Wheelchairs – Buyers Guide

Thinking about buying a Wheelchair?

If you have limited mobility, a Wheelchair can improve your quality of life by allowing you to stay active and doing the things you enjoy. Choosing the right Wheelchair will enable you to socialise and go out with friends and family as well as simply getting around indoors and outdoors.

Things to consider

If you decide to go in this direction then it’s important you find a Wheelchair which is comfortable and easy to handle (for either you, an attendant or both). It will have to be a match for the terrain, your environment and as maintenance-free as possible.

Bringing these things together will probably mean doing a bit of research, asking some questions and perhaps even making a compromise or two. To be honest it’s rare to find a Wheelchair which ticks all the boxes. For example, a Wheelchair might be perfect for you in terms of comfort but it’s too large and heavy to lift into a car boot. A more lightweight model could be easier to transport into a car but might not provide as much comfort.

There are a number of additional factors to consider including your body type, skin condition, posture and strength. If you have a health condition that is likely to progress with time, it’s a good idea to take account of your possible future needs too. 

For starters you’re basically going to be looking for a Manual Wheelchair or a Powered Wheelchair.

The Manual Wheelchair types are known as Self-Propelled Wheelchairs and Attendant Controlled Wheelchairs (also known as Transit or Travel Wheelchairs). These are usually most suitable for people who:

• need a Wheelchair all or most of the time (indoors and/or outdoors) for mobility; or
• can walk – perhaps with a walking stick or frame – but are unable to cope with longer distances and so use a manual Wheelchair when out and about.

It’s worth mentioning that both Self-Propelled Wheelchairs, Attendant Propelled Wheelchairs and Powered Wheelchairs also come as heavy-duty versions for larger people. These are known as Bariatric Wheelchairs they’re usually heavier with a reinforced frame and feature wider seats than more standard Wheelchairs.

Let’s have look at Manual Wheelchairs first and how they might suit you and your needs.

Self-Propelled Wheelchairs

This type is primarily designed to allow the user to propel themselves along without the need of somebody pushing the chair.

They are designed with larger wheels at the back of the Wheelchair with push-rims which allow the user to manoeuvre themselves along using their upper body strength. These wheels make for a bulkier chair, which may be trickier to pack into the boot of a car.

These chairs normally have pushing handles on the back so somebody can push the user as when needed. The larger back wheels can often be an advantage when being pushed, for example, up kerbs or over a threshold.

Attendant Propelled Wheelchairs

If you don’t have sufficient strength to propel yourself and can rely on someone else pushing the chair, you’re probably better off with an Attendant Propelled model. These have smaller rear wheels and can be easier to manoeuvre for an attendant.

Bear in mind that this type usually cannot be self-propelled as the rear wheels are much too small to reach. A Self-Propelled Wheelchair will often have attendant handles at the rear and so covers the best of both worlds.

There is no shortage of choice on the market, with either type you’ll want to consider multiple elements like weight, user weight capacity, range, comfort, armrests and backrest adjustability, seat size, storage, portability etc but ultimately the difference between the two types will be about how much independence you want to have. Self-Propelled Wheelchairs are ahead of the game on this point.

Wheelchair Weight

If you need to lift a Wheelchair (say into a car boot) or it’s going to pushed by an attendant the overall weight will be key. A light frame and how it folds will be important especially to the attendant. Weight will also affect the manoeuvrability so it can be vital to be able to handle the weight with and without an occupant.

Have a look at the potential to detach certain parts like armrests and wheels making lifting the Wheelchair an easier task.

Storage

Most Wheelchairs fold by pulling up on the seat. This operates a scissor action folding mechanism, pulling the wheels together. Some Wheelchairs allow you to detach footrests, armrests and wheels.

Look out for quick-release functionalities which makes detaching parts much easier and also allow for an easier and quicker setup.

Check the dimensions of the folded and unfolded Wheelchair against your intended storage area so you can store it comfortably.

Frequency of Use

Have a think about how often you’re likely to use the Wheelchair and how long you might be spending in it. Some Wheelchairs are designed for infrequent use, such as for short trips, to appointments or to the shops, whereas others are more suited to frequent and constant use.

