New wheelchair is unstable

michele-p

Hi, I'm new to this area of the forum, looking for a bit of advice. We bought a wheelchair for my dad who has parkinsons just before Christmas (delivered 19th). It's a very lightweight one, so he can lift it into the car and assemble it whilst sat on the bumper.

He's used it a handful of times, and on 3 occasions when it's hit even a tiny bump (a carpet grip in a pub for example) the wheels stop, and it's nearly tipped him out. It just doesn't seem fit for the purpose.

I've just called the company we bought it from, who said as it's been used they can't return it. I explained it wasn't anything more than taking it into a cafe/wheeling a very short distance, but that it just doesn't feel up to the job. They have suggested a different chair, with bigger back wheels, which does look much better, but to be honest I would have expected a discount on this, or to be able to return a product which seems dangerous to me.

This is what he bought:
https://www.careco.co.uk/item-p-wc04008/careco-fold-and-go-with-carry-bag

This is what they have suggested now
https://www.careco.co.uk/item-s-wc01035/g-lite-pro-self-propelled-wheelchair/

But as a disabled pensioner trying to persuade him to part with another £180 after just spending £90 on somethign which has scared him isn't a great idea!

Do we have any legal rights at all?

Thanks

neilmcl

You deliberately purchased, in you own words "a very lightweight" wheelchair, with small wheels and your surprised it has some difficulties with objects on the ground. TBH, I think you should've done some more research before buying and bought something more suitable.

I don't see you have any rights to return the chair I'm afraid.

gefnew

Hi Michele
If you had gone to your local social services dept, they would have had a therapist to advise you about the best option for your dad.
And maybe offered some financial contribution towards the wheelchair.
regards
gefnew

bris

Credibility goes out the window, if they chairs dangerous why would you want to keep it if you got a discount? Is a little money back worth the danger, is that what your saying?

Lorian

michele-p wrote: »

We bought a wheelchair for my dad who has parkinsons just before Christmas (delivered 19th). It's a very lightweight one, so he can lift it into the car and assemble it whilst sat on the bumper.

He's used it a handful of times, and on 3 occasions when it's hit even a tiny bump (a carpet grip in a pub for example) the wheels stop,

That first chair is only designed to have someone else pushing it. As pusher I'd expect to push down on the ends of the bars a bit while going up small lips.

Sam_Fallow

If you bought the one you mention, then your father can't use it by himself. It is an assisted one which needs someone to push. It is the responsibility of the person pushing to negotiate the obstacles and bumps.

If there is someone with him to push then they can lift it in and out and assemble it.

The alternative they have suggested is unsuitable as well as I doubt your father would be able to propel himself.

One like this would have been more suited to your needs.

austonic

Given it was clearly sold as a lightweight wheelchair, you are not in a position to claim that it is not fit for purpose etc UNLESS you specifically described your intended use and expectations and the supplier confirmed it would be suitable.

In the former case, if they are offering you an upgrade for the original difference in price, then I think they are doing you a favour.

In the latter case, return the goods and get a refund in full and buy something else - after checking with a therapist!

neilmcl

Lorian wrote: »

That first chair is only designed to have someone else pushing it. As pusher I'd expect to push down on the ends of the bars a bit while going up small lips.

And also look where they're going

Hermione_Granger

bris wrote: »

Credibility goes out the window, if they chairs dangerous why would you want to keep it if you got a discount? Is a little money back worth the danger, is that what your saying?

The OP stated that they would have expected a discount on the alternative wheelchair offered and not a discount on the one they currently have.

michele-p wrote: »

They have suggested a different chair, with bigger back wheels, which does look much better, but to be honest I would have expected a discount on this, or to be able to return a product which seems dangerous to me.

Why are you always so quick to think the worst of people?
Maybe it's your credibility that has gone out of the window.

Nearlyold

From the manual

It is a transit wheelchair and can only be operated by the wheelchair attendant/carer.

The Fold & Go Travel Chair can only be propelled by the attendant/carer from the rear of the wheelchair.

Mounting a Kerb – Approach the kerb head on. The attendant/carer pushes down with their foot on the stepper tube at the rear of the wheelchair to raise the front castors off the ground and on to the kerb.

The attendant/carer then pushes the wheelchair forward and lifts the rear of the wheelchair up onto the kerb.

wealdroam

Sam_Fallow wrote: »

If you bought the one you mention, then your father can't use it by himself. It is an assisted one which needs someone to push. It is the responsibility of the person pushing to negotiate the obstacles and bumps.

If there is someone with him to push then they can lift it in and out and assemble it.

The alternative they have suggested is unsuitable as well as I doubt your father would be able to propel himself.

One like this would have been more suited to your needs.

Doesn't the chair you suggest suffer from the same problems as the one the OP bought?

The manual for your suggested replacement also includes the sentence:

It is a transit wheelchair and can only be operated by the wheelchair attendant/carer.