What is the minimum doorway width required for a wheelchair to safely pass?

What is the minimum doorway width required for a wheelchair to safely pass?

• A. 30 inches
• B. 28 inches
• C. 32 inches
• D. 36 inches

Answer: (C)

The key idea is the unobstructed doorway width needed for a wheelchair to pass through safely. The standard measure is the clear width of the doorway when the door is opened to 90 degrees. The minimum acceptable clear width is 32 inches, which gives enough space for a typical wheelchair to fit and for the occupant to maneuver without scraping the frame or needing to twist awkwardly. This accounts for the chair’s width plus a bit of clearance for the arms and wheels. Measurements are taken as the space from finished wall to the face of the opposite jamb, with the door fully open, ignoring door thickness and hardware. Options smaller than 32 inches would likely hinder passage, while a wider doorway like 36 inches is not the minimum requirement.

The key idea is the unobstructed doorway width needed for a wheelchair to pass through safely. The standard measure is the clear width of the doorway when the door is opened to 90 degrees. The minimum acceptable clear width is 32 inches, which gives enough space for a typical wheelchair to fit and for the occupant to maneuver without scraping the frame or needing to twist awkwardly. This accounts for the chair’s width plus a bit of clearance for the arms and wheels.

Measurements are taken as the space from finished wall to the face of the opposite jamb, with the door fully open, ignoring door thickness and hardware. Options smaller than 32 inches would likely hinder passage, while a wider doorway like 36 inches is not the minimum requirement.