A wheelchair can be a life-changing support — whether it’s used every day or just for specific outings. At Mobility Plus NZ, we understand that choosing one isn’t always an easy decision, and it’s often left to the last minute. But the right wheelchair can make all the difference — helping you stay mobile, independent, and included in everyday life.

Whether you’re buying for yourself or supporting a parent or partner, this guide will walk you through the different types of wheelchairs, who they suit best, and how to make the right choice.

We’ll also show you a range of trusted, best-selling models used by Kiwis across the country — from practical travel chairs to more supportive, adjustable options for regular use.

the everyday things that matter. It’s not about giving up walking, but about having support when you need it.

Whether it’s a long day out, a family event, or a walk that’s just a bit too far, a wheelchair gives you the back-up to keep doing what you enjoy — without the worry of getting tired or overdoing it.

It might be time to consider a wheelchair if:

• You’re skipping outings because they involve too much walking or standing
• You want to stay active, but need help managing longer distances
• You’re recovering from illness or surgery and need support
• You want the confidence to go out knowing help is there if needed

A wheelchair helps you stay connected, independent, and part of things — even on the days you need a little extra support.

When you first start looking at wheelchairs, the terminology can be confusing — manual, self-propelled, transit, attendant-propelled, powered... what’s the difference Here’s a simple breakdown of the most common types:

When you first start looking at wheelchairs, it’s easy to think there’ll be one perfect model that does it all — folds easily, is light to lift, works indoors and out, and feels stable and comfortable. But the truth is, each wheelchair is designed with a specific purpose in mind, and no single model suits every situation.

Some chairs are compact and ideal for short indoor trips. Others offer better comfort and handling for community outings. The key is to match the wheelchair to how and where it will be used.

1. Where Will It Be Used?

Mainly Indoors

If the chair will mostly be used around the house, in a retirement unit, or for short trips between rooms, a transit wheelchair is a practical choice. These are easier to manoeuvre indoors because they don’t have large rear wheels, making them more compact and manageable in tighter spaces.

✅ Transit Wheelchairs
Great for: homes, apartments, and assisted living settings

✅ No Large Rear Wheels
Easier to turn and park in tight spaces

Indoors and Outdoors

If the wheelchair will be used both at home and out in the community — for appointments, shopping, or casual outings — a lightweight, folding chair with padded armrests, solid tyres, and footrests is ideal.

✅ Everyday Folding Chairs
Great for: cafés, supermarket trips, and regular outings with family or caregivers

✅ Transit or Manual Wheelchairs
Transit chairs are smaller and easier to lift. Manual chairs have larger rear wheels that handle bumps better and allow for self-propelling when needed.

2. Do You Need a Chair with a Comfortable Seat?

All our wheelchairs include a basic padded seat, but because the frames are foldable, they’re not designed for long-term sitting. If the chair will be used for longer outings or frequent use, we recommend adding a separate cushion for comfort and support.

✅ Built-in Padding
Fine for short trips or occasional use

✅ Add a Cushion for Longer Sitting
Improves posture and reduces pressure on hips and back

✅ Lightweight Folding Frame
Folds easily even with the cushion removed

3. Will It Fit the User’s Size and Needs?

Most wheelchairs come in seat widths from 40cm to 50cm. The seat should be wide enough to avoid rubbing the user’s hips — but not so wide that they slide around. This balance is key for posture and safety.

It’s also worth factoring in blankets or lap covers, especially in colder months, as they may affect fit.

✅ Measure Seat Width While Seated
Add a few centimetres for comfort and seasonal clothing

✅ Check Weight Capacity
Most chairs support 100–136kg — details are listed on each product page

✅ Adjustable Features
Swing-away footrests and lift-up armrests make transfers easier

4. Will It Fit in the Car?

One of the biggest frustrations customers mention is getting a wheelchair in and out of the car. If this is part of your routine, choose a lightweight model under 11kg that folds easily. Many people don’t realise it’s often an older spouse or partner handling the lifting — so ease of use is crucial.

✅ Lightweight Frame (Under 11kg)
Easier to lift into car boots or taxis

✅ Transit Chairs Fold Smaller
Ideal for errands, appointments, and travel

✅ Folding Handles & Removable Footrests
Reduce the folded size — perfect for tighter boot spaces

With so many wheelchair features available, it’s easy to feel like you need every single one — but that’s not always the case. The best chair is the one that suits your lifestyle, strength, transport needs, and support network.

Here’s how to think about which features are essential — and which ones you might not need right now:

✅ Lightweight Frame

Essential if: The wheelchair needs to be lifted into vehicles frequently or handled by caregivers with limited strength.

❌ Not necessary if: The wheelchair remains stationary or is mainly used around the home or care facility.

Lightweight frames, often made from aluminium, make handling and transport more manageable.

