Hello all, I’m after a bit of advice please. I have SPMS and now use a NHS power wheelchair, I also have a Motability car with a hoist. I am going to change my car in the summer and I am going to try and get a smaller car that’s electric. I realise I will have to buy a new power wheelchair that folds down to fit into the smaller car boot. The problem is, what wheelchair to buy? It needs to be reliable, OK to put on an aeroplane, and have a range of around 10 miles and fold down. All the brochures I’ve seen make their product the best thing since sliced bread (don’t know what’s so good about sliced bread?). There also seems to be a very wide range of prices. Any advice on what to buy or even where to start to look would be very welcome. Many thanks for reading through this l9ng post. All the best to all.
No experience, but the Karma E40 review by Motability is worth a look.
Powered Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters: Video Reviews
Thanks for the pointer regarding the rebooter 40, does anyone have one of these powerchairs? Also, is there anything should watch out for? I visited a local mobility shop, but I was completely baffled by the sales person who assured me the most expensive chair was the one to go for, even though it didnt fold.He said I should just get a bigger car! Why is life so complicated?
I’ve been very pleased with my Lith-Tech chair. Very well engineered in lightweight aluminium and foldable. Don’t know where I’d be without it. Have got one for my Dad (he’s 94) which is carbon fibre and well under 20kg - he can lift it himself. They are not the cheapest (or the most expensive) but so well-made. Lith-Tech’s head office is in Surrey but they are expanding physical locations across the country now.
P.S. you’re not alone! Last time I changed my car, the “will it fit my chair” criteria was paramount!
Being gaslight by a mobility shop is not the best start and doubt they will be in business long with that sort of attitude.
You clearly know exactly what features you need and a search on the Motability site should reveal a few suitable options. YouTube is likely to have videos of your shortlist.
Finally, the only way of really telling is by trying a few out and seeing which chair suits you best.
Find a powered wheelchair | Motability Scheme
Thanks for the tip re Lith-Tech wheelchairs, I’ll have a look at their info and see if there is a dealer local to me (I’m in Cheshire). I am getting a very extensive library of sales brochures, I will be responsible for deforestation by the time I’ve done. But, people’s thoughts and ideas are really helpful, thanks
Can’t advise you on powerchairs but have a look at Careco website and if you can , then visit one of their showrooms. I bought my mobility scooter from them and they tend to have a good range of everything from scooters, wheelchairs, and a whole range of other aids. Scooters and wheelchairs can be tried out in the store ( my local store in Glasgow had a sort of ‘test track’ of turns, bumps and ramps)
Thanks for the advice folks. I’m still looking, I now have an ever growing mountain of brochures, adverts, spec sheets etc, so I’m even more confused! I have a couple of technical questions, if anyone can advise,
1, the chairs seem to be able to negotiate around 6 to 12 degrees of slope, what do I need for going out and about on paths, dropped curbs etc?
2, how big wheels do I need? Am I right in thinking bigger wheels mean better grip on wet grass etc and a more comfortable ride?
Thanks for your advice and your patience
Check the grip on the chair’s wheels? Also some chairs have suspension which could make trips over rough grounds a lot more comfortable?