Frequently Asked Questions

We provide a wide range of manual wheelchairs, including standard steel wheelchairs, lightweight aluminum models, agile sporty wheelchairs for active users, bariatric chairs for larger users, and specialized "roughterrain" wheelchairs designed for South African conditions.

Wheelchair sizes are typically determined by the seat width (ranging from 14 to 24 inches). We recommend measuring the user's hip width and adding 5cm for a comfortable fit.

Yes, all our wheelchairs come from ISO and CE certified manufacturers and include a limited-year-carry-in warranty on the frame.

3-Wheel Scooters: Offer a tighter turning radius, and often more legroom (on the smaller scooters), making them ideal for indoor use and navigating small shops.

4-Wheel Scooters: Provide superior stability and are better suited for outdoor use and uneven pavements.

Travel distance depends on the model and battery size. Portable "boot" scooters usually cover approx 10–15 km, while heavy-duty models can travel up to approx 30-40 km on a full charge.

Yes! Many of our models are "fold-and-go" or "boot scooters" that can be easily disassembled into 4 or 5 lightweight pieces without tools to fit into a standard car trunk.

Not at all. Most models use a simple joystick controller that can be mounted on either the left or right armrest. The speed is adjustable, allowing you to move at a slow crawl or a brisk walking pace.

All of our foldable electric wheelchairs use either Lead Acid or Lithium-ion batteries that are both airline-friendly. However, how different airlines view this, is entirely at their own discretion. We always recommend making contact with the respective airline before making a booking and also notifying your airline 48 hours before the flight to ensure compliance with their specific safety regulations.

Depending on your unit and the size of the batteries a full charge typically takes between 6 to 10 hours. We recommend charging your chair only when it is close to flat, but without draining the battery completely, and once on your batteries.

We offer a variety of aids including standard walkers, rollators (walkers with wheels and seats), crutches, and adjustable walking canes.

A rollator features wheels, handbrakes, and a built-in seat. It is perfect for users who can walk but need frequent breaks or want a more fluid walking motion without lifting the frame.

While we operate on a "pay-upfront" basis, our equipment is SAHPRA accredited and carries the necessary NAPPI codes. This allows you to claim the costs back from your medical aid provider.

• Obtain a Doctor’s Referral or Occupational Therapist's report.
• Request a Pro-forma Invoice from us.
• Submit these documents to your medical aid for pre-authorization.
• Once you have paid and received your item, submit our Tax Invoice to your scheme for reimbursement.

For more information, click here to download a pdf document on how to claim from medical aid.

We accept the following:

• EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer)
• Credit & Debit Cards (Visa/Mastercard) – In Store
• Secure Online Payments – Website
• Mobicred – Website
• RCS Store Card – In Store
• Medical Aid Claim – Product will only be released, once the funds have cleared into our account

How to measure: Measure the widest part of the user’s hips and thighs in a straight line, from left to right, or right to left.

The Calculation: Add 2–5cm to that measurement.
Why? This allows for comfortable movement and space for thicker clothing (like a winter jacket) without the side panels rubbing against the hips.

ADP Tip: Most adults fit a standard 18-inch (46cm) seat. If the user is very petite, look at a 16-inch, or for larger users, a 20-inch or bariatric models.

How to measure: Measure from the back of the pelvis (where the back touches the chair) to the back of the knee.

The Calculation: Subtract 2–5cm from that measurement.
Why? If the seat is too deep, it will rub against the back of the knees and cause circulation issues or slouching. If it’s too short, there won't be enough upper leg support.

How to measure: Measure from the back of the knee to the bottom of the heel (measure with shoes on, as they are usually worn in the chair).

The Calculation: If the user will be using footrests, the footplates should be at least 2–5cm off the ground for clearance.
Why? Correct height ensures the user's weight is distributed evenly through the upper leg and feet, preventing pressure sores on the buttocks.

How to measure: Measure from the seat surface up to the collarbone/shoulder or the armpit area.

Standard Fit: For most users, the backrest should end just below the shoulder blades to allow for free arm movement for self-propelling.

Note: If the user has limited upper-body strength, they may require a "High Back" or "Recliner" model for extra head and trunk support.

The 18" (45cm) Standard: This is the most common size sold at ADP Mobility. It fits the average adult (approx. 60kg–90kg).

The "Lite" Advantage: If you or a caregiver needs to lift the wheelchair into a car boot frequently, we recommend the Premium Lite. It is significantly easier on the back than the standard steel Endura.

Weight Capacity Matters: Always ensure the user’s weight is at least 10% below the maximum weight capacity of the chair to ensure the longevity of the frame and bearings.

Before you hit "Add to Cart," double-check these three things:

Doorway Width: Measure your bathroom and bedroom doors. A standard 18" wheelchair has an overall width of roughly 65cm–67cm.

Turning Space: Do you have enough room to turn a 1-meter long chair in your home or intended space?

Folding: Most ADP manual wheelchairs fold side-to-side.

The Brake Test: Before using your chair or scooter, engage the brakes. They should hold firmly without slipping. If they feel loose, they may need a simple tension adjustment.

Tyre Pressure: If you have pneumatic (air-filled) tyres, check them weekly. Under-inflated tyres make the chair harder to push and drain electric batteries faster and can cause damage to the inner tube.

Clean the Axles: Check the front caster wheels for hair, lint, or thread. These wrap around the axle and can eventually seize the wheel. Use tweezers to pull any debris out.

We recommend charging your chair only when it is close to flat, but without draining the battery completely, and once on charge to let the charging cycle complete. Charging little by little as a habit will eventually damage your batteries.

Modern smart chargers (like those supplied by ADP) will not overcharge the battery. Avoid "Deep Discharge": Never let your battery run completely flat (0%). This can permanently damage the cells. Aim to charge it once it hits the 30–40% mark.

Off-Season Care: If you aren’t using your scooter for more than two weeks, still charge it at least once a week to keep the battery healthy and if your unit has a removable battery box, store it disconnected from the unit.

Frame Wipe-down: Use a damp cloth with mild soapy water to wipe away dust and road salt. Avoid using a high-pressure hose, as water can get into the sealed bearings and cause rust.

Pivot Points: Every 2–3 months, apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant (like WD-40 Specialist Silicone) to the folding cross-brace and moving joints.

Warning: Do not get lubricant on the brake pads or tyres!

Upholstery: Check for sagging or tears. Sagging seats can cause poor posture and back pain. Most ADP chairs have replaceable seat and back upholstery.

The "Ping" Test: If you have spoked wheels, run a pencil across them. They should all make a similar "ping" sound. A dull "thud" means a spoke is loose and needs tightening.

Nuts & Bolts: Once a month, check that the nuts on the axles and the bolts on the footrests are snug. South African pavements can be bumpy, which vibrates screws loose over time.

It is recommended to book your unit in for a service at least once every 12 months.

Brake Check: Ensure both manual brakes lock the wheels firmly. Battery Level: For Electric/Scooters, ensure the indicator is in the "Green" zone.

Visual Inspect: Check for any loose parts or debris stuck in the wheels.

Tyre Pressure: If pneumatic, ensure tyres are firm (check sidewall for PSI).

Caster Cleaning: Remove any hair, lint, or threads from the small front wheel axles.

Upholstery Check: Ensure the seat and backrest screws are tight and the fabric isn't sagging.

Wipe Down: Use a damp cloth to remove dust/mud (Avoid high-pressure hoses).