A 39-year-old male uses a wheelchair for household and community mobility. What is the minimum doorway width required for wheelchair access?

• A. 24 inches
• B. 28 inches
• C. 32 inches
• D. 36 inches

Answer: (C)

The right doorway width to support wheelchair access is the clear opening when the door is open, and it needs to be at least 32 inches. This provides enough space for the chair’s overall width plus a bit of maneuvering room so a person can pass through without scraping the sides or getting stuck. Doors that measure a nominal 28 inches aren’t guaranteed to provide the necessary clear width once frame thickness and hinges are considered, so they may not fit a typical wheelchair. A width of 24 inches is too narrow for most wheelchairs, while 36 inches is larger than the minimum but still acceptable for easier passage or turning, whereas the minimum standard to ensure reliable access remains 32 inches.