Wheelchairs, WAVs, and other mobility essentials

Many of us support people who have challenges with reduced mobility. This could be due to age, illness, or a lifelong or degenerative condition. In a recent Mobilise Moment, nearly 90% of those who answered shared they care for someone with additional mobility needs. Half of those who said they didn’t right now added that they expect mobility needs will become a challenge they will need to consider in the future.

While looking after someone can come with a seemingly never-ending list of decisions as is, adding in mobility needs can make that list even more complex. Wheelchairs, accessible vehicles, home adaptations, funding – where do we even begin?

If our to-do list is growing and we’re overwhelmed with options, take a deep breath. You’re not alone, and there’s support out there. This guide is here to simplify the process, share real-life tips from fellow carers, and help us find practical solutions that work for our unique situation and needs. 

To note, what you are about to read is based on sound research and input from the Mobilise  community of carers, but it is always worth discussing the best options with a healthcare or occupational health professional.

Now let’s dive in.

1. The complex world of wheelchairs

As much as it would be simpler if one wheelchair stood out as far superior to the rest - sadly choosing the best wheelchair isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. But that’s a good thing.

Depending on the mobility needs of the person we look after, the places they go, who’s doing the pushing, and home accessibility limitations - the right choice can look different from person to person.

The right wheelchair for us will depend on both our and the person we look after’s individual needs and circumstances. Do we want something light so we can easily lift it in and out of a car? Or does it need to be capable of going across mud and fields if we live in a rural area? Is the person we look after able to propel themselves or will they need help?

Wheelchairs also have different wheel types which is something to keep in mind. Small and narrow, or larger wide wheels will have different benefits depending on the types of terrain they are mostly likely to be used on.  

Taking the time to think about how and where the chair will be used day to day really helps narrow things down as a first step. And chatting to others in similar situations or reading product reviews can offer useful insights.

“Start by thinking about how often the wheelchair is used and on what surfaces. Indoor needs are different to those that need to be used outside and/or lifted into a car regularly.”

The different types of wheelchair

Manual wheelchairs 

These come in two main types: self-propelled (with larger wheels and designed for the person in the chair to propel) and attendant-propelled (often lighter with smaller wheels, designed for someone else to push).

Self-propelled chairs are often easier to navigate over uneven ground and small steps, and they give the person using it more independence. Attendant-propelled chairs can be lighter and more compact – a good option for primarily indoor use, or if we regularly need to lift the chair in and out of a car or other vehicle without help.

“We found large wheel chairs easier for outside and more comfortable for the person sitting in it but if you're using it in the house the ones with small wheels are much easier to manoeuvre.”

Powered wheelchairs

These are a great option for people who want more independence, or if there is less likely to be someone ready and able to push a wheelchair along. They are much heavier than other types of wheelchair, and also larger which we should keep in mind if we need to store them in a small space or may need to regularly lift them.

“I find the large self-propelled wheelchair is easier to push as the wheels cope better with the terrain and small steps - easy to tilt it back.”

Ultra-light travel chairs 

This can be a strong option if the person we look after doesn’t always need to use a wheelchair. They are light and fold up small - making them handy to pop in the boot for trips out and about and require less storage at home. 

“We bought a carbon fibre chair which is so much lighter and easy for me to lift into the car.”

Here’s a quick recap to help us compare at a glance:

• Self-propelled: Bigger wheels, better for rougher outdoor terrain. Bonus: easier to tilt back over small steps

• Attendant-propelled: Lighter and more compact – great for primarily indoor or pavement use

• Electric/motorised: For people to have more independence, or who can’t self-propel

• Travel/compact: Foldable, lightweight, ideal for day trips or popping into the car in case it is needed.

  
  

Some carers find they need different features for indoor and outdoor use. We should think of what features we want to meet both needs. For example, a lightweight self-propelled chair with removable or quick-release wheels, or a sturdy travel chair with tyres suited to varied terrain.

Other considerations for choosing a wheelchair  

One key thing to check is whether the chair is crash-tested – especially if we plan to use public transport or wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs). NHS-provided wheelchairs usually are crash-tested, but privately bought models might not be.

Whatever wheelchair type we choose, many carers highlighted the importance of adding a good quality cushion to the seat. Otherwise they can get uncomfortable or even cause bruising or sores. One that ties on can also help prevent it from slipping around during use.

Another good tip from the community was to tape an emergency contact number to the chair. This way if the person we look after is out without us and something happens it is clear who to call, or if the chair is left behind somewhere we can be notified.

