How to buy the right power chair - and avoid costly mistakes!

Buying a power chair is a decision that should be undertaken with care - it is of the utmost importance that you buy the right power chair for your needs. In this buying guide Jean Rasbridge, owner of Wheelchairs Direct UK, outlines some of the factors that need to be taken into consideration when making the choice.

Before choosing your electric wheelchair, you need to consider how you will use it. Are your requirements primarily for indoor use, or do you need it to get down to the shops? Will it be in and out of the car, or will you be using it locally?

Portable Power Chairs

If you do require a chair that can be easily transported, then you should consider going for one of the portable range. Many of these models can be folded or easily taken apart. With the Go-chair, for example, you can split the wheelchair into four separate pieces. As with many power wheelchairs in the portable range, it can be transported in the boots of most cars.

Portable power chairs are good for indoor use, and for very good surfaces such as good pavements and shopping malls, supermarkets etc. For hardier outdoor use, another type is required.

Indoor Use

If your main concern is for indoor use, you should consider the indoor-outdoor range. As the name suggests, these wheelchairs are not confined to indoor use, although they are most suitable for use in your house.

When choosing an indoor chair, consider your house. Is it small, with tight spaces and close furniture, or large and roomy? For a smaller house you might want to consider a wheelchair such as the Jazzy Select, which can turn in extremely tight spots.

Outdoor Use

If your priority requirement is transport, an outdoor chair is the type to look at, with speeds ranging from 4 - 8 mph. Supplied with lights, indicators and hazard lights these can be used day or night with safety.

Current models are not only large and comfortable, they also have the ability to cope with rougher terrain. They can also cope with most kerbs.

There are models for indoor and outdoor use, such as the Jazzy 1121 with enhanced suspension which manages rough terrain well, but also has excellent confined space manoeuvrability with its mid-wheel drive design.

Custom Chairs

As the description suggests, the fundamental design of these chairs is adapted for each and every user, from small modifications to seating requirements to very special needs adaptations. Maximum possible comfort is achieved for each user, following assessment by a trained supplier.

This type of product is constantly evolving, and the leaders in this field, Pride Mobility and Sunrise Medical, invest heavily in research and development to remain the market leaders. Pride is particularly innovative, which is perhaps why they were chosen by Stephen Hawkings. Many of these individually adapted chairs are financed under the Motability Wheelchair Scheme.

There are even models which climb stairs, balance on two wheels and lift the user into an upright position, while in Spain scientists are developing a wheelchair that can be controlled via neurological impulses – i.e. brainwaves!

Assessment

If you have custom requirements – or any doubts at all as to the best wheelchair – ask your supplier for assessment. Good suppliers will automatically provide free assessment and advice to their customers for almost all models.

Choosing a supplier

If you require finance and are in receipt of higher rate Disabled Living Allowance, you should choose a supplier who is Motability accredited. These suppliers have to go on regular courses which enable them to understand your needs and must comply with very strict ethical and business guidlelines to remain on the Scheme.

Motability dealers also need to complete training to allow them to offer the Motability Finance element of your purchase, as well as following a strict code of practice laid down by the FSA (Financial Services Authority). The purchase procedure is transparent, to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding.

In addition, you should make sure that you choose a supplier who will take the time to help you choose the correct wheelchair for you. The last thing you want is to be pushed into making a quick decision. If you ever feel you are being rushed, it is probably time to find another power chair dealer.

Beyond price...

While finding a good value power chair is always a good idea, make sure you look beyond just the price. Consider the following questions:

• Does the wheelchair come with a warranty?
  
  
• Is assessment and delivery included in the price?
  
  
• Is the dealer qualified to give you a VAT-free price?

You should also look carefully at the service element being offered - does your supplier have a back up available should he be unable to attend?

If the company offering the product is an authorised supplier, they will be able to support you should any problem result with the appropriate spares, back up from the manufacturer/importer.

It may also be worth considering an extended warranty. With Motability finance, contract hire covers almost all costs during the term, but without this or another warranty, repairs can be very expensive when the original guarantee expires.

If you have any further questions regarding choosing your power chairs, why not ring our friendly and expert staff on 0800 3896587/ 01792 391384.