Check the Wheelchair is durable and made of robustly built materials to withstand frequent folding and unfolding, lifting and possibly detaching footrests, wheels, armrests etc.

Comfort is key especially if you’ll be in it for long periods but if you’re only planning on using it for short spells maybe a lightweight type is worth compromising on total comfort.

Wheels

Rear wheels will either be pneumatic (air) tyres or solid rubber. Pneumatic tyres offer a smoother ride. They will have better shock absorption than solid ones but are of course prey to the odd puncture. Solid tyres are puncture proof but might provide a slightly harder ride experience especially on bumpy or even terrain.

Often the wheels have a quick release mechanism which aids portability and makes the Wheelchair more compact for stowing and storing.

Smaller front wheels will usually have solid tyres which swivel a full 360 degrees. Some models have small anti-tip wheels at the rear – a great safety feature but they might present an impediment by limiting the gradient that you can climb. Check that these anti-tip wheels are height adjustable and can be detached if needed.

Footrests

Most footrests swing away outwards or sometimes both outwards and inwards. Swing away footrests allow you to stand at the front of the chair without having to step over in-swinging footrests. It is possible to get elevating leg rests where you need to raise your legs for long periods or you may need to keep your leg straight due to a cast for example. You can also get shorter, padded extensions for stumps.

Check to see if you can detach the footrests which makes for a more compact stowing frame.

Some Travel Wheelchairs have a folding footplate rather than footrests. Check that you’re able to reach down and push it into position or lift it out of the way when alighting.

Armrests

Armrests are obviously an aid to comfort but they can sometimes present an obstacle when transferring, particularly if you’re using a transfer board. Again, check if they are detachable to aid transferring and compactness when stowing.

An alternative is armrests which swing up and pivot at the back. Often this is easier than detaching when you need to transfer or sit at a table.

There are also Wheelchairs with armrests which are both detachable and swing up giving you the best of both worlds. Some Wheelchairs have height adjustable armrests to aid comfort and enable you to find the perfect posture using a cushion.

There are many variables and possibilities in this area – find out which combination works for you.

Brakes

There will normally be manual brakes for the rear tyres. These should always be applied when the Wheelchair is stationery or if you are transferring.

Some Attendant Propelled Wheelchairs have brakes fitted near the pushing handles. This gives greater control for the attendant and can help slow the Wheelchair when descending steep hills or ramps.

User Weight

Make sure you are comfortably within the maximum user weight capacity recommendation. If your weight is borderline have a good think about weight fluctuations and any bags you might intend to carry. Adding excess weight is likely to damage the frame, battery life, speed and increase tire wear. Usually the user weight limit for most standard chairs is around 18 stone (114.4 kg). If you weigh in excess of 18 stone, you should look for a Bariatric (heavy-duty) Wheelchair.

Seat Size

Obviously, you’ll want to be sitting comfortably in your Wheelchair. Ensure your weight is evenly distributed over the seat surface to avoid exacerbating any existing aches and strains and help prevent any pressure sores from forming.

Most Wheelchairs have height adjustable footplates which could make the height of the seat is less important but you’ll have to be sure you can get up from the Wheelchair so explore additional cushion options to arrive at the best seated posture.

The width of the seat needs to be wide enough to accommodate comfortably but not so wide you can’t use the armrests easily. Also factor in your outdoor clothing which could affect the space you need. Most standard Wheelchairs range between 16” to 20” so there’s plenty of choice.

Seat depth also needs to be considered – you don’t want to be sat too far forward putting pressure on the buttocks with little support for the thighs. Where the seat is too deep it could cause undue pressure behind the knee and inadequate support from the backrest (although the right cushion might alleviate this).

Backrest Height

Backrest height is usually fixed on most Wheelchairs but some have a the ability to recline slightly (usually about 5 degrees or so). The level of padding will normally vary with the price of the Wheelchair.

Optional headrests are available which can fit most Wheelchairs. Look into these to support the head and neck muscles (if you think you might become fatigued).

Armrest Height

Many of the more specialist Wheelchairs will have adjustable armrests. But if they’re fixed and too high they may cause the shoulders to hunch (leading to all sorts of problems). Too low and you might lean to one side. If you can’t find the right setting for your armrest maybe a cushion (raising the base) will make the all-important difference.

