Manual Wheelchairs - the agony of choice

Just like scooters, there is a huge choice of wheelchairs for people to choose from. When it comes to making the right purchase for your needs people need to make an informed decision of which wheelchair to buy.

The first selection choice is for the needs of the user. How independent or dependent are the needs? There are variety of wheelchairs available but they fit into two different categories; electric wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs.

The obvious difference also reflects in price. Electric wheelchairs can provide more benefits but the overall price is reflected in this. This type of wheelchair offers excellent manoeuvrability and style combined with the latest technology. Some of the features that come with an electric wheelchair are a rotating seat so can choose between front wheel drive or rear wheel drive. Powered wheelchairs are ideal for people who have difficulty in using the manual facility and often come with a joystick for easy control. Other functions can include seat tilt, seat elevation, recline and leg elevation and other beneficial features.


Manual wheelchairs require people to power them but offer more portability than an electric chair. The main benefit is that the chairs can be easily transported and available as a folding wheelchair. Lightweight wheelchairs are the most portable to allow them to be packed neatly away in the boot of a car. The more lightweight and portable the wheelchair, the higher the cost as they are often made aluminium to enhance the portability and comfort.


People requiring a wheelchair should research what needs they have and match them with the features of each wheelchair. There is also a wide variety of accessories available to make the selected wheelchair more comfortable and more functional. Remember that a wheelchair must suit the owner as they will require their needs being met as well as being comfortable to use everyday.

Mobility Buddy have a wide selection of Lightweight and Portable Wheelchairs available with advice and a full guarantee.

Get out and about this Summer!

Now that the warm weather is finally upon us, its a chance to get out and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Not everyone has that luxury of being able to leave their home easily and freely, but having a mobility scooter can make all the difference.

Pavement Mobility Scooters are ideal for every day use and are great for someone who wants the independence to get about under their own steam. They are generally far more robust and comfortable than portable lightweight mobility scooters with a greater range.

Pride Scooters are a fantastic range of electric mobility scooters. One of our popular ranges is the Pride Celebrity X. Available in a 3 or 4 wheeled version, the Celebrity X is a perfect blend of style and performance while delivering advanced features usually reserved for higher-priced scooters. A luxury scooter at every-day prices. See a video review of it below:

Other popular scooters in our range include the Pride Gogo and Shoprider Sovereign scooters, each providing excellent all round ability and a chance to enjoy the summer with help from Mobility Buddy.

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How to Choose a Mobility Scooter

The following is designed to assist a potential mobility scooter purchaser, to make the correct choice. Mobility scooters fall into 3 categories, namely, PORTABLES / MICROS, CLASS 2 and CLASS 3. However, we at Mobility Buddy have decided to simplify the category system into a more understandable description, as follows:

Portables

Description.

A miniaturised mobility scooter designed to be easily disassemble and stowed in most car boots.

Uses.

Designed for occasional use for trips to supermarket, shopping centres, trips out, holidays etc, with a typical range of 5 – 7 miles. NOTE, most modern portables are approved by airlines and are treated as a mobility aid which normally does not incur excess baggage charges.

Restrictions.

Most portables are not suitable for regular day-to-day usage, due to the miniaturisation of key components, such as the transaxle and braking system. The batteries are also a key issue, a typical portable scooter is fitted with 2 x 12 Amph batteries, compared with a pavement scooter which is normally fitted with 2 x 30 Amph or more, which delivers far greater performance and lasts much longer. NOTE, using a portable scooter, as a day to day vehicle, will often result in costly major failure within 18 months.

Useful tip.

There are hybrids scooters available, which offer the user the best of both worlds, e.g. the “Pride Colt”, or the “Pride GoGo ET 3 & 4 PLUS”, both of which are designed to disassemble and be used on a more regular basis. NOTE, due to the fact that these type of scooters are designed with more rugged and heavy-duty components the individual component parts tend to be heavier.

Pavement Scooters

(4 mph class 2)

Description.

A larger, far more comfortable and rugged scooter than a portable.

Uses.

Designed for those who need transport on a regular basis from home, for getting to local shops, trips to the doctor, friends, etc, with a typical range of about 15 - 20 miles. These scooters have a maximum speed of 4 mph and are designed for pavement use, although there are models available that can be used on the road as well.

Restrictions.

As with all scooters the maximum user weight applies, it is worth purchasing a scooter with a decent actual user weight versus maximum user weight e.g. if user weight is restricted to 18 stone, then a 2 stone margin is preferable i.e. user weight does not exceed 16 stone. This formula will ultimately result in a longer life span of scooter due to less stress on vital components.

Pavement/Road Scooters

(4–6 mph & 4–8 mph class 3)

Description.

Altogether larger and faster than the other two categories, often a much longer range and greater user weight models available.

Uses.

As with the smaller pavement scooters, designed for day to day use from home to local shops etc, but often with the capability of much greater range of about 25 - 30 miles and able to travel both on public footpaths and roads. Most scooters in this category are larger and have far greater comfort with better seats and all round suspension. Scooters in this category are often able to accommodate user weights of up to 35 stone.

Restrictions.

It is an offence to travel on a public footpath at more than 4 mph; most scooters in this category have a switch from 4 mph to 6 or 8 mph.

Improve the quality of your life

Diabled Scooters have helped improve the quality of so many people's lives. There are many different kinds of mobility scooters to suit your needs, ranging for use around your house, to take you as far as 30 miles and even off-road use! Mobility Scooters fit broadly into four categories.

1. Portable Scooters: Portable Lightweight Mobility Scooters are suitable for those who need to transport a scooter on a regular basis.
2. Pavement Scooters: Pavement Mobility Scooters are ideal for every day use and are great for someone who wants the independence to get about under their own steam.
3. Luxury Scooters: Luxury Mobility Scooters are far more comfortable and robust than portable and pavement scooters and come with a host of additional features
4. Heavy Duty Scooters: Pavement and Luxury mobility scooters that are suitable to carry over 28 stone or 180kg.

Choosing the right scooter for you is important and requires not only a good deal of thought but also considering your overall budget. Here at Mobility Buddy we offer superb customer care and after sales service for every item we sell. With a comprehensive selection of Disabled Scooters, including the Shoprider Soverign, Pride GoGo and Rascal Scooters, we cover all of your needs and help you to make the most out of life.



We also have a large selection of mobility aids, such as Walking Sticks, Commodes and Rollators.