How to Measure Your Car Boot
Make sure your folded wheelchair will fit in your boot — every time, not just on a perfect day. Three measurements, thirty seconds, total peace of mind before you order.
A Tape Measure
Pen & Paper
30 Seconds
What to Measure
You need three numbers from your boot, taken with the parcel shelf either out or up:
Width
At the narrowest point — usually between the wheel arches
Depth
From the back of the rear seats to the boot opening (with seats up)
Height
From the boot floor to the top of the boot opening
Side cutaway view. Measure all three: width W (between wheel arches), depth D, and height H.
Three Steps, Thirty Seconds
Open the Boot Fully
Open the tailgate or boot lid completely. Take out any parcel shelf, removable dog guard, or boot floor liner that you would not normally have in place when transporting the wheelchair. Measure the boot you'll actually use, not the showroom version.
Take All Three Measurements
Measure the width (W) at the narrowest point — usually between the wheel arches. Measure the depth (D) from the back of the rear seats to the boot opening. Measure the height (H) from the boot floor to the highest point of the opening. Write all three numbers down.
Compare to the Wheelchair's Folded Dimensions
Check the Size, Fit & Dimensions section on the product page. Look for the folded dimensions — usually given as length × width × height. Each of those needs to fit within your boot's W, D, and H — see the golden rule below.
📐 The Golden Rule: Add 5 cm of Clearance per Side
Each of the wheelchair's folded dimensions should be at least 5 cm (2 inches) smaller than your boot in that direction. So if a folded chair is 78 cm long, your boot depth should be at least 83 cm.
Why? Because lifting a 25–30 kg wheelchair into a boot is much easier when you have a margin to manoeuvre. Zero clearance means scraped paint on the boot lining, scratches on the chair frame, and a struggle every time you load it.
For a single tight measurement (like loading on its side once a day), some users manage with 2–3 cm of clearance. But 5 cm is what we'd recommend as the comfortable, repeatable minimum.
Typical UK Car Boot Sizes
For reference — these are typical boot dimensions for common UK car classes. Always measure your own car, but this is roughly what to expect with the rear seats up:
- Small / city cars (e.g. Fiat 500, VW Up!, Hyundai i10) ~70 × 60 × 50 cm
- Superminis (e.g. Ford Fiesta, VW Polo, Toyota Yaris) ~80 × 70 × 55 cm
- Family hatchbacks (e.g. Ford Focus, VW Golf, Vauxhall Astra) ~85 × 80 × 60 cm
- Saloons (e.g. BMW 3 Series, Audi A4) ~95 × 100 × 50 cm
- Estates & SUVs (e.g. Skoda Octavia Estate, Nissan Qashqai) ~100 × 90 × 70 cm
- Large SUVs & MPVs (e.g. Kia Sorento, Ford S-Max) ~110 × 100 × 80 cm
Most ComfyGO Mobility folding electric wheelchairs fit comfortably in a family hatchback boot or larger. For superminis and city cars, look for our most compact folding models — check the folded dimensions on each product page.
⚠ A Word About Lifting
Some ComfyGO folding wheelchairs weigh around 20–30 kg when folded — including the battery. Carbon fibre models are lighter, often closer to 14–20 kg. That is heavier than a packed suitcase but lighter than most people think. Even so, lifting one into a boot every day is not for everyone.
Think honestly about who will be lifting the chair. If you have back issues, arthritis, or shoulder problems, consider:
- A removable battery model — lifting the chair without the battery saves 3–5 kg
- A two-part folding model that splits in half for easier loading
- A car with a lower boot lip (estates and saloons load easier than tall SUVs)
- A boot hoist — a fitted lifting device. We can recommend installers
If lifting is a concern, call us on 0330 520 0720 and we will recommend the easiest models to load.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my boot is just slightly too small?
You have a few options. Most modern folding wheelchairs can be loaded with the rear seats folded down, which dramatically increases boot depth. Some can also be loaded diagonally rather than straight in. And if even that doesn't work, look at our most compact folding models — some collapse to under 30 cm wide. Call us with your boot dimensions on 0330 520 0720 and we'll recommend the best fit.
Can I fold the back seats down to fit it in?
Yes — and for most cars this gives you significantly more depth (often double). The trade-off is fewer passenger seats during that journey. If you only carry the wheelchair owner plus one other person, folding the rear seats works well. If you regularly carry rear-seat passengers, choose a wheelchair that fits with seats up.
What about the parcel shelf?
If you'll be removing the parcel shelf to fit the chair, measure with it removed. Most parcel shelves can be lifted out in seconds and stored at home or behind the front seats. Measure the boot the way you'll actually use it — not the showroom configuration.
Where do I find the folded dimensions on your website?
On every product page, scroll to the Size, Fit & Dimensions section. You'll see two sets of figures: operating dimensions (in normal use) and folded dimensions (collapsed for transport or storage). Compare your boot W × D × H against the folded length × width × height.
Do I need to remove the battery for transport?
For UK road transport, no — most batteries can stay in place during normal driving. For airline travel, the battery normally needs to come out and go in carry-on luggage as a separate item. Our wheelchair batteries are airline-approved with the right paperwork. Check with your airline before travelling, as rules vary.
What if I drive a small car?
You're not stuck — small-car-friendly options exist. Look at our most compact folding models and our carbon fibre range, which weighs significantly less and folds smaller. For very tight boots, removing the seat cushion, backrest textile, and detachable joystick reduces the folded footprint further. The Phoenix Carbon Fibre and IQ Carbon Fibre Ultra are particularly compact. Call us with your car make and model on 0330 520 0720 and we'll confirm what fits.
I'm not sure I'm measuring correctly — can someone help?
Yes — call us on 0330 520 0720 and we'll talk you through it. Or book a free 30-minute video consultation and we can look at the boot with you and recommend the right model. Free, no obligation.
Measured Up? Let's Find a Wheelchair That Fits.
Browse our wheelchairs and check the folded dimensions on each product page. Or call us with your boot measurements and we'll recommend the models that fit your car.