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FAQs
Answers to many of the queries we get asked. If you can’t find the answer, call us on 0330 3202495
Yes, we have two showrooms that you are very welcome to visit. Our main showroom is located on the edge of the Cotswolds, near Blenheim Palace and close to historic Oxford. We are a five-minute walk from our local train station at Long Hanborough and approximately one hour from London and Birmingham via the M40.
Our Northamptonshire showroom is conveniently located close to Kettering town centre with easy access from the A14 linking the South East with the Midlands. Our Kettering showroom is close to the famous Wicksteed park offering a great day out for you and your family.
Our showrooms are open Monday to Friday for general viewing and advice. If however you are hoping to see specific equipment, we would recommend speaking to your preferred showroom to organise an appointment. We hold a vast amount of equipment however this is used daily for assessments so may not be available all the time.
Yes. However, in some cases a home visit may not be possible or an alternative assessment is preferred. You have a choice of either visiting our specialist showrooms or discussing your needs via a video call. If you would like to arrange an assessment, please speak to us on: 0330 3202495
In most cases no. Nevertheless, if home visits require specialist equipment or additional staff and time, we may have to charge for assessments.
Yes, we work closely with several world-class manufacturers including Ottobock to provide specialist assessment services. Our Oxfordshire showroom has clinical space dedicated to one-to-one assessments for a wide range of products including carved / moulded seating. We are able to provide specialist pressure mapping services so customised seating can be designed to enhance posture, stability and comfort.
Our headquarters in Witney also provide impressive space for healthcare professional training. Use of these facilities for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is popular with Occupational Therapists. Access is easy along with ample parking and catering can be provided.
In terms of wheelchair services, we have a long-established working relationship with a number of providers – our staff work closely with them to deliver vital support and better outcomes for clients.
Finally, our specialist services provide an unique advantage to everyone who contacts us, whether consumer or professional. Private therapists, case managers, private individuals, private hospitals, clinics, spinal injury teams and even airlines all benefit from our decades of expertise.
Recare covers the majority of the UK. Our team is also asked to provide support internationally thanks to the respected nature of Recare’s work.
This depends on the type of equipment you have ordered and where it is being manufactured. The time of the year can also affect how long it takes to receive your goods, as many factories close down for summer and Christmas periods. Bespoke adaptations that need to be added to your equipment prior to handover will also increase lead time. We understand equipment is needed as quickly as possible so Recare always strives to keep lead times as short as possible.
Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are designed for many different purposes. Some scooters and wheelchairs are only designed for smooth surfaces. Others are suitable for more challenging terrain. This is why it is essential for you to discuss your intended use with us so we can advise on the right product. In most cases, it is sensible to consider purchasing equipment that is capable of more than you need it to do.
Yes, it is a good idea to have your equipment serviced each year so it performs as it should do. For new equipment, regular servicing is a requirement of the manufacturer to keep your warranty valid. If you invalidate your warranty and a fault arises, you may need to pay for it to be repaired.
For most equipment, one service a year is enough to keep. However for more complex products, two services a year might be required. In some cases, twice a year servicing is recommended, especially if products are being used in more challenging condition eg. off road all-terrain powerchairs.
Scooters and wheelchairs fall into two categories – class 2 and class 3. Class 2 devices are capable of a maximum speed of 4 mph and are only intended for use on a footpath. These devices do not need to be registered with the DVLA. Class 3 devices are capable of speeds of up to 8mph and are road legal – these have to be registered with the DVLA.
No, insurance is not a legal requirement, however we strongly advise customers to take out a specialist policy. Without insurance, you are putting yourself at risk of costly repairs if you have an accident. Equally you may damage someone else’s property or injure a third party meaning you are liable to pay for costly repairs and compensation.
There are many products available these days that are suitable for air travel. They are specifically designed to be compact, lightweight and can fold for easy storage on a plane. However, before selecting a wheelchair or scooter for flying, it is important to check that its specification is allowed on a plane. Size, weight and suitability for handling by ground crew will be influential. On electric powerchairs and scooters, the battery in particular is a key component that needs to be checked – in terms of its type and power rating. Some batteries are deemed a potential safety risk on a plane so will not be allowed on board, either in the cabin or luggage hold.
Every airline has different policies and ultimately it is the Pilot’s decision whether equipment is allowed on board or not. Power controls may also need to be isolated before stowage with power cut off safety plugs. So if you are looking to fly with equipment, telephone our specialist advisors and they will be able to advise on the latest safety legislation – 0330 3202495.
Everyone will experience changing needs as they grow older, their lifestyle adapts or a disability evolves. This can affect the performance and ‘feel’ of your wheelchair or powerchair as it may not be providing the same level of support as it once did. In this case it is best to contact us and we can review and rectify issues by changing product configurations or suggesting new equipment.
If your disability changes or you have a degenerative condition, then your wheelchair might need to be adapted or a different product could be suitable. Please speak to one of our friendly assessors for advice on: 0330 3202495.
Giving you the right answer to this question is dependent on many different factors. These range from the type of wheelchair you use through to restraints available and the mode of transport. Some wheelchairs are suitable for travel in WAVs (wheelchair accessible vehicles) and buses, coaches and trains, some not. To give you the correct advice, please contact us on: 0330 3202495.
Firstly and most importantly, the distance stated in an owner’s manual is a hypothetical maximum that is calculated under test conditions. It is almost impossible for you to use your wheelchair / scooter on a daily basis in conditions that would match a test environment.
In real world situations a number of factors will affect the distance that you are able to travel on your scooter / wheelchair. These includes outside air temperature, tyre pressure, user weight, type of terrain, age and condition of batteries etc.
How you charge your batteries also directly affects how your batteries perform. It’s easy to understand that you can undercharge your batteries by not charging them enough, but did you know that it is also possible to over charge your batteries by charging them too much? Over charging batteries can have the same effect as under charging them. Please speak to one of our Recare engineers regarding the best way to charge your batteries.
