Choosing a Manual Wheelchair to Hire

Do you require your equipment for indoor and outdoor uses?

All our manual wheelchairs come with solid, puncture resistant tyres and large wheels at the back for a smoother ride. This allows them to be used more easily outdoors.

If a wheelchair is going to be used indoors, check to make sure it will fit through all the required doors. Our standard wheelchairs are designed to fit through regular doorways. However, the wider Heavy User and Bariatric wheelchairs may not fit through some doorways, whilst those with particularly narrow doors may find that even our standard wheelchairs are a tight fit.

Will you need to transport your equipment in the car?

All our manual wheelchairs, with the exception of Tilt in Space wheelchairs, can be folded for transport. Once folded down a wheelchair is likely to fit in the boot of most cars; however for small cars it may be worth selecting a wheelchair with quick release wheels. The weight of the wheelchair should also be considered for ease of lifting in and out of the car; a lightweight wheelchair should weigh under 15 kg.

Our Bariatric wheelchair is notably heavier, being made of sturdy steel instead of lightweight aluminium, and is also larger. It will therefore not fit into the boots of some smaller cars.

All our manual wheelchairs except for the Bariatric wheelchair are "crash-tested", meaning they are suitable for occupied transportation in a suitably adapted vehicle.

Where can the equipment be stored?

If storage space is an issue, look for a wheelchair that folds down to take up as little space as possible when not in use.

Do you require either or both your legs to be elevated?

Some wheelchairs have the capacity to elevate your legs for maximum comfort and support - this is often recommended for those who have suffered leg or knee injuries. If this is required, make sure the leg extensions are adjustable to fit your legs as required, and so that you can change the angle of the legrest when needed - all of our elevating leg rest wheelchairs have angle and length adjustable legrests. If you are not sure whether you need to keep your leg elevated or not, you will need to consult your medical professional.

Will you have someone to push you?

All are wheelchairs are designed so they can be pushed. If you won’t always have someone there, you should look towards a self-propelling wheelchair to help move independently, though bear in mind that most people do not have the upper body strength to self-propel for any great distance. Even if you are not looking to propel yourself, a self-propelled wheelchair allows you to change the direction you are facing in social situations.

How often will you be using the wheelchair in everyday life?

Some wheelchairs are designed to be used permanently, and likewise some are to be used for a few hours a day. Be sure to select the right type to give you the maximum comfort. This can also impact the amount you may want to pay for your rental wheelchair. Standard folding wheelchairs are normally recommended for up to four hours use a day; if the wheelchair will be used for most of the day a more advanced wheelchair may be necessary.

For those needing to spend all day in a wheelchair, and with little ability to shift their position, a Tilt in Space wheelchair is likely to be ideal.

Do you need to be able to transfer to and from your equipment from the side?

Some wheelchairs have removable or flip-up armrests to allow side transfer, however many wheelchairs have rigid armrests and therefore do not allow side transfer. Our Elevated Leg Rest wheelchairs, Heavy User wheelchairs, Bariatric wheelchairs, Children's wheelchairs and Tilt in Space wheelchairs all allow for side transfer.

What weight is the user?

Standard wheelchairs normally have a weight limit of around 18 stone. Above this weight a specialist bariatric wheelchair will be required. Wheelchairs also come in a variety of seat widths, with 18 inch being the most common. If a user is particularly slight, a narrower wheelchair will offer more support and also allow for easier manoeuvrability, especially when indoors.