Wheelchair Buyers Guide
If you are looking to buy a wheelchair, there are several important factors to keep in mind to ensure you choose the right one for your needs or the needs of a loved one.
This guide will walk you through why you may need a wheelchair, key factors to consider before purchasing, different models of wheelchairs for sale, and additional considerations like size, weight, and funding options.
Why Do I Need a Wheelchair?
A wheelchair can provide mobility and independence for anyone who may have difficulty walking, due to:
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Permanent disabilities (e.g., spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy)
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Temporary conditions (e.g., post-surgery recovery, fractures)
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Age-related mobility challenges (reduced movement, strength or balance issues)
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Chronic illnesses (e.g., multiple sclerosis, arthritis)
Choosing the right wheelchair will go a long way towards ensuring comfort, ease of movement and support. And help you make sure you buy a wheelchair more tailored towards your daily activities and lifestyle.
View the full range of wheelchairs Auckland Independent Living stores and our website have here - www.ilsnz.org/collections/wheelchairs
What Are the Purchase Considerations?
Before buying a wheelchair for personal use, consider the following:
1. Intended Use
- Indoor vs. outdoor use: Some wheelchairs are designed for smooth indoor surfaces, while others have wheels more suited for the outdoor terrain.
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Daily or occasional use: If you need a wheelchair full-time, then comfort and durability are crucial, and cushions & backrest support may need consideration.
2. User's Physical Condition
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Upper body strength: If you plan to self-propel, a lightweight manual wheelchair is ideal, but this requires strength & stamina dependent on terrain and distance. If upper body strength is an issue – a transit wheelchair or a power chair are good alternatives.
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Posture and seating needs: Some wheelchairs come with specialized cushions and back supports for extra comfort already supplied within the setup, where by more complex seating needs to be added - not all wheelchairs allow for this.
3. Transport and Storage
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Portability: Foldable or lightweight models are easier to transport in a car, but consideration needs to be given to loading/unloading if help is needed.
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Space at home: Ensure there is enough space for storage when not in use, and consider if use within the home is also a need and if there is space to do so.
4. Weight Capacity
Check the wheelchair’s seat size and its weight limit, to ensure it can safely support the user. Bariatric (heavy-duty) wheelchairs are available for individuals needing any extra strength support within the base-frame design.
5. Comfort and Adjustability
Look for:
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Adjustable armrests, footrests, and seat heights, to offer flexibility in use
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Padded seating, backrest and armrests for extra comfort
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Tilt and recline features that include a headrest, for better posture support
6. Budget
Prices vary widely depending on the type of wheelchair and its features. Determine a budget that considers durability and comfort, and include any additional personalised add-ons required to ensure safety and good posture during use.
View the accessory range from ILS – www.ilsnz.org/collections/wheelchair-accessories
What Are the Options?
There are several types of wheelchairs for sale, each designed for different needs:
1. Manual Wheelchairs
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Self-propelled: User moves the chair using large rear wheels
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Attendant-propelled / transit: Requires another person to push the chair
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Lightweight and foldable models available: Perfect for travel
2. Electric (Power) Wheelchairs
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Battery-powered with a joystick control
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Ideal for individuals with limited upper-body strength
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More expensive but provides greater independence
3. Transport Wheelchairs
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Lightweight and designed for caregivers to push
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Smaller wheels, making them easier to maneuver in tight spaces
4. Sports and Active Wheelchairs
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Specially designed for sports like basketball and racing
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Lightweight, highly manoeuvrable, and durable
5. Bariatric Wheelchairs
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Designed for individuals over 120kg
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Wider seats and reinforced frames for extra support
6. Tilt-in-Space and Reclining Wheelchairs
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Provides pressure relief and helps with posture support
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Often used for individuals with severe disabilities
Key Differences between Wheelchair Types
| Feature | Manual Wheelchair | Power Wheelchair | Transport Wheelchair | Sports Wheelchair |
| Propulsion | User or caregiver | Battery-powered | Caregiver |
User (active movement) |
| Weight | Lightweight | Heavier | Very lightweight |
Very lightweight |
| Portability | Foldable models | Harder to transport | Easy to fold and store |
Compact |
| Independence Level | Requires strength | High independence | Requires assistance |
High independence |
| Cost | Affordable | Expensive | Budget-friendly |
Moderate to high |
Other Considerations
Mobility & Maneuverability
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Tight spaces: Compact models are best for narrow hallways or small homes.
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Outdoor terrain: All-terrain wheelchairs have larger wheels for stability on uneven surfaces.
Size & Weight
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User’s height and weight: Ensure the chair fits comfortably.
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Weight of the wheelchair: Lightweight options are easier to transport.
Accessories
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Cushions for pressure relief
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Cup holders, trays, or storage pouches
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Seat belts for extra safety
Can I Get Funding?
In New Zealand, funding assistance may be available through:
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Ministry of Health (MOH) – Covers wheelchairs for eligible individuals with long-term disabilities.
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ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) – Support for wheelchairs if the need results from an injury.
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Work and Income (WINZ) – May offer financial aid for those who qualify.
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Charities & Community Organisations – Groups like the Cerebral Palsy Society and local disability organisations may provide grants.
For more information, visit: 👉 Ministry of Social Development (MSD) Guide for Carers
www.msd.govt.nz/documents/what-we-can-do/community/carers/a-guide-for-carers.pdf
Final Thoughts
There are a vast range of wheelchairs for sale, so choosing the right wheelchair is essential for maintaining mobility, independence, and comfort. By considering your needs, budget, and available funding options, you can find a wheelchair that enhances your quality of life.
If you’re unsure which wheelchair to buy, consult a healthcare professional or mobility specialist such as Independent Living, to get personalised advice.
We're here to help
Whether you need help determining the best wheelchair model, or maybe help with finding and understanding the process of a funding application – we're here to help, with impartial and free advice. Simply visit one of our three stores or call us on 088 625 100.
Can’t get to a store? We offer a free in-home trial service for power chairs and mobility scooters https://ilsnz.org/pages/home-trials-service
Royal Oak 14 Erson Ave, Royal Oak
Phone: 09 625 0322
Email: royaloak@ilsnz.org
Botany South 308 Te Irirangi Drive, Botany South
Phone: 09 281 5027
Email: botany@ilsnz.org
Browns Bay 13 Bute Road, Browns Bay
Phone: 09 550 3387
Email: brownsbay@ilsnz.org
ILS Stores are open:
Monday-Friday: 9am to 5pm
Saturday: 9am to 4pm