Mobility Pitstop can help you pick your perfect mobility solution.
Depending on what your mobility level is, and your needs, there are a number of different types of wheelchair available to you. Our helpful guide will give you a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the main types, and a guide on where to look next.
Self Propelled Wheelchair, or Manual Wheelchair
Pros:
- entirely self controlled
- no battery to charge
- lightweight
- compact (easy to manoeuvre)
- can be folded down into a car’s boot
Cons:
- few features
- tyres need regular inflation
- requires upper body strength
- can be tiring to use on outings
Transit Wheelchairs
Pros:
- great if you can’t use a self propelled wheelchair
- designed specifically to help carers
- can be lightweight (aluminium) or heavy duty (bariatric)
- don’t take up lots of space
- folds away
Cons:
- reliant on someone else to push you
Power Chairs
Pros:
- great if you are in your chair all day
- easy power steering
- can adjust seat and height more accurately
- smaller turning circle than a scooter
- great in bathrooms and bedrooms where space is tight
- pulls up to tables for meetings and meals
Cons:
- expensive to rent or buy
- heavy (100kgs upwards)
- more expensive battery requirements
- hard to move if your batteries run low (two strong people)
- requires a ramp for drops larger than 3 inches
- difficult to dismantle for transporting
- cannot be lifted into a vehicle, without the vehicle being specially adapted or having a lift fitted
Electric Scooters
Pros:
- great for milder issues that affect short trips
- usually have some storage features such as a basket
- will fold or break into sections that can be put in a car’s boot
Cons:
- too big for indoor use generally
- may have to leave outside shops and restaurants as they are too big
Recommended Reading:
Our Mobility Scooter Buying Guide
The Law and Insurance for your Mobility Equipment
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