Folding power wheelchairs advice/experience.

[Independence1985]

Needing advice for a first-time folding powerchair please.
I have CFS/ME (ill-health retired 2014). Deteriorating mobility, used a manual chair since 2018, but I can't push myself and a stick for short distances. Living alone with two teens (one with health issues so cant assist me, one leaving for uni soon). Becoming housebound by default and need some independence.
I'm struggling with the "use it or lose it" fear and critical people who think they know best and will say its a waste of money/I'll make myself worse. But my head knows I need to get out of the house. I have £1,000 saved from PIP (Mobility/Care both Low Rate currently).
So far I'm thinking it needs to be:
• folding for storage.
• Needs to be airplane/bus/train friendly.
• Sturdy enough for village pavements/bad kerbs.
• Reliable (I can't afford to replace too often).
• I’m 5ft/ 54kg.
I have a million questions (but also don't know what I should be looking out for/asking).
Chat GPT suggested the Mobility Plus Ultra Light Ranger Plus. Does anyone have this?
How long do these lightweight chairs actually last? (Scared of wasting my savings).
What do you wish you’d known before buying?
I can't get to a showroom easily, none nearby. TIA.

Also I know I'll be entitled to VAT relief.
I'm not entitled to the Motability scheme as I'm on "Low Rate" (Standard PIP) mobility.

I did a load of research for a family member when they needed one, in the end they went for mobility plus insta split, because this one they could but in a car. Although now they are selling it as they no longer able to handle the controls. Finding a joystick difficult with there condition. I can say that mobility plus have been very good when they have needed help with anything.

Could you buy a second hand one to start with? Do you have a level access/ramp for getting out of the house? Good luck x

I have a Mobility Plus power chair. It has been very reliable, I was surprised by how much cheaper they are than other brands but have no complaints.

I bought the instasplit because I wanted something robust enough for grass and rough surfaces, but also needed to be able to lift it in my car. Because it splits into two I can lift each piece and get it into the boot of my smallish car.

Thanks all.
Yes I have ramp access.
I don't need to be able to put it in the car as I had to stop driving 3 years ago. I did look at the instasplit as well. Probably need to look and see the difference between the two.
Good to know that you've had good experience with mobility plus.
I've been thinking about it a while. I'd love to go out with dc2 but can't unless dc1 is there to push me. Then yesterday dc1 said when they go to university (to study engineering) they're going to design me a wheelchair that gives me back my independence and it made me realise that they were worried for me and that this needs to be sorted so they can feel ok going to the uni thats best for them (not the one thats best for me).

Have you looked at power assists that attach to a manual chair? We are looking into this for DD as she hates being pushed up hills but its a bit too much for her on a bad day.

I have but my wheelchair is getting to the point of needing replacing (was secondhand) so seems it may be a better option just to replace with a powered one (but then I keep questioning myself and don't want to make the wrong descion)!

If you don't need to lift the wheelchair at all then I wouldn't bother with the instasplit - there are others that fold down to a similar or smaller size. You could also go for smaller wheels if you don't need the robustness to go on grass/uneven surfaces.

I bought mine direct from mobility plus but from their eBay shop. It was on offer there. Delivery was next day if I remember - excellent service. Fully built, you just took it out of the box.

I agree with @sewingbee if you don't need to put it into a car then don't bother with the insta split, look at the others.

I have a instafold.

it’s been thrown around by more baggage handlers than you can shake a stick at and is still going strong seven years after I bought it.

https://www.essentialaids.com/wheelchairs/folding-electric-wheelchairs/instafold-electric-wheelchair.html?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20600117746&gbraid=0AAAAACz6PnHc7m3MF8t1soHsZJpIQ1gth&gclid=Cj0KCQiA2bTNBhDjARIsAK89wlFBJMGf3zHN5adT_deTHXwq-kCj4ykzR41wSGCXuoA0EKUOUfsk7uYaArTUEALw_wcB

fucking annoying reversing beep though.

range not as good as it could be.

Thanks I saw this one its a very good price however I was concerned at the lower range (does thaat decline over time?) It'slasted you well.
My mobility scooter used to have an annoying reversing beep too.

The range hasn’t declined over time.

it’ll do about 1.5 hours of solid going.

I’ve got this one from CareCo. It’s so comfortable and really well made. It’s an absolute bargain atm, in the sale, too.

Have you asked around your community? I can’t accept them but we are offered various mobility devices for donation at least weekly, I always suggest they offer them to the local community via the town facebook group and they get snapped up.

DH has this https://mobilitypluswheelchairs.co.uk/products/mobilityplus-nova-ultra-light-folding-electric-wheelchair and we both think it’s brilliant. It’s really light so I can manage it when I need to put it in the car etc, we’ve had no problems on planes, it’s pretty sturdy and he’s had it for just over a year without any issues at all. Highly recommend. When he’s back home I’ll get him to give you more specifics on why he likes it but I know it’s the best one he’s ever had (and he’s tried a lot!),

I've taken the plunge and ordered the Mobility Plus Ultra Light Ranger Plus, had to wait for it to come back in stock (which made me dither again).
A bit apprehensive but dc is planning on making sure I'm ok using it before I go out independently (including on the bus) apparently it also needs to include a trip to Costa for hot chocolate and the biggest cake they have in order to make sure I'm competent!
Thank you to everyone that commented and I shall report back for people looking in the future.

Hi op. How did it go? This is the same chair I’m dithering about buying x

Its a nice comfy chair. Good suspension.
Delivery was great and easy to unpack.
I'm not able to use it much as I'm fatigued so have had little trips out with ds who can take over when I need him to.
Have done a few solo trips within the village which has been great for my independence.
Better than I expected on and off pavements.

You have to watch when its not flat that you dont go in circles but thats easier with practice. Difficult to go sideways on a hill when I came out of a shop I didn't have the speed.
Power is good.
Watch some videos about holding the joystick to get better control. Dont hold it at the top.
I practiced up and down the local streets to get used to it.
Its easy to fold and store. Battery easy to get in and out. I bought a second Battery and it was already in the chair on arrival.
I had to ring customer service and they were exceptional.
Difficult on a bus to reverse into a tiny space when other people are on. We are in a village so not great for buses (older buses with tight spaces).
Definitely a good chair overall for the money.

Thank you so much I really appreciate it xx