In Hong Kong's crowded and congested environment, choosing a wheelchair is definitely not as simple as just buying a stool. Whether you live in public housing or private housing, or frequently go to the hospital for checkups, choosing the wrong wheelchair will not only make the elderly uncomfortable, but also cause back pain for caregivers carrying it in and out. This guide, from a professional perspective, combines advice from occupational therapists with the actual situation in Hong Kong to teach you how to choose a wheelchair that will truly help you.
"When choosing a wheelchair, the most important things to consider are: whether the elderly can sit comfortably, whether it can fit into the house, and whether it can be stored in the trunk of a car."
Table of contents
- 1. Hong Kong's major environmental challenges: What to do about narrow doors in public housing and "suction nozzles"?
- 2. Occupational therapists teach you how to measure: Sitting incorrectly can cause illness.
- 3. A Must-Read for Hong Kong "Friends of Slopes": Safety Devices for Ascending and Descending Slopes
- 4. Two popular brands versus Kalibu: Which one to choose?
- 5. Electric Wheelchair Guide: Boarding a Plane, Taking the Subway, and Comprehensive Regulations
- 6. Taxi Practical Guide: How to Avoid the Awkward Situation of "Not Being Able to Get Off the Car"?
- 7. Money-saving tips: How to exchange Community Senior Citizen Vouchers (CCSV) for high-end wheelchairs?
- 8. Hong Kong's Humid Weather Maintenance Tips: Prevent Wheelchairs from Rusting and Mold
1. Hong Kong's major environmental challenges: What to do about narrow doors in public housing and "suction nozzles"?
Hong Kong has one of the most cramped living environments in the world, especially for those living in public housing (such as Harmony-style or Y-shaped buildings) or old-style private housing. Before purchasing a wheelchair, be sure to bring a measuring tape to measure carefully.
The "life-or-death" positions in narrow doors and corridors
Although regulations stipulate that accessible pathways should be 1,050 mm wide, in reality, many older buildings have doorways or toilet doors with a net width of only 750 to 800 mm . If the total width of a wheelchair exceeds 65 cm (25.5 inches), it becomes very difficult for the elderly to push themselves into the toilet, and even turning around to enter a room becomes a problem.
Experts recommend that for elderly people in small apartments in Hong Kong, Japanese wheelchairs with a total width of 55-58 cm (such as the MiKi series) are the first choice. These few centimeters can determine whether the elderly can use the toilet independently with dignity.
The "sucking nozzle" (threshold) is a source of trouble.
To prevent bathroom leaks, Hong Kong homes typically have suction nozzles that are 100-150 mm high. To get over these areas, you can't just rely on a ramp (because there's simply not enough space indoors to place a long ramp). When purchasing, you must check if the wheelchair has a "tipper bar" at the back, so that caregivers can step on it and use leverage to lift the front wheels over their shoulders.
2. Occupational therapists teach you how to measure: Sitting incorrectly can cause illness.
Wheelchairs aren't something you can just buy because they're big; improper seating can cause pressure sores, scoliosis, and other secondary injuries. You can refer to the following occupational therapy assessment criteria:
| Measurement items | Is spotting the best measurement method? | What happens if you pick the wrong one? |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Width | The widest part of the hip of an elderly person plus 1 to 2 inches of space. | Too narrow a space can cause pressure sores on the thigh bone; too wide a space can cause the body to tilt to one side, leading to scoliosis. |
| Seat Depth | The final position of the hips is 1 to 2 inches below the knee. | If you sit too deep, it will compress blood vessels and cause your feet to swell; if you sit too shallow, it will concentrate pressure on your ischium, making it very painful to sit. |
| Seat height | Heel to knee position + 2 inches reserved for footrest | If it's too high, you won't be able to reach the dining table; if it's too low, your feet will hit the ground curb. |
Helpful tip: Hong Kong seniors are generally slimmer, so don't blindly pursue large-size wheelchairs like those from Europe and America. You can look for narrower models specifically designed for Asians.
3. A Must-Read for Hong Kong "Friends of Slopes": Safety Devices for Ascending and Descending Slopes
Living in the "mountain towns" of Sai Ying Pun, Mid-Levels, Kwun Tong, or Kwai Chung means facing long, steep roads every day. There are two essential "life-saving devices" you should have when buying a car:
- Drum brakes: These brakes are located on the push handle, similar to bicycle handbrakes. When going downhill, the caregiver can gradually control the speed without having to forcefully pull the bike against gravity.
- Anti-Tippers: A pair of small wheels installed behind the large wheels. When going uphill, if the angle is too steep or the front wheels lift off the ground due to excessive pushing force, these small wheels can support the ground and prevent the entire vehicle from tipping backward.
