How much does a Manual Wheelchair cost?

Buying a Manual Wheelchair – What You Need to Know

If you're considering buying a manual wheelchair—whether for yourself or someone you care for—you’ve probably asked, “How much is it going to cost me?” The good news is there are plenty of options to suit different budgets and lifestyles.

From simple transit chairs to ultra-lightweight custom-built models, this guide breaks down the prices and helps you understand what you’re paying for.

How Much Does a Manual Wheelchair Cost?

Manual wheelchairs fall into a few main categories:

What Impacts the Cost of a Manual Wheelchair?

The price of a manual wheelchair depends on a few key factors:

• Frame material – Steel is the most affordable but heavier. Aluminium, titanium, or carbon fibre chairs are lighter, more durable, and usually cost more.

• Weight – Lightweight wheelchairs are easier to push, lift, and transport, and are often favoured for daily use.

• Level of adjustability – Chairs with adjustable backrests, footrests, or armrests are often more expensive but offer better comfort and support.

• Customisation – High-performance chairs are built around the user’s measurements and needs, which can add to the price but significantly improve long-term use.

• Accessories – Anti-tip wheels, specialist cushions, braking systems, and storage pouches all increase costs, but can add valuable comfort and safety.

Entry-Level and Everyday Wheelchairs

If you’re looking for a good-quality wheelchair for everyday use, here are some great choices to consider:

Transit & Lightweight Wheelchairs

These are great if you’ll be pushed by someone else or need something easy to fold for travel.

Karma Ergo Lite 2 (Transit Model)

• Weight: Just 8.7kg (without wheels)

• Type: Transit wheelchair (pushed by a carer)

• Price range: Approx. £400–£500

• Why it’s great: This is one of the lightest wheelchairs on the market, making it ideal for travel, days out, and loading into a car. It’s easy to fold, well-built, and comfortable thanks to Karma’s S-Ergo seating system which promotes healthy posture.

Prices for these range from £200 to £600, depending on the model and features.

Self-Propelled Wheelchairs

These are designed to be pushed by the user, with large rear wheels for independent movement.

Karma Ergo 115 (Self-Propelled Model)

• Weight: Approx. 13kg

• Type: Self-propelled wheelchair

• Price range: Around £500–£650

• Why it’s great: The Ergo 115 is a brilliant all-rounder for users who want to push themselves. It features flip-back armrests, ergonomic hand rims, and a folding backrest—making it easy to store and transport. It’s comfortable enough for daily use but lightweight enough for independence.

Prices for these are typically between £400 and £1,000.

High-Performance & Custom-Built Chairs

If you’re a full-time wheelchair user or looking for top-level independence and mobility, investing in a custom active-user chair may be the way to go.

These wheelchairs are tailored to you—from frame size and seating position to hand rims and wheels. They're often used by sporty or highly active users who need a chair that feels like an extension of their body.

Some top brands in this category include:

• Küschall (via Invacare)

• Quickie Nitrum or Argon 2 (Sunrise Medical)

• TiLite (Permobil)

• Progeo

Prices can start around £2,000 and go up to £4,500+, especially when choosing lightweight materials like titanium or carbon fibre, or when you add specialist seating.

Can You Get a Manual Wheelchair for Free?

Yes, you might be eligible for a free wheelchair through NHS Wheelchair Services, depending on your medical needs and local NHS trust.

You may be:

• Offered a loan wheelchair based on a clinical assessment.

• Given a personal wheelchair budget (PWB) that allows you to top-up and choose a chair that better fits your lifestyle and needs.

You’ll need to go through your GP or a healthcare professional to be referred for an NHS wheelchair assessment.

Help from Charities & Grants

If NHS funding isn’t available or doesn’t cover what you need, charities and non-profits may be able to help:

• 🧡 The Mobility Trust – Provides powered wheelchairs and scooters to people in the UK who have a long-term mobility problem.

• 💙 Aspire Grants – Offers support for people with spinal cord injuries to purchase mobility equipment and assistive technology.

• 🌟 Turn2us – Helps you search for available charitable grants based on your circumstances.

• 🧸 Boparan Charitable Trust – Supports children and young people with disabilities or life-limiting conditions by funding equipment and therapies.

Each has its own eligibility criteria, but we’re happy to help guide you through the process.

How Active Mobility Can Help

At Active Mobility, we believe the right wheelchair makes life easier, safer, and more enjoyable. That’s why we offer:

✅ Free advice and expert guidance
✅ No-obligation home assessments
✅ Try-before-you-buy demos
✅ Help sourcing NHS or charitable funding
✅ A huge range of wheelchairs from trusted brands like Karma, Invacare, Drive DeVilbiss, Sunrise Medical, Permobil, and more

What to Think About Before You Buy

Before choosing a manual wheelchair, ask yourself:

• Will I use it every day or occasionally?

• Will I push myself, or will someone assist?

• Do I need to lift it into a car or store it easily?

• Will I need additional support, cushions, or accessories?

• What’s my budget, and do I qualify for any help?

If you're unsure about the answers, we’re happy to help talk it through.

📞 Need advice on choosing a manual wheelchair?
Call us on 01789 339738 or visit activemob.co.uk to book your free home assessment.

Or drop in and visit our friendly team at:
Active Mobility, Unit 3 & 4, Avenue Fields Industrial Estate, CV37 0HT, Stratford-upon-Avon

We’re here to help you move confidently and comfortably.

Updated 2025

Posted by

Tracy Suther