Custom Powerchairs

Custom power chair Frequently Asked Questions

Why are custom wheelchairs so expensive?

A powered wheelchair especially one that is a custom-built power chair is built specifically to suit a client’s individual needs and lifestyle. A custom build can include an assessment by ourselves with an occupational therapist to ascertain the best solution. Our client’s needs are taken into account such as:

• Width, depth and height of the seat
• Seating angle and pressure cushions support
• Lateral and head support
• How the client will operate and control speed
• Plus much more including price, budget and whether it will be on the motability scheme
• Do you need a prescription for a power chair?

Whilst a power chair can also be called a prescriptive powerchair or wheelchair you do not need a prescription for them. A lot of manufactures such as Sunrise Medical, Invacare and Karma will have an order form which is sometimes called a prescriptive list that has all the options available for that specific chair. The Motability Scheme also offers certain custom powerchairs on their scheme.

What is the difference between a power chair and a power wheelchair?

A powerchair all have a similar look which is a base unit and a chair on top. The base units can either be mid, front or rear wheel drive with various options on speed range and a multitude of options on aids for your independence. Good examples of these would be Sunrise Medical Q300 M, Karma Evo Altus or the Rascal Ryley. A power wheelchair or electric wheelchair will look similar to a manual wheelchair and will predominantly be a folding version. Examples of these would include Quickie Q50R, Quickie Q50 Carbon and the Pride i-Go Lite

How can I customise my wheelchair?

There are various ways that you can customise your chair. Because a custom solution can have so many variants it is best to talk to your local Shire Mobility dealer. We can then sit down with you and assess with you your needs and services.

Which manufacturer is the best for custom power chairs or electric wheelchairs?

There are many different manufacturers out there delivering solutions from standard to complex. At Shire Mobility we work hand in hand with suppliers such as Sunrise Medical, Karma, Invacare and Quantum to find the right solution. Whilst it is always difficult to get a perfect solution, the suppliers we work with will get pretty close!