Image is a Kuschall 2 K-series
Active wheelchairs are all about freedom, flexibility, and control. Whether you want to navigate your local town with ease or enjoy more independence day-to-day, an active wheelchair could be exactly what you're looking for.
In this guide, we break down the current costs of active wheelchairs in the UK, what to expect from different models, key features to consider, and how to get the right support to choose one.
🧭 What Is an Active Wheelchair?
An active wheelchair—sometimes called a self-propelled or lightweight manual wheelchair—is designed for people who have good upper body strength and want to maintain an active lifestyle. These wheelchairs are ideal for people who are regularly on the move and want something lighter, more compact, and more ergonomic than a standard NHS-style manual wheelchair.
They're typically built from lightweight materials like aluminium or titanium and come with options such as adjustable seating, quick-release wheels, and custom features to suit your body and your lifestyle.
💷 How Much Does an Active Wheelchair Cost?
Active wheelchair prices vary depending on the materials, features, and whether they’re off-the-shelf or fully customised. Here’s a breakdown of typical price ranges for 2025:
| Type of Active Wheelchair | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Basic lightweight wheelchair | £400 – £900 |
| Mid-range active wheelchair | £1,000 – £2,000 |
| High-performance/custom-built models | £2,500 – £5,000+ |
| Sports or carbon fibre wheelchairs | £3,000 – £7,000+ |
These prices are for private purchases and reflect current market averages based on leading brands such as Küschall, TiLite, Quickie, and Karma.
⚙️ What Features Should You Look Out For?
When choosing an active wheelchair, comfort and performance should be top of mind. Here are the most important features to consider:
✅ Frame Materials
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Aluminium – Lightweight, strong, and cost-effective
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Titanium – Ultra-light and extremely durable, ideal for frequent users
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Carbon Fibre – Super lightweight for high performance, often at a premium price
✅ Adjustability
Look for models that let you customise backrest angle, seat depth, footplate height, and axle position for comfort and efficiency.
✅ Portability
Quick-release wheels and folding or rigid frames make transport in vehicles or storage much easier—something to think about if you’re frequently on the go.
✅ Seating and Support
Options include ergonomic seating, posture supports, tension-adjustable backrests, and padded cushions designed for pressure relief during extended use.
⚡ Can You Add Power Assistance?
Yes! Many active wheelchair users opt for power assist devices—small motorised units that boost your push and reduce strain on your arms and shoulders.
Popular options include:
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SmartDrive – A rear-mounted device you control with a wrist tap
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Alber E-Motion wheels – Power-assisted wheels that give you a helpful boost
These typically add £3,000–£6,000 to the cost, depending on the system and how it’s fitted.
🛒 Where Can You Buy an Active Wheelchair?
At Active Mobility, we supply and support a full range of active wheelchairs from the UK’s most trusted brands including:
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Sunrise Medical (Quickie)
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Invacare
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Permobil
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Karma Mobility
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TiLite
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Küschall
We offer personalised assessments in our showroom or at your home to help you choose a model that fits your lifestyle, body, and budget.
💡 Can You Get Help With the Cost?
While many people buy privately, you may be eligible for support in certain situations. Funding and grants may be available through:
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Access to Work – If you’re employed or starting a job, this scheme may fund a wheelchair for work use
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Your local authority – Some councils can provide equipment funding through social services
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Charities and grant providers – Organisations like the Mobility Trust, Boparan Trust, and Turn2us sometimes offer financial help
Our team can help guide you through your options and provide supporting documents where needed.
🤝 Get Friendly, Expert Advice
We know how overwhelming it can feel choosing your first—or next—active wheelchair. That’s why at Active Mobility, we take a supportive, no-pressure approach. You can book a free consultation, try out different chairs, and ask us anything.
We’re proud to serve customers across Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Oxfordshire, and surrounding areas with expert advice and genuine care.
🧭 Where to Go for Independent Advice
If you’d like to explore things a bit more before you decide, these organisations are great places to start:
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Disabled Living Foundation – livingmadeeasy.org.uk
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Assist UK – assist-uk.org
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Your local NHS wheelchair service – May be able to offer assessments and recommendations
Let’s Help You Find the Right Fit
The right wheelchair can be life-changing—giving you independence, comfort, and confidence to go where you want, when you want. Whether you’re looking for something ultra-light, custom-built, or need expert guidance on the options available, we’re here to help.
Get in touch with us at Active Mobility to book your free demo or visit our Stratford-upon-Avon showroom.
Updated 2025
