Topics you can find in our downloadable guide

Recare provides one of the largest powerchair ranges in the UK. The choice is extensive, which means our Trusted Assessors can assess and recommend exactly the right product for your needs every time. Our clinical specialists and technical engineers can use the latest technology and components to configure powerchairs with unique functionality for any need. We have the products and know-how to provide the answer from basic mobility to advanced controls or postural support for complex needs. The journey to owning the right powerchair for you always starts with an assessment from us. However, before you call us, the following information will help you start to understand the many features available: 

Powered Wheelchair functions

Powerchair Drive Configurations

The drive wheel (large wheel) position determines how your powerchair performs in different environments. Understanding the differences helps identify the most suitable option for your daily needs.

Mid-Wheel-Drive (MWD) Powerchairs

Mid-wheel drive powerchairs have their drive wheels located directly under the user, providing excellent balance and manoeuvrability. With six wheels on the ground (two drive wheels and four casters), they offer a tight turning radius, making them ideal for indoor use and smaller spaces. Modern suspension systems now give mid-wheel-drive powerchairs improved outdoor performance and stability.

Examples include: Karma MID Lectus, Permobil M3 Corpus, and Magic Mobility 360

Front-Wheel-Drive (FWD) Powerchairs

Front-wheel drive powerchairs have their drive wheels positioned at the front, allowing them to climb small obstacles and handle uneven ground effectively. They provide good traction outdoors and a compact turning circle indoors. Although stable and responsive, users should note that fishtailing can occur at higher speeds.

Examples include: Karma EVO Lectus, Permobil F3 Corpus, and Quantum Rehab 4Front

Rear-Wheel-Drive (RWD) Powerchairs

With RWD, the drive wheels are at the rear of the wheelchair, and the two casters are at the front of the wheelchair. This was the original PWC configuration in the world. With advancements in MWD and FWD, it is no longer the standard and is not commonly used. However, some powerchair users have used RWD for years and prefer to stay with this base type. Browse our range of affordable Rear-Wheel-Drive powerchairs online. Such as the Invacare Aviva RX40, Quickie Q500 R Sedeo Pro or the Ottobock Juvo B6 RWD powerchairs, plus many more.

Powerchair Powered Functions Available

Seat lift

Being able to raise the seat of a powered wheelchair provides many practical and lifestyle benefits. These include improved reach, access to cupboards, better visibility and eye-to-eye contact, which is important for maintaining confidence and better mental health. Powered seat lift functionality is rare within NHS-prescribed powerchairs but popular within the private purchasing market.

Tilt-in-space (TIS)

Tilt-in-space allows the entire seat, backrest, and legrests to recline together without altering posture. This provides effective pressure relief while maintaining optimal postural alignment. It’s one of the most clinically beneficial functions for long-term users.

Negative (Anterior) Tilt-in-Space

This powered functionality allows the seat to tilt forward. It assists with standing transfers and helps the user lean forward while performing daily tasks. Another advantage is the ability to stretch and exercise safely without standing. 

Recline

Recline functionality enables the backrest to tilt backwards, either manually or via a powered mechanism.
An anti-shear powered recline system (such as on many Permobil powerchairs) prevents skin friction during movement — reducing the risk of pressure sores and improving comfort for extended use.

Recline is also beneficial for managing blood pressure, reducing swelling, and allowing rest or personal care while seated.

Elevating leg rests (ELRs)

Elevating or articulating legrests enable users to adjust leg position for comfort, circulation, and functional access.
Advanced systems, such as those on the Permobil M3 Corpus, automatically lengthen to maintain leg alignment and reduce pelvic pressure. This functionality is crucial for pressure management and daily comfort.

Active reach (Posterior Tilt)

Permobil powerchairs, for example, are fitted with programmable elevating leg rests that perform an Active Reach feature. This functionality allows the seat to tilt forward dynamically to support reaching and daily tasks, such as cooking or working at a desk. See more on the Permobil M5 Corpus powerchair, which helps users remain stable and independent without standing. 

Standing function

This powered movement can support a user from seated or lying to standing. Permobil provides the optimal sit-to-stand function on the F5 VS powerchair, tailored to specific user ergonomics. The standing function is also an option in the mid-wheel drive Permobil M Corpus VS, with two programmable standing functions – sit-to-stand and lay-to-stand.

Sit-to-stand

This is the most commonly used standing function on a powered wheelchair and allows the user to move from sitting to standing. It means the wheelchair user does not need to be transferred to separate standing equipment, such as a frame, which involves manual moving and handling or hoisting. The ability to stand is essential for many healthcare reasons, such as:

• Relieves pressure and prevents sores
• Improves bowel and bladder function
• Enhances blood circulation and bone density
• Promotes social interaction and eye-level communication

Lay to stand

This function helps a powerchair user who cannot move from sitting to standing. It is beneficial for someone who has not stood for a long time, especially as the process can be closely controlled. Individuals with blood pressure issues can also benefit from changing position, and once standing. All the other associated advantages are available.

Memory functions

Powerchairs, such as the Permobil F5 Corpus powerchair, offer several programmable positions ‘remembered’ by the product. This means they are configurable to move between pre-programmed seating positions such as seated, rest and pressure relief for personalised comfort, selectable by the user throughout the day. Standing functions, if applicable, such as on the Permobil F5 Corpus VS shown in the video above, are also programmable, so both provide a wider range of optimal seating positions unique to the user without having to micro-adjust every time.