Cushions

Correct cushioning can make all the difference. A we’ve seen they can be your way to create to bespoke solution to seat size, armrest, backrest, posture and comfort issues. 

Most Wheelchairs are designed for you to use your own cushion and it’s a good idea to buy cushion when purchasing a new Wheelchair even if it is just a basic foam one.

More advanced pressure care cushions (utilizing gel and/or air-based solutions) are designed to prevent pressure sores which can develop if you spend long periods in the Wheelchair. They can be made from a variety of materials (including waterproofing) and are rated according to the protection they provide to users developing pressure sores.

It’s worth exploring what’s out there to ensure you’ll get the best out of your experience.

Walking Stick Holder

Very useful if you use a non-folding walking stick and need to have it handy for when you get out of the Wheelchair. Usually, they will come with a cup base to attach to the bottom of the Wheelchair frame and a clip further up the frame to secure the stick in place. Generally, they are quite inexpensive and easy to attach.

Weather Protection

You’ll want to stay warm and dry whenever the weather turns. The two most popular pieces of kit are the Wheelchair Apron and the Wheelchair Poncho.

The Wheelchair Apron should be fully waterproof (some have a fur lining) and fit your lower body. Most come as one-size-fits-all solutions where the bottom is elasticated to cover the footrests and straps (which go to the back of the Wheelchair) to secure the apron in place. A fully waterproof Wheelchair Poncho will cover the whole body leaving arm slits to push the wheels. You might want to combine this with an apron as it’s quick and easy to put on should a sudden shower occur.

Storage Bags

There are many options here – some are rucksack type bags with loops to secure the bag to the back of the Wheelchair. Some are under-seat solutions and some are pannier style bags which fit to or over the armrests.

All are great solutions but there are some challenges. The rucksack type will mean it’s not going to be easy to reach into the bag behind you. The pannier variety might depend on how much spare seat space you have. And the under-seat bag has to be easily accessible whilst sat in the Wheelchair.

Whichever is your preference make sure you always keep the maximum weight capacity in mind and be conscious of keeping the weight distribution even. You don’t want to damage the frame by exceeding the maximum or risk tipping over if you overload your bag.

Wheelchair Power Packs

A Wheelchair power pack basically consists of two wheels and a set of batteries that can be fitted almost to any type of Manual Wheelchair to provide extra propulsion (forward and reverse). It can make life easier for carers/attendants and fitted relatively easily. It can be disengaged reverting to manual use and might be a suitable alternative to investing in a Powered Wheelchair if you’re happy with your Manual Wheelchair.

Powered Wheelchairs

Sometimes called Motorized Wheelchairs, Powerchairs or Electric-Assisted Wheelchairs, this type is ideal if you don’t have the strength or stamina to use a Self-Propelled Wheelchair, but don’t want to rely on being pushed – or if you sometimes want to take longer trips. You’ll need to have sufficient dexterity in your hand to operate the drive control (usually a joystick) although some Powered Wheelchairs have attendant controls enabling the carer/attendant to move it along using controls at the rear.

There are lots of models out there, best divided into three types:

• Indoor/Portable: for use at home or in places with smooth, even flooring such as shopping centres or garden centres. They’re usually easy to fold for fitting in the boot of a car.
• Outdoor: will have larger wheels for dealing with uneven terrain, as well as suspension to make the drive more comfortable. They can usually be used indoors, too, but their larger size may mean they won’t fit through some doorways and are usually too heavy to lift into a car boot.
• Indoor/Outdoor: designed to offer the best of both worlds. Will not be as light and portable as some models, nor as robust as others, but may provide a good balance of features.

The Department of Transport code of practice for Powered Wheelchair (and Mobility Wheelchair) users governs Powered Wheelchair use. The full document can be found here but we will summarise some key points now.

You do not need a licence to drive a Powered Wheelchair, but you may have to register it.

Powered Wheelchairs come in 2 categories:

• Class 2: these cannot be used on the road (except where there is not a pavement) and have a maximum speed of 4mph
• Class 3: these can be used on the road to a maximum speed of 8mph and on pavements, footpaths, bridleways and pedestrian areas at a maximum speed of 4 mph

You don’t need to register a Class 2 Powered Wheelchair but you must register a Class 3 Powered Wheelchair with the DVLA.

