Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

Anthropometry for 

Transportation Applications

Edward Steinfeld, Arch.D.

April 2, 2014

Washington, D.C.
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

Background

 US standards are based on research and practical experience from the 1970’s

 Study sample of ~60 (Steinfeld, 1979)

 Research was completed on building elements, not transportation vehicles

 Findings may not be valid today

 Increased diversity of wheeled mobility device size & shape

 Customizable features, accessories, postural support

 Better technology and device procurement

 Changes in transportation technologies

 Changes in consumer expectations
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

Two Research Studies

 Anthropometry of Wheeled Mobility Users 

 Funded by NIDRR through the RERC on Universal Design and the Built Environment 

Grant and the U.S. Access Board, 1999 - 2019

 Bus Simulation Study

 Funded by NIDRR through the RERC on Accessible Public Transportation Grant, 2008-2014
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

Anthropometry of WMD Users - Methods

Anatomical 

measurements

Reach range measurements Grip & pinch strength 

measurements

Space clearances
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

Sample

 495 wheeled mobility users

 53% males, 47% females

 56% manual chair, 38% power chair, and 6% scooter users

 Western New York (351), Pittsburgh (100) and Ithaca (44)

 Diverse medical conditions

 E.g., spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke, amputations

 Estimated population of wheeled mobility users (Kaye et al, 2000)

 40% males, 60% females

 89% manual chair, 9% power chair, and 9% scooter users
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

Software Application Prototype
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

Examples of Findings Clear floor space

 About 25% manual, 50% power chairs, 50% scooters exceed dimensions

 Greater number of exclusions due to occupied length

 Limitation – does not consider differences in how task might be performed, e.g. leftor right-handed, forward vs. side-ways
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

Clear floor space when reaching
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

Functional Reach forward

 Reach charts

 Showing manual chair users

 Graphical tools for designers

 Relate design dimensions to 

performance

 Quickly identify ‘sweet spots’ for

optimizing reach capability, or need for 

task redesign

 Manual wheelchair users

 85% had some reach capability

 77% of these users could reach beyond 

toes

 Greater % at closer distances

 Need to provide foot and knee clearance 

space
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

Functional Reach Sideways / lateral

 Key findings

 Findings on manual chair users

 Improved reach when sideways vs. 

forwards

 Reach capability drops beyond. 

400mm (16 in.)

 610mm (24 in.) maximum permissible 

reach distance is too restrictive
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

Knee and foot clearances

 Aggregate data for manual and power 

chair users

 Analyze four dimensions 

simultaneously: Knee clearance height 

& depth, and Foot clearance height & 

depth
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

Examples Knee and foot clearances

People with high knee clearance People with deep knee clearance

People with high toe clearance People with deep toe clearance
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

Turning spaces and maneuverability

304.3.1
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

RERC-APT Research 

 Bus Simulation Research

 Ramp Slopes

 On-board Fare Payment

 Seating Configurations – this presentation

 Field Studies

 Guided Tours

 Information systems (Tiramisu)
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

Bus Simulation
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

Flexible Interiors

 3 layouts

 2 levels of passenger loading

 6 simulated bus journey with follow-up 

interview

Layout 1

Layout 2

Layout 3
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

6 User Groups for Seating Study

User Group Sample size

Manual Wheelchair Users (MWU) 18

Power Wheelchair Users (PWU) 21

Scooter Users (SU) 9

Blind and Visually Impaired 18

Ambulation Aid Users 24

Able-bodied Adults 17
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

Selected Findings 
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

Navigation within bus (1/7)

For rear entrance: identifying intersection of aisle and 

ramp

 No feedback on reaching the aisle-ramp juncture (VI)

2 Continuous handrail from doorway to seats with fused 

stanchions

Issue

Recommended Improvements

1 Contrast colored / textured aisle to identify ramp-aisle

juncture
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

Navigation within bus (3/7)

Space while moving in the bus (roll over people’s feet)

 Insufficient aisle width(WA, MWC, PWC, S)

Issue

Recommended Improvements

5 Training for wheeled mobility users
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

Navigation within bus (4/7)

Fitting walking aids in the aisle with forward facing seat

 Insufficient aisle width(WA, MWC, PWC, S)

Issue

Recommended Improvements

5 Training and advice on types of walking aids
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

Navigation within bus (5/7)

Locating / hitting stanchions and hand holds

 No environmental cue (VI)

3 Environmental assistance in conjunction with smart

device on passengers (light, sound, haptic feedback)

5 Training on specific bus designs

Issue

Recommended Improvements
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

Seating

Finding lever to lift the seat 

 Lack of environmental cues pointing to it (MWC, PWC, S)

1 Markings (on seat / floor) directing to seat lever

Issue

Recommended Improvements

Who : NFTA(immediate solution), American Seating(future 

change)
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

Seating (5/6)

Effort required to operate the lever 

 limited range of motion / strength requirement (MWC, 

PWC, S)

Issue

Recommended Improvements

1 Change lever design for easy grip (up/down vs in/out)

Lead: NFTA (immediate), American Seating (future 

change)
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

Seating (1/6)

Inadequate leg room (forward facing seats)

 Seats spacing inadequate (WA, VI)

5 Additional space for larger individuals, also for the 

elderly and those with mobility problems which affects 

sitting and rising

Issue

Recommended Improvements
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

Seating (2/6)

Getting up from the seat (specially side facing)

 No hand supports (WA)

2 Fold-down arm-rest on priority seats 

Issue

Recommended Improvements
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access | The State University of New York at Buffalo

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State University of New York at Buffalo

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