How much does a Manual Wheelchair cost? – Active Mobility Ltd
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How Much Does a Manual Wheelchair Cost?

  • Updated
  • First published 19 November 2021
  • 1 min read
  • By the Active Mobility team
How Much Does a Manual Wheelchair Cost?

Whether you need a wheelchair for days out, for a family member, or to use every day, there's a wide range of prices. Here's what you can expect to pay, and what makes the difference.

Typical prices

Type Typical price
Basic steel transit or self-propelled chair £150 to £400
Lightweight folding aluminium chair £350 to £1,000
Made-to-measure active chair £1,000 to £4,500+

Most people spend between £350 and £1,000 on a reliable everyday wheelchair.

Transit or self-propelled?

  • Transit wheelchair: small back wheels. Someone else pushes it. Lighter and easier to fold into a car.
  • Self-propelled wheelchair: large back wheels you can push yourself. It can also be pushed by someone else.

What affects the price?

  • Weight: a lighter chair is easier to push and to lift into a car boot.
  • Frame: steel is cheaper but heavy; aluminium is lighter.
  • Adjustment: backrests, footrests and armrests that adjust give better comfort and posture.
  • Extras: pressure cushions, attendant brakes and anti-tip wheels.

Popular everyday chairs

  • Karma Ergo Lite 2 (transit): about 8.7kg without wheels, folds small for the car. £465 to £525.
  • Karma Ergo 3 (self-propelled): £525.

For full-time users

If you use your chair all day, a made-to-measure active wheelchair from makers such as Küschall or Quickie is lighter and easier to push. Prices usually start from about £2,000. See our guide: How much does an active wheelchair cost?

Will it fit in my car?

Check the folded size against your boot, and who will be lifting it. Quick-release wheels make the heaviest part lighter. Tell us your car and we'll suggest chairs that fit.

Can I get one free or with help?

  • NHS wheelchair service: your GP or occupational therapist can refer you. You may get a loan chair or a Personal Wheelchair Budget towards one you choose.
  • Charities: such as the Mobility Trust and Turn2us.
  • VAT relief: if you have a long-term condition, you may not pay VAT. Ask us.
  • Need one for a holiday? Stratford Shopmobility hires wheelchairs by the day or week.

Try one first

We offer free home assessments within 75 miles of our Stratford-upon-Avon showroom, or call first and we'll have chairs ready for you to try.

Call 01789 339 738.

Frequently asked questions

Which brands do you stock?

Karma, Quickie, Küschall, Rehasense, Ki Mobility and Ottobock.

Can I hire before I buy?

Yes, through Stratford Shopmobility.

Written by the Active Mobility team · Tracy Suther

A family-run mobility specialist in Stratford-upon-Avon since 2001. Motability approved dealer, with free home assessments within 75 miles.

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