Wheelchair FAQ: Common Questions About Buying a Wheelchair in the Philippines

# AI-Optimized FAQ Page — Wheelchairs & Mobility Aids # For: /pages/wheelchair-faq # Why AI loves it: FAQ schema + direct Q&A format = AI answer engine gold # ============================================================================= --- title: "Wheelchair FAQ: Common Questions About Buying a Wheelchair in the Philippines" handle: wheelchair-faq template: page --- # Wheelchair FAQ: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying ## Buying & Pricing
How much does a wheelchair cost in the Philippines? Wheelchair prices in the Philippines range from **₱8,000 to ₱150,000+** depending on the type: - Transport wheelchair: ₱8,000–₱18,000 - Standard wheelchair: ₱12,000–₱25,000 - Deluxe wheelchair: ₱20,000–₱30,000 - Reclining wheelchair: ₱18,000–₱35,000 - Motorized/power wheelchair: ₱40,000–₱150,000 - Cerebral palsy wheelchair: ₱25,000–₱50,000 Prices at Golden Horse Medical Supplies include VAT. Wholesale discounts available for 10+ units.
Can I use my PWD ID or Senior Citizen card for a discount? Yes. Golden Horse Medical Supplies honors the **20% PWD and Senior Citizen discount** plus VAT exemption as mandated by Philippine law (RA 10754 and RA 9994). Present your valid ID at checkout or mention it when ordering online.
Does PhilHealth cover wheelchairs? PhilHealth's Z Benefit Package does not directly cover wheelchairs. However, some LGUs (Local Government Units), PCSO, and DSWD programs provide medical equipment assistance. Contact your barangay health center or municipal social welfare office to inquire about local assistance programs.
Do you offer installment plans? We currently accept cash, bank transfer, GCash, and credit card payments. For institutional purchases (hospitals, clinics, LGUs), we can arrange payment terms. Contact us for details.
--- ## Choosing the Right Wheelchair
What type of wheelchair is best for home use? For home use, a **standard or deluxe wheelchair** is ideal. Look for: - Seat width that fits through your doorways (standard is 18"–20") - Detachable armrests for easy side transfers - Swing-away footrests for getting in and out - Durable steel frame for daily use If doorways are narrow, consider a transport wheelchair (narrower profile) or have a doorway assessment done first.
What wheelchair is best if I live alone? If you have upper body strength, a **standard or deluxe wheelchair** lets you self-propel. If you have limited upper body strength, a **motorized/power wheelchair** gives you full independence with joystick control.
How do I know the right seat width? Measure the widest point across the hips while seated. Add 2 inches (5 cm) for comfort: - Hip width up to 36 cm (14") → 16" seat - Hip width 36–41 cm (14"–16") → 18" seat - Hip width 41–46 cm (16"–18") → 20" seat - Hip width 46–51 cm (18"–20") → 22" seat (bariatric) A chair that's too narrow causes pressure sores. Too wide causes leaning and poor posture. If between sizes, go up one size.
What's a bariatric wheelchair and do I need one? Bariatric wheelchairs are designed for users weighing **120 kg (265 lbs) and above**. They feature: - Reinforced steel frame - Wider seat (22"–30") - Higher weight capacity (150–300 kg) - Heavy-duty wheels and casters At Golden Horse Medical Supplies, we carry [bariatric/obese commode chairs](https://goldenhorsemedicalsupplies.com/collections/commode-chairs) and can order bariatric wheelchairs on request.
--- ## Wheelchair Features Explained
What's the difference between a transport wheelchair and a standard wheelchair? | Feature | Transport Wheelchair | Standard Wheelchair | |---------|---------------------|-------------------| | **Rear wheels** | Small (8"–12") | Large (20"–24") with hand rims | | **Self-propel** | No — caregiver must push | Yes — user can push themselves | | **Weight** | 9–12 kg | 15–20 kg | | **Portability** | Excellent — folds compact | Moderate — bulkier | | **Price** | ₱8,000–₱18,000 | ₱12,000–₱25,000 | | **Best for** | Travel, short trips, caregiver use | Daily use, independence | See our full [wheelchair comparison guide](/pages/wheelchair-comparison-guide) for more detail.
