Get Wise: Choosing the Right Wheelchair or Mobility Scooter for You

Need a Wheelchair or Mobility Scooter? Here’s How to Choose with Confidence

Need a wheelchair or mobility scooter but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. Whether it’s for you or someone close to you, choosing the right mobility aid can feel overwhelming—especially if it’s the first time. This helpful guide from the BHTA Get Wise series is here to take the stress out of the process and help you make confident, informed choices.

Where do you begin?

Sudden injury, illness, or long-term conditions can all affect mobility—and that often means needing support, either full-time or just for certain tasks. You might be considering:

• A lightweight manual wheelchair for occasional outings
• A powered (electric) wheelchair to stay active at home or work
• A mobility scooter to maintain independence in your community

Whatever your situation, talk to your local BHTA-accredited retailer—like us at Active Mobility—for trusted support and personalised advice.

Why choose a BHTA member?

BHTA (British Healthcare Trades Association) members are specialists in mobility and independent living. Here’s what that means for you:

Expert assessments — We’ll understand your needs, lifestyle, spaces and surfaces (home, outdoors, or both).

Try before you buy — Hands-on demonstrations with products that actually fit your needs.

Honest, friendly advice — Members follow a CTSI-approved Code of Practice. No cold calling. No pressure selling. Fair and clear information.

Clear finance, insurance & warranty guidance — We’ll explain your options so you’re covered and confident.

What type of equipment do you need?

Different products suit different lifestyles. A quick guide:

• Manual wheelchairs — Great for occasional use and easy transport.
• Electric wheelchairs (powerchairs) — Ideal for daily/indoor use, complex seating needs, or maximum independence.
• Mobility scooters — Perfect for errands, socialising and longer outdoor trips when walking is difficult.

Not sure what’s right? That’s where a professional assessment makes all the difference.

Don’t go it alone—get help from experts

Mobility equipment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Avoid buying something online that you’ve never tried. Get assessed, try options, and choose with confidence.

Read next

• How do I choose a mobility scooter?
• How do I choose an electric wheelchair?
• How much does an electric wheelchair cost?
• Get Wise to Buying Safely (BHTA)