If we are still unsure which wheelchair might be the best option for us this wheelchair buying guide from Mobility shop also breaks down the different options and who they are suited for into much more detail. We should also speak to a healthcare professional or occupation therapist to ensure we are getting an option that meets the right needs.

2. The process of getting a wheelchair

Knowing the options out there is one thing. Actually getting hold of it, or funding for it, can be another. The process of applying for a wheelchair can feel a bit like navigating a maze, while in a blindfold. Especially when there are several different routes we can take.

Some of these options can take some time so it is worth starting the process before the need is urgent if possible. It’s also worth asking about interim options such as borrowing a chair from the NHS while we wait. The RedCross also has wheelchair hiring options across the UK.

The NHS

The first route is often through a NHS wheelchair assessment. This involves a referral, usually from a GP, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, or hospital consultant. We may then be offered a session with the local wheelchair service to decide on eligibility and type of chair. 

The NHS has a guide on getting a wheelchair or other mobility aids.

Occupational Therapy (OT) 

Another route is through an occupational therapy (OT) assessment, which looks at how someone moves around their home. OTs can also suggest equipment like hoists, stairlifts, grab rails, and changes to the home like wider doorways or ramps. Referrals are usually done through the GP or our local council’s adult social care team. 

Going private

Private options can be quicker, but are often much more costly. This might be a private OT or opting for partial NHS funding. We can speak to our GP or healthcare professional for a referral if we choose to go down this route.

“My husband was offered either a wheelchair or the cost of the NHS chair to put towards buying his own privately."

Second hand options 

If we are struggling to get funding or the wait times are too long for our needs one option is to purchase a chair second hand. We should still speak to our healthcare provider or OT about the best type of wheelchair for us so when looking we can be clear on what we need in terms of size, weight, and features.

Carers in the Mobilise community have shared using eBay, Facebook Market place, Gumtree, or looking in local charity shops. 

"It's worth keeping an eye on charity shops as I often see disability aids and chairs in ours in good condition.”

“There are a lot of wheelchairs on eBay or Gumtree that you can either get for free or much cheaper than new.”

If we are finding the process tricky, Age UK has a fantastic helpline which many carers in the Mobilise community found invaluable during this process, or our local services might be able to offer support. Knowing our options and who to ask can save time and frustration, and help us feel more in control of the process.

3. Practical considerations  

Once we’ve got a wheelchair (or know one’s on the way), the next thing to think about is how it fits into daily life – both literally and figuratively. Wheelchairs bring independence, but they also bring logistics.

For example storage can be a challenge, especially in smaller homes, flats, or retirement homes. We also might need to consider home adaptations such as widening doorways, fitting grab rails, getting a ramp for the front door, or switching out carpets for hard flooring. 

These small changes and daily considerations can go a long way in supporting the comfort and safety of both us and the person we look after.

Top tips from carers when we bring a wheelchair home 

“Considering crank hinges, so on doors that only open 90 degrees the door moves back from the actual opening. This will increase the opening by 2cm.”

“Kiss goodbye to rugs, they are the nemesis of a wheelchair” 

“I often hose the wheelchair down before bringing it in if it's got muddy. It can't wipe its feet!”

“We have Perspex protectors screwed to as much wall around door ways as possible which is effective for protecting them from chair scrapes and non intrusive.”

“A Sara Steady is excellent for transferring”

“Worth being aware that our Steady is gouging holes in the floorboards since I removed the carpet and sanded and varnished the floor.”

To hear more tips from other carers we might consider joining the Mobilise Hub, a free online community of over 10,000 carers from across the country.

Ramps

If we’re thinking about adding a ramp, it’s important to check the council’s recommended safe gradient. This is often around a 1:12 ratio (1 inch of rise for every 12 inches of length), but local councils may have specific guidelines. Too steep, and it can be unsafe or exhausting to use, especially without powered assistance.

Wetrooms

Some carers shared how having a wet room made washing much simpler once their cared for was in a chair. While a pricey change, it can also help save our backs in the long run if they are needing lifting or a lot of support in and out of a bath. We can find more specific tips for making our bathrooms accessible in this guide.

Mind our backs

We also need to be mindful of our own wellbeing. If we are lifting a wheelchair into the car boot regularly or need to do more manual lifting for the person we look after this will have an impact on our backs. We don’t want to end up with back or mobility problems of our own down the line.

Wheelchair servicing

The last practical consideration is an important one - wheelchair maintenance. Someone needs to be responsible for checking the brakes, tyres, and frame regularly to ensure they remain safe to use.

