Decision support
How to compare options
Comparing mobility equipment isn’t about finding “the best model.” It’s about understanding tradeoffs — and choosing what fits your body, your environment, and your daily routine.
If you’re overwhelmed: focus on fit and function first. Features come later.
A simple 3-step method
- Fit & function: does it support posture, comfort, and safe transfers? Can you use it for the places you actually go?
- Adjustability: can the important things be tuned if your needs change (or if the initial setup is slightly off)?
- Practical realities: transport, maintenance, durability, and how it behaves in your real environment.
Start with your use case
- Mostly indoors: turning radius and fit matter most.
- Mostly outdoors: stability, wheels/tires, and surface handling.
- Car transfers: weight, folding/rigidity, and loading routine.
- Long sitting time: posture support and pressure management.
Not sure which category you’re in? Start with the equipment you use most.
Feature language in plain English
These terms show up a lot. Click any term for a simple definition and what it typically changes.
- : affects comfort, posture, and how easily you can propel.
- : changes support, reach, and shoulder mechanics.
- : changes how “tippy” vs. how efficient the chair feels.
- : wheel angle; can improve stability and access to pushrims, but changes width.
- : affects pelvic position and stability; too much can create pressure issues.
- : matters a lot for tight homes and small rooms.
We’ll expand this over time with pictures and short animations.
Common traps
- Chasing the lightest while ignoring stability and setup.
- Overbuying features that don’t match your routine.
- Assuming “standard sizes” fit everyone.
- Ignoring environment (home layout, vehicle, terrain).
Next steps
If something feels unclear, tell us — that’s how this improves.