A wheelchair is an extremely important piece of equipment for those with limited mobility, delivering greater independence and improved quality of life. If you’re looking to buy a wheelchair, whether for yourself or someone you care for, and you’ve not purchased one before, you might be wondering where you can buy one.
In this article, we’ll take a look at where and how to buy a wheelchair, giving you the confidence to make an informed decision about your purchase.
When buying a wheelchair, there are many important factors you need to consider, so we’ve put together some of the key considerations for you. Do bear in mind that, as a wheelchair is a highly personal piece of mobility equipment, it’s important to do your research and talk to the experts so you can choose the one that is best for you or your loved one.
How wheelchairs are powered can be broken down into two main groups:
There also are two different types of manual wheelchair: self propelled and attendant propelled. If someone else – such as a carer, member of your family or a friend – will always be pushing it for you, you'll need an attendant-propelled wheelchair. If you are able to propel the wheelchair yourself, choose a self-propelled wheelchair. These have large back wheels with rims you can hold to turn; when in this type of wheelchair you can also be pushed by a carer, so it is more versatile.
Depending on the your specific physical and mental condition, as well as where you live and whether you have access to a vehicle, some types of wheelchair may be more suitable than others. For example, an electric wheelchair would be better for someone with severe motor impairment than a manual wheelchair; a compact wheelchair would be more easier for someone living in a small home; and a folding wheelchair might be a good choice for someone who travels a lot in a car.
If you'll use your wheelchair every day, you'll need a greater level of comfort, support and build quality than if you only need it from time to time, for example on a longer outing when you might get tired or when walking over an uneven surface. If your new wheelchair will be used fairly infrequently, you might want to buy one designed for short, occasional trips, or perhaps rent or borrow one instead.
The heavier the wheelchair, the harder it is for you or your carer to push, so you should bear their physical strength in mind when buying a wheelchair. Also, if you intend to put the wheelchair in a car, you might like to choose one of the lighter models available, making it easier to lift in and out.
Every wheelchair has a maximum user weight, which should never be exceeded for safety reasons. Most wheelchairs have an upper limit of 18st (115kg), so anyone above this weight will need to buy a heavy-duty wheelchair that is rated for a higher maximum weight.
To be safe, comfortable and easy to use, a wheelchair must be an appropriate size for you. You might like to check out our Wheelchair Sizing Guide.
For children and teens, there are wheelchairs designed for smaller people; a larger than average person may require a bariatric wheelchair. In addition, many wheelchairs have adjustable seats, so can be adapted for people of different heights.
There may be a particular feature that is necessary for your comfort and to make your daily life easier. From tilt and lift features to the ability to be folded or dismantled, it’s important to consider what you'll need on a daily basis. If your requirements are more individual, some specialist wheelchairs might have the right features for you, or you may need to consider a custom-made wheelchair.
By choosing to shop online with Complete Care Shop, you’ll be able to explore a huge range of different options, with many more wheelchairs on offer than could be comfortably displayed in a high street showroom. Plus, you can buy a wheelchair from the comfort of your own home.
You can buy wheelchairs online with Complete Care Shop either "off the shelf" or with the benefit of our expert advice and guidance for a more customised or specialist model. Which model is best for you will depend on your personal situation, so at Complete Care Shop we offer a wheelchair home assessment service to ensure you get the best possible match.
There's no need to test it out first, as we've got very understanding return and exchange policies, so you can buy a wheelchair from us with complete confidence.
If your budget is tight, you only need it temporarily because of an injury or you’re keen to reduce waste, you might like to buy a second-hand wheelchair. Most mobility aid stores offer second-hand models that have been carefully refurbished to ensure they're safe for use. You could also try your local classified ads.
While the initial cost may be lower when purchasing a wheelchair in this way, there are risks in terms of the quality and suitability of the chair, and if purchased privately (i.e. not from a business), its safety cannot be guaranteed.
If you only need it for a short period of time, or you can’t afford to buy one outright, renting a wheelchair can be a practical alternative. ShopMobility and The British Red Cross, for example, offer this service. Some local organisations and charities may also offer a wheelchair rental scheme.
The best wheelchair to buy depends on your individual needs, circumstances and budget. Here are just a few of the considerations to bear in mind when looking to buy a wheelchair.
It’s important to buy a wheelchair that is suitable for your specific healthcare needs. If you are older, you might like to choose one that is lightweight and easy to use. An electric wheelchair could also be a good option, particularly for those with a weakened grip or reduced strength who may not be able to operate a manual wheelchair.
For ease of transportation, whether by car or using public transport, a folding wheelchair is a good option. Both manual and electric wheelchairs are available in folding designs, so it's easier to put into the boot of a car or another sort of vehicle. Manual wheelchairs are much lighter than electric models, so this might be the best choice if you're a frequent traveller.
Compact wheelchairs are a great choice for home use. Designed to be smaller than many standard models, they're easier to manoeuvre through doorways, around corners and between obstacles. Also, if space is tight, particularly in a hallway, pay close attention to the turning radius of each model.
A power chair is a great option for outdoor use, as it'll allow you to travel longer distances without the need for manual propulsion, whether by yourself or a carer. Useful for town or city use, mid-wheel drive power chairs have castors on the front and back to prevent tipping, offering greater stability for kerbs and uneven ground. They also feature sturdy, high-traction wheels for better grip on a variety of surfaces and slopes. If you're intending more off-road travel, take a look at these all-terrain wheelchairs.
People with particularly severe mental or physical disabilities get the most benefit from a custom wheelchair designed to their specific needs. While this is significantly more expensive than buying an off-the-shelf option, it is the best option and can dramatically improve the quality of life for you or your loved one.
We have a wide range of wheelchairs available to buy online, including folding, manual and electric wheelchairs to suit a variety of needs.
If you’re not sure what the best wheelchair to buy for your circumstances is, our team of Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants offer a free Expert Advice Service and will be happy to advise you on any aspect of buying a wheelchair.
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