A folding wheelchair collapses to a fraction of its open size, so it fits in a car boot, a hallway cupboard or an overhead luggage rack. It is the practical choice for anyone who moves the chair between home, car and appointments rather than leaving it in one place. At Quirumed we supply folding wheelchairs across Ireland in steel and aluminium, from basic transit models to self-propelled chairs with reclining backrests.

This page explains the main types of folding wheelchair, how to choose one by weight and folded size, and what they cost. It also covers how provision works through the HSE in Ireland, so you can match a chair to how it will be carried and stored. For the full catalogue of styles, the wider wheelchairs range covers powered and specialised models too.

Types of folding wheelchair

Folding chairs split mainly by who pushes them and what the frame is made of. The frame material decides the weight, and the wheel size decides whether the user can self-propel or needs a carer.

• Transit folding wheelchairs: small rear wheels, pushed by a carer, the lightest and most compact option for short trips and travel.
• Self-propelled folding wheelchairs: large rear wheels with hand rims so the user can move independently, while still folding for the car.
• Steel folding wheelchairs: the most affordable and hard-wearing, a good fit for occasional use or a spare chair kept in the car.
• Reclining and special-width folding chairs: a flexible backrest, headrest or a wider 56 cm seat for users who need more support or room.

For users and carers who lift the chair every day, a lighter frame makes a real difference; the dedicated lightweight aluminium wheelchairs are the lightest to carry. If the user needs to drive the chair without effort, a folding electric wheelchair combines a powered motor with a chassis that still collapses for transport.

Folding for travel and storage

The reason most people buy a folding chair is transport: it has to fit the car, the home and sometimes a plane. A few details decide how well it travels.

• Folded width: bringing the side frames together roughly halves the width, the key measurement for a car boot.
• Folding backrest: a backrest that drops down makes the chair flat enough for a small boot or behind a seat.
• Frame weight: a lighter frame is easier to lift in and out daily; carers handling the chair often will feel the difference most.
• Carry bag and removable footrests: parts that detach make the chair simpler to stow and lighter to carry.

A carry bag, spare wheels and cushions are stocked under wheelchair accessories, worth a look when setting up a chair for regular travel.

How to choose a folding wheelchair

Three things decide the right chair: how it will be carried, who pushes it, and the seat width the user needs. If the chair goes in and out of a car daily, weight and folded size matter most; a lighter transit chair can be lifted by one person, while a steel self-propelled chair is sturdier but heavier.

Seat width follows the usual rule: measure hip width while seated and add a small margin, choosing the wider size if the user is between measurements. Check the folded dimensions against the car boot before buying, and look at whether the backrest also folds down, since that is what makes the chair flat enough for a small boot. A removable footrest and a carry bag make day-to-day handling easier and are worth confirming on the product page.

How much does a folding wheelchair cost in Ireland

Price tracks the frame material and the features rather than the brand alone. As a general guide, basic steel transit chairs sit at the lower end, self-propelled steel models occupy the middle, and ultralight or reclining chairs are the most expensive because of the lighter frame and extra adjustment.

A folding chair kept as a spare for travel does not need every feature, so a basic transit model is often enough; a chair for daily full-time use justifies spending more on weight and comfort. For an exact figure, check the individual product page, since frame, seat width and features drive the final price.

Folding wheelchairs and the HSE in Ireland

Some users in Ireland access a wheelchair 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. Eligibility and waiting times vary by area and by individual circumstances.

Buying privately gives faster access and a wider choice of folding model, width and weight than the standard public allocation. Many families buy a folding chair directly as a travel or spare option even when a main chair is provided. If you think you may qualify for public provision, it is worth speaking to your occupational therapist or GP about the current process in your area.

Frequently asked questions about folding wheelchairs

What is the best folding wheelchair?

There is no single best model, because the right folding wheelchair depends on how it will be used. For frequent car travel, a lightweight aluminium transit chair that folds small is usually best. For a user who moves independently, a self-propelled folding chair with large rear wheels is the better fit. For full-time daily use, comfort features such as a reclining backrest or adjustable footrests matter more than minimum weight. The practical approach is to decide first whether a carer pushes the chair or the user self-propels, then choose the lightest frame that still meets the comfort and seat-width needs.

How much does a folding wheelchair cost in Ireland?

The price depends mainly on the frame material and the features. Basic steel transit chairs are the most affordable, self-propelled steel models sit in the middle, and ultralight or reclining chairs are the most expensive because of the lighter frame and extra adjustment. A folding chair kept as a travel spare does not need every feature, so a basic transit model is often enough, while a chair for daily use justifies spending more on weight and comfort. Because frame, seat width and features affect the figure, the most reliable way to confirm a cost is to check the individual product page for the model you are considering.

How do you get a wheelchair through the HSE?

Public provision in Ireland 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. Eligibility and waiting times vary by area. Buying privately gives faster access and a wider choice of model and width, so many families purchase a folding chair directly as a travel or spare option even when a main chair is provided. If you think you may qualify, speak to your occupational therapist or GP about the current process in your area.

How small does a folding wheelchair get when folded?

Most folding wheelchairs collapse by bringing the two side frames together, which roughly halves the width. Chairs with a backrest that also folds down get flat enough to slide into a small car boot or behind a car seat. Folded dimensions vary by model, so the reliable step is to check the stated folded size on the product page against the space you have, whether that is a boot, a cupboard or an overhead rack. Transit chairs with small rear wheels fold the most compactly; self-propelled chairs with large rear wheels are bulkier even when folded.