Glide Products

What Glide Products does

Glide Products is an Australian privately held wheelchair manufacturer founded in the early 1970s in Perth, Western Australia, and now headquartered at a 20,132-square-metre facility in Wangara. The company designs, manufactures, and sells manual wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs (including the Centro and Centro 2.0 lines), paediatric, bariatric, and heavy-duty chairs, plus power add-ons and custom seating solutions. Proprietary technology includes the patented Pozi-Track 6-wheel APT suspension and, through a November 2024 partnership with Create it REAL, 3D-printed Programmable Foam seating manufactured at Australia's first SeatMaker hub in Wangara; CNC-carved foam and Stabilo vacuum positioning cushions (manufactured in Krakow) round out the seating portfolio.

The company operates a hybrid go-to-market combining a national Australian distributor network with free trials, a direct e-commerce storefront (glide.com.au), and a Western Australian showroom and service hub. Revenue streams include wheelchair hardware sales (both proprietary Glide brands and resold third-party lines such as Robooter, Invacare, Motion Composites, Alber, and Klaxon), spare parts and accessories (689 SKUs), equipment hire (300+ units within Perth Metro and up to 150km radius), service and repair across all brands, and bespoke custom seating assessments. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, with NDIS funding pathways likely material to demand.

Glide is led by CEO Peter Green and Director Steven Walsh, with a workforce characterised by deep tenure (235 years of combined manufacturing experience and many staff with 10–30 year tenures). The customer base spans individual end-users (paediatric, bariatric, complex postural needs), healthcare providers, and NDIS participants, with no disclosed enterprise anchor accounts. No external institutional investment, funding rounds, or revenue figures are publicly disclosed.

Name

Glide Products

Legal name

Glide Products

Website

https://glide.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

1970

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Glide Products is a privately held Australian wheelchair manufacturer founded in the 1970s, designing and producing manual and powered wheelchairs, paediatric and bariatric models, and custom 3D-printed seating from its Wangara facility for individual users, healthcare providers, and NDIS participants across Australia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Mobility Equipment Manufacturing

SIC

Orthopedic, Prosthetic & Surgical Appliances & Supplies (3842)

akta.pro primary industry

Mobility Aids (Wheelchairs, Scooters, Walkers, Canes) (HLAHAMAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Seating & Positioning Systems (Cushions, Backs, Pressure Relief) (HLAHAMAB), Home Mobility & Accessibility Equipment (Ramps, Stair Lifts, Transfer Aids) (HSABAKAB), Hospital Bed, Lift & Transfer Equipment (Beds, Hoyer Lifts, Slings) (HSABAKAF)

Keywords

• Manual wheelchairs
• Powered wheelchairs
• Custom wheelchair seating
• Mobility equipment
• Paediatric wheelchairs

Headquarters

HQ city

Perth

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Wheelchair Sales: Sales of manual and powered wheelchairs including paediatric, heavy duty, and custom configurations. Revenue from both proprietary Glide-brand products and resold third-party brands.
2. Spare Parts & Accessories: Extensive range of spare parts, accessories, colours, and upholstery for wheelchairs. Includes 689 spare parts across multiple categories.
3. Equipment Hire: Short-term and long-term mobility equipment rental including manual and powered wheelchairs, beds, hoists, commodes, and scooters. Over 300 units available.
4. Service & Repair: Service and maintenance for all brands of wheelchairs, beds, hoists, vehicle hoists, and commodes.
5. Custom Seating Solutions: Custom contoured seating including 3D printed, carved foam, and moulded solutions manufactured in Perth.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Glide Products designs, manufactures, and distributes high-quality manual and powered wheelchairs (including paediatric, bariatric, and vertical-lift configurations), custom contoured seating (3D printed and CNC carved foam), power add-ons, and the Stabilo vacuum positioning system, all built in Australia. The company also offers equipment hire, free trials, and multi-brand service and repair.

