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