Wheelchair Footrest Attachment

What Is a Wheelchair Footrest Attachment?

A wheelchair footrest attachment is any part that fixes onto a wheelchair to support the feet and lower legs, or to change how the existing footrests work. It might be a replacement footrest hanger after the original was lost, a solid footboard in place of two separate footplates, a strap behind the calves, heel loops to stop the feet sliding back, or an elevating leg rest that lifts the leg out straight. Most attach to the front frame tubes with a pin, a bracket or a swing-away catch.

Getting the feet properly supported makes a real difference to comfort and posture in a wheelchair. Feet that dangle, slip off the plates or rest at an awkward angle soon become uncomfortable. This guide explains the main kinds of attachment, how they fit, and how to work out which will suit your chair and the person who uses it.

Which Types of Footrest Attachment Are There?

• Swing-away hangers carry the footplate and pivot to the side so the user can stand or transfer.
• Footplates are the flat supports for the feet, often with an angle that can be adjusted.
• Footboards are a single solid platform across the front, popular on rigid chairs and for children.
• Calf straps run between the hangers behind the lower legs, so the feet do not slip backwards.
• Heel loops sit at the back of each footplate to keep the heel in place.
• Elevating leg rests raise the leg with a padded calf support, for people who need the leg straighter.

For an overview of the footrests fitted to most chairs, see our guide to the wheelchair footrest.

How Do Footrest Attachments Fix to the Chair?

On many folding chairs, each footrest hanger drops onto a pin or post on the front of the frame and locks with a catch. Pressing a lever releases it so the footrest can swing out or lift off completely. Other chairs use a clamp that grips the frame tube, or a fixed bracket bolted in place. Rigid chairs often have a footrest built into the frame, with footplates or a footboard bolted to it.

Because these fixings vary between makers and even between models, a footrest from one chair will not always fit another. The small parts matter too: locking pins, springs and bolts wear over time. Our page on wheelchair footrest pins explains how the locking parts work and when to replace them.

How Do You Know an Attachment Will Fit?

Start by finding the make and model of the chair, usually on a label under the seat or on the frame. Search for parts made for that model first, as they are most likely to fit without fuss. If you cannot find a model name, look at how the existing footrest attaches, measure the spacing between the frame tubes and the tube thickness, and take clear photos.

Compare those details with the listing, and ask the seller if you are unsure. Many sellers can confirm fit from a photo. Our guide to wheelchair footrest parts covers the individual components and the words used to describe them.

What Does a Calf Strap or Heel Loop Do?

Some users find their feet slide back off the footplates, especially when the chair goes over a bump or they relax their legs. A calf strap across the back of the hangers acts as a stop, keeping the legs forward. Heel loops do a similar job at the back of each footplate.

These small attachments are simple, but they should be comfortable and not dig in. Padded straps with hook-and-loop fastening are easy to adjust. Make sure straps do not get in the way when the footrests swing aside for transfers.

When Is an Elevating Leg Rest Needed?

An elevating leg rest lets the leg be raised and supported in a straighter position, with a padded pad behind the calf. People sometimes use them after an injury, with a leg in plaster, or where a health professional has advised keeping the leg raised. Because this is a clinical question, ask your GP, occupational therapist or wheelchair service before using one, and follow their advice on how high and for how long.

Elevating leg rests make the chair longer, which affects turning in small rooms and lifts. Our guide to the wheelchair elevating leg rest explains how they adjust and what to check.

Should You Choose a Footboard or Two Footplates?

Two separate footplates are the most common set-up on folding chairs. Each one flips up on its own, which makes it easy to put the feet on the floor before standing, and each can often be angled separately. They suit most adults who transfer by standing or pivoting.

A footboard is a single platform across the front of the chair. It gives a larger, steadier surface, keeps both feet together and can feel more secure for people with weak or spasming legs, as well as for many children. The downside is that the whole board has to flip up or swing away before the user can stand, and it can make a folding chair harder to collapse. If you are not sure which suits better, ask the wheelchair service to try both during an assessment.

How High Should the Footrests Be Set?

As a general guide, the footrests should be high enough that the thighs rest evenly on the seat, without the knees pushed up or the thighs lifted off the cushion. Footplates set too low leave the feet dangling and the weight on the back of the thighs. Set too high, they push the knees up and put more weight on the bottom.

The footplates also need to clear the ground so they do not catch on kerbs or door thresholds. If you are unsure, the wheelchair service or an occupational therapist can check the set-up, which is especially worthwhile for anyone who sits for long periods. The NHS guide to walking aids, wheelchairs and mobility scooters explains how to contact your local service.

Can Footrests Be Extended for Taller Users?

Taller users often find the standard hangers do not reach far enough, leaving the knees high. Longer hanger tubes or extension pieces can lower the footplates. Check that the lowered plates still clear the ground, and that the extension locks firmly at the chosen length. Our page on wheelchair leg rest extensions looks at these options.

What About Footrests for Transit Chairs?

Transit chairs pushed by a carer usually have simple swing-away footrests. They are often removed to lift the chair into the car and are easily left behind or damaged. Replacement hangers for transit chairs are common, but check the fixing carefully, as small-wheeled chairs can use different posts from self-propelled chairs of the same brand.

When lifting a transit chair into the car, it helps to keep the removed footrests in a bag in the boot so they travel with the chair. Some carers mark the left and right footrests with a small sticker, which saves fumbling at the kerbside when the person is waiting to sit down. A spare set can be worth having if the chair is used by more than one household.

How Do You Look After Footrest Attachments?

Check the catches and pins now and then to make sure the footrests lock firmly in place and do not wobble. Clean off grit and mud, and add a drop of light oil to stiff pivots if the maker allows. Replace cracked footplates and worn straps before they fail. When removing footrests for storage or travel, keep them together so both sides go back on the right way round.

Comparing the Parts on This Page

The cards below show footrest hangers, footplates with heel straps, padded calf straps, locking pins, brackets and fixings. Compare the fixing style with the posts on your chair, check whether the footplate angle adjusts, and look at how each part locks before you order.