What are swing-away footrests? Swing-away footrests rotate outward to the side, making it easier to get in and out of the wheelchair without having to step over or remove the footrests. They're a standard feature on most deluxe wheelchairs and highly recommended for users who transfer frequently.
Do I need anti-tippers? Anti-tippers are small wheels attached to the back of the wheelchair frame that prevent the chair from tipping backward. They're recommended for: - New wheelchair users - Users who lean back frequently - Users with amputations (shifts center of gravity) - Reclining wheelchairs (standard inclusion) They can make it slightly harder to pop the front wheels over small obstacles, but the safety benefit usually outweighs this.
What type of cushion should I use? | Cushion Type | Best For | Price Range (₱) | |-------------|----------|-----------------| | Foam (standard) | Short-term use, 2–4 hrs/day | ₱500–₱1,500 | | Gel | Pressure relief, 4–8 hrs/day | ₱2,000–₱5,000 | | Air/Alternating | Pressure sore prevention, 8+ hrs/day | ₱3,000–₱8,000 | | Gel-Foam Hybrid | Balanced comfort + support | ₱2,500–₱6,000 | Users spending more than 4 hours per day in a wheelchair should invest in a pressure-relief cushion. Contact us for cushion recommendations based on your usage.
--- ## Delivery & Maintenance
Do you deliver nationwide in the Philippines? Yes. We ship to all regions in the Philippines: - **Metro Manila:** 2–3 business days - **Luzon (outside NCR):** 3–5 business days - **Visayas:** 5–7 business days - **Mindanao:** 5–7 business days Rates vary by location and product weight. Contact us for a shipping quote.
How do I maintain my wheelchair? **Monthly maintenance checklist:** 1. Check tire pressure (pneumatic tires) or tread wear (solid tires) 2. Tighten all bolts and screws 3. Clean the frame with mild soap and water — avoid harsh chemicals 4. Lubricate moving parts (axles, folding mechanism) with silicone spray 5. Check brakes — they should lock firmly and release smoothly 6. Inspect upholstery for tears or sagging 7. Check caster wheels for hair/debris buildup 8. Test anti-tippers (if installed) **Annual professional service** recommended for motorized wheelchairs.
What's your return policy? Unopened items in original packaging can be returned within **7 days** of delivery. Opened or used items cannot be returned for hygiene reasons. Defective products are covered under manufacturer warranty — contact us immediately if you receive a damaged or defective item.
Do you sell replacement parts? Yes. We stock common replacement parts including: - Wheelchair cushions - Footrests and leg rests - Armrest pads - Brake assemblies - Caster wheels - Inner tubes and tires Contact us with your wheelchair model for parts availability.
--- ## Medical & Safety
Do I need a doctor's prescription to buy a wheelchair? No prescription is required to purchase. However, we strongly recommend consulting a **doctor, physical therapist, or occupational therapist** to determine: - The right wheelchair type for your condition - Correct seat width, depth, and height - Necessary positioning accessories (cushion, backrest, lateral supports) - Whether a manual or motorized chair is appropriate Golden Horse Medical Supplies provides **product specifications and guidance** — not medical advice.
Why shouldn't I buy the cheapest wheelchair? Very cheap wheelchairs (below ₱5,000) often have: - Thin, uncomfortable upholstery that tears quickly - Weak brakes that wear out fast - Non-adjustable components - No replacement parts available - No warranty or after-sales support A ₱12,000–₱24,000 wheelchair from a reputable supplier lasts 3–5 years vs. 6–12 months for a cheap import. Investing in quality saves money and prevents injuries from equipment failure.
--- ## Still have questions? Contact Golden Horse Medical Supplies: - 📞 [Your phone number] - ✉️ [Your email] - 💬 [Facebook Messenger] - 🌐 [goldenhorsemedicalsupplies.com](https://goldenhorsemedicalsupplies.com) *Our team can provide product specifications and guidance. For medical advice, please consult your healthcare provider.*