Product overview

Glide Products is one of Australia's leading manufacturers of high-quality manual and powered wheelchairs, with over 50 years of experience. The company operates a platform-plus-products model, offering its own Australian-manufactured wheelchair lines (Centro 2.0, Centro, ElectraGlide, TiltGlide, ComfortGlide, LightGlide G2, DailyGlide G3, SmoothGlide G1, WardGlide, Glide Global, and paediatrics including RocketGlide, JetGlide, RoboGlide, NipperGlide, NiftyGlide, HeroGlide) alongside distributed products from brands like Robooter, Invacare, Motion Composites, Alber, and Klaxon. The portfolio includes power add-ons (JoyGlide, BoostGlide, MAX-E, SMOOV One, E-Fix, E-motion, Klick range, VMax range) and custom seating solutions (3D printed programmable foam seating, CNC carved foam, Stabilo vacuum positioning system). Services include equipment hire, repair/maintenance, and free trials. The company recently opened a 20,132 sqm facility in Wangara, WA, featuring R&D center and new lean production processes.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Stabilo System: A range of vacuum cushion positioning products for therapeutic fitting, rehabilitation, and bathing support, manufactured in Krakow.

Products and services

• Centro 2.0 Powered wheelchair with vertical lift capability raising users up to 30cm, featuring optional Memory Positioning for personalised seating (up to 15 positions) and Shear Reduction Backrest, designed and manufactured in Australia.
• Centro Mid-wheel-drive powered wheelchair designed and manufactured in Australia, providing stability and trouble-free service in standard and vertical lift configurations.
• ElectraGlide (Series 4) Lightweight rear-wheel-drive powered wheelchair with folding mechanism for transport and storage, constructed with an aluminium frame.
• TiltGlide (Series 6) Tilt-in-space powered wheelchair with electronic tilting mechanism for pressure relief and positioning.
• ComfortGlide (Series 7) Tilt-in-space powered wheelchair designed for comfort and pressure management.
• Robooter E80 Premium powered wheelchair with advanced features and robust construction.
• Robooter E60 Pro Powered wheelchair with adjustable armrest width, reclining back options (8-38 degrees), 12-inch wheels and top speed of 10km/h.
• Robooter E60 Top-tier outdoor powered wheelchair designed for diverse outdoor adventures with high endurance and swift speeds.
• Robooter E40 Sleek, foldable electric wheelchair combining performance, portability, and style.
• Robooter X40 Standard powered wheelchair with compact folding design for easy transport.
• Centro Bariatric Heavy-duty powered wheelchair with 250kg weight capacity and seat widths from 49cm to 73cm.
• LightGlide G2 Lightweight manual wheelchair that is sturdily built and easily folded for storage or travel.
• DailyGlide G3 Standard manual wheelchair with reliable construction and easy folding mechanism for daily use.
• SmoothGlide G1 Standard folding manual wheelchair with lightweight yet sturdy construction.
• WardGlide Manual wheelchair designed for institutional or ward use with sturdy construction.
• Glide Global Standard folding manual wheelchair with 150kg weight capacity and multiple seat width options.
• Daily G3 Heavy Duty Manual bariatric wheelchair for occupants up to 180kg with 40cm to 60cm seat widths.
• NipperGlide Paediatric manual wheelchair with seat widths of 34cm or 37cm, featuring folding frame and aluminium footplate leg rests.
• NiftyGlide Manual wheelchair for young children with seat widths of 34cm or 37cm and folding frame for transport/storage.
• RocketGlide Rear-wheel-drive electric wheelchair for children constructed with lightweight aluminium for increased battery endurance and range.
• HeroGlide Paediatric manual wheelchair with 100kg weight capacity and seat widths of 31cm, 34cm, 37cm.
• JetGlide Lightweight powered wheelchair for children controlled with an easy-to-use jet pilot joystick.
• RoboGlide Compact powered wheelchair for children with customisable seating platform that can be adjusted as the child grows.
• JoyGlide Lightweight powered wheelchair add-on controlled with an easy-to-use joystick for manual wheelchair conversion.
• BoostGlide Pushrim-activated power assist system that operates like a manual wheelchair with added power motor for independence.
• MAX-E Compact and powerful auxiliary drive for manual wheelchairs enabling both indoor and outdoor travel.
• SMOOV One Innovative electric drive that docks on and off a wheelchair for extra power when needed.
• E-Fix Electric add-on drive from Alber that turns manual wheelchairs into transportable electric wheelchairs.
• E-motion Pushrim-activated power assist system for manual wheelchairs.
• E-Pilot Adds motorcycle-style handles and a large powered front wheel to any manual wheelchair.
• Servo Pushrim-activated power assist enabling wheelchair users with limited strength to move independently.
• Solo Joystick-controlled power add-on for manual wheelchairs with 165kg capacity.
• VMax2 Pushing and braking aid making it easier to negotiate inclines and extending personal radius of action.
• VMax Mini Compact attendant power assist supporting caregivers with easy handling and a user-friendly operating unit.
• VMax Plus Power assist tailored for moving bariatric patients and users with 300kg capacity.
• Twion Pushrim-activated power assist drive for enhanced independence.
• Klick Electric Electric pull power add-on for manual wheelchairs.
• Klick Hybrid Combines physical activity with hybrid technology and an intelligent motor that assists pedaling with complementary push.
• Klick Mini Smallest in the Klick range, foldable and compact, suitable for plane travel.
• Klick Monster Heavy-duty pull power add-on for bariatric manual wheelchairs.
• Custom Contoured 3D Printed Seating Custom contoured seating produced using 3D printing with TPU material, offering zero-waste production, dust-free manufacturing, and certified skin-contact material.
• Custom Contoured Carved Foam Seating Custom contoured seating manufactured using CNC carving technology at Glide's Perth factory.
• FX3D Cushion Custom contoured 3D cushion for positioning and pressure management.
• Stabilo System Vacuum positioning cushions manufactured in Krakow with high-quality materials, including Beanseat, Grande, Base, Confortable cushions, armrests, headrests, and positioning accessories for therapeutic fitting, rehabilitation, and bathing support.
• Invacare Ramps Mobility ramps for wheelchair access in daily living applications.
• Mobility Equipment Hire Short-term and long-term hire of manual and powered wheelchairs, beds, hoists, commodes, and mobility scooters across the Perth Metro region and up to 150km from Perth.
• Service and Maintenance Service and maintenance for all brands of wheelchairs, beds, hoists, vehicle hoists, and commodes.

