Distributor Portal
Mobility
Mobility describes any type of movement, like crawling, walking or on wheels in the child’s environment. In this section we are specifically talking about seated mobility, such as strollers and wheelchairs. These devices are designed to help children move around safely and easily when walking isn’t possible or practical.
Back to the Parent HubUnderstanding Mobility
Seated mobility devices, such as strollers and wheelchairs are designed to help children move around safely and easily when walking isn’t possible or practical.
For information about walking supports and upright mobility, please visit our Walking Section.
Children may be prescribed a wheelchair or supportive stroller depending on their age, diagnosis, clinical needs, or prognosis. The right equipment will make a huge difference in the child’s comfort, independence and participation in school and family life.
Moving from a Stroller to a Wheelchair
Supportive strollers are often the first mobility devices prescribed for young children who need postural support but aren’t yet ready for a wheelchair. Thinking about the F-words is a great way to understand why children may transition to a wheelchair:
Function
Transitioning to a wheelchair may increase the child’s ability to self-propel or be propelled more easily, thus enhancing their functional mobility.
Fitness
Wheelchairs can support physical activity, strength, endurance and overall fitness.
Family
When a child can join family outings more easily, the whole family benefits.
Friends
Introducing independence through mobility means more time for socialising with peers.
Fun
More independent mobility often means more chance to play explore and have fun.
Future
Making the right mobility choice early helps set the child up for future independence, participation and greater life-long options.
Types of Wheelchair
|
Manual self-propelling wheelchairs |
Manual attendant propelling wheelchairs |
Power wheelchairs |
|
Designed for children who can push themselves |
Pushed by a parent, or carer |
Battery-powered and controlled by a joystick or switches |
|
Available in rigid or folding frames |
Often include tilt-in-space features for comfort and posture management |
Enable independent movement for children with limited strength or coordination |
|
Lightweight, highly adjustable, easy to transports and often used for developing upper-body strength and independence |
Suitable for children who cannot self-propel or use a power chair but still benefit from supported mobility |
Enable independent movement for children with limited strength or coordination |
Note: Power-assist devices (front, rear, or mid-wheel attachments) can be added to manual wheelchairs. These help children or carers by reducing the effort required to push the chair, especially over longer distances or uneven ground.
The Benefits of Early Mobility
On-time mobility simply means letting children have access to movement at the same time as their peers. Research shows that on-time mobility supports overall development by:
Encouraging cognitive development and learning through exploration.
Promoting social interaction and inclusion with peers.
Supporting motor skill development and body awareness.
Boosting emotional wellbeing and confidence.
Helping children understand cause and effect and develop problem-solving skills.
Reducing frustration associated with being dependent on others for movement.
Introducing powered or assisted mobility at the right developmental time can have lifelong benefits.
Research highlights: Studies show that early powered and self-propelled mobility can boost participation, play skills, and emotional wellbeing (Rosenbaum & Gorter 2012; Livingstone & Field 2014; McGarry et al. 2022).
Frequently Asked Questions
-
1. How long will a wheelchair last?
Your therapist will look for a wheelchair which can be adjusted to support growth. The chair will need reviewed every 6-12 months. However, after 2–4 years many children need to upgrade due to physical growth, changes in needs or wear-and-tear.
-
2. What is a good way for a child to learn how to propel themselves?
A strong starter option is the Firefly “Scooot”, which can develop early wheelchair skills and promotes independence in a playful way. It enables children to be down on the floor with their peers, participating in typical activities while learning how to navigate their world.
-
3. How can my child become a proficient wheelchair user?
Proficiency comes from: a good set-up, lots of practice, and opportunities for play. Your therapist or wheelchair prescriber will look at adapting the centre of gravity (or balance point) to make it easy to push while adding features like a rear wheel or anti-tips to make it safe to learn useful lifelong skills like popping a wheelie.
-
4. My child failed their power-wheelchair test - what should we do?
Don’t worry. Many charities offer free loan power wheelchairs so young children can safely learn skills before reassessment. This helps the child build confidence and understand cause and effect. Practice in non-powered devices like a walker or trike can often help them
-
5. Can the wheelchair go in a bus or adapted vehicle?
Your child can sit in the wheelchair during transport if it has been crash-tested and certified for transport. Most paediatric wheelchairs are, but always check the user manual or manufacturer website for “transport anchor points” or “crash tested for motor vehicle use”.
-
6. My child’s posture is poor, and they find it hard to eat in their chair - what should we do?
They may need more supportive seating components such as a rigid backrest, lateral supports, contoured cushion. Separate supportive seats which feature hi-lo or multi height features are often used for mealtimes at home or school, and give a different position from a wheelchair, depending on the task.
-
7. Are there any grants or charities that will help fund a wheelchair?
Yes there are several charities and grant-funding schemes help families get wheelchairs or mobility equipment when standard provision isn’t sufficient. Some UK examples are listed below.
Whizz Kidz supports young people (typically under 18) with permanent physical disabilities by providing tailor-made wheelchairs and mobility equipment—especially in cases where the NHS service cannot meet the need. www.whizz-kidz.org.uk
Newlife Foundation – provides grants or loans for equipment such as specialist beds, buggies, seating systems and wheelchairs, for children under 18. www.wellchild.org.uk
Variety – the Children’s Charity – will part- or fully-fund manual, powered and sports wheelchairs for young people when appropriate. www.variety.org.uk
Make Way Foundation – UK charity focused on children with disabilities and mobility equipment (including wheelchairs) – “help children … afford the wheelchairs and other mobility equipment they need”. www.makewayfoundation.org
The Motability Foundation – offers grants to organisations to improve access to quality affordable wheelchairs and mobility aids. www.motabilityfoundation.org.uk
What's Next?
Follow the PAM Wheel - A practical, visual, and easy-to-use tool to help families and therapy teams manage a child’s postural and activity equipment throughout the day.
Useful Downloads
Available in 20+ countries
We work closely with over 20+ global partners who distribute the Leckey family of products throughout the world.
To get in touch or to become a Leckey distributor, please email hello@leckey.com or call us on (+44) 28 9260 0750.
Find A DistributorStay Connected
Sign up to our mailing list or connect with us on our social media channels.
Join our listStay Connected
Our Extended Family
Firefly
The Firefly range of portable products are all about participation. These posturally supportive products are clinically sound, practical and fun, ensuring children with additional needs can take part in everyday life. As well as products, Firefly facilitates an online community where advice and experiences are shared between parents, therapists and charities.
