Hello all, I am recovering from a stroke i had in November and trying to come to terms with my new life. I have one (of many!) queries that someone may be able to advise me on. I need to buy a fold down power wheelchair for use outdoors. I’m not bothered about weight because I can get a hoist fitted to my car. My “ideal” chair would have a range of around 12 miles, and would be able to go of pavements onto gravel or short grass. I needs to be comfortable as I have a back injury. How do I decide which chair to go for, as all of them are perfect according to the shops that sell them. Any thoughts?
The only advice I can give is try motability.co.uk website. Maybe you could find a shop that sells disability equipment. I’m not sure where you live but it’s the best advice I can give for the moment.
Hi @Mike142 & welcome to the community. Sorry to hear you’ve had a stroke but hope you are making progress.
With regards to a power chair my advice would be to test some out. I bought my mobility scooter from Ableworld and they allowed me to try as many as I wanted. I do believe online firms, if you aren’t able to visit a showroom, will come to your home & demonstrate them for you.
I think @Bobbi had someone visit when he bought his. But i might have that wrong.
Ask away with any questions you have there’s usually someone who can help.
@Mike142 Sorry cant advise as I have not had a wheelchair, but I am sure someone on here will be able to help as we have a number of wheelchair users, who will be able to give your their expect advice. Good luck
If you have access to Occupational Services they will be able to advise you. You may have to change your car as an electric wheelchair + hoist needs a surprisingly large boot aperture to take the chair. Mine needs a metre each way. I have found that the only way to find a suitable car is to go to the car dealerships with a tape measure.
Motability run roadshows over the year. These include wheelchair dealerships where you can try.
You should also consider how you are going to charge the chair. Will you be able to get it into the house or garage? Mine won’t so I run a cable out of a window into the boot. Since until recently I worked for an engineering company one of my colleagues made me an extension cable for the charger.
Hello MIke - welcome to the community.
I am sure all of your (many!) queries will be answered here on this forum.
There is no question posted on here that goes unanswered - none
That said, as in the brilliant classic Morecambe and Wise sketch featuring Andre Preview, the answers may not be in the right order!
I thought you might enjoy the light-hearted moment at this time in your life
hello mike i had no idear that a chair could have a 12 mile range i must say iam very lucky and dont need one but around me lots seem to use them 4 wheel mobility scooters some even have a roof and windscreen just like a miniture car and they seem like they can move quite fast - just a thought , , , welcome anyway mate
