When you first unbox a chair like the Drive DeVilbiss AirFold, you’re usually focused on the weight and the fold. But after a week of using it for “real life”—trips to the supermarket, rainy walks in the park, or afternoon coffee with friends—you quickly realize that you’re missing a few essentials. Where do you put your phone? How do you keep your shopping dry? And what happens if you get caught in a British downpour?
We’ve scoured the reviews from the UK mobility community to find the add-ons that owners of our top 10 chairs actually swear by.
1. The “2-in-1” Drink and Phone Holder
This is arguably the most requested accessory for any powerchair. Standard armrests on chairs like the Lightweight Intelligent Powerchair are great for comfort, but they don’t have a “cup holder” built in.
The Real-World Feedback: Users consistently recommend the 360° Rotating Universal Mount. One reviewer mentioned that because folding powerchairs have varying tube thicknesses, a “clamp-style” mount is better than a “slide-on” one. They noted: “It’s sturdy enough to hold a full travel mug of tea and my iPhone 15 without vibrating loose when I’m on a bumpy pavement.” Another user warned to mount it on the opposite side of the joystick to avoid accidentally knocking your drink when you’re steering.
2. Under-Seat and “Pannier” Storage Bags
While the KWK D09 Heavy Duty comes with some storage, many users find they need more “secure” space for valuables.
The Real-World Feedback: The “Pannier” style bag, which hangs over the armrest, is a fan favourite for solo travellers. A frequent shopper shared that they prefer a side-mounted pouch over a rear-mounted backpack because “I can actually see my wallet and keys; I don’t like the idea of my valuables being behind my back where I can’t reach them.” For those using the MX-MAX All-Terrain, users recommend an “Under-Seat Net” for carrying a rain poncho or a spare charger, keeping the weight low and central for better stability.
3. The “Weather Shield” (Not Just a Poncho)
If you live in the UK, a rain cover is non-negotiable. But there’s a specific type that powerchair users prefer.
The Real-World Feedback: Owners of the Soft-Start Auto-Fold emphasize the need for a Joystick Cover. One user pointed out a common pitfall: “The chair frame can handle a bit of drizzle, but the electronics in the joystick are the weak point. I bought a transparent ‘sleeve’ that lets me see the buttons but keeps the water out of the circuit board.” For full-body protection, reviews suggest a “Wheelchair Apron” that clips around the waist and covers the legs, which users say is “much less faff” than a full overhead poncho that can get caught in the wheels.
4. Padded “Pressure Relief” Cushions
Even the premium Adjustable Aerospace Chair comes with a standard cushion that might feel “firm” after two hours of use.
The Real-World Feedback: The community consensus is that a Gel-Infused Memory Foam topper is a “game changer” for long days out. A verified buyer who uses their chair for museum trips mentioned that adding a 2-inch gel cushion not only helped with “numbness” but also acted as extra suspension. One clever tip from the reviews: “If you add a thick cushion, remember it might change the height of your armrests, so make sure your joystick is still at a comfortable reaching distance.”
5. High-Visibility “Safety Slings”
Especially for users of the HomyKing Heavy Duty which is often used on rural roads, being seen is vital.
The Real-World Feedback: Instead of ugly “hi-vis” vests, many users are now using Reflective Spoke Clips or LED “Clip-on Lights” meant for cyclists. One rural user noted: “The HomyKing is quite low to the ground. I clipped a small red flashing LED to the back of the headrest and a white one to the front frame. Now cars see me coming from a distance on the narrow lanes.”
Summary Checklist: What Should You Buy First?
If you’re on a budget, prioritize in this order:
- Joystick Cover: To protect your £1,000+ investment from rain.
- Side/Pannier Bag: To keep your phone and keys within sight.
- Drink/Phone Mount: For hands-free navigation and hydration.
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