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If you or a loved one has limited mobility, a wheelchair can improve your quality of life by allowing you to stay active and do the things you enjoy. 

From manual and electric, to more specialist chairs designed for sports and all terrain, there are plenty of types to pick from. We list the pros and cons of each to help you choose, but it's worth speaking  to a GP, physiotherapist or occupational therapist for personalised advice too.

We also cover how and where to rent or buy a wheelchair, as well as information on how to access a free wheelchair from the NHS. 

Please note that we haven't tested any wheelchairs but we do have lots of useful, expert buying advice to get you started. 

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Wheelchairs can be divided into two main categories: manual wheelchairs and powered or electric wheelchairs.

If you require a wheelchair all or most of the time for mobility, or can walk – perhaps with a walking stick or frame – but are unable to cope with longer distances, a manual wheelchair might be your best option. The most common types are self-propelled or attendant-propelled. 

Self-propelled manual wheelchairs are designed to be propelled by the user. They have larger back wheels, each with an outer ‘pushrim’ that you turn to control and propel the chair. These wheels generally make for a bulkier chair, which may be trickier to pack into the boot of a car. For this reason, if you’re choosing a self-propelled chair, it's worth looking for one with quick-release wheels. 

Attendant-propelled wheelchairs are designed to be pushed from behind by another person. They generally have smaller back wheels, so are often lighter and easier to transport. They're also easier to navigate and control for the person pushing, although they can prove more challenging than larger-wheeled chairs to mount obstacles such as kerbs.

Electric wheelchairs - also known as power, electric-assisted or motorised wheelchairs - can be a good investment if you don't have the strength or stamina to use a self-propelled wheelchair, but don’t want to rely on being pushed. They're also useful if you want to take longer journeys in your wheelchair. 

Typically divided into three categories: 'indoor/portable', for use at home or in places with smooth, even flooring such as shopping centres or garden centres. 'Outdoor', with larger wheels and enhanced suspension for dealing with uneven terrain. And 'indoor/outdoor,' which are designed to offer the best of both worlds - these will not be as light as some models, nor as robust as others, but may provide a good balance of features.

The most common type of ‘drive control’ on an electric wheelchair is a joystick mounted on one of the armrests. In theory, these are very simple, although they can sometimes prove difficult to get the hang of.  Some companies offer other types, such as handlebar-style drive controls (similar to a scooter’s, but smaller).

You might want to consider a lightweight wheelchair. These tend to be easy to fold and lighter, making them more convenient to transport in a car. 

Both electric and manual folding and lightweight options are available - but what is right for you depends on your own unique circumstances. 

You may also consider a transit wheelchair - which is essentially a lightweight wheelchair with a narrower frame and small wheels. Generally, they are pushed by an assistant to transport someone short distances, rather than being self-propelled.

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Typically, an adult wheelchair will measure around 25 inches wide and 36 inches tall but because there is such a wide range of options, there's no set wheelchair size. 

If you need a chair that's narrower or wider then it's worth talking to a specialist before buying. 

Wheelchairs can often be customised to suit the user. Here are a few of the most common features and accessories: 

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Most people who need to use a wheelchair all the time have an NHS wheelchair. An NHS wheelchair is loaned, rather than given to you, and the NHS is responsible for its maintenance and repairs.

The NHS wheelchair service offers assessments to determine what type of wheelchair or mobility equipment you may be entitled to. 

In most cases, you’ll be referred to the service by a hospital, doctor, consultant or occupational therapist. However, the specific criteria to determine who is eligible will vary depending on where you live.

Many NHS wheelchair services have a waiting list, so you may have to wait several weeks after referral before you get an assessment. 

In Northern Ireland, wheelchairs that are needed on a day-to-day basis are managed through the occupational therapist services of the local Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust .

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If you need a wheelchair for a shorter time following an operation or injury, you might want to think about wheelchair hire.

You may be able to apply for a wheelchair for short-term use from your local NHS wheelchair service, but they don’t generally hire out wheelchairs for occasional days out.

The not-for-profit Motability Scheme allows people to hire a powered wheelchair, mobility scooter or car for up to three years. To qualify you must receive a government-funded disability allowance – either the Disability Living Allowance , if you already receive that particular benefit; or the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) if you are applying now.

You will receive your wheelchair or mobility scooter in exchange for all or part of your allowance. 

Anyone getting the enhanced-rate mobility component of the PIP can take part in the scheme, providing they have at least 12 months of the award remaining. It’s also open to people receiving the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement .

Read more about how to buy a motability car through the scheme.

Shopmobility is a charity set up to assist people with mobility difficulties – whether through disability, illness or injury – to continue to get around town and city centres.

Anyone who has problems with mobility can access shops and other services through the Shopmobility scheme. Equipment available for hire can include manual and electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters and rollators.

The Red Cross provides short-term loans of mobility aids such as wheelchairs at almost 1,000 UK outlets, and is known as being the main wheelchair-hire scheme.

As the service is run by volunteers, the Red Cross asks for a donation, and may also require a refundable deposit. Get in touch as early as you can, as your local branch may have a waiting list.

Many companies, from Center Parcs and zoos to gardens and National Trust properties, also have wheelchairs available to hire on a daily and short term basis, too. They’re usually light, manual wheelchairs that are adequate for a day out where there’s a lot of walking. You’ll need to phone ahead to reserve a wheelchair, as there’s often limited availability.

A range of specialist mobility shops also offer long-term wheelchair rentals. You'll need to work out whether that makes sense for you financially though - if you're likely to use it for years, it may be more cost effective to buy. This is especially true of manual chairs, which tend to be more affordable.

Retailers who offer long-term hire include Mobility Hire , Wheel Freedom and RossCare . Bear in mind that if a store is not local to you, you may need to shop online.

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Rather than loaning you a wheelchair directly, some NHS wheelchair services will give you a non-taxable voucher that you can put towards buying your own wheelchair. The voucher is for the amount you would have been given after your assessment and is designed to give you more choice.

If the maintenance of the wheelchair is the responsibility of the NHS, you’ll have to return it when you no longer need it. But you could opt to pay for wheelchair maintenance privately and keep the chair permanently. 

If you opt to buy a wheelchair without using the NHS, and you’re chronically sick or disabled, you don’t have to pay VAT. You may also be able to get help towards paying for it from charities or your local authority - so it's worth speaking with them first to see if you're eligible.

For an entry level manual wheelchair you can expect to pay around £150.

For a powered wheelchair, you're looking at around £2,000 for a basic model . 

The more functionality and extra features the chair has, the more you'll pay.  For example, wheelchairs that offer an 'all terrain' driving experience can cost £10,000 or more. 

You can buy wheelchairs online but, while you might get a good price, you’ll need to be sure you can set up and use it safely. It's also worth trying out the specific type of wheelchair in the place you’re going to use it – for example, at home, on the pavement, or on more challenging terrain. 

Disabled Living Centres have a wide range of equipment that you can test out. They can also give advice on the different styles of wheelchairs for sale. 

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If you’re a new user, you may need to make some changes to your home to make it wheelchair accessible. An occupational therapist (OT) can advise you on what adaptations might be necessary - but as a general guide, here's what to consider: 

Ramps and rails for the home  - grab rails provide extra confidence when moving about the house and fitting a ramp could help you get around around more freely.