Best Lightweight Wheelchairs Reviewed

Benefits of Lightweight Wheelchairs

A lightweight wheelchair can be a preferable alternative to standard, heavier ones for a variety of reasons. Light wheelchairs are easier to push as they require less body strength, are often cheaper than heavy ones, and are easy to move or store. More benefits include increased responsiveness, smooth lifting, and flexible use for years to come.

Lightweight Wheelchairs Compared

Choosing a High-Quality Lightweight Wheelchair

Weight Capacity or Maximum Safe Working Limit (SWL)

Holding too much weight can make any machine unsafe, and wheelchairs are no exception. Almost all wheelchairs have a maximum safe working limit, or weight capacity, that is put in place to protect users and handlers. Standard wheelchair SWLs are often around 250 pounds, heavy-duty wheelchairs sit at about 500 pounds, and lightweight wheelchairs are often around 200 pounds. There are exceptions to the rule, but that is the average for each type.

Dimensions and Living Environment

Everybody is different, so finding the right size wheelchair for each user is essential for maximum comfort. Wheelchair dimensions are often around 36 inches high, 42 inches long, and 35 inches wide on average. Most descriptions often state seat width as overall width, but this does not always include wheels. Compact wheelchairs of a smaller width or size are available, with 22-inch lightweight wheelchairs being a popular option. When deciding on your size, consider the user's height, home environment, and everyday routine before selecting a wheelchair.

Design and Comfort

Comfort is key when it comes to wheelchairs; no-one wants to sit in an uncomfortable chair for hours on end. Upholstery and design go hand-in-hand when deciding the comfort level of any wheelchair. Foot and armrest style, frame style, stand up options, and other features can improve the user's overall experience with any model of wheelchair. For electric wheelchairs, the controller style and design are vital for optimum satisfaction.

Another important design feature is the drive wheel configuration. Drive wheels are a larger set of wheels that impact how the wheelchair moves and drives. These drive wheels can be placed in the front, middle, or back of the wheelchair for various reasons.

Front-drive wheels allow for increased traction, are lower to the ground, and are able to navigate tight corners. Rear-drive wheels are perfect for aggressive outdoor terrain, often come with independent suspension or shock absorbers, and lend more stability to the wheelchair. Centralized drive wheels combine the positive features of both front and rear drive wheels for intuitive driving and stable movement.

Battery Range and Speed

Lightweight wheelchairs come in two styles; manual and electric. Lightweight manual wheelchairs are the traditional style while electric wheelchairs are the modern alternative. Lightweight electric wheelchairs use chargeable lithium batteries to function, often two 12 volt batteries, that run at 4.3 km an hour on average.

On the other hand, manual wheelchairs can move at 3.9 km an hour on average. Lightweight motorized wheelchair batteries that have been fully charged can often run for 8 hours or 10-25 miles; battery health and age affect the length and distance over time.

Portability, Adjustability, and Maneuverability

Other essential factors to consider when choosing a wheelchair are portability, adjustability, and maneuverability. Arm and footrests are often adjustable, or upholstery may be removable, for example. Large drive wheels can help navigate obstacles such as sidewalks and tight corners for smooth rides and natural movement. Lightweight, portable wheelchairs are available and are often made of aluminum and can be folded for travel convenience.

Safety Features

Using a wheelchair for the first time can be a shaky experience, which is why there are several added safety features available to help. Some examples of safety features for wheelchairs include;

Price and Warranty

Another significant factor when purchasing a wheelchair is the price. Wheelchairs can cost anything in the range of $100 to $5,000, but lightweight wheelchairs often sit on the lower end of the spectrum. In terms of warranties, a wheelchair can be covered anywhere from one year to a lifetime. Reading the product description or label before purchase and reading folding wheelchair reviews can help you decide which wheelchair best fits your needs and budget.

1. Karman

2. Medline Mobility

3. Hi-Fortune

Weighing in at 21 pounds, Hi-Fortune's self-propelled wheelchair with travel bag and cushion is one of the best on the market. The magnesium alloy frame can support an SWL of 220 pounds.

There are no tools required for assembly; just clip and unfold. When folded, the chair folds to approximately the same size as a 29-inch suitcase and can fit in the travel bag provided. With convenient hand straps, swing leg rests, and both rear and hand brakes, safety is not an issue with this particular model.

