About us
A wheelchair is more than just a product, right ? It’s a vital part to independence, right ?
At one point these were the rather rethorical questions that we asked ourselves after seeing the current tendency in the wheelchair industry. We have witnessed firsthand the transition from a customer-first care to just another value-added product.
This was particularly evident in the process of ordering a new chair, lack of proactive designs, and in the post-purchase customer service.
We get it, ordering a new chair is never a piece of cake. Like we said, it’s a vital part of independence—its hard to swap a trusted companion for an unproven new one. However, now it has also become a bureaucratic maze that’s filled with delays and frustrations. Wheelchairs have no business being rushed out of the factory to meet monthly targets. They should instead be worked on until a flawless device has been created.
Another bothersom topic was the lack of direct communication between the user and the factory itself. Everything goes through social security, reimbursements, dealerships, etc. So naturally, when problems inevitably arose, the process of resolving them became a war—placing the company against the people that it was supposed to serve.
We could no longer accept any of this. It goes against everything we stood for: honesty, accountability, and the belief of having a moral responsibility to make the world a better place. We knew we had to create something different. Something that puts people first.
Purpose Wheelchairs was born.
Our Mission
We are so ambitious we have three
– Rebuilding trust in the wheelchair industry, one chair at a time.
People have lost faith in the industry, and we don’t blame them: forever wait times, reactive instead of proactive mentality, subpar build quality, endless warranty claims, nonexistent customer service, etc. The industry no longer prioritises the customer, but the shareholder. It no longer prioritises product longevity, but cutting costs. Sure, we’re also a company and have to cover our costs, there is no hiding that, but it should never go at the customer’s expense.
– Bespoke or custom?
They seem interchangeable, but there is a subtle distinction between both. Custom means based on preset options, while bespoke means a unique and personalized product. We opted to offer truly bespoke solutions and therefore decided to not adhere to MDR (Medical Device Regulations). This allows us to continue where others are obligated to stop. Want a foldable fishing table coming out from underneath your chair? No problem, we can fabricate it (based on a true story!). Forfaiting MDR does have some other consequences, more info is in the Overcoming Challenges section.
– Giving a trusted chair a new purpose.
We noticed a tendency that places replacing over repairing. However, it’s often a chair that has perfectly moulded to the body due to countless hours of usage, and its features have become second nature to us. When a car needs repairing, you wouldn’t buy a new one; you’d take it to a garage, right? This is when we realised the reason behind the replacement tendency; there are no garages for wheelchairs!
A user can change a tyre or swap out a front castor, but what if the frame has structural damage? What if we want to transform a boxed frame into an open one? No company will do such a thing for their customers, let alone if the chair is from another brand.
So we decided to also launch RePurpose; where used chairs are repaired, reconditioned or modified. This offers a new feel for a fraction of the price of a new chair, and Mother Earth approves as well!
Overcoming Challenges
Breaking into an established industry isn’t easy
To make matters worse, since 2017 the whole market has been regulated by the Medical Device Regulation; “The scope of the MDR includes products without an intended medical purpose, that are similar in principle to medical devices but without a specific medical intended purpose”.
This meant saying goodbye to letting your imagination run wild. Creative solutions made way for uninspired standards. Art was transformed into copy-paste. It was no longer possible to make each chair suit the subtle differences of every individual’s lifestyle, hobbies, wishes and needs. All this because of having to operate within the limits written by institutions that consist of people who are far removed from who really matters: the user.
We’ll save discussing political standpoints for another day, but it’s a prime example of the EU going too far to make everything fit the mould. So, we did the only logical thing: forfeiting MDR altogether.
We quickly realised that doing so meant a cascade of consequences; we could no longer have access to funds made for start-ups, and we would be unable to sell through dealerships, as these must also adhere to the regulations. It also meant that the user could not use governmental funds to pay for part of the chair. Soon, these limitations shaped how Purpose Wheelchairs currently operates:
- Selling straight to the user, without even having a dealership be the middleman.
- We do so at a price that no funding is required to make it a feasible expense (often we charge the same as what would be the excess with Social Security).
Our Vision
Be known as a company that puts people first in everything
Our dream for Purpose Wheelchairs is to not only become leaders in quality and design freedom but also create a platform for wheelchair users to share information, and a community to contribute the many ideas and tips that every user knows.
We came across countless innovative design features worth sharing with the world, but have no way of doing so.
- Full control: Giving back power to the user to be able to have
- A community: We want to create a network of people who will vouch for our commitment to quality and service.
- RePurposing current chairs.
At Purpose Wheelchairs, we are driven by the belief that every person deserves the freedom that comes with a chair built just for them. We are here to make that happen, one chair at a time.
Questions?
We’ve Got Answers
What is the bespoke wheelchair process like?
We begin with a consultation to understand your unique needs, preferences, and lifestyle. You can provide your own measurements or let us guide you through the process. Once we have all the details, we craft a custom wheelchair that fits your specifications perfectly, ensuring maximum comfort and usability.
Why don’t you adhere to MDR regulations?
We chose to forgo MDR compliance to prioritize flexibility and innovation in crafting bespoke wheelchairs. This decision allows us to focus on what truly matters—creating solutions that fit your unique needs without being restricted by unnecessary bureaucracy.
What makes your wheelchairs different from other brands?
Our wheelchairs are tailored specifically to you, from design to final assembly. Unlike large manufacturers, we emphasize quality, customer care, and long-term reliability over mass production. Every wheelchair is a reflection of your needs and lifestyle, not a one-size-fits-all solution.
What should I expect from my first consultation?
During the consultation, we’ll discuss your mobility needs, lifestyle, and preferences in detail. Whether you need a new wheelchair or want to recondition an existing one, this session ensures we gather all the information necessary to craft the perfect solution for you.
How does the reconditioning service work?
Our reconditioning service breathes new life into your old wheelchair, regardless of the brand. After assessing its condition, we perform repairs, replace worn components, and upgrade where necessary. The result is a wheelchair that feels as good as new—or even better.
Can I use insurance to pay for my wheelchair?
We don’t work directly with insurance companies, which helps us streamline the ordering process and reduce delivery times.
Our chairs are competitively priced compared to the market average; so it remains affordable, even without reimbursement from a social security.
How long does it take to get my custom wheelchair?
The timeline varies depending on your specific requirements, but our streamlined process—free of dealership or insurance delays—typically delivers your custom wheelchair within 4–6 weeks.
Do you offer repairs or ongoing maintenance?
Yes! We’re committed to supporting you throughout the lifespan of your wheelchair. We offer repair and maintenance services to keep your chair in peak condition and ensure it serves you reliably for years to come.
Get the wheels turning...
phone / Whatsapp
+31643487173
info@purposewheelchairs.com