We now have a range of power wheelchairs available for hire! Learn more
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Manual wheelchairs are among the most versatile mobility aids available, used by people across a wide range of needs and circumstances. From short-term recovery after surgery, to daily independence for someone with limited walking ability, to complex postural support for full-time wheelchair users, the right manual wheelchair can be matched to almost any situation. Operated either by the person seated (self-propelled) or by a carer or family member (attendant-propelled), manual wheelchairs are typically lightweight, reliable, low-maintenance, and easier to transport than their powered counterparts.
Power Mobility provides a wide selection of manual wheelchairs from established manufacturers including Ottobock, Aspire, Days, PDG and Klaxon. Our range covers scripted and non-scripted models, tilt-in-space chairs, folding and lightweight options and bariatric options. Visit our Brisbane showroom to view our comprehensive range in person. In-home trials are also available for some models.
A manual wheelchair is propelled either by the person seated, using hand rims on the rear wheels, or by an attendant pushing from behind. There’s no motor, no battery and no electronic controls, which makes the chair lighter, more portable and significantly cheaper to maintain. The trade-off is that the person seated needs sufficient upper body strength to self-propel, or a carer available to assist.
For those who can’t self-propel and don’t have consistent attendant support, a power wheelchair is generally a better option. For everyone else, a manual wheelchair offers freedom, simplicity and adaptability for everyday use.
Manual wheelchairs fall into several categories, each designed for a different mobility profile.
For those who can use a manual wheelchair but find self-propelling tiring over longer distances or on inclines, a power assist system bridges the gap between manual and power. These devices attach to an existing manual wheelchair and provide motorised assistance when needed, without converting the chair into a full powerchair. Power assist suits people who want to keep the lightness, transportability and simplicity of a manual chair, but need extra help managing fatigue, hills or longer trips.
Some manual wheelchairs are customisable, particularly scripted models. Seat width, depth, back height, footrest length, cushioning and wheel configuration can all be tailored to body size and postural needs. Cushions, backrests and headrests are critical for pressure care and comfort, especially for full-time wheelchair users.
Power Mobility’s in-house customisation team works alongside prescribing therapists to configure each chair to the person’s specific requirements. An excellent selection of cushions, backrests and headrests is also available to complement our extensive manual wheelchair range.
Manual wheelchairs can be funded through several Australian pathways. Power Mobility is a registered NDIS provider and works with participants, support coordinators and plan managers to source the right chair within plan budgets. Eligible buyers may also be able to access funding through Support at Home, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), Queensland’s Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS), or private funding. A full overview is available on our funding hub.
A manual wheelchair is a personal piece of equipment, and the right choice depends on body size, mobility level, daily environment, transport needs, and whether scripting or customisation is required. Our Brisbane showroom at Geebung has a comprehensive range available to view and trial. Our experienced team works closely with prescribing therapists to ensure the client’s chair matches both clinical and lifestyle needs. To arrange a visit, discuss your options, or request an in-home trial, contact Power Mobility.
A tilt-in-space manual wheelchair tilts the entire seating system backwards, while maintaining the seat-to-back angle. Unlike a recliner, which opens the hip angle, tilt-in-space keeps the seated person in the same posture, while shifting their weight onto the backrest of the chair. This redistributes pressure, reduces fatigue and supports postural management throughout the day. Tilt-in-space chairs are typically prescribed for people who spend extended periods in their wheelchair and have pressure care needs, postural support requirements, or limited ability to reposition themselves independently. They are most commonly scripted under the guidance of an occupational therapist or physiotherapist to match individual clinical and postural needs.
The weight of a manual wheelchair varies significantly by size, type and frame material. Standard manual wheelchairs typically weigh between 18 and 22 kg, suited for everyday durability rather than easy lifting. Lightweight wheelchairs, often made from aluminium, weigh between 11 and 18 kg, balancing strength and portability. Ultra-lightweight chairs use materials such as titanium or carbon fibre and can weigh as little as 7 to 11 kg, making them ideal for active wheelchair users who self-propel daily or transport the chair frequently. Tilt-in-space and bariatric chairs tend to weigh more, due to their reinforced frames and additional features. When choosing a chair, weight matters most for people who need to lift the chair in and out of vehicles regularly.
Yes. Power Mobility offers free trials of our manual wheelchair range, including scripted and tilt-in-space models. Trialling a chair in your home environment is the most reliable way to confirm fit, comfort and whether the configuration meets daily needs. For scripted chairs, the trial is typically coordinated with the prescribing therapist to assess seating, postural support and propulsion ability before making a decision. To arrange a trial, submit a request through our website, call us on 07 3265 4663, or visit our Geebung showroom to view the range in person.
Most manual wheelchairs are relatively straightforward to transport. Folding chairs collapse by lifting the seat upholstery to bring the sides together, allowing the chair to fit in a car boot or back seat. Rigid-frame chairs typically don’t fold, but often have detachable wheels and removable footrests to reduce overall size. For heavier chairs or for people who find lifting difficult, a portable ramp, vehicle hoist or wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) makes loading easier. Removing accessories such as cushions, armrests and footrests before lifting also reduces the load. When in transit, the chair should be secured to prevent movement.
Yes. Power Mobility operates an in-house service and repair team covering our full range of manual wheelchairs, including non-scripted, tilt-in-space, bariatric, lightweight and scripted models. Manual wheelchairs benefit from an annual service to check the wheels, brakes, frame integrity, upholstery and any power assist components. More frequent checks may be needed for chairs in heavy daily use or for those used on rough surfaces. Our mobile repair service covers Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and a range of regional Queensland areas, with onsite repairs also available at our Geebung workshop.
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