The right wheelchair depends on who will use it, who will push it, where it will go and how often. This guide explains the main types, how to size one, and what facilities should think about when buying wheelchairs for patients and residents.
Types of wheelchair
- Self-propelled wheelchairs have large rear wheels with push rims, so users with enough upper-body strength can move independently. Many work indoors and out.
- Attendant-propelled (transit) wheelchairs have small rear wheels and are pushed by a carer. They’re lighter, fold easily and suit appointments, outings, travel and occasional use.
- Electric wheelchairs run on a rechargeable battery and a joystick, for people with limited strength or who rely on a chair all day. They need charging and more maintenance.
- Lightweight wheelchairs use aluminium or similar materials, so they’re easier to lift into a car. They come in self-propelled and transit versions.
- Heavy-duty and bariatric wheelchairs have reinforced frames and wider seats for higher user weights. See equipment for bariatric patients.
- Paediatric wheelchairs are sized and adjustable for children and petite users.
- Patient mover wheelchairs are built for porters and staff moving patients around large facilities.
Manual or electric
| Manual | Electric | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | User or carer | Rechargeable battery |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Transport | Easy to fold and lift | Needs more vehicle space; check battery rules for flights |
| Maintenance | Low | Moderate |
| Suits | Active users, or users with a carer | Full-time use, fatigue or limited strength |
How to choose
How and where it will be used
Everyday mobility suggests a self-propelled or electric chair; occasional outings and appointments suit a lightweight transit chair. Indoors, a smaller turning circle helps. Outdoors, larger wheels, a sturdier frame and suitable tyres handle footpaths and uneven ground.
Fit
Seat width matters for comfort and pressure: too narrow is uncomfortable, too wide reduces stability and makes the chair harder to propel. Check seat height, backrest height and leg support against the user. For long-term or complex needs, an occupational therapist or physiotherapist can assess and prescribe.
Weight capacity
Choose a chair rated for the user’s weight. It keeps the chair safe and extends the life of the frame.
Folding, weight and storage
If the chair goes in a car often, a lightweight folding frame makes daily life easier for users and carers.
Wheels, armrests and footrests
Large rear wheels give self-propellers control; small rear wheels make transit chairs lighter. Removable, flip-back or swing-away armrests and footrests make transfers easier. Quick-release wheels and anti-tip wheels are worth looking for.
Cushioning
For long periods in the chair, a supportive seat and back matter. Some chairs take an upgraded pressure-relief cushion.
Maintenance and support
Check how easy the chair is to clean and whether tyres, cushions and footrests can be replaced. Review the warranty for the frame and key parts.
Buying for a facility
Hospitals, clinics and aged-care homes often need a mix: patient mover or transit chairs for staff moving patients, self-propelled chairs for residents who move independently, and a heavy-duty chair for heavier patients. Standardising models simplifies parts and training. Plan storage space, and a cleaning routine for shared chairs.
Beyond the wheelchair
Rollators give walking support with a seat to rest on. Shower commodes let people be wheeled into the shower and over the toilet, in attendant-propelled and self-propelled versions; tilt-in-space models such as the Shower Buddy SB3T help people who need more postural support.
Mobility equipment at Kontact
Our wheelchairs and mobility range includes Max Mobility self-propelling, transit, lightweight, paediatric and heavy-duty wheelchairs, Pinnacle wheelchairs including the Glide folding electric wheelchair, Invacare Rea Azalea chairs, Pacific Medical standard, patient mover and bariatric chairs, Pinnacle rollators and shower commodes, and the Shower Buddy Roll-InBuddy Tilt. Each product page lists seat width, weight capacity and dimensions from the manufacturer.
Questions
Can I take a wheelchair on a plane?
Most airlines carry manual and electric wheelchairs, but rules vary, especially for lithium batteries. Check with the airline before you travel.
Can accessories be added later?
Often yes: cushions, bags, anti-tip wheels and lap belts, depending on the model.
