An electric wheelchair, also called a powerchair or powered wheelchair, uses a motor and a rechargeable battery to move, controlled by a joystick rather than by pushing the wheels or relying on a carer. It suits users who tire quickly, have limited arm or shoulder strength, or want to cover longer distances independently. At Quirumed we supply electric wheelchairs across Ireland, with a strong focus on compact models that fold down to fit in a car boot.

This page covers the main types of electric wheelchair, how to choose one by range, weight and controls, what they cost, and how provision and grants work in Ireland, so you can match a chair to daily use rather than to a spec sheet. For manual options, the wider wheelchairs range covers self-propelled and transit models.

Types of electric wheelchair

The catalogue splits into a few clear formats, each built around where and how the chair is used. The most popular models in Ireland are portable powerchairs that fold in seconds, because they solve the transport problem that puts people off heavier chairs.

• Folding ultralight powerchairs: collapse in seconds and weigh from roughly 20 kg, light enough to lift into a car boot for appointments and travel. Quirumed models include the EASY, BASIC and PRO ULTRALIGHT families.
• Auto-folding powerchairs: fold and unfold with a remote, useful for users with limited grip; the ELITE ULTRAMATIC is the auto-collapsing option in the range.
• Standard and reinforced-frame powerchairs: a sturdier chassis for daily full-time use or for higher user weight, with a larger battery and longer range.
• Indoor-outdoor powerchairs: a tighter turning circle for the home combined with enough ground clearance and traction for pavements and short outdoor trips.

If a user can still self-propel for short periods, a lightweight aluminium wheelchair may be a cheaper everyday option, with a powerchair kept for longer outings. A manual folding wheelchair is another low-cost backup that stores easily in the car. Some households run both a powerchair and a manual chair.

How to choose an electric wheelchair

Four factors decide which powerchair fits: range on a full charge, total weight when collapsed, the width and turning circle for the user's home, and how the chair is controlled. Range on most compact models runs from about 15 to 25 km per charge, enough for a day of errands; full-time outdoor users need a larger battery and a sturdier frame.

Weight matters most for people who travel by car. A folding ultralight chair around 20-25 kg can be lifted by one carer or split into parts, while a standard powerchair is moved by ramp or hoist. Seat width follows the same rule as any wheelchair: measure hip width while seated and add a small margin. The joystick is usually mounted on the right or left armrest and can be repositioned; specialised controls exist for users who cannot use a standard joystick, fitted by the supplier on request.

Battery, charging and range

Most electric wheelchairs use a lithium or sealed lead-acid battery that charges from a standard wall socket overnight. A full charge typically gives 15-25 km on compact models and more on larger-frame chairs, though hills, user weight and cold weather reduce the figure in practice. Lithium batteries are lighter and are usually the ones accepted for air travel, subject to the airline's watt-hour limit.

Day-to-day, the habit that extends battery life is charging after use rather than waiting for the battery to run flat. Spare batteries and chargers are stocked under wheelchair accessories, which is worth checking when buying a chair intended for long days out.

How much does an electric wheelchair cost in Ireland

Price tracks the frame, the battery and the level of automation rather than the brand alone. As a general guide, entry lightweight powerchairs sit at the lower end, mid-range and reinforced-frame models occupy the middle, and auto-collapsing or heavy-duty outdoor chairs are the most expensive.

Running costs are modest: an overnight charge uses little electricity, and the main ongoing expense is replacing the battery every few years. For an exact figure, check the individual product page, since frame type, battery capacity and the folding mechanism drive the final price.

Electric wheelchairs, the HSE and grants in Ireland

Some users in Ireland access a powerchair through the public system rather than buying privately. Provision is generally arranged after an assessment by an occupational therapist or a referral from a GP, and is channelled through the HSE or charitable schemes for people who qualify. Powerchairs are assessed more strictly than manual chairs because of cost, so eligibility and waiting times vary by area.

Buying privately gives faster access and a wider choice of compact models than the standard public allocation. If you think you may qualify for public provision or a grant towards a chair, it is worth speaking to your occupational therapist or GP about the current process in your area before deciding.

Frequently asked questions about electric wheelchairs

How much does an electric wheelchair cost in Ireland?

The price depends mainly on the frame, the battery and the level of automation. Entry compact powerchairs are the most affordable, mid-range and reinforced-frame models sit in the middle, and auto-collapsing or heavy-duty outdoor chairs are the most expensive. Running costs are low, since an overnight charge uses little electricity and the main ongoing expense is a battery replacement every few years. Because frame type, battery capacity and the folding mechanism affect the final figure, the most reliable way to confirm a cost is to check the individual product page for the model you are considering.

How far can an electric wheelchair go on a full charge?

Most folding electric wheelchairs cover about 15 to 25 km on a full charge, which is enough for a day of errands or a shopping trip. Larger-frame and outdoor powerchairs with bigger batteries can travel further. Real-world range is lower than the headline figure because hills, user weight, tyre type and cold weather all draw more power. If you plan long outings, look at the stated range, consider a chair with a removable battery, and keep a spare charged. Charging after each use rather than running the battery flat helps keep the usable range stable over time.

What is the difference between a powered wheelchair and an electric wheelchair?

There is no real difference: powered wheelchair, powerchair, motorised wheelchair and electric wheelchair all describe the same thing, a chair driven by a motor and battery and steered with a joystick. The terms are used interchangeably by manufacturers and suppliers in Ireland. A separate product is the mobility scooter, which is steered with handlebars and suits users who can walk short distances and transfer on and off independently; it sits in a different category rather than here.

Are electric wheelchairs foldable and can you take them on a plane?

Many electric wheelchairs collapse, and the lightweight models are designed specifically to fold into a car boot or be carried as two parts. For air travel, lithium-battery chairs are generally the ones airlines accept, subject to a watt-hour limit and advance notice to the carrier. Always confirm the battery type and watt-hour rating against the airline's policy before booking, and carry the documentation that comes with the chair. Sealed lead-acid batteries are heavier and face more restrictions, so a lithium model is usually the better choice for anyone who flies regularly.