Electric wheelchairs offer their users freedom and the key to be able to unlock the world to explore. They are highly advanced pieces of technology offering those with limited mobility a greater sense of independence.
Whether you’re upgrading from a manual wheelchair or looking to upgrade your model, an electric wheelchair is a fantastic choice and it doesn’t have to be expensive.
What Does an Electric Wheelchair Cost?
The average cost of a good-quality electric wheelchair will be between £1,500 to £3,000. This would be for a standard, non-customised wheelchair. A customised electric powerchair can, at the top of the range, cost up to £30,000.
However, this is just for the wheelchair itself. Replacement batteries are around £250 each, a headrest is just over £100, wheelchair ramps also come in at £100. Smaller convenience accessories, such as drinks holders, are a lot lower in cost, coming in under £20.
What Affects the Cost of Your Electric Wheelchair?
When you go to investigate the cost of your next electric wheelchair, you may be wondering the different cost factors that affect different types of electric wheelchairs.
Here’s what affects the cost of an electric wheelchair…
1. The Functionality You Want
Depending on how you intend to use your wheelchair can affect the cost. For example, if you just want an electric wheelchair as an additional mobility aid for days when your condition worsened, then you may want to opt for a wheelchair that can be folded and stowed away when it’s not in use.
Or, if you’re someone who wants to be able to get outside and explore, then a wheelchair that can go over grass and has larger wheels with greater traction on different surfaces is what you should be looking for. Multi-terrain wheelchairs can cost more, but can be fantastic to unlocking more freedom.
An entry level electric wheelchair predominantly designed for indoor spaces with less functionality for outdoors will cost around £1,500-£2,000. On the other hand, a wheelchair with additional functionality, such as the Smart Chair Recliner, which reclines up to 30° and has better all-terrain functionality, costs £2,300.
You can also have add-ons that provide little extra’s, whether that’s the adjustability of arm rests or additional elevated leg rests or extensions, or even small storage solutions on the rear, these little details can change the experience and comfort for a user.
2. The Battery Technology Used
At LITH-TECH, all batteries used in the construction of our eletric wheelchairs are lithium, but they vary in their output. We offer a variety of combinations depending on your needs and your use type.
Most of our wheelchairs come with 2x6aH, with some having a 2x10ah option. The Smart Chair X, for example, features dual longer-lasting batteries offering the user greater performance without any additional risk or danger. Optimal range and output are provided from both the (24v) 10ah and 6ah batteries, which are safe for travel (including airliners) and are ideal for easy charging.
3. The Material of the Wheelchair
Where most wheelchairs use aluminium or another steel alloy, some use carbon fibre, such as the LITH-TECH Carbon Edition.
This increases the cost of an electric wheelchair a fair amount, as the cost of carbon fibre is considerably more than other steel alloys, and much lighter.
Whereas most of our wheelchairs are made of an aluminium alloy, our Carbon Edition is made from carbon fibre, and our Smart Chair X is made from an aerospace aluminium alloy. The Smart Chair 1, which features a frame made from aerospace titanium and aluminium, is a prime example of how a wheelchair can balance lightweight design with lasting strength and durability.
LITH-TECH Folding Electric Wheelchair Pricing Guide
Here at LITH-TECH, we offer a range of folding electric wheelchairs. You can use this handy table to help you gauge an idea of cost compared to key features.
| Wheelchair | Cost | Use | Battery Option(s) | Material |
| Multi Chair 1 | £1,850 | Hard Ground including Grass | 2x6aH | Aluminium Alloy |
| Compact | £2,100 | Hard Ground including Grass | 2x6aH | Aluminium Alloy |
| Smart Chair 1 | £2,150 | Multi-terrain but prefers hard ground | 2x6aH | Aerospace Titanium-Aluminium Alloy |
| Smart Chair | £2,200 | Multi terrain but preferably hard ground | 2x6aH | Aluminium Alloy |
| Smart Chair Recliner | £2,300 | Hard Ground including Grass | 2x6aH | Aluminium Alloy |
| Smart Chair 1 XL | £2,200 | Multi terrain but preferably hard ground | 2x6aH | Aerospace Titanium-Aluminium Alloy |
| Smart Chair XL | £2,300 | For the larger individual on multi-terrain but prefers hard ground | 2x6aH | Aluminium Alloy |
| Smart Chair X | £2,350 – £2,380 | Multi-terrain | 2x6aH or 2x10aH | Aerospace Aluminium Alloy |
| Smart Chair X XL | £2,400 – £2,430 | For the larger individual on multi-terrain | 2x6aH or 2x10aH | Aerospace Aluminium Alloy |
| Carbon Edition | £2,750 | Multi-terrain but prefers hard ground | 2x6aH | Carbon Fibre |
How Can You Fund an Electric Wheelchair?
For most people, especially those living off a disability benefit or similar, a couple of thousand pounds isn’t often easily spared.
So, how can you fund an electric wheelchair?
Speak to an insurance company
If you have health insurance, or a life insurance policy, you may be able to get a subsidy of sorts. It’s worth checking before you go to purchase that this is possible, and if you need an approved supplier to be eligible.
See if your wheelchair provider can offer finance
Many wheelchair companies, especially those at the top end of the price range, will be able to offer finance, or will work with a finance provider that can offer it on their behalf. This can make the wheelchair more affordable over time, but it’s important that you can pay it back monthly.
Check if there is a grant available
Your local council, a charity specific to the disability you have or another authority, may have a grant scheme available. While it’s not guaranteed, it’s worth asking as you may be able to get some help, even if it is for some of the cost of the wheelchair.
Are You Looking For A Folding Electric Wheelchair?
Speak to the team at LITH-TECH and we can advise you on the best wheelchair for both your needs and your budget.
Get in touch today on 01252 214052.