You do not have to pay vehicle tax for any Powered Wheelchair if it’s registered as Class 3.

You must be disabled person aged 14 or over to drive a Class 3 Powered Wheelchair.

Class 3 Wheelchairs cannot be used on motorways, cycle lanes or in bus lanes (when in operation). Nor is it advisable to use them on unrestricted dual carriageways (i.e. those with a speed limit of over 50 mph).

Powered Wheelchairs must use an amber flashing light to ensure you’re visible to others when used on a dual-carriageways.

A Powered Wheelchair must have certain construction features, including:

• a maximum unladen weight of 150 kg (330 lbs);
• a maximum width of 0.85 metres (2’9″);
• a device to limit its speed to 6.4 km/h (4 mph);
• a maximum speed of 12.8 km/h (8 mph);
• an efficient braking system;
• front and rear lights and reflectors and direction indicator which are able to operate as a hazard warning signal;
• an audible warning instrument (a horn); and
• a rear-view mirror.

Basically, for short local journeys on the pavements (and crossing roads) or taking your Powered Wheelchair in the car or on public transport, a portable Class 2 Powered Wheelchair may be the best option. If you want something larger and faster with the option of driving on the roads then you will need a Class 3 Powered Wheelchair.

In terms of seats, footrests, armrests, backrests, headrests, storage bags and cushions, Powered Wheelchairs and Manual Wheelchairs share common elements, issues and solutions. Please see the relevant paragraphs above for guidance on these. However, there are some key factors you’ll need to look when buying a Powered Wheelchairs as opposed to Manual Wheelchairs so let’s have a look at them now.

Weight

They are generally a lot heavier than Manual Wheelchairs because their frame needs to be stronger in order to support the battery and motors. Bear this in mind when thinking about the ease of transporting a Powered Wheelchair.

Drive controls

The most common type of ‘drive control’ on an electric Wheelchair is a joystick mounted on one of the armrests. In theory, these are very simple, although they can sometimes prove difficult to learn. 

You may initially find the controls to be oversensitive or undersensitive, but it should be possible to have them adjusted to suit you. Some companies offer other types, such as handlebar-style drive controls (similar to some mobility scooter but smaller), which can be retro-fitted to existing Wheelchairs.

Batteries

Powered Wheelchairs need to be charged regularly. Many Wheelchair batteries can take up to 10 hours to charge so it’s usually best to do that overnight so the Wheelchair is ready for use during the day.

Wheelchair storage

Some of the larger outdoor-type Wheelchairs may need to be stored outside the home – in a garage or in a storage unit, for example. The Wheelchair should be stored in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area while it’s charging. Check that you will have a suitable place to do this before buying the Wheelchair. Bear in mind that it could be a safety hazard to keep it in the bedroom during the night.

Home Adaptations

If you’re a new user, you may need to make some changes to your home to make it Wheelchair accessible. An occupational therapist can advise you on what adaptations might be necessary. 

Adjusting doorways for Wheelchairs

Doors and door frames can be awkward for Wheelchair users, especially if they have to be approached at an angle. A suitable width is usually 80 cm, but the wider the door width, the easier the access will be and 90 cm – 1 metre would be considered ideal. Talk to a carpenter or handyperson to see what your options are.

Installing a ramp in your home

You may benefit from having a permanent ramp installed outside for access purposes, but this is not always practical, and will depend on the property and your needs. You could consider a portable ramp, which is made of lighter materials and usually less expensive than permanent options.

When to consider installing a lift

If your home is on more than one floor, a lift installation may be an option. The space requirements for a lift are usually significant, taking up space on each floor, so, again, it would be worth consulting an occupational therapist to see if this is a viable option.

Downstairs bathroom

If you live in a house with two or more floors, having a properly equipped downstairs bathroom (unless a lift can be installed) that can accommodate a Wheelchair will be very important.

Delivery & Paperwork

You’ll need to look beyond the Wheelchair itself to use it with peace of mind. Let’s begin with delivery and setup of your Wheelchair.