4. Two popular brands versus Kalibu: Which one to choose?
The two most common brands in Hong Kong each have their own strengths, and we've prepared a detailed comparison for you:
| Compare details | MiKi (representative of Japanese brands) | Kalibu (Professional Earthquake Disposal Representative) |
|---|---|---|
| Main models | MOCC-43JL | Elite Pro / Luxury Series |
| Weight advantage | Extremely lightweight (approximately 9.9 kg), suitable for women/elderly spouses to carry. | Starting at around 11.8 kg, it's a little heavier but very stable. |
| Storage Design | It folds up to its maximum size, reaching a width of 27cm when folded. | It features a luggage handle design, so when folded, it can be dragged around like a suitcase. |
| Comfort Technology | 7003 aerospace aluminum alloy, lightweight and durable. | Four-spring shock absorption , suitable for driving on uneven concrete roads in old areas. |
| Suitable for | Families living in public housing who have to take taxis every day for medical checkups. | Elderly people who value comfort, are easily startled, and enjoy traveling or outdoor activities. |
5. Electric Wheelchair Guide: Boarding a Plane, Taking the Subway, and Comprehensive Regulations
Want seniors to have more social interaction and go out independently? Electric wheelchairs are a good option. However, the following regulations should be noted when using them in Hong Kong:
Air travel: Battery system is key
If you want to take your electric wheelchair on a trip, the battery must meet UN38.3 safety certification .
Quick Facts: Airlines stipulate that a single lithium battery cannot exceed 300Wh. Wh = V (voltage) x Ah (capacity). For example, a 24V 10Ah battery is 240Wh, which is compliant and allowed on board!
MTR and bus size restrictions
According to MTR guidelines, electric wheelchairs for disabled persons must not exceed 1,200 mm in length and 700 mm in width. When taking a bus, remember to park "without facing the front of the vehicle" for safety.
6. Taxi Practical Guide: How to Avoid the Awkward Situation of "Not Being Able to Get Off the Car"?
Many caregivers are terrified when they finally hail a taxi, only to find that the wheelchair can't fit in the trunk. Why is that? Because many older red Toyota Comfort models in Hong Kong have a large gas cylinder in the trunk, which has a very shallow usable depth.
SEO expert tip: When choosing a wheelchair, look for models with a folded width of less than 30cm. The reason why MiKi is so popular in Hong Kong is that it is only 27cm wide when folded, which fits perfectly in the trunk of a taxi before the cylinder, so you don't have to worry about the driver getting angry.
7. Money-saving tips: How to exchange Community Senior Citizen Vouchers (CCSV) for high-end wheelchairs?
High-quality wheelchairs can easily cost several thousand to over ten thousand dollars, but the government actually provides subsidies! The Community Care Service Voucher for the Elderly (CCSV) has become a regular program, and the subsidy covers "the purchase or rental of assistive devices".
- Co-payment mechanism: Based on economic review, the government will help you with 60% to 95% of the payment.
- Low-cost ownership: If you are in the lowest affordability category, a high-end wheelchair that originally cost $6,000 may only require you to pay 5% (i.e., $300) to bring it home.
- Application process: After being referred by a social worker, you will undergo a "standardized assessment of elderly care services". If you are assessed as having moderate or severe deficiencies, you are eligible to apply.
8. Hong Kong's Humid Weather Maintenance Tips: Prevent Wheelchairs from Rusting and Mold
Hong Kong's humidity levels can spike during spring and summer, and without proper maintenance, wheelchairs can rust and develop mold within a year.
- Rust prevention: Although aluminum alloy is not prone to rust, most screw joints are made of steel. Be sure to wipe them dry after going out in the rain, and spray a small amount of "silicone-based lubricant" on the joints every month.
- Mold Removal Method: Place the wheelchair in a location with a dehumidifier. If there are mold spots on the seat cushion, you can wipe them with a 1:99 diluted bleach solution. Remember to dry it with cool air , as hot air will damage the foam structure.
- Check tire pressure: If it is an inflatable tire, you should check for "leakage" regularly. If the tire is not fully inflated, the stroller will be much heavier and the caregiver will easily suffer from strain.
In summary: Don't just look at the price when choosing a wheelchair; consider Hong Kong's unique living and transportation environment. Hopefully, this guide will help you find the perfect product at Lohas, ensuring your elderly relatives are happy in their wheelchair and that you can push it with peace of mind!
(Note: The legal data in this article is based on information from 2025-2026. For the latest funding amounts, please consult the Social Welfare Department.)
