Your OT will have suggestions. Potential chairs can often be demonstrated at home by a rep who works for one (or sometimes a number of) supplier(s).

• What seating options and features are possible with this chair (e.g. will it go up and down, ‘tilt-in-space’ (the seat-to-back angle remains the same while the whole seating system is tilted backwards), does it have leg rests)?
• Will there be a spare cushion to allow for washing and drying when needed?
• How comfortable a ride does it give – what are the tyre options?
• What safety tests have been carried out – on the chair itself and, on the chair when travelling in a vehicle? If your child is going to sit in their wheelchair while travelling in a vehicle, the chair model will need to meet safety ‘crash tested’ standards.
• How long a life should it have – what capacity does it have to ‘grow’ with your child (e.g. some have bases can take different sized seats)
• How fast will it go? In the UK, wheelchairs are put in a class depending on their speed. See safety rules for using your child’s wheelchair on the pavement and road.

• Will it be possible to use in your home and outside – what adaptations would you need to make?
• What about at nursery / school?
• How is it going to be transported? If your child is going to sit in their chair while travelling you will need a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV – see Car Travel in this section) along with compatible clamping and seatbelt systems. A suitable accessible taxi is another possible option for some journeys.
• If you have already got a WAV, will it fit? Is it compatible with your vehicle’s tracking system?

• You will not have to pay VAT so make sure the price you are quoted excludes VAT
• What is included in the basic price and how much are the ‘extras’ you would want?
• Ask for a written quote, detailing every item
• How long will it take between order and delivery time?
• What do you need to pay when?
• Will the chair be delivered, or will you have to collect it?
• When you get the chair, will it be ready assembled? Will an engineer / physio / OT be there to make sure it is all correctly and safely set up and fitted?

• Is there a warranty / guarantee? If so, what does it cover and for how long? Wheelchair warranties usually cover manufacturing faults but not general maintenance or ‘wear and tear’, such as with tyres.
• What happens if something needs fixing under warranty? Will engineers come to our home, or do we have to travel to them? Where would that be?
• If it needs major repairs, would a temporary replacement be provided?
• Often a warranty is only valid if the chair has been regularly serviced and properly maintained. What is the cost of a maintenance contract? Does it include an annual service?
• What is included – tyres, battery, electrics, controls etc.? The tyres and motor might need replacing at some point, and the batteries last approximately 2 – 3 years. What would these cost to replace?
• When servicing / maintenance is due, what happens, where?
• Are there any call out charges?
• How long does it take for problems to be assessed, for parts to arrive, and for parts to be fitted?

Generally speaking, you do not need insurance for a powered wheelchair although it is strongly recommended given the cost and the possibilities – not just for loss or damage, but also for any damage that could be caused to other people, or other people’s property. Check if this is included and, if so, how much does it cost and what would it cover? Or does it need to be arranged separately?

If you already have a home contents insurance policy, you may find that you can add the chair – it is not usually easy to add on a powered wheelchair.

If you plan to travel outside the UK with the chair, you may need additional insurance.

If you have decided to buy your child’s wheelchair and need to raise money to do this, you can apply to a number of charities and organisations for help. Most charities will not fund anything you have already bought. It is important not to place your order or pay any deposit until all funding has been secured or pledged.

Some people also choose to do their own fundraising.

You will need:

• a letter from your OT / physio confirming what type of chair will safely meet your child’s needs, why this one is a good choice and what difference it will make for them
• evidence that NHS wheelchair services have carried out an assessment. This needs to include a statement from NHS wheelchair services explaining:
  • if they have refused any funding, the reasons why
  • if they will provide some funding, how much this will be
• an up-to-date quote from the wheelchair provider with details of costs, including any ‘extras’, insurance costs and maintenance contracts. (If your child receives the mobility component of DLA and it is not being used for a Motability vehicle you could put it towards wheelchair maintenance costs). You will not need to pay VAT.

For further information see: Funding for Equipment on this page.

• Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RiDC) / ‘Getting a Powered Wheelchair
• NHS / Wheelchairs
• Help My Mobility – information on mobility products, aids, and equipment
• Go Kids Go – training and expert advice for wheelchair using children
• Whizz-Kidz – fund a range of powered and manual wheelchairs for children under 18 years of age, if wheelchair services can’t provide the mobility equipment your child’s needs. They also provide information, advice, activity programmes and wheelchair skills training programmes, as well as this guide: Caring For Your Wheelchair: Wheelchairs and Equipment