Buying a wheelchair can be tricky – they all have different features, they vary widely in price, and you have to get one that fits you.
So, before you buy a wheelchair, use this guide to find out all you need to know
Finding the right wheelchair for you
The type of wheelchair you need depends on how and where you'll use it. Asking yourself some key questions can help narrow down your options.
The type of wheelchair you need depends on how and where you'll use it. Asking yourself some key questions can help narrow down your options.
For example:
- Can you wheel yourself, or do you need someone to push you?
- How long will you be spending in it each day?
- Where will you be using the wheelchair? Indoors or outdoors?
- Do you need to transport the wheelchair in a car?
- How much do you want to spend?
- Are you buying a new or second-hand wheelchair?
Think about these questions as you read through this guide and refer back to them if you need to. It’ll help you narrow down what you need.
When you think you’ve got it figured out, head to your local Disability Information Centre (DIC) and talk to them about it. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction and may even have some wheelchairs for you to try.
You always want to spend some time in a wheelchair before committing to buying, especially if you’ll be spending a lot of time in it.
Find your nearest information centre
Types of wheelchairs
Wheelchairs fall under two broad categories: manual wheelchairs and power wheelchairs. There are lots of different types within those two categories but here’s the main difference between the two:
- Manual wheelchairs don’t have a motor. They’re propelled either by the person sitting in the chair, or by someone pushing from behind.
- Electric/power wheelchairs are run by an electric motor that the user operates with a control panel, usually located on one arm of the chair.
Manual wheelchairs
There are three main types of manual wheelchairs:
- transit or attendant propelled
- self-propelling
- lightweight foldable
Transit or attendant propelled wheelchairs
Transit or attendant propelled wheelchairs are ideal if you can’t push yourself. The rear wheels are small, so you’ll need someone to push you in the chair from behind. The small rear wheels make the chair much lighter and easier to transport. They’re also smaller, making them easier to move around tight spaces.
Self-propelled wheelchairs
Self-propelled wheelchairs have large rear wheels and smaller front wheels. This way you can wheel yourself in the chair, making you more independent. Keep in mind they require some upper body strength to use, so if you have limited mobility or strength in your arms, an electric or attendant propelled wheelchair might be a better option. Self-propelled wheelchairs are also larger and heavier than transit chairs, so they’re not ideal for cramming into tight spaces.
Lightweight foldable wheelchairs
Lightweight foldable wheelchairs are the most commonly used type of chair. They’re generally collapsible, so you can fold them up when you’re not using them. This makes them particularly useful for outings and travel. You can also get these chairs in attendant propelled or self-propelled versions.
Electric/power wheelchairs
Electric wheelchairs are propelled by a battery-powered motor. They’re ideal if you’ll be using the wheelchair a lot or have limited upper body strength. They’re more expensive than manual wheelchairs with prices ranging from around $3,000 at the low end to more than $10,000 at the high end. The difference between a lower and higher end model is the versatility and range.
Because they have a motor, electric wheelchairs can do more than manual wheelchairs. For example, some have a lift seat so you can elevate yourself to reach something high up. This is useful in places like supermarkets when you need to get an item off the top shelf. It’s also handy at home so you can reach higher spaces like cupboards.
A higher-end electric wheelchair can go more places than a basic model. Entry-level electric wheelchairs often have smaller wheels and a less powerful motor, making them ideal for use around the home. More expensive models usually have bigger wheels and more powerful motors, meaning they’re better suited to driving over hilly or rough terrain.
It’s important to think about how much you’ll be using the wheelchair. If you’ll be using the wheelchair all day, every day, you’ll need a chair with a reasonably long range. Basic chairs have a range of up to 15km on a single charge, but higher-end chairs can have more than double that. If you think you’ll need to cover large distances, a longer range is important.
Power adapter for manual wheelchairs
If you already have a manual wheelchair but would like a bit more help getting around, you can get a device that makes your wheelchair electric powered. This could be a good option if you’ve already got a manual wheelchair, or you don’t feel like you can justify buying a full electric wheelchair.
Wheelchair sizes
Just like a pair of shoes, a wheelchair has to fit you properly. Too big, and you’ll struggle to move it properly. Too small, and it’ll be uncomfortable.
The main things to consider when getting the right size wheelchair is your hip width, the length of your thigh, and your weight.
Usually, wheelchairs are measured by the seat size, so an 18” wheelchair means the seat is 18” wide. If you see a wheelchair measuring 18”x17”, the second number is the depth of the seat.
How to measure yourself for a wheelchair
To measure the ideal seat width for you, take a flat measurement across your hips while sitting. Be sure not to bend the tape measure when you’re doing this. Then add another centimetre or two to allow for a bit of wiggle room either side.
To measure the ideal seat depth, you need to measure from the back of your bottom to the back of your knee when sitting down. Then subtract a couple of centimetres and you should have the right seat depth measurement.
This is just a guide – always make sure you try a chair in real life before buying one!
Armrests
Armrests may seem like a minor feature of a wheelchair but they are pretty important.
Some wheelchairs have armrests that can be removed or swung away, and some have fixed armrests. What option is right for you depends on how and where you use your wheelchair most.
If you need to stand up from your wheelchair a lot, full-length armrests are important because you’ll need something to support your weight as you get out.
If you’ll be using your wheelchair in an office, you could get a wheelchair with desk-length armrests, which allow you to get closer to a desk.
Leg rests
There are two main types of leg rests: flip up or elevating.
Flip up leg rests – or footplates – can be moved vertically, or swung away, to make it easier to get out of the chair.
Elevating leg rests may be needed if you can’t bend your knees, or you have swelling in your feet.
Getting advice
Even if you’ve got a pretty good idea of what type of wheelchair you need, it’s worth getting professional advice. You could consult an occupational therapist or physiotherapist, or even pop into your local Disability Information Centre.
It’s recommended that you get professional advice if you:
- Will be sitting in the wheelchair all day
- Need to wheel yourself around all day in different environments
- Have very frail skin
- Are unable to sit upright or hold your head up when sitting in a chair
You should also seek professional advice if you’re considering these types of specialist wheelchairs:
- Ultra-lightweight wheelchairs
- Rigid or fixed framed wheelchairs
- Heavy duty wheelchairs
- Tilt in Space wheelchairs
- Sports wheelchairs
- Paediatric (children’s) wheelchairs
- Standing up wheelchairs
Last updated on Friday, 1 March 2024