Planning ahead for things like home use, comfort, and wear-and-tear can help us avoid future headaches. But if we end up working things out as we go that is also totally valid. 

4. Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs)

If mobility becomes more complex or travel needs more frequent, a vehicle specially designed for transporting wheelchairs can be a real game changer. A WAV can be a car or van that has been adapted to allow a passenger to travel while remaining in their wheelchair. These vehicles are modified to accommodate a wheelchair, typically by lowering the floor, adding a ramp or chair lift, and providing secure safety features for both the wheelchair and occupant. 

These specially adapted vehicles for wheelchairs come in all shapes and sizes to suit different needs, preferences, and budgets. The Motability Scheme offers a free trial where we can test a WAV out for a week and only need to pay for fuel. It’s a brilliant way to learn what works for us and what doesn’t before making a decision.

"I've just been through this process, getting ours through the Motability Scheme. I would highly recommend doing their WAV experience first. I haven't had a WAV before and learnt so much from doing this experience and it gave me a clear idea of what we needed/ liked/ didn't like making the next steps a lot easier."

And don’t underestimate the power of local knowledge. Fellow carers or even taxi drivers may have helpful recommendations from their experiences with WAVs.

Funding a WAV can feel daunting, but there are options. The Motability Scheme allows us to exchange a qualifying disability benefit for the lease of a WAV, with insurance, servicing, and breakdown cover included. Some charities and local community funds also offer grants towards the upfront costs or adaptations. It’s worth speaking to our local council’s adult social care team to explore funding support.

There’s also a road tax exemption for WAV users – although this doesn’t apply to those over 65.

With the right vehicle, getting out and about can become much more possible, and save us from having to lift the chair in and out of a car regularly.

Other mobility aid options

A wheelchair won’t be the best option for every situation and there’s a wide range of alternative aids that can offer support, independence, and flexibility for someone finding it harder to get around.

Rollators (a walker with wheels), walkers or walking sticks can help support mobility and stability inside and outside the home, often increasing the independence of the person we care for. The Mobility Aid Centre has a helpful guide on the differences between walkers and rollators, and Which has a Rollator and Walker best buy list for 2025.

A perching stool might be a helpful addition to the kitchen or bathroom, and a folding stick seat or portable folding stool or chair can be good light-weight options for someone who might need moments to rest while out and about.

Stairlifts can also be helpful considerations to help someone access the top floor of their home for longer once mobility starts to become a challenge.

We might be able to get many of these types of mobility aid through the NHS or OT after a wheelchair or mobility assessment, or as part of the support offered through a care needs assessment.    

We may also want to look into what community transport schemes are available in our area, although the frequency of these can really vary area to area. 

Doing a little bit of research, learning what has worked for others, and trying different tools can help us find the best combination for both our, and the person we look after’s, needs.

Top tools for accessible days out

Sometimes it is the little tips that can make all the difference. From Blue Badges to sunflower lanyards, there are tools out there designed to support those with added mobility needs.

• A Blue Badge can give us options for larger WAV appropriate parking bays and closer parking to key locations

• Sunflower lanyards let staff know someone has a hidden disability which can be helpful in shops, restaurants, airports, and public spaces

• A RADAR key gives us access to thousands of accessible toilets across the UK, without needing to find someone to unlock it for us

• Google Maps has an accessibility mode which highlights wheelchair-friendly entrances, loos, and more. By turning on this feature, accessible places information will be displayed more predominantly. Here is guide from Google on how to turn it on.

• There are apps which can help us find accessible days out, restaurants, or bathrooms across the UK such as Wheelmap,  WheelMate, and AccessAble.

"I recommend downloading a toilet finding app. We use “Flush”

These little additions can make a real difference for making life that little bit easier when we are out and about with someone with added mobility needs.

We can find more support in these guides if we are looking to plan an accessibility staycation or holiday abroad.

What now? Next steps

There’s no need to figure everything out in one go. But here are a few gentle prompts to help us move forward:

• Not sure where to start? Request a Wheelchair Service Assessment through our GP or local council

• Looking into WAVs? Try the Motability experience week

• Need a quick win? Order a RADAR key or request a Blue Badge to help trips out and about feel a little more manageable. 

  
  

Mobility support is about more than equipment. It can help the person we look after have more independence, dignity, and comfort. While the choices may feel overwhelming at the start, we don’t have to navigate them alone. We can speak to our healthcare provider, or find others who have been through similar challenges in our local carer centres or over on the Mobilise community.