Wilfred S was so impressed with their purchase that they left a glowing review on overstock.com:

4. Bangeran Fold n Go

Available in six different colors, the Bangeran ultra-lightweight motorized wheelchair is perfect for those looking for their next electric wheelchair. With a powerful lithium battery included with purchase, this model can drive up to 12 miles on one charge and can hold up to 265 pounds.

One of the few FDA and aviation approved electric wheelchairs; this model has a joystick, charger, and manual along with a seat belt and anti-tipper included with purchase. The plush cushions are comfortable and breathable, and the wheel provides a smooth ride no matter the terrain.

5. NOVA Transport Chair

Available in red and blue, the NOVA lightweight transport wheelchair has everything you need to make your trip as smooth as possible. The chair is well-made and weighs less than 30 pounds. Equipped with hand-brakes, a seatbelt, removable anti-tippers, and a storage pouch, wheelchair users can travel without worrying about losing items or tipping over.

The flip-up desk arms make transferring easy and safer than conventional wheelchair arms. The 12 inch rear drive wheels make turning and getting over obstacles a breeze. The removable footrests have heel loops for added comfort and safety.

6. Drive Medical Fly Lite

7. NOVA Bariatric

For those looking for a lightweight heavy-duty wheelchair, there are not many that rival the NOVA Bariatric Transport Chair. Capable of carrying up to 400 pounds, this chair has an extra-wide seat and adjustable seat belt to help any user.

The flip-up desk arms are perfect for sitting at desks, dining tables, or countertops without getting stuck. The rear hand grips are comfortable and have feather-touch hand brakes for maximum control over the chair's movement. There are also secondary wheel locks and heel loops for added safety.

8. Drive Medical

9. Medline

Wheelchair Wheel Types

Wheelchair wheels are usually made of tires, rims, spokes, and hubs, or some combination of them. There are three common types of tires; air-filled, also known as pneumatic, wheels give a smooth ride but can go flat if punctured.

Solid tires are tough and maintenance-free but provide a bumpy ride. Foam-filled tires will not puncture and give a softer ride than solid tires do. There are other styles, but those are reserved for professional sports wheelchairs. The above three can be used on both manual and electric wheelchairs.

Manual wheelchair drive wheels are also built this way and are roughly 24 inches each. Standard power wheelchair drive wheels are roughly 18 inches each and caster wheels start at around 3 inches each.

Wheelchair Safety and Maintenance Guidelines

General Safety Tips

Electric Wheelchair Safety Tips

Maintenance Guidelines

How to Assemble and Fold a Lightweight Wheelchair

Assembling a wheelchair is often not as daunting as it sounds. For manual wheelchairs, they often come in 1-4 parts and are assembled as follows;

Folding a wheelchair up

To fold a wheelchair up, simply follow these instructions:

Some lightweight folding wheelchairs can be stored in a bag provided, but this is not the standard for all folding wheelchairs.

Steps to Determine Wheelchair Appropriateness

Tips for Traveling with a Lightweight Wheelchair

Traveling with a lightweight travel wheelchair can be a confusing or stressful experience, especially for new users. Here are some tips to make your trip as smooth as possible:

People also Ask (FAQs)

Am I better off with a lighter chair or a more durable one?

The short answer is it depends. Lighter chairs are good for those with weak upper body strength, smaller budgets, and smaller storage spaces. Often, wheelchair users have a standard wheelchair for everyday use and a smaller foldable one for travel. If you are unsure which is best for you, consider your needs and budget and choose the chair that best fits those needs.

What is the average seat width of a lightweight wheelchair?

The average seat width of a wheelchair ranges between 16 inches and 20 inches.

What is the difference between transit wheelchair vs. self-propelled lightweight wheelchair?

Transit wheelchair vs. self-propelled ones are often confused terms. Transit wheelchairs are attendant-propelled and commonly used at airports or other travel stations; they often have smaller back wheels. Self-propelled wheelchairs are, as the name implies, propelled by the user and have larger back wheels to help with turning and movement.

Which is the best online store where one can purchase lightweight wheelchairs?

The best sites to purchase wheelchairs are often local specialist stores, brand sites, or Amazon. Make sure to research thoroughly and check for a warranty before purchase.

Conclusion

Buying, assembling, and using a lightweight wheelchair does not need to be a hassle. There are plenty of quality, budget-friendly, and safe options for everyone who needs one. While all of the options on our list are great, we would like to recommend the Karman and Medline Mobility the most. Make sure to check that the wheelchair is best for you before purchase. To see other wheelchair options, comparisons, and tips, we have more articles to help.