Delivery and setup

Make sure you get a clear idea of when the Wheelchair you’ve ordered is coming. Your seller will let you know the delivery date and often couriers will send you a text to confirm the hour of delivery on the delivery day itself. Make sure your diary is free on that day or that you’ve made some provision for the Wheelchair to be received if you’re not at home. Some sellers provide a White Glove Service where someone not only delivers the Wheelchair but also sets it up ready to ride and provides you with a full demonstration and guidance on how to ride and store it safely.

Servicing

Check the seller’s options on Servicing. Often an annual service is required to maintain the warranty and insurance. If your seller doesn’t provide Servicing you could make enquiries to other dealers (mobility shops) who are often happy to Service it even if they didn’t sell it to you. Most Wheelchairs come with 12-24 month Warranty. It’s always worth enquiring about Extended Warranties. Free insurance will sometimes be offered for a limited period as an incentive to buy. Again, there will be many other vendors beyond your seller in this sector – use the free insurance period to shop around.

Registering with the DVLA

A Class 3 Wheelchair will need to be registered with the DVLA if it is to be used on the road. It’s a simple process and some sellers provide the requisite form when you buy the Wheelchair. Check with the seller if that’s included, if not see here for guidance

Returns and Refunds for faulty and non-faulty Wheelchairs

It’s a good idea to know something about your rights before buying a Wheelchair from a retailer. Usually, a Wheelchair is no small investment so it’s sensible to get as much information as possible before making a commitment.

For starters you should know a high street shop has no legal obligation to accept returns unless an item is faulty. The good news is that most high street retailers choose to provide a ‘goodwill’ returns policy offering an exchange, refund or credit note for most returns.

You can only return non-faulty goods bought in a shop for an exchange or refund if the retailer has a returns policy. Returns Policies (sometimes referred to as Refund Policies) are usually displayed on receipts, on signs in the shop and online. You can also ring the shop’s customer services line to find out its returns policy. And if a store has returns policy they have to stick to it and it’s a good idea to check this before you commit to buying. If you can’t find the policy simply ask a sales representative for a copy.

If the Wheelchair you bought in a shop is not faulty but you’ve simply changed your mind (and the Wheelchair is not faulty), the retailer has no legal obligation to give you your money back, should you return an item without a receipt. However, many stores will offer an exchange or credit note, so it’s always worth asking.

If you bought the Wheelchair in a shop and it’s faulty

The Consumer Rights Act gives you the statutory right to return something and get your money back within 30 days and get all of your money back if it’s faulty, not as described, or unfit for purpose. If you request a return after 30 days from purchase, the retailer can give you a repair or fair replacement, but you’re not entitled to a refund.

If the Wheelchair is faulty and you don’t have the receipt, you still have the right to a repair, refund or replacement as under the Consumer Rights Act. You just need to show proof of payment, such as a bank statement with the transaction on it.

If you bought the Wheelchair online, over the phone or by mail order

Online, mail and telephone order customers have the right to cancel their order for a limited time even if the goods are not faulty.

If your Wheelchair was bought online, over the phone or by mail order, as a customer you have consumer returns rights under the Consumer Contracts Regulations. 

The Consumer Contracts Regulations gives you a cancellation period that starts the moment you place your order and ends 14 days from the day you receive your goods. 

You then have a further 14 days to return the goods to them.

You have the legal right to a refund if you return your faulty Wheelchair within 30 days of receiving it, regardless of what the store’s return policy says. 

If you don’t reject the goods within the first 30 days, and find a fault within the first six months of possessing your faulty goods, you’ll need to give the retailer a chance to make a repair or replacement. If that’s unsuccessful, you can then ask for a refund.

After the first six months, the burden of proof switches to you to prove the fault you’ve found was present at the time you purchased the goods in store or first took ownership of it if you bought it online or by phone or mail order. 

Handling a Return

Depending on a retailer’s returns policy some will only exchange or give you a credit note, while others will give you a refund. But all shops usually require a few key things – a receipt, the card (details) you paid with and the original packaging.

Complaints about poor service

If you’re not satisfied with the service, the Consumer Rights Act gives you the right to demand a reduction for substandard work. This applies even after you’ve paid.

The above are highlights of the most common returns/refund scenarios, for further information please see resources below.

Resources

Which magazine provides pretty clear and concise guidance in relation to your rights here.