How to Choose an Invacare Wheelchair

Put an Action 3 NG and Action 4 NG side by side. The right choice can still be easy to miss. A dearer chair may feel worse. Its seat may be too wide. Its rear wheels may sit too far back. The footrests may block a tight turn.

Invacare offers far more than these two chairs. Its range runs from folding Action models to Rea tilt chairs and Küschall active chairs. We would start with the job, body and route. The model comes later. This guide follows that order and shows why two similar builds can feel very different.

Why the Action 3 NG suits many users

The Action 3 NG comes as self-propel, transit, compact, comfort and light builds. A dual-handrim drive may suit some one-sided needs.

Our live self-propelled page offers 15 to 20-inch seats. It gives a 125kg user limit. The page lists 14.2kg complete and 10.7kg with key parts off. Large rear wheels let a suitable user push.

The transit page has the same seat range and user limit. It lists 13.5kg complete and 10.3kg stripped. Its small rear wheels need a pusher.

Its wheel and footplate settings help a fitter tune reach, height and balance. That gives more choice than a basic fixed chair.

Leave axle work to the dealer or chair team. A wheel moved forwards may ease pushing. It can also raise rear-tip risk.

Where the Action 4 NG earns its place

The Action 4 NG has a strong frame and double cross brace. Invacare aims it at users who need more size or build choice.

Our self-propelled page offers 15 to 19-inch seats. It lists 15.2kg complete, 8.3kg with rear wheels off, and a 125kg user limit. The back and rear wheel mounts adjust.

Invacare makes a separate heavy-duty Action 4. That version reaches 160kg in the official range. Never use this limit for the standard chair.

Choose the Action 4 when its frame or options solve a need. The number four does not prove better comfort. Fit still wins.

Small or large rear wheels ?

A transit build has small rear wheels. A carer must push it. The chair may be narrower and take less boot space.

Test the pusher as well as the user. Can they grip the handles and use both brakes? Can they hold the chair on the local slope? Parking locks hold a stopped chair. Carer brakes slow it where designed.

A self-propelled build has large wheels and handrims. The user needs safe reach, grip and shoulder power. A wide seat moves the rims away. That soon makes each push harder.

Some users push indoors and need help outside. Test both jobs. Large rear wheels add width and boot bulk.

The build sheet prevents costly mistakes

A product photo rarely shows the chair you will get. Ask for the full written build before paying.

Measure seat width across the widest hips or thighs. Use normal clothes. Leave a little room, without a large side gap. Too much width gives less side support. It also moves the rims away.

Seat depth should support the thighs. The front edge must clear the back of the knees. We often check for two or three fingers there. The right gap depends on the user and cushion.

Now check the lower legs. Both feet need sound support. Footplates should not lift the knees or press the thighs. Hanger angle changes the total chair length too. This can spoil a close turn.

Forum users often mention wide seats, rear wheels set back and long footrests. Test each point. Turn near a bed, reverse through a door and reach both rims.

Back and arm choices matter. Low backs free some shoulders. Other users need more support. Desk arms fit near tables. Lift-off arms may help side moves.

Fit the planned cushion before judging height. A thick one lifts the body and changes rim reach. Pain, poor trunk control or skin risk needs a clinical check.

The final sheet should name wheels, tyres, castors, brakes, arms, footrests, back, cushion and every size.

Make the chair pass your awkward route

Start in the bathroom or bedroom, rather than an open shop. Turn with the footrests on. Reverse past furniture. Check the gap beside the toilet.

Our Action pages give total width as seat width plus 20cm. Measure the clear door gap. Large wheels also need hand space when the user pushes.

Take the chair to the car. Compare full weight, stripped weight and heaviest part. Remove only parts the carer can refit well. Each axle button must pop out after its wheel returns.

Try the usual path with safe help. Small castors dislike gaps. Soft tyres add drag. Solid tyres avoid punctures and feel firm. Use the tyre and pressure set for that build.

Try the local slope and camber. Stay within the model guide.

When an Action chair is the wrong answer

Rea Azalea is a tilt-in-space chair for higher support needs. Its page lists 25 degrees of tilt and 30 degrees of back recline. It has transit or self-propel rear wheels.

This chair needs a full seating check. Head, trunk, pelvis, legs and skin all count. It is much larger than a folding Action chair.

An active user may prefer Küschall. The rigid K-Series aims to use push force well. The Champion folds into a small form. Close fit and axle setup are vital for both.

If arm pushing is unsafe, ask about power. TDX SP2 chairs use centre-wheel drive and offer many seat and control choices. A skilled trial is vital.

Alber units aid some manual chairs. Fit depends on the exact chair, brackets and user. Get service consent before changing NHS kit.

Check the stock line before falling in love

Our Action 2 and Alu Lite pages are marked discontinued and out of stock. Old reviews may still rank them well.

At this check, both Action 3 NG pages were in stock. The Action 4 NG self-propelled page was in stock too. Stock can change, so use the live page.

Weight figures also vary. One may cover the whole chair. Another may leave off wheels, arms or footrests. Match the exact build and removed parts. Check the final order, current manual and seller terms.

Five useful Invacare questions

Is the Action 4 NG better than the Action 3 NG ?

It offers a stronger frame and more size choice. The Action 3 may suit your body, route and lift needs better.

Can a small adult use the Action 3 NG ?

Its standard width starts at 15 inches. Invacare also has Compact and Junior routes. Check leg length, rim reach and seat height.

Are all Invacare chairs crash tested ?

No. Approval depends on the model and build. Read the current manual and check all transport labels.

Can an Alber unit fit an Action wheelchair ?

Perhaps. The chair, width, brackets and seat setup all matter. Use an approved dealer. Get NHS consent for a service chair.

Why do websites give different weights ?

They may show different builds or stripped parts. Ask for complete weight, carry weight and the heaviest part you must lift.