She hasn't walked for 20 years, she has no joints in her knees or elbows and she can't lift her arms far enough to scratch her nose. Yet this brave woman is planning to travel the length of the UK on her power wheelchair.: Listen to or read the interview with Mary Laver.

At WheelchairsDirectUK.com we have a different approach towards staff.

You see, unlike most companies in the UK, we don't think younger is better.

We think older is better.

How many times have you come across a slick young salesperson, who talks too fast and leaves you feeling confused - or even a little stupid?

That's not the sort of person we have in our company.

Our staff have seen a bit of life. Some of them have health and mobility problems of their own. Some of them even use our products.

And not one of them is under 50.

WheelchairsDirectUk.com offer four main types of Wheelchair.

Portable power chairs are ideal for those who need to get out and about, and can be easily put in the car for a day out. As they are light and maneuverable, they can be used inside and are also ideal for smaller residences where maneuverability is required. They do have their limitations, though, and are not suited for uneven pavements, rough surfaces and hills.

Indoor powerchairs, while primarily designed for use in the house, can also be used outside the house - hence the name Indoor/Outdoor Wheelchairs on our website.

Outdoor power chairs have a longer range and a more powerful battery. They also have lights and indicators, and are suitable for use on roads.

Custom power chairs - also known as bespoke chairs - consist of a power base which can be customised to suit your needs. Before purchasing one, one of our representatives will visit you to assess your needs and requirement.

Within these ranges we also have bariatric chairs. These are suitable for people of up to 50 stone in weight - allowing mobility and freedom for those who
were previously denied it.

Wheelchairs Direct UK can also provide manual wheelchairs. To see our full range of manual wheelchairs, as well as other disability aids and products, visit The Disabled Shop.

Before making your choice, why not give our friendly
sales staff a ring so that we can help you make the correct choice. You can contact us on free phone on 0800 3896 587/ 01792 391 223.

The Motability Scheme, with their slogan of "Where will you go today," was originally a car scheme for disabled people.

However, the scheme now extends to mobility scooters - and to powered wheelchairs.

To receive eligible benefits you must be receiving either the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement.

For detailed information about the scheme visit our page on Mobility.

How to Avoid a Short Battery Life - and Explosions

Treated properly, batteries should have a long life and be completely safe. However, treat them badly and you could not only kill the battery and invalidate your warranty - you could also have an explosion on your hands.

Types of Wheelchair available

Know what the options are! In this section of our website we walk your through the different types of power wheelchairs there are.

VAT Exemption - how to get your wheelchair 17 1/2% cheaper.

As a disabled person, you should be able to buy electric and power wheelchairs without paying additional tax on it when buying from registered dealers such as ourselves. Here we explain who is eligible and what you have to do.

The Motability Power Wheelchair Scheme

The Motability scheme is more famous for supplying cars to disabled people. However, it now also finance for electric wheelchairs. As Wheelchairs Direct UK is registered with Motability, you will be able to purchase your wheelchairs via the Motability scheme.

Assessing your needs

Choosing a wheelchair can be a major undertaking, and a thorough consideration of your needs is required first. This is done in a face to face meeting at your home by a motability trained assessor.

Wheelchairs Direct UK features a range of powered portable chairs - including the one featured below: The Ultralite 670/675. Starting at just £995, the utlralite features an easy two stage folding process and fits into the boots of most cars.

This lens is listed on the Squidoo Directory.