Powered wheelchairs are very expensive and not suitable for everyone who has had a stroke. Some powered wheelchairs are available from the NHS free of charge, however the criteria for eligibility is very strict and limited to essential users only. Most powered chairs supplied by the NHS are for indoor use only. There are also indoor/outdoor power wheelchairs available but in very limited numbers for essential users only. Assessment for electric powered wheelchairs requires a medical referral and an assessment at a mobility center. You can ask your GP or consultant for a referral. 

If you are considering buying privately get advice (independent of any sales person) and a demonstration at home before you buy. You can make an appointment at a Disabled Living Centre to try out several options. Before buying you should also think about where the powered chair can be stored safely when it is not being used and where the battery will be charged. Prices and terms of contracts for repairs and maintenance can be very variable. 

The following criteria are all expected to be met before a person will be considered for an NHS powered wheelchair.

• Medical reason, being severely and permanently restricted in mobility.
• Unable to walk.
• Unable to push themselves in a manual wheelchair.
• No cognitive,visual, spatial or other physical problem which would put themselves or others at risk such as poorly controlled epilepsy.
• Able to demonstrate during assessment they have the physical and intellectual ability to control the power wheelchair safely and responsibly.
• Have a residential / home environment suitable to use and store the wheelchair including a power supply for battery charger.
• Be capable of charging and maintaining the wheelchair daily or have assistance to do this.
• Gain significant improvement in their independence and quality of life by use of powered wheelchair.
• Agree the use of the wheelchair may be reviewed on a regular basis and the chair maybe removed if the person no longer meets the criteria or has a change in their medical condition which would mean they could no longer use the chair safely.
• Comply with DVLA. (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) drivers requirements (for outdoor power wheelchairs.)
• For dual controlled power wheelchairs the attendant must also meet criteria for eligibility such as being able to walk at the pace of the wheelchair while still manging the controls, meet DVLA requirements for motor vehicles this includes being able to read a car number plate at 40 feet away, be able to demonstrate insight, capacity and intellectual ability to use dual controls safely and so on.

There is a highway code for users of electric powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters (called invalid carriages in law) See the Direct gov website.  For booklet called Get Wise Highway Code contact the British Healthcare Trades Association on 08000 961296