It comes down to who's doing the pushing.

A self-propelled wheelchair has large rear wheels with hand rims, so the person sitting in it can move themselves around independently without relying on a carer.

An attendant-propelled wheelchair has smaller rear wheels and is designed to be pushed by a carer or support worker.

Aspire offers both configurations across their range, and some models, like the Vida and Dash, are available in either option.

If the user has good upper body strength and wants to stay independent, self-propelled is usually the better fit. If they need a carer's assistance most of the time, attendant-propelled is lighter and easier for the person pushing.

Not always, but it depends on your situation.

If you're purchasing privately and have a clear idea of what you need, you can buy directly through our website without a referral.

However, if you're using NDIS funding to purchase a wheelchair, an occupational therapist's assessment and recommendation is generally required, particularly for mid to high-cost assistive technology. An OT can also make sure you get the right seat width, height, and configuration for your specific needs, which matters more than people realise when it comes to comfort and posture over time.

Yes, manual wheelchairs are classified as assistive technology under the NDIS, so funding is available for eligible participants.

The process depends on the cost of the chair: standard manual wheelchairs are generally considered low-risk assistive technology and go through a more straightforward approval process, while higher-cost or more customised options may require a formal OT assessment and quote.

Aspire wheelchairs carry NDIS item codes, and we've set up an NDIS checkout on our site to make the purchase process as smooth as possible. Your support coordinator or plan manager can help you work out what's needed.

Seat width is the most important measurement to get right. As a general guide, measure the widest part of the user's hips and add about 2.5cm on each side for comfort.

Too narrow and it'll be uncomfortable and restrictive; too wide and it becomes harder to self-propel and gets stuck in doorways.

Seat height matters too, ideally allowing the user's feet to sit flat on the footrests with hips and knees at roughly a 90-degree angle.

Aspire offers several seat width options across their range, and all dimensions are listed on each product page. If you'd like help working through the sizing, give our team a ring and we'll talk it through.

It varies by model. Most standard Aspire manual wheelchairs have a safe working load of around 115 to 140kg, which covers a broad range of users. All weight capacity information is listed on each individual product page, so it's easy to check before you buy.

If you need something with a higher weight rating, give our team a call and we can point you toward the most appropriate option in the range.