Using a wheelchair
This information applies to England and Wales.
When you get a new wheelchair, powerchair or mobility scooter you need to know how to:
- use it safely
- keep it running well
Learning wheelchair skills can build your confidence when you want to get out and about. There are free training videos online.
The Wheelchair Skills College (YouTube)
Wheelchair skills training videos (Whizz-Kidz)
Your local NHS wheelchair service or private supplier may be able to suggest courses.
The charity Whizz-Kidz offers wheelchair skills training courses for people aged 2 to 25.
Wheelchair skills training (Whizz-Kidz)
You can also look on forums and Facebook groups. Other people with the same wheelchair may share tips about how they use theirs.
If you support someone in a wheelchair, ask their GP, social worker or local wheelchair service if there’s training for carers.
When you start using a wheelchair, there can be many changes to get used to, both physically and emotionally.
Following other wheelchair users on social media is a good way to get reassurance and advice.
Physical barriers and getting around
Some things make it harder to get around in a wheelchair. These include:
- crooked or broken pavement slabs or potholes
- rubbish or wheelie bins blocking pavements or driveways
- cars parked on pavements or over dropped kerbs (a section of kerb that’s lower)
If something’s blocking the pavement, the only option might be to move into the road. Take care if you do this.
You might find that moving your wheelchair on grass is difficult.
You can report most issues to your local council. For example:
- problems with pavements or uncut grass
- when someone parks their car illegally over a dropped kerb
- if bins are blocking access to your home
Find your local council (GOV.UK)
Write to your MP about:
Travelling by car
To help you get in and out of a car, you could try:
- boards
- lifting belts
- leg lifters
- hoists
Car ramps and access aids (Independent Living)
Many wheelchairs fit into cars, but it can depend on the:
- type and size of wheelchair
- size of car
There are also hoists to load your wheelchair into a car.
Wheelchair-accessible vehicles mean you can travel without moving out of your wheelchair. You may be able to convert some cars and vans.
Using public transport in a wheelchair
By law, all public transport providers must provide an accessible service.
Going by bus (Driving Mobility)
You may need support when you travel by train. If so, it’s best to book assistance with the train company before you go.
Using public transport with a mobility scooter
If you want to take your mobility scooter on a train, the rules can vary depending on your train company.
List of mobility scooter rules for each operator (National Rail)
Tips for transporting a mobility scooter by train (Passenger Assistance)
Getting a wheelchair-accessible taxi
In larger cities, licensed taxis must be wheelchair accessible. This means they have a ramp or lift for you to get in and out. They should also have space:
- for you to sit securely in your wheelchair
- or to carry your wheelchair while you sit in a passenger seat
If you live in a rural area or away from a larger city, it’s sometimes harder to find wheelchair-accessible taxis. Ask local taxi companies if they have any.
You can also contact your local council’s taxi licensing office. It must keep a list of wheelchair-accessible vehicles in your area.
Find your local council (GOV.UK)
Book your journey a few days in advance if you can. It should not cost you more to travel in a taxi or minicab as a wheelchair user.
Storing a wheelchair
The best place to store your wheelchair, powerchair or mobility scooter is in your home. This is to protect it from damp and cold weather that can cause damage.
You could also keep it in a garage or shed. If this is not possible and you need to store it outside:
- cover it with a wheelchair cover or tarpaulin
- use a strong lock to keep it as safe as possible
If you got your chair through your local NHS wheelchair service, check if they have rules against storing it outside.
You may be eligible for home adaptations because of your wheelchair.
If your wheelchair folds up, you can use a wheelchair storage bag. These can also be useful if you’re travelling and need to transport your chair. You may need to take off any footrests or footplates and store them separately.
Warning Wheelchairs and fire safety
Powerchairs and mobility scooters have batteries that need charging regularly.
There have been a few cases of batteries catching fire on charge.
To reduce the risk, charge the battery:
- uncovered
- in a well-ventilated area
Ask your local NHS wheelchair service or private supplier for advice on charging your type of battery safely.
If you live in a shared building, you may not be able to store your wheelchair in a corridor or communal area. It could make it harder for other people to escape if there is a fire.
Check with your local council or housing association if there are any rules.
Find your local council (GOV.UK)
Fire safety for people with mobility difficulties (Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service)
Wheelchair accessories
You might want to buy accessories for your wheelchair or mobility scooter not provided by the NHS. These can make daily tasks easier and more comfortable. For example:
- a wheelchair rain cover
- wheel covers
- a walking stick clip
- cosy toes or wheelchair cosy
- pannier or tiller bag (a small bag on the front of a scooter)
- portable ramp or wheelchair ramp for a car
People on the Scope online community talk about places to buy these.
Ideas of where to buy assistive equipment
You can also search online for mobility shops.
Personal health budgets might cover accessories for your wheelchair. This is NHS money you receive to pay for your health and wellbeing needs. Ask your healthcare professional, like your OT or physio, for more information.
Wheelchair-friendly clothing
Clothes designed for wheelchair users can be more comfortable and make it easier to get dressed and undressed.
Adaptive clothing includes:
- trousers with elasticated waists, high backs and longer leg lengths
- skirts that open at the front
- jackets with magnetic zips
There is also a lot of outdoor clothing for wheelchair users. Search online for ‘wheelchair-friendly clothing’ or ‘adaptive fashion’.
Adaptive clothing (Disability Horizons)
You could also adapt other clothes to suit your needs. Or ask someone if they can do this for you.
Last reviewed by Scope on: 11/12/2023
Was this page helpful?
Great!
Tell us how it helpedWe're sorry to hear that.
Tell us how we can improve it