How to Choose a Wheelchair: A Practical Guide

Choosing a wheelchair can feel overwhelming. There are hundreds of models, and the right one depends on your body, your home, how you’ll use it and how you’ll fund it. This guide walks you through the main decisions, so you can have a better conversation with your therapist and our team.

1. Who will push the chair?

• Someone else (transit or attendant wheelchair). Smaller rear wheels, usually lighter and more compact. Good for short trips, appointments and travel.
• You (self-propelled wheelchair). Large rear wheels with push rims so you can move yourself.
• A motor (power wheelchair or power assist). For people who can’t push a manual chair, or who need to travel further. Power assist adds motor help to a manual chair.

2. Folding or rigid?

Folding chairs fold side to side, which makes them easier to fit in some cars and store. Rigid chairs don’t fold the same way (the back usually folds down and the wheels come off), but they tend to be lighter and more responsive to push. Active users often prefer rigid chairs. See our Motion Composites range for examples of both.

3. Weight matters

If you or a carer will lift the chair into a car, weight makes a big difference. Look at the transport weight (the frame without wheels and removable parts) as well as the full weight. Lightweight aluminium and carbon fibre frames can be much easier to live with.

4. Getting the size right

A chair that’s the wrong size can be uncomfortable and harder to push. The key measurements are:

• Seat width: wide enough to sit comfortably without rubbing, but not so wide that you have to reach out to the wheels.
• Seat depth: supports your thighs without pressing behind your knees.
• Seat height: lets your feet rest on the footplates, or reach the floor if you propel with your feet.
• Back height: gives the support you need while letting you move your arms freely.

For anything beyond a simple transit chair, ask an occupational therapist or physiotherapist to measure you.

5. Think about your home and lifestyle

• Measure doorways, hallways and the bathroom.
• Think about steps, ramps and thresholds. See threshold ramps.
• Where will you use it most: indoors, outdoors, at work, on rough ground?
• How will you transport it: car boot, taxi, public transport?

6. Don’t forget seating and pressure care

If you’ll spend long periods in your chair, the cushion is as important as the chair. A pressure care cushion can improve comfort and help protect your skin. People who need extra support may need custom seating. Our Mobility and Seating team makes custom foam and 3D printed seating in-house.

7. How funding works

Wheelchairs can be funded through the NDIS, aged care (Support at Home), hospital and rehabilitation programs, injury schemes or privately. For most funded chairs, a therapist assesses you and recommends the right model, then a supplier like NovitaTech prepares a quote. See our funding options.

8. Try before you decide

The best way to know if a chair suits you is to use it. NovitaTech offers free trials in store and in the community. Need a chair in the meantime? We also offer wheelchair hire.

Next steps

Browse wheelchairs in Adelaide, book a free trial or request a quote.

Wheelchair FAQs

What is the difference between a transit and a self-propelled wheelchair?

A transit wheelchair has small rear wheels and is pushed by someone else. A self-propelled wheelchair has large rear wheels with push rims, so the user can move themselves. Transit chairs are usually lighter and more compact.

How much does a wheelchair weigh?

It varies a lot. Standard steel chairs can be heavy, while lightweight aluminium and carbon fibre frames are much lighter. For example, the Helio C2 has a transport weight from 4.3 kg.

Do I need a cushion?

Almost always. A cushion improves comfort and posture, and people who sit for long periods usually need a pressure care cushion recommended by their therapist.

How often should a wheelchair be serviced?

Regular checks keep a chair safe and easy to push. Check tyres, brakes and bolts regularly, and have it serviced by a technician. See wheelchair repairs and servicing.