What you are allowed to buy, and where you are allowed to drive it.

Under Australian law they are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, generally as Class I devices, and must be included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods before they can be supplied here. The Australian sponsor — the entity that imports or supplies the device — carries that obligation and must be able to produce the technical and conformity documentation at any time.

The ISO 7176 series covers static and dynamic stability, braking, obstacle climbing, range and electromagnetic compatibility. Australia adopts it as AS/NZS 3695. Where a model is rated for use as a seat in a motor vehicle, that rating is tested to ISO 7176-19; models without it should not be occupied while travelling in a vehicle. Transit ratings are stated on each product page.

Under the Australian Road Rules, a motorised wheelchair that cannot exceed 10 km/h on level ground and is used by a person who is unable to walk or has difficulty walking is treated as a pedestrian. Use the footpath or nature strip where one is available; where no footpath is practicable, keep to the far left or far right and face oncoming traffic where possible. No driver’s licence, registration or compulsory insurance is required.

Third-party personal liability insurance is not mandatory, but is worth considering.

Medical aids and appliances are GST-free where they are listed in Schedule 3 of the GST Act or the GST Regulations, are specifically designed for people with an illness or disability, and are not widely used by people without one. Wheelchairs meet these tests, so prices shown for eligible devices are GST-free.

Purpose-designed spare parts are also GST-free. Generic replacement batteries are taxable, because they are not specifically designed for the chair.