• Supporting individuals with temporary mobility limitations, such as post-surgery recovery or injury rehabilitation.
• Providing daily mobility for users with long-term or progressive conditions (e.g. stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury).
• Reducing fall risk for older adults or those with poor balance by offering a seated mobility option indoors or outdoors.
• Enabling safe transport in hospitals, airports, shopping centres, and aged care facilities with carer-assisted transit chairs.
• Facilitating community access, school attendance, or workplace participation for people with permanent physical disabilities.

• Foldable Frames: Most standard wheelchairs can be folded for easier transport and storage—ideal for home or car use.
• Self-Propelled vs Transit Models: Self-propelled wheelchairs have large rear wheels and hand rims for independent use; transit models have small rear wheels for carer-assisted movement.
• Adjustable Leg and Arm Supports: Many models include swing-away or height-adjustable leg rests, detachable armrests, and elevating leg supports for improved comfort and access.
• Quick-Release Wheels: Enable easy disassembly for lifting into vehicles—especially helpful for carers and transport staff.
• Safety Features: Includes push-to-lock brakes, anti-tip bars, and lap belts to support safe transfers, stability, and control on ramps or inclines.

• Self-Propelled Wheelchairs: Feature large rear wheels with push rims, allowing users to move independently. Best suited to users with good upper body strength and control.
• Transit Wheelchairs: Designed for carer-assisted use, with small rear wheels. Lightweight and compact—ideal for short trips, transport, or facility use.
• Tilt-in-Space Wheelchairs: Allow the entire seat and backrest to tilt as a unit, helping manage pressure, comfort, and postural support for complex needs.
• Reclining Wheelchairs: Feature a backrest that can recline independently of the seat base—used for fatigue, postural relief, or medical conditions requiring positional change.
• Paediatric Wheelchairs: Scaled-down models for children, often with growth-adjustable features, positioning supports, and colourful designs.
• Bariatric Wheelchairs: Reinforced frames with wider seats and higher weight capacities (typically 180kg+), designed for heavier users.
• Powered Wheelchairs: Operated via joystick or alternative controls, suitable for users with minimal upper limb function or long-distance needs. Often prescribed by clinicians with complex seating assessments.

• 🔹 Good upper limb strength + desire for independence → Self-Propelled Wheelchair
  Ideal for clients who can propel themselves and want more autonomy.
• 🔹 Limited mobility or short-distance use with carer → Transit Wheelchair
  Best for transport situations, aged care, or temporary post-op use.
• 🔹 Complex postural support needs → Tilt-in-Space or Reclining Wheelchair
  Recommended for pressure care, fatigue, or clients with poor trunk control.
• 🔹 High weight user (120kg+) → Bariatric Wheelchair
  Must ensure appropriate seat width, reinforced frame, and stability features.
• 🔹 Minimal strength or neurological condition → Powered Wheelchair (OT recommended)
  Often requires clinician prescription and complex seating support.

• 🚫 Client cannot sit upright without significant support: May require a tilt-in-space or specialised seating system, not a standard wheelchair.
• 🚫 Wheelchair is being purchased solely for pressure care: Pressure relief cushions or recline/tilt features may be more appropriate and require OT input.
• 🚫 User has severe one-sided weakness and is requesting a self-propelled chair: May need alternate propulsion methods or powered mobility.
• 🚫 Wheelchair is for full-time use without clinician involvement: Improper sizing or poor support can lead to long-term postural or skin issues.
• 🚫 Caregiver requesting a powered wheelchair without user input or training: Powered devices require assessment, setup, and client training for safe use.

Self-propelled wheelchairs have large rear wheels with push rims so the user can move themselves. Transit wheelchairs have smaller rear wheels and must be pushed by a carer. Transit models are often lighter and easier to lift into a car.

Most standard manual wheelchairs fold in half for easy transport and storage. Some models also feature quick-release wheels and flip-up leg rests to reduce bulk. However, not all tilt-in-space or high-support chairs fold easily—check each model’s specs.

Seat width should match the user’s hip width while seated, allowing around 1–2cm clearance on each side. Too narrow causes pressure and skin issues; too wide reduces stability and can cause sliding. If unsure, refer to the client’s OT or arrange a fitting.

Yes, but suitability depends on wheel size and terrain. Self-propelled models with larger rear wheels handle uneven surfaces better than transit chairs. For frequent outdoor use, consider models with larger castors, solid or pneumatic tyres, and anti-tip bars.

Not for private purchases—but if the chair is being funded (e.g. via NDIS, DVA, or My Aged Care), an assessment by an occupational therapist is usually required. This ensures the right fit, clinical justification, and documentation for funding approval.

Tilt-in-space chairs tilt the entire seating unit backward to redistribute pressure without altering the hip angle—ideal for pressure care and posture. Reclining chairs adjust only the backrest, which can be helpful for rest but may increase shear forces if not used with caution.

Bariatric wheelchairs are typically required when the user exceeds 120kg or has a wider hip width than standard chairs can accommodate. It’s also important to consider reinforced frames and wider seat widths to ensure stability and durability.

Only wheelchairs that are “crash tested” or meet ISO 7176-19 standards are considered safe to be used as seats in vehicles. These must be secured with an approved four-point tie-down system. Most standard chairs are not certified for transport use.

No. While some chairs include a basic foam cushion, many users require clinical cushions for pressure relief or postural support. Seating must match the user’s risk level and comfort needs, and often requires clinician involvement for higher needs.

Some users may benefit from a one-arm drive wheelchair, which has dual push rims on one side. Others may need a powered wheelchair or carer-pushed transit chair depending on strength, coordination, and daily mobility needs.