With the cost of an electric wheelchair so high, you need to be very certain you’re choosing the right one.
So what should you consider?
Well safety, quality, and comfort are the main factors.
Then of course budget, features, manoeuvrability, and battery life must be considered.
To save you time, money, and effort, I’ll break down all these factors in this guide.
I’ll also recommend the best electric wheelchairs that meet these requirements.
Best Electric Wheelchair
Forcemech Voyager R2 Power Wheelchair
- Bright and visible for safety.
- Strengthened metal alloy frame.
- Shock absorption springs in the front.
- Weight capacity of 265 lbs.
The makers of the Voyager R2 made it extremely visible by installing a bright yellow frame and adding rear reflective lights for safety.
It’s really light when compared to the other models on the market, weighing 43 lbs without batteries and 62 lbs in total.
The Voyager R2 comes with a turning radius of 32’’, and the front wheels have shock absorbers that make the ride very smooth.
They perform well on both hard and smooth surfaces, but they lack the traction and size for rough terrains. The tires are solid and puncture-resistant.
Lightweight and Adjustable
This is a lightweight model that can be easily folded and carried with absolutely no need for a lift gate.
The arms can be rotated out of the way, and the footrest can be adjusted up or down, but it can’t be removed.
With the Voyager R2, you’ll be able to travel at 4 mph for up to 16 miles as long as the batteries are fully charged.
Batteries and Warranty
You get 200W of motor strength, powered by 2 Lithium-ion, 6.6 Ah batteries, and you can buy extra batteries if needed.
With regards to warranty, you’ll get a 5-year-warranty for the frame, 2-year-warranty for the motors, and 1-year-warranty for the batteries.
What We Like
- Lightweight and easy to fold.
- Powerful batteries that stay charged.
- Smooth ride on flat surfaces.
What We Don’t Like
- Footrest can’t be removed.
Most Lightweight Wheelchair
Porto Mobility Ranger Lightweight Electric Wheelchair
- Dual 300W brushless motor.
- Easy to fold and transport.
- Adjustable armrest and footrest.
- Weight capacity of 360 lbs.
The Ranger electric lightweight wheelchair is quite an impressive product and should satisfy most of your needs. Its total weight is only 58.5 lbs, even with both batteries included!
Users weighing up to 360 lbs will be able to travel for 20 miles at 6 mph, and this model doesn’t require switching batteries, as it draws power from both batteries at the same time.
We really liked the convenience of charging the batteries without removing them, but you can charge them off-board as well, if that what you prefer.
Performs well on flat surfaces and rough terrains
The ranger sports a comfy seat with a 3’’ cushion. The wheels are slightly bigger than the Voyager’s, and they perform well on flat surfaces and on rough terrains.
The turning circle is set at 33’’ and both the armrests and the footrests are adjustable and can be moved out of the way for easy transfer and access to dining tables.
Storage and Warranty
The Ranger offers accessible storage space placed under the seat and it comes with a 4-year-warranty for the frame, 2-years for the dual 300W brushless motor, and 1-year for the batteries.
What We Like
- Lightweight and powerful.
- Great wheel traction.
- Easy to fold and transport.
What We Don’t Like
- Heavy to be lifted by the elderly.
Best For Folding
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The ComfyGO will perform well on all terrains including grass, mud, and snow.
If you need an electric wheelchair that is convenient for transport and literally folds in 5 seconds, this is the one.
This wheelchair is also suitable for people that don’t have much transport room, as it will easily fit in the trunk of a car, or a van.
Weight and Battery
Weighing 64 lbs, this one’s not exactly lightweight, however, it comes with a single battery that allows you to travel for up to 10 miles with a maximum speed of 4 mph.
The best part is that even though the manufacturers guarantee a battery range of 10 miles, many users have reported up to 13 miles.
Comfort and Warranty
Though the ComfyGO is extremely easy to maneuver with a sharp turning radius of 20’’, one has to be very careful with it. The movement is quite sensitive and it will take some practice to get used to it.
On the other hand, it is very comfortable to sit in and comes with a breathable backrest and seat.
It also comes with a 3-year warranty for the frame, 1-year for the motor and joystick, and 6 months for the battery.
What We Like
- Performs well outdoors.
