Manual Wheelchair vs Electric Wheelchair – Which is best for me?

What is an electric wheelchair?

Electric wheelchairs are, quite simply, wheelchairs with electric motors. The electric motor provides the propulsion needed to drive the chair, rather than the manual force needed for a standard wheelchair. Electric wheelchairs, also known as powerchairs, motorised wheelchairs, or powered wheelchairs, consist of three basic elements: a power base which contains the motor, a seat and a set of controls.

Benefits of electric wheelchairs

Benefits of electric wheelchairs include:

• Can be used independently – no effort required from caregivers or family members
• Excellent manoeuvrability in tight spaces
• Can be used indoors and outdoors
• Highly customisable to suit various needs
• Some powerchairs can be folded or dismantled for transport

Recommended reading: What’s the smallest indoor electric wheelchair?

Disadvantages of electric wheelchairs

Compared to manual wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs are:

• More expensive due to their electronics and motors
• Heavier, bulkier, and more difficult to store and transport

How much do electric wheelchairs cost?

The large range in prices of electric wheelchairs reflects the scope of their customisation options. You could pick up an ‘off-the-shelf’ model for indoor use for around £2000.

At the other end of the scale, a larger investment of between £5,000 and £12,000 could secure you a highly customised electric wheelchair which can cope with most environments, including challenging outdoor topography such as hills and cobblestones.

Recommended reading: Electric Wheelchair Prices & Costs

What is a manual wheelchair?

As the name suggests, a manual wheelchair is a wheelchair that is operated manually with no input from an electric motor. They are either operated by the user themselves, or by a caregiver.

There are a few variations of manual wheelchairs that you should be aware of:

• Self-propelled manual wheelchairs have a large rear wheel and can be either operated by the user themselves or be pushed by a caregiver.
• Active wheelchairs are high-performance, lightweight chairs designed solely for independent, active users with good upper body strength.
• Transit wheelchairs have smaller rear wheels and are designed to be pushed by a caregiver. They are suitable for users with limited strength & mobility.

Benefits of manual wheelchairs

• More cost-effective – Generally speaking, manual wheelchairs are cheaper than electric wheelchairs due to the absence of electronic components and motors. That said, some active wheelchairs can be just as expensive as electric wheelchairs, due to the use of innovative construction methods & the use of lightweight materials like carbon fibre.
• Lighter and easier to store and transport – Most manual wheelchairs are lighter than their electric counterparts, making them easier to transport and store. 
• Can be used indoors & outdoors – Manual wheelchairs are versatile and can be used indoors and outdoors. 
• Highly customisable to suit various needs

Disadvantages of manual wheelchairs

• Requires some effort to operate!
• Less suitable for off-road environments

How much do manual wheelchairs cost?

There is a lot of variation in how much manual wheelchairs cost, due to the variety of options available. 

Prices for basic self-propelled wheelchairs and transit wheelchairs start from around £250. More complex, customisable wheelchairs such as the Rea Azalea Tilt-in-Space Wheelchair can cost upwards of £2000.

As mentioned above, active wheelchairs are more expensive, due to their use of more costly construction methods and materials. Prices of the active wheelchairs we sell here at Felgains start at £1,288 and go up to £3,005.

Manual vs electric wheelchairs – which should you choose?

Which type of wheelchair you choose comes down to your individual needs and requirements. If you are an active user with good upper body strength, a self-propelled or active manual wheelchair may be best for you. 

If you have limited mobility and you want to get out and about effortlessly, an electric wheelchair may be a better option. 

We have a large range or electric and manual wheelchairs available to try in our Ipswich showroom – why not pop along and try them out for yourself? Get in touch today.

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