A New Chapter for a Trusted Wheelchair Brand

Written by meritsusa | Mar 18, 2026, 6:29:16 PM

For more than 30 years, Motivation Charitable Trust has been at the forefront of appropriate wheelchair provision–designing, advocating and delivering solutions that transform mobility for people living in low-resourced regions.

This clinical foundation is a major reason Motivation is recognized and respected worldwide. It’s also why the products and training have become essential to rehabilitation services, humanitarian missions and sports programs across Africa, Asia, and beyond.

From consulting on the development of the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on wheelchair provision, to creating rough terrain wheelchairs, to developing entry-level sports wheelchairs that open the door to play and compete, Motivation has shaped what access to mobility can and should look like. Its social enterprise in the UK became a lifeline for international NGOs, sports federations and rehabilitation services worldwide.

A Decade of Shifting Power

Over the last ten years, Motivation has intentionally decentralized its work–moving resources, leadership and decision-making closer to the communities it serves. Teams in Kenya, Uganda, Malawi and India and neighboring regions now lead the work, in places where access to appropriate wheelchairs can be as low as 10%.

Global pressures such as cuts to international aid, tougher fundraising conditions, roll backs on inclusion, and deepening global conflicts placed a significant strain on the charity. In late 2025, Motivation UK decided to bring its decentralization forward and close its UK operation.

Motivation’s programs in Africa and Asia continue, yet the closure threatened to halt the supply of Motivation’s range of wheelchairs, seating systems, trikes, parts and sports products, that many international aid and sports organizations relied on.

Merits Health Products Steps In: A Partnership Reignited

In March 2026, Merits Health Products – Motivation’s exclusive manufacturing partner of 25 years–stepped in with an agreement that immediately restarted production and global access to the full Motivation product range.

“It’s a natural fit for Merits. Our ambition is always to create the best products in their class, with functionality for people and the services that support them. The Motivation brand fits right in.”

— Jonathan Cheng, President of Merits Health Products Inc. LLC

He continued:

"This range is often the starting point for many of the world’s poorest people to access mobility, education, employment and rights. We are thrilled to play a small part in that journey. This work is so vital that, alongside wheelchair production, Merits is committed to supporting Motivation’s ongoing work in Africa and Asia, developing the ecosystem required for mobility to be a right, not an act of charity.”

Why This Work Matters

The WHO estimates that around 65 million people worldwide need an appropriate wheelchair, yet in some countries only 1 in 10 people have access. Assistive technology–glasses, hearing aids, prosthetics, walking aids and wheelchairs – is essential for participation, dignity and independence. It enables people to contribute fully to their families, communities and economies.

This belief sits at the heart of Merits’ mission.

“With global supply under pressure and funding continuing to tighten, meeting disabled people’s right to an appropriate wheelchair is increasingly difficult. That’s why our partnership with Merits is so important: it’s grounded in shared values, purpose and commitment to quality. Merits’ continuation of the Motivation range and partnership with Motivation Africa and Motivation India builds on this with a futureproof model that keeps disabled people at the heart of provision. In doing so, Merits is setting a standard for corporate global citizenship for others to follow.”

— Amanda Wilkinson, former Motivation CEO

“Hope is back on wheels! With the resumption of Motivation wheelchair supply through Merits, children and adults with disabilities can once again access a range of customized wheelchairs. The right wheelchair is not just equipment—it’s independence, participation, and possibility.”

— Mahesh Chandrasekar, Direct of Motivation India

“I’m really excited to know that the Motivation range will continue to be available. For many of us who rely on wheelchairs every day, the right wheelchair is what makes it possible to move through life with confidence. Knowing these products will continue to reach people who need them most is incredibly encouraging.”

— Lucy Mueni, Communications Manager, Motivation Africa

“Across Africa, the need for appropriate wheelchairs remains enormous, and for many communities the Motivation range has been a lifeline for over decades. Wheelchairs are not a symbol of disabilities; it’s a vehicle of liberation and freedom, a chariot for independence. To see the legacy of many years of Motivation UK now handed over to Merits to ensure continuity and support for the sector is the best news to be received in Africa. This will enhance our dream of appropriate wheelchair availability from Cape Town to Cairo, Africa.”

— Peter Mbuguah, Director of Motivation Africa

“We’re delighted that these essential products for independence are available again through Merits. Having always been made here, it feels like their natural home. We know the impact these products have in the hands of fantastic services and facilitators, and it’s a joy to see support for existing and new products back in place.”

— Clare Childs, Motivation Sales Manager

Production Restarts and a New Era Begins

Merits has already resumed production of the full Motivation product range.

You can see the Merits and Motivation collection at Naidex, NEC Birmingham, UK, on 25-26 March, stand N-F2.

Independence, Participation, and Possibility

This year, Merits celebrates 40 years of enabling independence through high-quality mobility and daily living solutions.

With manufacturing operations in China, Taiwan, the USA and Romania – and a new UK assembly and stock hub – the Motivation range now joins a family of brands supporting pressure care, seating, stairlifts, daily living aids and powered mobility.

Together, Merits and Motivation are ensuring that access to mobility doesn’t stop, because independence should never be out of reach.

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