Personal Wheelchair Budgets

A Personal Wheelchair Budget (PWB) is a scheme offered to give a wider choice for wheelchair users. At your assessment you will work with a clinician to identify what you want to achieve with your wheelchair. If the clinician finds that a new wheelchair is required you will be prescribed an NHS wheelchair and be told the cost of this. This is your Personal Wheelchair Budget. You have the following choices on how to use your PWB:

NHS provision (notional)

• Accept the wheelchair prescribed to meet your needs. The wheelchair will remain property of the NHS.
• Cost to you: no cost to you.
• Repairs/maintenance: provided by Bristol Wheelchair Service.

Top-up alternative wheelchair 

• You can upgrade to an alternative model of wheelchair within the NHS range. The wheelchair will remain the property of the NHS.
• Cost to you: Cost difference between NHS provision and the model that you choose.
• Repairs/maintenance: provided by Bristol Wheelchair Service.

Top-up accessories 

• You can add additional features to the wheelchair provided with guidance of the clinician. The wheelchair and any additional features will remain the property of the NHS.
• Cost to you: no cost to you.
• Repairs/maintenance: Provided by Bristol Wheelchair Repair Service but you will incur a cost for any repairs for the additional features (including call out and labour charges).

Third party PWB

• You can choose a model of wheelchair outside of the NHS range, provided it meets your identified needs, from an independent mobility provider.
• Cost to you: Cost difference between NHS provision and the model that you choose.
• Repairs/maintenance: You will own the wheelchair and will be responsible for any repairs or maintenance required.

Frequently Asked Questions

A PWB will be given in line with expected life of equipment. A typical adult wheelchair lasts 5 years, a typical children’s wheelchair or buggy will last 3 years due to expected growth of the child.

A new PWB within this time will not be issued unless there are significant and unpredicted changes in your needs. These will need to be agreed by a clinician at a further assessment.

All equipment prescribed by the NHS will be new or ‘as new’ refurbished by manufacturer.

Do I need an appointment?

What happens after the appointment?

PWB - Top-up

Who pays for the Top-Up contributions?

How do I make a payment for the Top-Up PWB?

PWB - Third party

When can I purchase my wheelchair with the third party PWB?

How do I pay for my wheelchair with the third party PWB?

Does the PWB cover the cost of my choice of wheelchair through the Third Party Scheme?

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published January 2026. Review due January 2029. NBT003393