Buying a Wheelchair Online: What to Look for Before You Decide

Buying a wheelchair online is a good deal more straightforward then it used to be, and for many people it is now the most convenient and cost effective way to get the chair they need. That said, there are a number of things that are well worth getting right before you place an order, and a few common mistakes that are worth knowing about in advance. A chair that arrives and turns out to be the wrong size, or that does not have the features you actually need, is a frustrating and sometimes costly problem to put right. This guide covers the key things to check before buying a wheelchair online, so that you have the best possible chance of getting it right first time.

Getting the Measurements Right

Seat width

Seat width is the single most important measurement to get right when buying a wheelchair. To measure correctly, sit on a firm, flat surface and measure across the widest point of the hips or thighs. Add approximately one to two inches to this figure to give a comfortable fit with a small amount of room on each side.

A seat that is too wide causes the user to lean to one side in search of support, which affects posture and increases pressure on one side of the body. A seat that is too narrow is uncomfortable and can cause rubbing on the hips, which increases the risk of skin irritation and pressure sores. Most standard manual wheelchairs come in 16, 18 and 20 inch seat widths, with 18 inches being the most commonly suitable for an average adult. Please bear in mind that if you are measuring in winter clothing or expect to use the chair while wearing bulky outdoor garments, its worth allowing a little extra room.

Seat depth

Seat depth is the measurement from the back of the buttocks to the back of the knee. To find the correct seat depth for the chair, take this measurement and subtract one to two inches. This ensures that the front edge of the seat does not press in to the back of the knee, which would restrict circulation and cause discomfort over time.

If the seat depth is too short, the thighs are not fully supported and too much pressure is concentrated on the sitting bones. If its too long, the user cannot sit properly against the backrest and tends to slump forward. Most standard wheelchairs do not offer variable seat depth options, so its worth checking the seat depth specification against your measurement before ordering.

Checking your home environment

Its also worth measuring your doorways before ordering. The overall width of a wheelchair from wheel to wheel is generally around eight inches wider then the seat width, so an 18 inch seat width chair will typically be around 26 inches wide overall. The standard internal door width in UK homes is 762mm or approximately 30 inches, which most standard chairs will clear comfortably. However, older properties and narrow hallways can present problems, so its worth measuring any tight spots before committing to a chair.

Key Features to Check Before Buying

Weight capacity

Every wheelchair has a stated maximum user weight and this should never be exceeded. Doing so not only puts the user at risk but will invalidate the warranty. Most standard manual wheelchairs support users up to around 18 stone, though heavier duty bariatric models are available for users who need a higher capacity. Its worth checking the weight limit carefully against the users current weight rather then an approximate figure.

Chair weight

The weight of the chair itself matters a good deal if it needs to be lifted in to a car regularly. A standard steel transit chair typically weighs somewhere between 15 and 18 kilograms, which is manageable but not light. Lightweight aluminium chairs generally come in at around 11 to 14 kilograms, and this difference becomes very noticeable over time for anyone lifting the chair in and out of a vehicle on a daily basis. If regular transport is a factor, its well worth paying a little more for a lighter model.

Crash testing

If the wheelchair user will be travelling in the chair as a vehicle passenger, the chair must be crash tested to the relevant standard. A chair that has not been crash tested is not safe to use as a seat in a moving vehicle, regardless of how it is secured. This is a point that is sometimes overlooked when buying online. Look for confirmation on the product listing that the chair has been crash tested, and check whether the test was carried out in the seat configuration or in a folded position, as some chairs are only crash tested when folded and used as cargo rather then as a passenger seat.

Tyre type

Most online wheelchair listings will specify whether the rear wheels are fitted with pneumatic or solid tyres. Pneumatic tyres give a smoother and more comfortable ride, particularly on uneven outdoor surfaces, but they can puncture and require periodic inflation. Solid or puncture proof tyres need no maintenance and are a practical choice for users who primarily use the chair indoors or on smooth surfaces. Its worth checking this detail rather then assuming, as it affects both the ride experience and the ongoing maintenance requirements of the chair.

VAT Relief on Wheelchair Purchases

This is something a good deal of folk miss when buying a wheelchair online. If you have a long term illness or disability that significantly affects your ability to carry out everyday tasks, you are entitled to purchase a wheelchair without paying VAT. This represents a saving of 20 percent on the purchase price and applies to most mobility equipment purchased for personal use. Reputable online wheelchair retailers will provide a simple self-declaration form at the checkout stage, which you complete to confirm your eligibility. You do not need a GP letter or formal medical assessment to claim this relief.

Its worth noting that VAT relief does not apply to wheelchairs being purchased for short term use, for example during recovery from a temporary injury, so this needs to be borne in mind when placing your order.

Choosing a Reputable Retailer

What to look for

When buying a wheelchair online its well worth choosing a specialist mobility retailer rather then a general marketplace. A specialist retailer will have detailed product knowledge, will be able to answer questions about compatibility and sizing, and is more likely to offer proper after sales support if something is not right with the chair when it arrives.

Look for clear contact details, a telephone number staffed by people who know the products, a reasonable returns policy and confirmation that the retailer is experienced in handling mobility equipment. A retailer that offers free delivery and has helpful product information on its website is generally a good sign that they take the product category seriously.

Final Thoughts

Buying a wheelchair online can work very well if you take the time to get the measurements right, check the key specifications and choose a retailer you can actually speak to if you need help. The most common problems we see are chairs that are the wrong seat width, chairs that are too heavy for the person lifting them, and chairs where the crash test status was not checked before purchase.

We hope you have found this guide useful. If you are unsure about any aspect of choosing the right wheelchair, please feel free to call us and we will be happy to help.