- Easy to transport.
- Comfortable for longer use.
What We Don’t Like
- The controller has a learning curve.
Ideal For Outdoor Use
Porto Mobility Ranger Weatherproof & All Terrain
- Performs well on all terrains.
- 52 lbs of weight; batteries excluded.
- Turn radius 31.5’’.
- Weight capacity of 350 lbs.
This all-terrain Ranger comes with 2 quick-release batteries that will take you up to 16 miles when they’re fully charged.
It has puncture-free tires that perform well on all terrains and will allow you to make turns at a 31.5’’ radius.
Adjustability and Storage
The armrests are adjustable and the wheelchair is foldable in seconds thanks to the release latch under the seat.
Once you’re ready to fold it, you’ll just need to remove the joystick and place it in the storage bag which can also be found under the seat.
The travel case mentioned in this brand’s description is actually a weatherproof cover, so you wouldn’t be able to pack the wheelchair inside it.
To ensure their electric wheelchairs are safe while being handled by airport staff, most customers have chosen to use Velcro.
Comfort and Warranty
This weatherproof all-terrain wheelchair is comfortable and performs well, both indoors and outdoors.
Whether you’re moving around your home or going to the mall, this amazing product offers a smooth ride and is well worth the money.
The Porto mobility brand offers a standard warranty on all their products, which is 6 months for the battery and 1-year for the motor and controller.
The only downside we found regarding user experience is that the user manual is a bit difficult to comprehend.
What We Like
- All-terrain comfort.
- Weatherproof Cover.
- Sharp turning radius.
- Lightweight and sturdy.
What We Don’t Like
- Unclear user manual.
Most Affordable Chair
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If you need a truly lightweight wheelchair that performs well on all terrains, give the EBEI super lightweight electric wheelchair a try.
It folds to the size of a suitcase within seconds and once opened it can take you up to 9 miles as long as the battery is fully charged.
The price is also competitive when compared to the other models on our list and though there’s no storage bag under the seat, there are two storage pouches in the back.
Warranty
The EBEI company really stands behind their product. They have fairly good customer service and are known to help their users easily replace any parts when needed.
They also offer a one-year warranty on all parts.
It comes with a 220V cord for charging which surprised some customers, luckily they soon found out that it comes with an adapter as well.
You are allowed to return this wheelchair if you realize it’s not a good fit for you, however, you will be responsible to pay the shipping costs.
What We Like
- Ultra Light-weight.
- Easy to clean.
What We Don’t Like
- No storage compartment under the seat.
High-End Electric Wheelchair
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The Karman Full Power Stand Up Chair will be a life-changing experience for some users.
Why?
Because this high-end electric wheelchair can be raised and driven while the user is standing. It’s a simple adjustment that will help with pressure sores and blood flow.
So how will they stand?
In order to keep the user safe and feeling fully supported in a stand-up position, Karman has included a chest strap, a belt for the waist, and a wedge for the knees.
They’ve also included casters in the front to support smooth movement while the user is standing.
The footrests can be adjusted for height and angle, and the armrests can be flipped back as well.
Batteries and Tires
The Full Power Stand Up Chair has two 12V batteries that will take you up to 25 miles, which is the best available distance on our list.
Transportation and Warranty
The only downside to this wheelchair is its weight. It is 160 lbs with the batteries included, so you would need a certain kind of lift installed if you wish to transport it.
The Karman Full Power comes with a 3-year warranty for the frame plus 1-year for the motor and electric components.
What We Like
- Ability to stand up in your wheelchair.
- Smooth ride.
- 25 miles of travel.
What We Don’t Like
- Heavy and difficult to transport.
How Do You Choose A Chair?
Wheel Drive
Some wheelchairs were made for flat surfaces only, while others take you smoothly over various terrains.
Where it can go, fully depends on the wheel drive the model comes with, is it a front, mid, or rear-wheel drive?
Front and rear-wheel drives, both give you a smooth ride and perform well outdoors, while the mid-wheel drive is best for those that need to navigate themselves in smaller spaces, like homes and offices.
Both options have been included in our list.
Battery Range
This feature refers to the miles you have available before you run out of battery.
