How To Test An Electric Wheelchair Before Buying
Choosing the right electric wheelchair is an important decision that affects comfort, mobility, and independence in daily life. Before making a purchase, it’s essential to test the wheelchair properly to ensure it meets your needs. From checking the battery performance to evaluating handling, comfort, and safety features, a careful test drive can help you avoid costly mistakes. In this guide, its important to know how to test an electric wheelchair before buying—so you can make a confident and informed choice.
Why You Should Test Before Buying
Testing an electric wheelchair before purchase ensures that it truly matches your body, lifestyle, and mobility needs. Every model feels different in terms of comfort, handling, and power. A test drive helps you check safety, reliability, and ease of use, while also preventing costly mistakes or discomfort later. By testing first, you gain confidence that your investment will improve your independence and daily quality of life.
🛋️ Comfort & Seating
Comfort is one of the most important factors since you’ll spend long hours in the wheelchair. A poor fit can cause pain, fatigue, or even posture problems.
Test the cushion softness and see if it provides enough support.
Check if the backrest height and angle suit your body.
Make sure the armrests are sturdy and at a comfortable height.
If possible, sit in the chair for at least 15–20 minutes to judge long-term comfort.
🎮 Controls & Ease of Use
The controller is your “steering wheel,” so it must be easy and responsive.
Try using the joystick with one hand to see if it’s smooth.
Test speed settings (low to high) to check how quickly it responds.
Make sure you feel in control when stopping, turning, or reversing.
For first-time users, confirm that the controls feel intuitive and not overwhelming.
🔋 Battery Life & Power
A strong battery ensures independence and worry-free travel.
Ask about the driving range per full charge.
Test the wheelchair on ramps or inclines to check motor strength.
Confirm how long it takes for a full recharge.
If you plan to travel, check if the battery is airline-approved.
🔄 Maneuverability
You should feel confident moving in different environments.
Test tight turns indoors and outdoors
Try reversing smoothly without jerky movements.
Check stability on uneven surfaces or small ramps.
Evaluate how well it handles different flooring (tiles or outdoor paths).
🛡️ Safety Features
Safety is non-negotiable, especially for daily use.
Test the brakes to ensure they stop the chair instantly.
Look for anti-tip wheels that prevent falls on slopes.
Check for a seatbelt or harness for extra security.
Make sure it remains stable on inclines and uneven terrain.
🛠️ After-Sales Support
Good support saves you trouble in the long run.
Ask about warranty coverage (frame, motor, battery).
Check if spare parts are available locally.
Confirm if the shop offers repairs, servicing, and maintenance.
A reliable dealer should also provide training and demonstrations.
Our Customer In-Store Testing
📍 Where Can You Test an Electric Wheelchair?
One of the best ways to ensure the right fit is by visiting a showroom where you can see, touch, and test different models in person. At Fresco Bike Store, Fraser Business Park, Pudu Kuala Lumpur, we provide a dedicated space for customers to try out our lightweight and heavy-duty electric wheelchairs.
🚪 In-Store Test Drive – Experience how the wheelchair feels indoors, navigating tight corners, ramps, and different floor surfaces.
👨🔧 Guided Assistance – Our team will walk you through features like joystick controls, folding mechanisms, and battery handling.
🛋️ Comfort Check – Sit and test the cushions, backrest, and armrests to find the most comfortable fit.
🔄 Comparison Made Easy – Try several models side by side to see which matches your daily lifestyle best.
By testing directly at Fresco Bike, you gain peace of mind knowing you’ve chosen a wheelchair that’s safe, reliable, and tailored to your needs—before making a purchase.
Test Before You Invest
Buying an electric wheelchair is not just a purchase—it’s an investment in your comfort, safety, and independence. Taking the time to test the wheelchair before buying ensures you find the right fit for your body, lifestyle, and mobility needs. From checking comfort and safety features to evaluating battery life and after-sales support, every step of the test helps you avoid mistakes and make a confident decision.
At Fresco Bike, Fraser Business Park Kuala Lumpur, we encourage all customers to test our electric wheelchairs in-store, so you know exactly how it feels before committing. With expert guidance, hands-on trials, and multiple models to compare, you’ll walk away with peace of mind—and the right wheelchair to support your daily freedom.