Quantifiable outcome

• Vertical Lift raises seat by 30cm for eye-level communication
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Create it REALcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 November 2024Strategic partnership to bring Programmable Foam® technology to Australia. Create it REAL provides 3D printing technology for custom wheelchair seating aids made from soft TPU. Glide acquired an Embrace Seat solution and opened a local 3D print hub at their Wangara facility. The technology enables multi-hardness zones in seating, zero waste production, and dust-free manufacturing with skin-contact certification without post-production.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Invacare: Large diversified DME manufacturer covering wheelchairs, beds, and hoists. Already a partner brand distributed by Glide, but also a competitor across overlapping mobility and home-care categories in Australia.
• Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare: Broad-line DME provider with power wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, beds, and patient handling. Competitor at the value and mid tiers where Glide also operates.

Direct peers

• Ottobock: German maker of power wheelchairs, custom seating, and rehabilitation products. Comparable to Glide in pediatric, complex seating, and powered mobility categories including through partnered add-on brands such as Alber.
• Hoveround: US-based power wheelchair manufacturer and direct-to-consumer retailer. Similar full-lifecycle model (sale + service) and comparable mid-drive powered chair range to Glide's Centro products.
• Permobil: Specialist in premium powered wheelchairs and custom seating ( Corpus, M-Series). Overlaps Glide on powered mobility for complex postural needs and high-end seating customization.
• Pride Mobility: Major US-based manufacturer of powered wheelchairs and scooters (Jazzy, Go Chair). Comparable mid-wheel and rear-wheel drive lineup that competes with Glide's Centro and ElectraGlide ranges.
• Motion Composites: Canadian manufacturer of ultralight carbon-fiber manual wheelchairs. Glide distributes a Motion Composites line in Australia while also building competing lightweight manual chairs (LightGlide, DailyGlide).
• Sunrise Medical: Global manufacturer of manual and powered wheelchairs (Quickie, Zippie, Magic Mobility). Directly comparable to Glide across paediatric, bariatric, and powered mobility segments with a similar emphasis on customisation.

Emerging players

• WHILL: Japanese/US designer of premium stylish powered wheelchairs with strong customisation and technology branding. Comparable to Glide's premium powered tier (Centro 2.0) on positioning and design-led consumer experience.

Regional players

• Meyra Group: European wheelchair and rehab equipment manufacturer with comparable manual, powered, paediatric, and custom seating lines. Lacks Australian presence but addresses similar customer needs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@glideproducts5792
• Facebookfacebook.com/GlideProductsAustralia
• LinkedInau.linkedin.com/company/glideproducts
• Instagraminstagram.com/glidewheelchairs

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Glide Products