If you are the partner or carer of a powerchair user, your role is vital—but it shouldn’t come at the cost of your own physical health. Even a “lightweight” chair like the Drive DeVilbiss AirFold weighs around 20kg, while the robust KWK D09 Heavy Duty can sit at 25kg–28kg.
Lifting that weight into a car boot multiple times a week is a repetitive strain waiting to happen. In 2026, the UK’s manual handling guidance for carers has shifted: it’s no longer about “muscle,” it’s about ergonomic geometry. Whether you’re loading a Soft-Start Auto-Fold or a HomyKing Heavy Duty, here is how to protect your back and your car.
1. The “Pivot and Roll” Technique (The Back Saver)
The biggest mistake spouses make is trying to lift the entire chair off the ground in one “deadlift” motion. This puts maximum pressure on the L5/S1 vertebrae of your lower back.
The 2026 Method: Instead of lifting, you should roll. Most modern chairs, like the Lightweight Intelligent Powerchair, can be moved while folded.
- The Bumper Rest: Stand close to the car. Tilt the folded chair toward the boot and rest the front edge of the frame onto the bumper (always use a bumper protector mat!).
- The Pivot: Once the front is resting on the car, you are only lifting half the weight. Use your legs to lift the rear of the chair and slide it into the boot. This “two-stage” approach reduces the peak force on your spine by nearly 50%.
2. “Freewheel” Is Your Best Friend
If you are loading the KWK D09 or the MX-MAX All-Terrain into a larger vehicle like an SUV or an Estate, don’t carry it—drive it.
The Pro Tip: Use the “freewheel” levers (usually red levers on the motors). This allows you to push the chair manually. If your car has a low lip, you can often push the chair up a set of telescopic ramps. Users of the Soft-Start Auto-Fold often report that they don’t even need to push; they stand to the side and use the joystick to “walk” the chair up the ramp into the boot.
3. The “Battery-First” Rule
If a chair feels too heavy, it’s probably because the battery is still in it. In 2026, modular design is standard.
How to Lighten the Load: Before lifting the Lightweight Intelligent or the Adjustable Aerospace Chair, always remove the lithium battery first. These batteries usually weigh between 2kg and 4kg. Removing them doesn’t just make the chair lighter; it changes the “balance point,” making the frame much easier to grip and manoeuvre.
4. Protecting the “Paintwork” (and Your Deposit)
A 25kg metal frame will win every fight against your car’s plastic trim or paintwork.
- The Bumper Guard: We highly recommend a heavy-duty rubber “loading mat.” It clips into your boot and folds out over the bumper. This allows you to slide the Voyager 185 into the car without worrying about scuffing the paint.
- The Grip Check: Before you lift, ensure you aren’t grabbing the chair by the “removable” parts. Many spouses accidentally grab a footrest or an armrest, which can snap or detach mid-lift. Always grab the main chassis frame.
5. When Is It Time for a Hoist?
If you are lifting a chair like the MAS Mobility Auto-Fold daily and you start to feel a “twinge” in your lower back, it’s time to stop.
In 2026, Electric Boot Hoists have become much more affordable in the UK. These are small cranes fitted into your boot that do 100% of the lifting for you. If you have a Motability car, you can often get these fitted as part of your package. It turns a stressful, physically demanding task into a simple button-press.
Summary: The 3 Golden Rules for Spouses
- Never Twist: Always move your feet to turn. Twisting your torso while holding a HomyKing Heavy Duty is the fastest way to a slipped disc.
- Get Close: Keep the chair tucked against your belly as you lift. Every inch the chair is away from your body triples the strain on your back.
- Use the Car: Let the car bumper take the weight as soon as possible.
The Verdict: If you are worried about the weight, the Drive DeVilbiss AirFold is the kindest choice for a spouse. Its carbon-fibre frame is specifically designed to be manageable for people who aren’t “weightlifters.”
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