New wheelchair giveaway program launches in Australia

A new initiative is giving Australians who use manual wheelchairs the chance to access high-performance assistive technology – completely free.

Launching this month, Wishes for Wheels is a quarterly wheelchair giveaway program that aims to support people who can’t access or afford the kind of ultralight, custom-fitted wheelchairs that can significantly improve mobility and independence.

Run by Australian assistive tech wholesaler APEX Mobility, in partnership with North American wheelchair manufacturer Motion Composites, one recipient will be selected every three months to receive a brand-new Motion Composites wheelchair.

Motion Composites wheelchairs are known for their lightweight frames and precision fit. According to APEX Mobility director Michael Gage, they can be life-changing. “A wheelchair is more than equipment – it’s freedom, confidence, and the power to live on your terms,” he said.

The program has already been running in the United States and Canada, where past recipients have shared how much it has changed their everyday lives. One recipient, Juan from Kentucky, said the chair helped him return to activities he thought were no longer possible. “It wasn’t just a chair – it was the key to getting back into the world.”

Applications for the Australian program opened on 1 June 2025 and close on 24 August 2025 for the first round. The recipient will be announced on 8 September 2025, with fitting and scripting to take place by the end of the month.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a current manual wheelchair user or in need of one
• Be unable to access or fund a high-quality ultralight wheelchair through other means
• Be able to show how a new wheelchair would improve their mobility and quality of life

Anyone can apply or nominate someone for the program – including carers, family members and clinicians.

Full eligibility details, program terms and the application form can be found at:
🔗 https://apexmobility.com.au/news/wishes-for-wheels-motion-composites-1748390569

Or apply directly here:
🔗 https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/835f21a7656b443eb9555b9f76705e2f

“This isn’t just a giveaway,” said Gage. “It’s a celebration of resilience, community, and the belief that mobility should never be a privilege.”