Foldable Powered Wheelchairs

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1

Hi all,

Do you have any recommendations for foldable powered wheelchairs.

I have a foldable manual wheelchair that my wife can fit in the boot of the car. To save her having to push me, I was thinking a foldable powered wheelchair would be better. Also can you get grants or finance?

Thanks in advance

Eamonn

2

If you get PIP mobility you can use it to fund a wheelchair. if you are ex-forces then the RBL might help. Alternatively you could try your union or trade body. You can get a chair through the NHS but it is notoriously difficult. You can borrow chairs/scooters when you are out - supermarkets, shopping centres, NT properties. It is one way of trying out the idea.

3

Thanks Janet,

Unfortunately the pip goes towards the car. All great ideas.

Best Wishes

Eamonn

4

We have one through the NHS but it is so heavy. Even with the power pack off it still weight about 20k. I really struggle to lift it into the boot. Hope you find something suitable for you.

5

Thanks Only67

Best Wishes

Eamonn

6

You might find you need a hoist or lift to get it into the car unless you only use it locally. You may also have to change your car. I am currently researching my next car and have only found 3 which will take the car and hoist.

7

Thanks for the info. I intend to just use one locally.

8

I am thinking about changing our car too. Would you mind sharing which 3 you think might be suitable. Thanks

9

Currently my list is Citreon Berlingo, Peugeot Rifter, Ford tourneo courier. I am only looking at electric and I need 1m minimum boot opening aperture to get my chair in

10

Hi Only67,

We went with the Volvo xc40.

Recommended. I didn’t have a top 3 unfortunately. Also I found the customer service offered by the dealership was important to me.

Best Wishes

Eamonn

11

Unfortunately the electric xc40 is not available on Motability. I am waiting for Motability to update their list on July 1st before making a decision.

12

There are a lot of light weight foldable chairs out there and they usually will come out to give you a demonstration. I got my scooter from Monarch Mobility, who were very good. Most of the companies now do carbon framed scooters and chairs, which are very light and fold up pretty small. This technology comes at a cost though. I should imagine they all do finance. Alternatively, have a look at second hand ones. There are a lot out there.

13

My brother has a Citroen Berlingo through Motability, and really likes it. He uses a buggy with a hoist.

14

Sorry to hear that Janet. I must admit I steered clear of electric cars. Hope one is added soon.

15

Thanks Minnie,

Best Wishes

Eamonn

16

One advantage is that Motability will install a charger point for you.

17

I have a Quickie Graphite chair which even I can lift into a car boot, and we have yet to find one it won’t fit IF I detach the joystick. It was expensive, but necesary. With one good hand a scooter is no use, plus it has to be small enough, with a TIA approved battery, to keep in the flat.

18

Thanks for this Geoff

19

Sorry, that’s IATA ( International Air Transport Association ) approved. We all know where that abbreviation error came from!

20

Hi,

Iuse a TGA DUO wheelchair which is fairly lightweight and my dear wife can get it in and out of the car boot easily. the battery and motor are separate and can be taken on aircraft (we’ve done it twice) and have made a big difference to getting around. Ask, if you need any more info.

Regards,

Bob PS THE WHEELCHAIR AND POWER GEAR COST JUST OVER £1000. I have no idea about grants etc.