November 4, 2026 | Terry Smith

Strutt ev1e vs ev1c: which powerchair is right for you?

The Strutt ev1e and ev1c share the same body, motors, speed and range. The difference is the brains. The ev1c adds Strutt’s evSense sensor system, which helps you avoid obstacles and can drive you to saved spots in your home. The ev1e leaves that out and costs a lot less as a result.

If you’re a confident driver and want a stable, quick, modern powerchair for everyday life, the ev1e will likely give you everything you need. If you’d value help with tight spaces, collision avoidance or hands-free driving around the house, the ev1c is worth the extra.

We get it. Choosing a powerchair is a big decision, and when two models look identical in photos, it’s hard to know where your money is going. This guide walks through what each one does, what they cost, and who each one suits, so you can make the right choice for you.

What both models have in common

Strutt calls the ev1 a “personal everyday vehicle” rather than a wheelchair, but in practice it’s a compact four-wheel powerchair. The ev1c came first in 2026. The ev1e was launched at IFA Berlin in September 2026 and is built on the same chassis.

That means whichever you choose, you get:

Four-motor drive with a wheel at each corner and 4-wheel independent suspension, for a stable, smooth ride on pavements, paths and uneven ground
Up to 8mph top speed on private land, with five speed settings so you can stick to 4mph on pavements and slow right down indoors
Up to 20 miles (32km) of range on the 640Wh lithium battery
Climbs slopes up to 13° and mounts kerbs and obstacles up to 5cm (2in)
Tight 780mm turning radius, handy in hallways and shops
160kg (25st) user weight limit
Splits into five modules for car transport, with the heaviest piece around 19.8kg
Adjustable seat, armrests and backrest to fit riders from around 150cm to over 190cm tall
Touchscreen and joystick that can be swapped to the left or right side
Rear-view camera and adjustable headlight
IPX5 water resistance, so a shower won’t stop you
App control and over-the-air updates, so the software keeps improving
Optional 288Wh flight-safe battery (up to 9 miles) if you want to take it on holiday, subject to your airline’s approval

The key differences

Smart driving: evSense

This is the big one. The ev1c has evSense, a 360° sensing system made up of 2 lidar sensors, 10 time-of-flight sensors, 6 ultrasonic sensors and 2 cameras. It powers a set of driving aids:

Co-Pilot gently brakes before you hit furniture or drop off an edge, and copes smoothly with people and pets around you
Co-Pilot+ adds automatic steering correction, which helps in narrow corridors and getting into lifts
Pathfinder lets you tap a spot on the map and have the chair guide itself there, even through tight spaces
Waypoints saves places around your home, so you can say “take me to the fridge” and off you go

The ev1e is described by Strutt as being for drivers who don’t need the advanced sensing of evSense. You still get the rear camera, app and voice assistant, but you’re in full control of the driving.

Range

Both go up to 20 miles on a full charge. There’s a small catch with the ev1c: running evSense uses power, and Strutt quotes around 16 miles with it switched on. You can switch it off on longer trips if you want the full range.

What’s in the box

The ev1c comes with the long-range battery and the fast charger included. On the ev1e, the fast charger is a recommended add-on, so factor that in when you compare prices. The fast charger takes the battery to 80% in about 2 hours.

Price

The ev1e costs £3,599 and the ev1c costs £5,199, both excluding VAT. That’s £1,600 extra for the smart version, so it’s worth being clear on whether you’ll use its features every day.

Comparison at a glance

Which one suits you?

Choose the ev1e if…

You’re a confident powerchair driver and don’t need help steering or stopping
You mainly use it outdoors: trips to the shops, along the seafront, days out with family
You want the four-motor stability and smooth ride without paying for tech you won’t use
You’d rather put the savings towards a fast charger, flight battery or storage accessories

Let’s say you’re in your sixties, you’ve used a scooter for years, and you want something more compact that you can take in the car. The ev1e gives you the same ride and range as the ev1c for a much lower price.

Choose the ev1c if…

Your home has tight corners, narrow doorways or a lift, and you’d value the chair steering and braking for you
You have reduced hand strength, fatigue or a condition that makes fine joystick control tiring
You’d like to move around the house hands-free using voice commands and saved spots
You often drive in busy places and want extra reassurance around people, pets and kerb edges

For example, if you live with MS and your hand control varies from day to day, Co-Pilot+ and Waypoints could make a real difference to how freely you move around your home.

When neither might be right

We’ll always be honest with you. The ev1 is a compact everyday chair, not a full rehab powerchair. If you need tilt-in-space, a riser seat, specialist seating or alternative controls such as head or chin drives, talk to us about other options. The same goes if you’re over 160kg or regularly tackle kerbs higher than 5cm.

Price, VAT relief and running costs

The ev1e is £3,599 exc. VAT. If you have a long-term illness or disability and the chair is for your personal use, you’re likely to qualify for VAT relief, which means you pay no VAT at all. You just fill in a short declaration when you order.

The ev1c is £5,199 exc. VAT, £1,600 more than the ev1e. Part of that gap is the fast charger, which the ev1c includes and you’d buy separately with the ev1e. The rest pays for evSense and its smart driving features.

A few other costs to plan for:

Accessories: the extended backrest, push handle, phone and cup mount, and storage bags are all sold separately
Flight-safe battery: the 288Wh battery is optional, and the 640Wh long-range battery isn’t allowed on planes
Insurance: we’d recommend cover for theft, damage and third-party liability for any powerchair at this price
Servicing: Strutt’s warranty covers repairs on most parts, with faulty modules swapped by post; wear parts such as tyres aren’t covered

Common questions

Can I use it on the road?

No. Neither the ev1e nor the ev1c is legal for use on the road. You can use them on pavements, in shops and indoors, where you must stick to 4mph. The higher speed settings are for private land only.

Is the ev1c self-driving?

Partly. Inside, Pathfinder and Waypoints can take you to a chosen spot with minimal input from the driver. Co-Pilot helps you avoid obstacles. You’re still the driver, and you can take over at any time.

Will it fit in my car?

Both models split into five pieces, with the heaviest around 19.8kg. Most hatchbacks and estates will take it, but it’s worth having someone help you lift the larger parts.

Can I take it on holiday?

Yes, with the optional 288Wh flight-safe battery. It gives about 9 miles of range. Always check with your airline before you book, as rules vary.

The short answer

Same ride, same range, different brains. Go for the ev1e if you want a stable, compact everyday powerchair at a sensible price. Go for the ev1c if smart driving aids will help you move around your home more freely.

Try the ev1e and ev1c for yourself

Reading about a powerchair only gets you so far. The best way to choose is to drive both.

We stock the Strutt ev1e and ev1c, so you can try them side by side and feel the difference for yourself. Pick whichever suits you:

Visit our showroom for a test drive and a chat with our mobility advisors
Book a free home demonstration, and we’ll bring both models to you, anywhere in the UK
Ask us anything by phone or email, with honest advice and no pressure to buy

Since 1977, we’ve helped thousands of people find the right powerchair, and our in-house team is here to support you long after you buy.

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