• Folding frame: enables the wheelchair to be folded once the batteries, and sometimes the backrest, has been removed. Will make lifting of components and transporting easier



• Rigid frame: stronger, sturdier frame but makes transporting the wheelchair more difficult. Probably need to drive the wheelchair up ramps into the back of an estate car/van

• Front wheel drive: large front wheels can kerb climb without the use of specific kerb climbing devices. This may hinder sideway transfers, but will provide a good grip over rough ground or steep slopes. However, a lot of coordination is required to steer the wheelchair as this is controlled from the rear wheels/castors



• Free-wheel facility: this enables the wheels to be disengaged from the motor so that the wheelchair can be pushed manually. Beware - the wheelchair is heavy and difficult to push and this should only be done in an emergency

• Pneumatic tyres: provide a cushioned ride but need to be regularly pumped up. They may puncture

• Detachable footrests: these can be removed for transporting and therefore lessen the weight of the chair



• Swing-away: can be swung out of the way to ease transfers



• One piece footbox: provides a greater area of support for feet but still allows you to move your feet around. However, it cannot be detached and may prohibit transfers



• Elevating: if you need to have your legs raised for long periods or need to keep your legs straight.

• Height adjustable: to accommodate legs of different lengths. However, care should be taken not to lower the footplate too much or they will prevent kerb climbing



• Angle adjustable: useful feature for people whose legs tend to kick out in a spasm. If the angle of the footplates is increased, the calf muscles are stretched which may lessen the spasm.

• Desk style: allows access to work surface, but does not offer much arm support. Not suitable if you need to push down on the armrest to help stand up



• Adjustable height: can be adjusted to provide maximum support and comfort



• Fold-up/fold-down/swing-away: may be more convenient if you need to transfer sideways than detachable armrests which can get mislaid



• Detachable: reduces size/weight of wheelchair for ease of storage and transport.

• Dimensions: the height of the backrest is often a matter of personal preference, but, as a minimum, it should be high enough to stabilise the upper lumbar region



• Folding: reduces overall size of wheelchair for ease of storage and transport



• Non-folding: provides firmer back support but takes up more space for ease of storage and transport



• Reclining: check whether semi- or fully-reclining. Some backrests need to be reclined manually by another person, others can be adjusted electrically.

• Dimensions: it is vital that you are accurately assessed for the correct seat size as this will determine posture and comfort. Remember to allow room for outdoor clothing when appropriate



• Upholstery padded seat and backrest: these provide comfort and shock absorption. However, you should be using a proper wheelchair/pressure relief cushion.

• Automatic: all powered wheelchairs have brakes which automatically come on when you let go of the accelerating control



• Hand brakes: some models can have the option of a hand brake which rests on the tyres when stationary (tyre pressures must therefore be kept firm). This provides extra security, although is not essential.

• Joystick controls: most chairs have a joystick control which only requires minimal hand movement to control speed and direction. These may be mounted on the left or right side. Some are permanently fitted at the factory, others can be changed to the other side quite easily. Many wheelchair manufacturers can supply alternative controls, including tray mounted controls, chin switch, suck/blow switch, touchplate, foot control or head control. Centrally mounted controls may help to provide a stable seating posture



• Speed: most wheelchairs are fitted with proportional controls, i.e. the greater the pressure applied, the faster the wheelchair moves. This allows gradual speed increase/decrease. Some models can be fitted with a speed limiter which determines the maximum speed to which the wheelchair can accelerate. This is usually in the form of a dial. Many also have delayed start - i.e. there is a brief pause after the control has been pushed in case it is knocked accidentally when you are getting in and out of the wheelchair



• Programmable controls: if controls are programmable, they can be varied according to your requirements. Some models are provided with a programmer which allows you to make fine adjustments, others need to be programmed by the supplier. The sensitivity, speed and performance can be varied. This may be useful if you have poor coordination, a tremor, learning difficulties or require a smoother ride. This feature may enable you to use or continue to use a chair. Some also have an indoor/outdoor traction adjustment which can be useful as it saves on the wear and tear of carpets



• Attendant/dual controls: some models can be provided with controls that are operated by only the attendant from a joystick mounted on the pushing handles. Others have two sets of controls, user and attendant, and a switch to determine who is doing the driving



• Drop down controls: some controls can be dropped down or swung away to make transfers easier or to enable the wheelchair to be driven close up to the table

Kerb climbers enable the wheelchair to climb kerbs of at least 10cm in height.

The three main types of kerb climbers are:

• Side-mounted: pair of arc-shaped devices fitted to either side of the wheelchair. Tend to increase the overall width of the chair, although some are detachable for use indoors. May hinder sideways transfers



• Centrally mounted: wheel or arc situated between the wheels. Does not hinder sideways transfers or widen the wheelchair, but may get in the way of standing transfers. Normally cannot be removed



• Direct drive: some chairs have wheels or castors large enough to climb kerbs without special devices. However, these wheelchairs tend to be larger and have a wider turning circle and therefore are not as easy to manoeuvre in small places.

• these ensure that the wheelchair will not tip backwards when climbing a high kerb.

• not essential for wheelchairs with a maximum speed of 4mph, even at night, if travelling on the pavement or purely crossing the road



• if there is no pavement, and traffic uses the road, the wheelchair needs a white light at the front and a red light at the back (like a bicycle).

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