or an IV pole with the chair. How it is carried and held in place is a medical and safety matter, so ask the healthcare professional who prescribed it and follow the equipment maker's instructions. This guide does not advise on how to carry it.
Covers, lights and other add-ons
Some accessories protect the chair, help others see it or make a powered chair easier to use. These notes cover covers, lights and similar add-ons.
Wheelchair covers and a cover for a power chair
A cover is made to protect a chair from dust or weather when it is stored or carried. A cover for a power chair has to allow for the motor, the battery and the controls, so ask the maker which cover is stated to suit the chair and how to fit it without blocking the controls or the charging port. Switch the chair off before it is covered.
Travel covers
A travel cover is made to protect a folded chair in transit. If the chair will travel by vehicle or by air, ask the carrier what it needs and ask the maker how the chair should be folded and packed. See the portable wheelchair guide for chairs described as made for travel.
Lights, headlights and horns
Some chairs have or can take lights, headlights or a horn so that the user can be seen and heard. Ask the maker whether a light or horn is stated to suit the chair and its power system, who can fit it and whether it affects the chair's controls or charging. Check any rules that apply where the chair is used.
Joystick toppers and control add-ons
A joystick topper changes the shape of the joystick knob on a powered chair. Ask a healthcare professional or therapist which shape suits the user's hand and control, and ask the maker whether the topper is stated to suit the controller. See the electric wheelchair guide for powered chairs.
Using a wheelchair in snow
People search for how to use a wheelchair in snow and for snow wheelchair add-ons such as chains, cleats and skis. Snow and ice change how a chair grips, stops and turns, so this guide does not say that any chair or add-on suits snow. Ask the maker before you go out.
Wheelchair in snow: what to ask the maker
Ask the maker whether the chair is stated to suit snow, ice and wet ground, what the tires and casters are stated to suit and, for a powered chair, whether the electrics are stated to suit cold and wet. Do not use the chair in snow if the maker does not state that it suits it.
Snow chains, cleats and skis
Wheelchair snow chains, tire cleats and skis are add-ons that makers describe as made for snow or ice. Ask the maker of the chair whether the add-on is stated to suit the chair, whether it changes how the brakes, wheels and casters work and who can fit it. Do not fit an add-on that the chair maker does not say suits the chair.
Before you go out in snow
Plan the route, tell someone where you are going and plan who can help if the chair stops. Check the brakes, tires and casters and, on a powered chair, the charge before you leave, and keep the maker's instructions to hand. Ask a healthcare professional or therapist about staying safe in cold weather. See the all terrain wheelchair guide for chairs described as made for outdoor surfaces.
Questions to ask before you choose
- Which chair is the accessory for, and does the maker or supplier state in writing that it suits that make and model?
- Is it a replacement part, an upgrade or an extra, and can the chair be used without it?
- Has a healthcare professional or therapist checked that the accessory suits the user's seating, positioning and needs?
- Does the accessory change how the chair folds, brakes, steers or is carried?
- Who will fit it, and does the maker explain the steps in writing?
- What care does it need, such as cleaning, checks and replacement?
- Where will the chair be used most: at home, outdoors, in snow or on trips?
- What is included with the item, and what support follows the sale? Ask the seller to explain this clearly.
Using and caring for wheelchair accessories
Safe use
Follow the maker's instructions for fitting, use and care of the chair and every accessory. Do not use an accessory in a way the maker does not state, switch off a powered chair before fitting or removing a part, and keep hands and clothing clear of wheels, brakes and folding parts. Ask a healthcare professional or therapist about fit and positioning.
Regular checks
Check the wheels, casters, tires, brakes, footrests, armrests, cushion and any bags or covers often, and check that every bolt, latch and strap is tight. Keep the chair clean and dry. If a part looks worn, loose or cracked or a brake does not hold, stop using the chair until it has been checked.
Replacing a worn part
Ask the maker or supplier how to tell when a part has worn out, which replacement is stated to suit the chair and who can fit it. Keep the maker's instructions and the details of the chair with you when you ask. Do not mix parts that the maker does not say go together.
Questions for a supplier or therapist
Ask the supplier what the accessory is stated to suit, who can fit it and what to do if it does not fit. Ask a therapist how it affects seating, positioning and transfers, and ask both to put their answers in writing where possible.
Frequently asked questions
Wheelchair accessories are parts and add-ons that a maker or supplier describes as made to be fitted to a wheelchair or used with one, such as footrests, casters, brakes, armrests, cushions, bags and covers. The names are not a standard, so ask the maker what each item is stated to suit, and ask a healthcare professional or therapist about fit before you choose.
Not always. Fit depends on the make and model of the chair and on how the part is attached, so a part that looks the same may not suit. Ask the maker or supplier whether the part is stated to suit your chair, ask for that in writing and use the questions on this page. If you are unsure which type of chair you have, the manual wheelchair and electric wheelchair guides explain how the types differ.
Ask the maker which kind of footrest the chair has and which replacement is stated to suit it, check how it attaches and whether it folds, swings away or comes off for transfers, and ask a healthcare professional or therapist about foot and leg positioning. Try the footrest on the chair where you can.
Check them often for wear, cracks, wobble, slipping and loss of air. If a caster wobbles or a brake does not hold, stop using the chair until it has been checked, and ask the maker or a technician which replacement part is stated to suit the chair.
No single cushion is best for every user, because the right one depends on the person, the chair and how long the user sits. Ask a healthcare professional or therapist which cushion suits the user, compare what each maker states and ask about care and covers.
This guide does not say that any chair or add-on suits snow, because snow and ice change grip, braking and turning. Ask the chair maker whether the chair is stated to suit snow and whether any snow add-on suits it, and see the all terrain wheelchair guide for chairs described as made for outdoor surfaces.
No single accessory costs the same for everyone, because cost depends on the type of item, the chair it is for and where it is bought. Compare what each item includes, not only the cost, and check the current cost with the seller.