An electric wheelchair can bring an incredible amount of independence to those with limited mobility. However, due to the advanced features, they are understandably more expensive than most manual wheelchairs. But how much is an electric wheelchair, and where can you buy one? In this guide, we’re going to answer these questions, as well as provide a little more information about buying an electric wheelchair to give you all the information you need to pick the right option for your needs.
How much is an electric wheelchair?
How much an electric wheelchair costs varies on its size, type and special features. Prices start from around £1,000 for a basic or compact electric wheelchair, such as the Drive Compact Titan Powerchair, although an average electric wheelchair costs around £2,500.
Specialist power chairs such as the Permobil F5 Corpus VS Standing Powerchair and custom electric wheelchairs can cost upwards of £20,000 depending on the level of customisation and features that are needed.
It’s important to make sure that whichever electric wheelchair you choose is right for you. If you’re not able to afford the type of electric wheelchair that would provide the improved quality of life that you need, you may be able to obtain financial support.
Where can I buy an electric wheelchair?
Complete Care Shop is an online mobility store with many more options available for buying an electric wheelchair online than if you were to buy from a brick-and-mortar store. As well as free help and advice, we allow you to return or exchange items if they aren’t suitable.
Benefits of electric wheelchairs
There are a lot of benefits to buying an electric wheelchair:
- Improves independence for wheelchair users
- Offers easy, comfortable control with buttons or joysticks
- Most models can be adjusted for height and tilt
- Allows users to travel greater distances
- Makes it easier to travel up hills and ramps
- Doesn’t require an attendant to operate
Drawbacks of electric wheelchairs
However, there are also some disadvantages that may make them unsuitable for some, including:
- Expensive to purchase
- Large and heavy
- Difficult to store and transport
- Require regular maintenance
- Battery needs to be kept charged
How much does it cost to charge an electric wheelchair?
The cost to charge an electric wheelchair depends on the size of the battery as well as how much your electricity costs. If you’re on a multi-tariff electricity plan, such as Economy 7, you can charge the battery at night to keep the cost of charging your electric wheelchair down.
As well as charging the battery, your electric wheelchair will require regular maintenance and may need repairs from time to time, so there are more ongoing costs to budget for.
What if I can’t afford an electric wheelchair?
Mobility equipment can be expensive, particularly for those with more severe disabilities. Fortunately, there are a variety of schemes available to support people and carers with the cost of buying an electric wheelchair.
NHS electric wheelchairs
You may be able to get a wheelchair through the National Health Service (NHS). This service is free and the NHS is responsible for repair and maintenance costs, but the chair will belong to them. Ask your doctor for a referral to your local wheelchair service.
Services differ depending on where you live, but you can get an electric wheelchair if the NHS assessment deems that you need one and are able to use and store it safely in your home.
NHS personal wheelchair budget
If the standard NHS wheelchairs don’t meet your needs, you may be able to get an NHS personal wheelchair budget to pay for something more suitable. This replaces the NHS wheelchair voucher scheme and makes it easier for people with lower incomes to incorporate an electric wheelchair into their care plan.
Charitable funding and grants
There are a number of organisations that provide grants to help people with disabilities to access the equipment they need, such as The Carter Trust. As well as charities, some local or national businesses offer financial support for individuals.
Grants may be limited to certain age groups or disabilities, such as the Handicapped Children’s Action Group, which supports children and young people, or Cauldwell Children. Research options in your local area for more information about what’s available.
Rent an electric wheelchair
If you can’t afford to buy an electric wheelchair outright, you might choose to rent one instead. There are many organisations that offer this service, including ShopMobility and The British Red Cross.
How fast can an electric wheelchair go?
By law, the majority of mobility vehicles in the UK are not allowed on the road and can only travel up to 4mph (6 kph).
There are three classes of wheelchairs in the UK. Class 1 covers manual wheelchairs, while Class 2 and Class 3 cover electric wheelchairs. The majority of wheelchairs in the UK fit into Class 2, which are designed for use on pavements and public walkways, should not exceed 113.4kg and must not travel faster than 4mph.
Class 3 mobility vehicles are allowed to weigh between 113.4 and 150kg, travel up to 8mph (13 kph), and can be used on the road as well as the pavement. However, this class of mobility aid is not readily available and is not suitable for everyone.
Electric wheelchairs at Complete Care Shop
Now you know how much an electric wheelchair is, where to buy one and how to get funding, you’re in a position to find the right one for you.