Choosing a Wheelchair: Your Complete Guide
At Mobility Hire, we know how important it is to find the right wheelchair, especially if you’re hiring mobility equipment for the first time. Our Choosing a Wheelchair guide will help you make an informed choice, whether you’re looking to hire for the short term, rent long-term, or buy a wheelchair. We offer a wide range of wheelchairs, including manual wheelchairs, paediatric options, bariatric models, and tilt-and-recline wheelchairs.
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What is a Manual Wheelchair?
A Manual Wheelchair is a non-powered wheelchair that can either be self-propelled by the user or attendant-propelled by a caregiver.
Here’s what to consider when choosing a Manual Wheelchair:
Who Will Push the Wheelchair?
- Self-Propelled: Ideal for users who have the upper body strength to push themselves. Our self-propelled wheelchairs have larger rear wheels and push rims, giving users greater independence.
- Attendant-Propelled (Transit Chair): Designed for users who need assistance, these transit chairs have smaller rear wheels and are commonly used in hospitals and airports.
How Often Will You Use It?
For daily or extended use, consider our lightweight wheelchair models, which are easy to transport and comfortable for long periods. For occasional use or around the home, a basic manual wheelchair might be more suitable.
Will You Be Transporting It?
Most of our manual wheelchairs are foldable for easy transport. If you plan to use your wheelchair in a vehicle, consider a foldable wheelchair.
Indoor or Outdoor Use?
Consider the width and turning radius of the wheelchair, especially if it will be used indoors. Larger bariatric models may not fit through all doorways, so check the dimensions on the product page or contact us for guidance on finding the best indoor wheelchair for your home.
Ease of Transfer
We offer manual wheelchairs with flip-up armrests and swing-away legrests for easier transfer. Choose a model from our accessible wheelchair range that best suits your mobility needs and provides the accessibility you require. Certain models include elevating leg rests, which are beneficial for users with conditions like lymphedema or a broken leg.
Weight and Size
At Mobility Hire, we understand that wheelchair requirements vary. Our wheelchairs come in a range of sizes, including bariatric wheelchairs with wider seats and higher weight capacities, ensuring maximum comfort and support for larger users. Explore our Bariatric Wheelchair collection for more information.
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Types of Manual Wheelchairs
Bariatric Wheelchairs
Bariatric wheelchairs are built for heavier or larger users, offering extra weight capacity and seat width. Features include:
- Up to 30” seat width.
- Maximum user weight capacity up to 50 stone on some models.
- Available in attendant-propelled and heavy-duty versions.
Visit our Bariatric Wheelchairs page to see the full range of options available for heavier users.
Paediatric Wheelchairs
Our paediatric wheelchairs are designed specifically for children, offering comfort and flexibility for school, home, or outdoor activities. We provide a variety of accessories, such as elevating leg rests, rear seat bags, and more. Learn about our paediatric wheelchair options and see how they can support your child’s mobility.
- Custom Fit: Adjusted to meet individual needs for comfort and ease of movement.
- Seat Depth and Width: Ensures a proper fit, which is crucial for children’s comfort and mobility.
Tilt-and-Recline Multifunction Wheelchairs
Tilt-in-space and reclining models are ideal for users who spend extended time in a wheelchair and require additional support. Features include:
- Recline Feature: Adjustable backrest to provide varied seating angles.
- Tilt-in-Space: The entire seat tilts to help distribute pressure evenly, reducing the risk of pressure sores.
Explore our Tilt-and-Recline Wheelchairs for more details.
Off Road Wheelchairs
Off road wheelchairs, also called all terrain wheelchairs are carefully designed to be able to travel over a wide variety of different terrains. They can cope with rougher and bumpier surfaces than a standard manual wheelchair.
- All Weather Tyres
- Improved Suspension
Visit our other website, Off Road Mobility for a wide range of off road vehicles and off road wheelchairs.
Power Assist Options
Power assist provides an electric boost to a manual wheelchair, making it easier for users or caregivers to manoeuvre. We offer both standard power packs (up to 4mph and 10-mile range) and lightweight folding power packs, which are ideal for travel. Discover our Power Assist Wheelchair solutions to find out more.
Choosing Your Ideal Wheelchair: Checklist
To make sure you select the most suitable wheelchair, consider the following:
Who Will Propel The Wheelchair – Self or attendant?
Frequency of Use – Daily, weekly, or occasional?
Indoor or Outdoor use – Check width and manoeuvrability.
Ease of Transfer – Flip-up armrests and swing-away footrests.
Leg and Knee Requirements – Elevating leg rests for added comfort.
Weight and Size – Bariatric or standard?
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Wheelchair Hire Options
Short-Term Hire
For short-term needs, we offer flexible weekly hire. Short term hire is ideal for holidays, post-surgery recovery, or trying out a model before making a long-term commitment. Visit our Why Hire page and view our Delivery Information page. If you have an NHS voucher, our Wheelchair Voucher Scheme allows you to apply the voucher towards a wheelchair that better suits your needs.
Benefits of Short-Term Hire:
- Ideal for travel and holidays.
- Convenient for visitors with mobility needs.
- A great way to try before you buy.
- Perfect for post-surgery or short-term rehabilitation.
- Useful for getting around holiday parks and caravan sites.
Long-Term Hire
For those with ongoing mobility needs, our long-term hire packages offer affordability and peace of mind, with options for up to 36 months. Long-term hire includes servicing, repairs, insurance, and 24/7 breakdown cover. Learn more by reading our Hire or Buy Blog.
Benefits of Long-Term Hire:
- Includes servicing, replacement batteries, and tyres.
- Comprehensive insurance and breakdown cover.
- A replacement wheelchair if your hire model requires repairs.
- Ideal for those who prefer not to commit to the long-term costs of purchasing.
Get Started Today
Ready to find the perfect wheelchair? Explore our Manual Wheelchairs range and check out our hire options for short and long term needs. Download our product brochures for detailed specifications, or speak to our expert team on 0800 111 6234 for personalised advice. For more details on delivery, terms, and frequently asked questions, visit our Information Hub.
Please find below a checklist which may help you plan which kind of wheelchair you would like to hire. It’s useful to have the answers to the questions below in order to make sure you can get a mobility scooter that suits your needs. If you speak to one of our team these are the questions they are likely to ask you.
| Height and weight | |
| Budget per week (£)? | £ |
| Will you be using the wheelchair indoors, outdoors or both? | |
| Do you have sufficient space to store a wheelchair? | Yes/No |
| How long are you likely to spend in your wheelchair every day? | |
| Who’s going to be pushing the wheelchair? | |
| If you have a medical condition, is it possible your needs may change over the course of your lease? | Yes/No |
| Do you require leg elevation? | Yes/No |
We hope this guide has helped you make the right choice for your new wheelchair. If you have any other questions or would like to speak to one of the team please call 0800 111 6234.