✅ Quick-Release Rear Wheels

Essential if: You’ve chosen a manual wheelchair with large rear wheels and want to make car transport easier.

❌ Not necessary if: You’re using a transit chair with small wheels that already folds compactly.

Quick-release wheels remove in seconds, making the wheelchair flatter and easier to fit in smaller cars.

✅ Swing-Away or Removable Footrests

Essential if: You’re lifting the chair in and out of the car or helping someone in and out of the seat.

❌ Not necessary if: The chair stays set up in one place, like a care facility or home.

Being able to swing footrests to the side or remove them helps with tight spaces and transfers.

✅ Dual Braking System

Essential if: The person pushing the chair (a caregiver, partner, or family member) needs extra control over the wheelchair — especially on ramps, slopes, or uneven ground.

❌ Not necessary if: The wheelchair is only used indoors on flat, smooth surfaces.

All wheelchairs have standard brakes on the rear wheels, but many models also include brakes on the push handles. These are designed for the person pushing the chair and work just like bicycle brakes — allowing the attendant to slow or stop the wheelchair safely. These brakes can also be locked into place to stop the chair from moving when parked.

This feature is especially helpful when the person pushing the wheelchair is smaller or lighter than the person seated, or when going down hills or kerbs.

✅ Solid, Puncture-Proof Tyres

Essential if: You want a hassle-free wheelchair that can handle most surfaces without worrying about punctures.

❌ Not necessary if: You need maximum shock absorption on very uneven ground — although most users find solid tyres ideal.

All wheelchairs sold by Mobility Plus NZ come with solid tyres as standard — for peace of mind and no maintenance.

✅ Seat Cushioning – Always Needed for Wheelchair Use

A proper cushion is essential for every wheelchair, no matter how often it’s used. Whether you’re sitting for 10 minutes or several hours, the standard built-in padding simply doesn’t provide enough comfort or support — especially on folding wheelchairs where the seat base is thin and firm.

A separate pressure relief cushion helps prevent pain, improves posture, reduces pressure on sensitive areas like the coccyx and hips, and supports long-term skin health. These are sold separately so you can choose the thickness, shape, and style that best meets your needs.

All our wheelchairs include basic seat padding, but we strongly recommend adding a separate cushion for extended comfort. These are sold separately so you can choose the one that suits your needs.

✅ Folding Push Handles & Removable Footrests

Essential if: You need the wheelchair to fit into a smaller car boot or storage space — especially when lifting and transporting it regularly.

❌ Not necessary if: The chair stays set up at home or is rarely transported.

Some wheelchairs include push handles that fold down and footrests that swing away or remove completely. These features dramatically reduce the folded size of the wheelchair, making it easier to fit in compact boots or back seats — even small hatchbacks.

They also make lifting safer and more manageable, especially for caregivers with limited strength. Many families find these features essential when the person helping with transport is an older spouse or partner.

✅ Weight & Folded Size

Essential if: You or your caregiver need to lift the wheelchair in and out of the car regularly.

❌ Not necessary if: The wheelchair stays in one place — such as in a rest home, hospital, or by the front door.

The weight of the wheelchair makes a huge difference to everyday usability. Many people don’t realise how hard it can be to lift a chair into a car boot — especially for caregivers who may be older or have limited strength.

A lightweight chair (under 11kg) is considered much easier to manage. But be careful — the lightest models can sometimes mean a drop in quality, stability, or essential features. Always check the frame strength, braking system, and comfort before prioritising weight alone.

Look for options with fold-down push handles and removable footrests, which can make the chair fold up much smaller and easier to handle — ideal for smaller cars, taxis, or travel.

Now that you understand the different types of wheelchairs, their features, and how to match them to your lifestyle — the next question is: which one is right for you?

We know it’s not always an easy decision. You want a chair that supports your daily life, gives you confidence, and makes outings with whānau or caregivers easier — without being heavy, bulky, or hard to lift into the car.

To help, we’ve grouped a few of our best-selling models by how and where they’re most commonly used. These are chairs trusted by Kiwis across Aotearoa — from short trips to town to regular medical appointments and everyday home use.

Choosing the right wheelchair isn’t just about getting from A to B — it’s about staying included, connected, and confident in your daily life. Whether it’s for short outings, regular use, or recovery, the right wheelchair can make everyday moments more comfortable and accessible.

At Mobility Plus NZ, we’ve been proudly supporting New Zealanders since 2005 — helping thousands of Kiwis find quality, reliable wheelchairs they can trust. Every wheelchair we sell comes with a minimum 12-month NZ-based warranty, backed by our friendly, experienced team right here in Tauranga.

Need help choosing the right wheelchair?

📧 Email us at info@mobilityplus.co.nz — we’re always happy to help.