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Power Wheelchairs for People with ALS
Part of Your ALS Guide
Open source (opens in a new tab)Link checked August 2026
About this source
Your ALS Guide’s practical guide.
Where this source is used
Used in 17 places across 1 domain.
People who may help
Equipment and technology
- Wheelchair and seating specialist
What this person does, and where they sit in a team
Questions
Mobility
Wheelchair Planning
- How do I get a wheelchair, and when should I start?
Used across the whole answer
- What should good seating and positioning provide?
Used across the whole answer
- What should good seating and positioning provide?
Supports this
“A suitable cushion and being able to change position help protect the skin from pressure damage.”
Attributes the same protection to the two things the answer names: what the person sits on, and being able to move out of one position into another.
The cushioning and recline options increase comfort and help prevent pressure sores on your rear end and back.
Custom power tilt/recline wheelchair - What should I ask about getting a wheelchair?
Used across the whole answer
- What types of wheelchair are there, and what suits different needs?
Used across the whole answer
- What types of wheelchair are there, and what suits different needs?
Adds context
“Because needs change, specialists often suggest a chair that can be adapted or already has seating functions rather than one that only suits today.”
Describes what such a chair looks like in practice. Custom power chairs are fitted to the person's body and posture, and their tilt, recline, leg rests and alternative controls are what allows them to adapt over time.
These motorized, high-end wheelchairs (also called complex rehab or Level 3 power chairs) are custom fitted to support your body and postural needs.
Custom power tilt/recline wheelchair - What types of wheelchair are there, and what suits different needs?
Adds context
“The way a powered chair is driven can be changed later if hand function changes, so the chair keeps working for the person.”
Describes alternate driving modes and controls as one of the features that lets a custom power chair adapt to changing needs, but does not say which changes prompt a switch or what the alternatives are.
- Why is it worth planning a wheelchair early?
Used across the whole answer
- Why is it worth planning a wheelchair early?
Adds context
“A wheelchair can give back distance and getting out, including going to things and keeping up with other people.”
Makes the social half of the point, though only about custom power chairs that are fitted to the person: being comfortable enough to stay in the chair through the day is what buys time with other people.
The custom fitting and tilt/recline function of your power wheelchair should allow you to be in it up to 10–12 hours a day, thus allowing you to spend more time around people and less time in bed.
Custom power tilt/recline wheelchair
Resources
Mobility
- Vehicle Adaptations
Further reading
Helps you understand power wheelchair features that affect how easily it can be transported in a car or van.
- Wheelchair Planning
Further reading
A clear walk-through of power wheelchairs for people with ALS, including features to look for so you can plan the right chair for your needs.
Wheelchair Planning
- How do I get a wheelchair, and when should I start?
Further reading
Assessment, fitting and timing when getting a wheelchair
- What should good seating and positioning provide?
Further reading
Seating, positioning and comfort in a wheelchair
- What should I ask about getting a wheelchair?
Further reading
Questions to ask about getting a wheelchair
- What types of wheelchair are there, and what suits different needs?
Further reading
Types of wheelchair and matching them to needs
- Why is it worth planning a wheelchair early?
Further reading
Why timing matters with power wheelchairs for people with ALS
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