Mobility is a key determiner of an individual’s wellbeing.

How does this translate? Mobility limitations can increase the risk of suffering from:

Thankfully, studies indicate that power wheelchairs positively affect health and improve quality of life.

Largely, this is due to the increased mobility and independence that comes with wheelchair use. Furthermore, electric wheelchairs offer the ability to travel with minimal fatigue.

"“…power wheelchairs become a focus of attention, in much the same way the body could be considered as a project that is ‘worked at and accomplished as part of an individual’s self-identity’… As users become comfortable with power mobility, they may incorporate these devices into their body schemas, and a positive feedback loop may be established. As power mobility is used, the user’s skills may grow and with enhanced skills, powered mobility becomes more useful.

”The Power of Power Wheelchairs – National Center for Biotechnology Information


At Out and About Healthcare, we’re committed to offering various innovative mobility solutions to empower our customers. This includes an extensive wheelchair range to suit different user needs.

Whether you require a power wheelchair or a manual one, we definitely have something for you.

Nevertheless, finding the right wheelchair can be tasking, owing to the many options to consider.

This guide examines the different types of electric wheelchairs, their characteristics as well as their ideal usage.

All You Need to Know
Before Choosing an Electric Wheelchair

When choosing a wheelchair, people generally opt for electric wheelchairs for two main reasons. First is the issue of mobility and second, comfort.

Electric wheelchairs (or power wheelchairs) are a suitable option for both indoor/outdoor use. They take up less floor space and offer tighter turning circles.

Power chairs, therefore, enable users to move through indoor spaces with ease.

However, as with mobility scooters, power wheelchairs have varying design specifications. Consequently, these determine how suitable they are for indoor/outdoor performance.

When beginning your search for the right electric wheelchair, you should ask yourself:

• Where will I predominantly use my power chair?
• For how long will I use my power chair at a time?
• Do I need additional functions (eg. tilting, raised seating etc.) for my power chair?
• If I require a travel power wheelchair, will I need a hoist to get it into the car?

Am I Permitted To Use an Electric Wheelchair?

Electric wheelchairs are considered motorised mobility devices, but their users are legally viewed as pedestrians.

Across Australia, there are some basic rules that apply regarding the use of electric wheelchairs according to Blue Badge Insurance. These include:

• Riding electric wheelchairs while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is a crime.
• Only people who have a disability or experience difficulty walking should use electric wheelchairs.
• Wheelchairs should be limited to 10km per hour on ground level.
• Users of electric wheelchairs are considered as pedestrians and must follow the same road laws as other pedestrians.
• Electric wheelchairs must not be driven on the road if there is an available nature strip or footpath.
• If you plan to use a wheelchair on private property other than your own (e.g. a retirement village), seek approval from the manager before purchasing.

Children can sometimes use mobility scooters also, but age restrictions apply. You will have to check your local state guidelines as they differ across Australia.

Each state and territory in Australia also has its own stipulations in relation to how wheelchairs are to be used in that area.
To find out more about each state’s regulations, see the following resources:

New South Wales
Victoria
Queensland
ACT
South Australia
Western Australia
Tasmania
Northern Territory

It’s important to get the right operating information for whichever state you call home.

Planning on Using the Electric Wheelchair Indoors?

Generally, electric wheelchairs are widest at the rear-wheels. All the same, the armrests might be wider, depending on the particular model.

You need to ensure that your power wheelchair is well-suited to your home. To do this, measure the smallest door frame that you will travel through.


Next, make a comparison between this dimension and the electric wheelchair’s widest dimension. In essence, this is from each outside rear-wheel or each outside armrest. 

You also want to consider the spaces in which you plan to use the wheelchair. Doing so will help ensure that the length and width are suitable. 

How Long Will I Use an Electric Wheelchair at a Time?

Electric wheelchairs come designed for comfort. They incorporate a variety of seating options to meet a user’s support needs.

Naturally, though, the size of the power wheelchair dictates how far it can go.

Planning to use the electric wheelchair for long trips to the shops? Consider a mid-sized or large wheelchair as this may suit you best.

You’ve probably come across the terms front-wheel drive, mid-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive. But what do all these phrases mean when it comes to a power wheelchair?

Prior to the 1990s, there wasn’t much choice but to settle for rear-wheel drive power wheelchairs.

However, different users had varying needs and used their wheelchairs in contrasting settings. The two other drive modes began to emerge as a result. 

Ideal for: Indoor and outdoor performance
Travel distance: Up to 30km
Weight: Between 120kg – 200kg
Terrain suitability: Indoor/Outdoor, Suburban Terrain

Ideal for: Outdoor performance – beach or bush
Travel distance: Up to 20km (depending on terrain)
Terrain suitability: Beach and bush, hard & soft sand

The Observer Beach 4×4 is an all-terrain electric wheelchair, designed for beach use. This durable, heavy-duty electric wheelchair allows you to:

We have an extensive range of mobility aids. Our electric wheelchairs cater to people of different age groups and various needs. In addition to our power wheelchairs, we also have other helpful products including mobility scooters, beds and accessories.

Our team comprises over fifty Australians dedicated to ensuring the highest quality service and products for our customers. We are proud to be one of the longest-standing mobility equipment suppliers in Australia.

All Out and About Healthcare electric wheelchairs are the work of careful, precise engineering. This guarantees you a comfortable driving experience. We invite you to journey with us today on the path to independence.

Given the current public safety situation we all find ourselves in, we’ve made some adjustments to serve you better. To do this, we’re offering a free online demo of our products.

You can access the demo from anywhere, and select a time and date that works best for you.

To book your free demo, click here to access our dedicated booking website. All you need to fill in is a few contact details and products you’re interested in.

Should you encounter any issues, please start a LiveChat with the button in the bottom right corner of your screen. A friendly member of our team will be happy to help you.