Best Electric Wheelchair for Stroke Patients

A stroke can have a significant impact on daily life, and one of the biggest challenges is how to restore lost independence and mobility. For stroke survivors, an electric wheelchair does exactly that.

In this guide, we look at what electric wheelchairs are best for stroke patients, the key features to look for, and how they compare to manual alternatives, whether you’re looking for an electric wheelchair for yourself or researching on someone else’s behalf.

Jump straight to…

• • What is an electric wheelchair for stroke patients?
  • Can stroke patients use an electric wheelchair?
  • How to choose the right electric wheelchair for stroke patients
  • Electric wheelchair vs manual wheelchair for stroke patients
  • What is the best electric wheelchair for stroke patients?
  • Conclusion
  • FAQs

What is an electric wheelchair for stroke patients?

A stroke occurs from an interruption of blood flow to the brain. Different areas of the brain control different functions, so the effects can vary enormously from person to person.

One of the most common effects is between the brain and the muscles on one side of the body, causing asymmetrical weakness (hemiparesis) or paralysis (hemiplegia).

The side and severity of stroke impairment plays a big part in how an electric wheelchair needs to be configured, particularly where the controls are positioned. This is where electric wheelchairs have a massive advantage over manual ones, as joystick controls only require small light movement, whereas manual wheelchairs or scooters need arm strength to operate. Some Permobil wheelchairs can even be fitted with chin or eye gaze controls, allowing people with very limited movement to still drive around independently.

A well specified electric wheelchair can also help manage some of the other symptoms that stroke survivors experience, such as fatigue and spasticity (muscle stiffness).

Permobil M5 Corpus Electric Wheelchair

Can stroke patients use an electric wheelchair?

As already mentioned, electric wheelchairs are an invaluable provision for stroke patients where one side of the body is significantly affected. The main thing is making sure the chair is specified with the right features and accessories, and these are some of the key features to look for:

• Neck and head support such as the i2i Head Support and Neck Positioning System – Vivid Care, which helps keep the head supported and upright
• Trunk supports like the Spex Manta Back Support – Vivid Care support a midline position and prevent leaning or slumping to one side.
• Pressure care systems like the Permobil Corpus seating system reduce the risk of pressure injuries
• Tilt in space also helps with pressure relief, reclining the sitting angle to help with fatigue management and postural support
• Supportive armrests help prevent subluxation, a partial dislocation of the shoulder that’s common after stroke due to loss of muscle tone
• Interchangeable joystick controls, so they can be moved to whichever side is required, or swapped for an alternative input using the Permobil Omni 2 Alternative Drive Controls – Vivid Care

Spex Manta Back Support

Is a stroke patient eligible for a free NHS electric wheelchair?

NHS wheelchair services assess wheelchair provision on an individual basis, rather than automatically based on diagnosis. Someone’s eligibility will depend on their clinical assessment. Stroke survivors with long-term mobility impairment can be referred for an assessment by their GP, consultant or physiotherapist.

NHS wheelchair services often have a limited stock range and prioritise the most critical needs, so many stroke patients choose to buy privately so they can get something tailored to their individual requirements.

What is a hemi (hemiplegic) electric wheelchair?

A hemiplegic electric wheelchair is specifically designed for people with paralysis or weakness on one side of the body, often set lower to the ground with one-sided controls and footrests.

How to choose the right electric wheelchair for stroke patients

The right wheelchair setup depends on which stroke symptoms are present. We’ve outlined some common stroke-related symptoms below, alongside the seating accessories that help them.

Electric wheelchair vs manual wheelchair for stroke patients

Manual wheelchairs can still be useful for stroke survivors, particularly with functions like one-arm drives that allow someone to self-propel with their strong side. Chairs like the Rea Azalea manual tilt in space wheelchair Rea Azalea Tilt In Space Wheelchair – Vivid Care provide tilt -in space for extra comfort and pressure relief.

Rea Azalea tilt-in-space wheelchair

However, manual wheelchairs still place extra physical demand on the user, which can easily lead to fatigue following a stroke, so electric wheelchairs are easier to manage from that point of view. Only a light touch of the joystick is required to move, turn and stop, taking away the strain and giving people who tire quickly considerably more independence.

What is the best electric wheelchair for stroke patients?

The right choice of electric wheelchair depends on the severity and pattern of symptoms, but two models stand out in our range for their flexibility and range of functions.

Q700-M Sedeo Pro Power Chair

The Q700-M has a highly configurable seating system and performs very well outdoors, making it popular for stroke patients who want to get out and about while maintaining postural support.

The seat can be configured around individual needs with trunk supports and pressure reliving cushions, built on a drive base for varied terrain.

Q700-M Sedeo Pro

Permobil M Corpus VS Electric Wheelchair

This Permobil chair features a powered standing function for more severe paralysis, allowing the user to move seamlessly between seated and standing positions. This isn’t just about mobility and access; regular standing is important for overall health, supporting circulation, bone density, digestion, and reducing risk of pressure injuries.

Both models are available for assessment and fitting through our free assessment service, which we strongly recommend given how much variation there can be with stroke patients.

Permobil M Corpus VS Electric Wheelchair

Conclusion

Choosing electric wheelchairs for stroke patients needs to be built round the patterns of symptoms and postural weakness.

From head and trunk supports to powered standing systems, there is a huge range of electric wheelchairs to choose from to restore and maintain someone’s independence, even where stroke effects are severe.

Getting a professional seating assessment is the best starting point to ensure the chair is tailored to the individual.