You will want to know:

• What seating options and features are possible with this chair e.g. will it go up and down, tilt-in-space 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 you are going to sit in your 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 me? (e.g. some have bases that can take different sized seats)
• How fast will it go?

In the UK, wheelchairs are put in a class depending on their speed. Check out the current safety rules for using your 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 school?
• How is it going to be transported? If you are going to sit in your chair while travelling, you will need a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) along with compatible clamping and seatbelt systems.
• If your family already have a WAV, will it fit? Is it compatible with your vehicle’s tracking and clamping system? The organisations listed in the Children – Car Travel section on this page may help answer this.

• What is included in the basic price and how much are the ‘extras’ you would want?
• Your parents should ask for a written quote, detailing every item.
• How long will it take between order and delivery time?
• What do your parents need to pay when? (for example, is there a deposit due when it’s ordered?)
• Will the chair be delivered, or will your parents 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’s 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 your home or will you have to travel to them? Where?
• 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 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 your parents already have a home contents insurance policy, they may find that they can add it on. However, it is not usually easy to do this.

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

Whizz-Kidz Charity is happy to provide a list of mobility equipment insurance companies who can provide the right cover. Email them on Kidservices@whizz-kids.org.uk or call Children Services team on 0800 151 3350.

If you and your family have decided to buy your wheelchair and need to raise money to do this, there are a number of charities and organisations which your parent might be able to apply to for help with funding. Most charities will not fund something you have bought already. It is important not to place your order or pay any deposit until you have all the funding ready or pledged.

There are a number of charities that may help with funding. Many will not award a grant for the total cost of the chair, but will consider funding a smaller amount (called part-funding). Each charity has its own criteria and time-lines so it can be difficult to know where to start, but if your parents / guardians contact SMA UK to talk about your individual circumstances, we can then help by sifting through the information we have to narrow down the options for where and how to apply.

• 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