By Daylan Kempster, Assistive Technology Specialist and Director of Mobility Co
In short: A power wheelchair, also called an electric wheelchair, uses a motor and a joystick so the person drives themselves, without needing the strength to push a manual chair or someone to push it for them. Mobility Co supplies folding travel power chairs and premium WHILL power wheelchairs across Melbourne. See and try them at our Cheltenham showroom at 2/136 Keys Road, or call 1300 225 203. We work with NDIS, Home Care Package, Support at Home and private customers.
A power wheelchair gives back independence when pushing a manual chair is too tiring or no longer possible. Instead of relying on arm strength or a carer, the person steers with a light touch on a joystick, indoors and out. For many people it is the difference between waiting to be taken somewhere and simply going. This page walks through the main types and how to choose one that fits the person, the home and the way they live.
Power wheelchairs are a considered purchase, and the right choice depends on the body and the environment as much as the chair. At Mobility Co you can try them in person at our Cheltenham showroom, and we work alongside occupational therapists across Melbourne to get the fit and the funding right.
Folding travel power chair
Our Aspire Aerolite carbon fibre power chair is light enough to fold down and lift into a car boot, so it travels with you to appointments, shops and holidays. It suits people who are out and about and want their own wheels without needing a hoist or a large vehicle. Battery range covers a typical day out, and the controls are simple to learn.
WHILL premium power chair
The WHILL range is a modern, design led power chair that turns on the spot, handles kerbs and uneven paths, and looks nothing like traditional equipment. It is a favourite with people who want capability and style in equal measure, and it comes apart to fit in a car. Come and take one for a drive on our showroom floor.
How to choose a power wheelchair
Think first about where it will be used. Mostly indoors and around the shops calls for a compact, tight turning chair, while daily outdoor use calls for range and a comfortable ride. If it needs to travel in a car, a folding model or one that comes apart matters. Consider how the person will transfer in and out, how long they sit each day, and whether they can operate a joystick comfortably. Because power chairs are often funded and always personal, an occupational therapist assessment is usually part of the process, and we are happy to work alongside yours.
Why choose your power wheelchair with us in Cheltenham
A power chair you have only seen online is a gamble, because fit, controls and turning circle are things you can only judge by driving one. We keep models on the floor so the person who will use it can try them, and we take the time to get the seating and the setup right rather than shipping a box. If funding is part of the picture we can help you understand your options through NDIS, a Home Care Package or Support at Home, and we support DVA clients too. If you need something sooner or shorter term, ask about a manual chair from our wheelchairs range or hire.
Scooter or power chair? if you would rather steer from a tiller and sit higher, compare our guide to mobility scooters in Melbourne.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a power wheelchair and an electric wheelchair? They are two names for the same thing, a wheelchair with a motor and a joystick that the person drives themselves. You will also hear the term power chair. All three mean a chair you do not have to push.
Where can I try a power wheelchair in Melbourne? You can try power wheelchairs at our Cheltenham showroom at 2/136 Keys Road, a short drive from across Bayside and the south east. Call 1300 225 203 to check which models are on the floor before you visit.
Are power wheelchairs covered by NDIS? They often are. Power wheelchairs are commonly funded through the NDIS, and may also be supported through a Home Care Package or Support at Home. These usually involve an occupational therapist assessment, and we provide the quotes and paperwork your plan manager or coordinator needs. We support DVA clients too.
Can a power wheelchair fit in a car? Yes, many can. Folding models and chairs that come apart into lighter pieces are made to travel in a car boot. Tell us your vehicle and who will be lifting, and we will point you to a model that suits.
Do I need an occupational therapist to get a power wheelchair? For funded chairs, usually yes, and it is good practice anyway because fit and safety matter. We work alongside occupational therapists across Melbourne every day, and can guide you if you do not have one yet.
Come and see us in Cheltenham. You are welcome to visit the showroom at 2/136 Keys Road, Cheltenham, take a power chair for a drive and talk through what will work best for the person and the home. We are a short drive from across Bayside and the south east, with parking at the door.
RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent, highly skillful team who understand the specific needs of the disabled and elderly. The furniture is very well engineered and the team is able to explain how to use their chairs and beds in a way which supports the huge varieties in people's individual needs and body shapes. I cannot recommend them highly enough.
RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Is it always great dealing with Dayan. He is honest reliable and gives great service. Will be very happy to buy of home any time. Thanks Dayan.
RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great to deal with and had a big range of equipment. Thanks daylan for helping me chose the right chair while recovering from back surgery
RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My grandpa recently bought an electric mobility scooter from Mobility Co in Cheltenham, and he couldn't be happier.
He said the team was incredibly patient, friendly, and took the time to help him find the right mobility scooter for his needs and height. They answered all of his questions and explained the different options and what to look for and never made him feel rushed or pressured.
Seeing the range of scooter options in the showroom made it easy for him and mum to find the right scooter.
If you're looking for a mobility scooter in Melbourne, I'd definitely recommend visiting Mobility Co. The service was genuine, professional, and made the whole process easy for both my grandpa and our family.
RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our family bought an adjustable bed and mobility scooter for my grandpa from Mobility Co and the whole experience was fantastic. Great showroom in Cheltenham, genuine advice with no pressure, and delivery and set up were sorted within days. Grandpa loves both, he's more comfortable at night and getting out and about again. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.
RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an excellent experience with Mobility Co. Daylan was fantastic in helping my parents choose a mobility scooter, an adjustable bed, and a recliner. Nothing was too much trouble, and he truly went above and beyond to make the process easy for us.
He even offered to bring equipment to us if getting to the showroom was difficult. When we visited the showroom, we were given plenty of time to try everything without feeling rushed, and the team made us feel very welcome by offering refreshments.
The service didn't stop after the purchase. Daylan personally visited before delivery to check there were no access issues, and then came back afterwards to make sure everything was set up properly and to explain how to use the equipment again.
The customer service was outstanding from start to finish. Daylan's kindness, patience, and genuine care made all the difference. We highly recommend Mobility Co to anyone looking for quality mobility equipment and exceptional service.
RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you to Daylan of Mobility Co. for his excellent service and kindness to my mum .
If you need any help in the mobility area I would definitely recommend visiting Mobility Co. in Moorabbin .
RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had an extremely nice experience today at Mobility Co. Took my 92yo friend to test ride-on scooters. The staff couldn't have been more attentive. Never rushed, which is very important to an older person. My friend and I would highly recommend this company.
RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a fantastic experience with Mobility Co. The team was friendly, knowledgeable, and took the time to understand exactly what I needed without any pressure. Their customer service was outstanding, and they made the whole process easy and stress-free. The quality of their products is excellent, and they genuinely care about helping customers find the right solution. I highly recommend Mobility Co. to anyone looking for reliable mobility equipment and exceptional service. Thank you to the team for your professionalism and support!
About the author. Daylan Kempster is an Assistive Technology Specialist and the Director of Mobility Co, a family run mobility equipment showroom in Cheltenham, Melbourne. He works alongside occupational therapists and families every day to match people with equipment that keeps them safe, comfortable and independent at home.