In our list, we’ve included multiple different ranges with our lowest being 9 miles and highest being 25 miles on a single charge.
The rule of thumb is; the further the better, but if you don’t need to travel long distances, you can save money by choosing a wheelchair that supports fewer miles.
Also, make sure you understand that the number of miles is an estimate and may vary depending on the user’s weight and the roughness of the terrain.
Turning Circle
This refers to the u-turn that your wheelchair can make.
If you need to navigate tight spots, you’ll need a smaller turning radius.
Also, keep in mind that heavier chairs will have a larger turning radius because they are bulkier.
Warranty
An electric wheelchair can be quite an investment, so it’s important to protect your investment by making sure you get a good warranty.
Some wheelchairs won’t show any issues in the first 6 months, so having a longer amount of time for your warranty is always preferable.
There are certain wheelchair companies that do not offer a warranty, and we were intentional about not including them in this list.
Comfort
The comfort factor is always important, but the level of comfort required will vary depending on how many hours they’ll be spending in the chair.
A good ergonomic seat is a must and in our list, we explain this feature, judged exclusively on user experience.
Folding
If you need to travel often or transport the electric wheelchair between floors, get a wheelchair that can be easily folded and carried.
This feature will be extremely useful for the caregiver or the flight attendant.
Folding a wheelchair might not seem like a big deal to the novice user, but having to transport a wheelchair that doesn’t fold easily gets old, really fast. Most of the items on our list fold in seconds.
Adjustability
Some models of electric wheelchairs give you the option to recline, stretch the footrests, lift the armrests, or adjust the height of the headrest.
Any and every one of those options will mean added comfort to the user, which is the most important thing.
A non-negotiable when it comes to adjustability is armrests that can be flipped out of the way. This will enable the user to join you at a dining table or a work-related meeting.
Other Recommended Electric Chairs
Vive Electric Wheelchair Power Transport Chair
The Vive electric chair was built for ease of use. It will take you smoothly over all terrains and supports up to 260 lbs of weight.
It travels up to 6 miles on a single charge and is padded with thick foam for comfort.
What’s really interesting though, is the 0” turning radius which will help you navigate any space no matter how tight it gets. The manufacturer gives this model a 3-year limited warranty.
Innuovo Lightweight Foldable Electric Wheelchair
If you need a lightweight wheelchair that weighs as little as possible, this Innuovo model comes at 50 lbs, with the batteries included.
It supports 265 lbs of user weight and is recommended by doctors for people wanting to avoid bedsores.
It comes with a 33’’ turning radius and the ergonomic seat & backrest design will ensure a comfortable experience while protecting the user’s back and neck.
Sentire Med Forza FCX Deluxe Power Mobility Aid Chair
The Forza FCX is a strong 67 lbs wheelchair that supports users weighing up to 360 lbs. It comes with two 250W motors that have enough power to go up 15-degree hills and inclines.
The tires on this one are puncture-free and the batteries will support 20 miles of driving. The backrest can be adjusted for height and the entire chair folds in seconds.
Moreover, Sentire Med is a brand well-known among users for their excellent customer service.
Jazzy Passport Power Electric Wheelchair
If we could describe the Jazzy passport with one word, it would definitely be – “convenience”
This wheelchair folds easily, it comes with mesh storage under the seat and it offers a large foot platform.
It is operated with the touch of a button and can be maneuvered with ease.
Regarding weight, this one’s on the heavy side (compared to other models on our list) it weighs 76 lbs in total, and users up to 250 lbs will feel comfortable sitting on its foam seat.
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If you’re looking for the longest amount of warranty, consider this wheelchair.
It comes with a 5-year-warranty for the frame and electric components plus 6 months for the battery.
Weighing only 50 lbs with the batteries included, it is clearly a lightweight model. It also folds with ease and can be placed in the trunk of a car effortlessly.
Its weight capacity is 265 lbs, and it sports a breathable seat cushion and shock absorbing front wheels.
The wheelchair uses 2 batteries and draws power from a single battery for 6 miles. When the first battery runs out of power, you’ll need to replace it with the second battery for a total distance of 12 miles.
The manufacturer recommends wearing the seat belt for your safety and they send you a travel cover for your wheelchair’s safety. The cover protects it from light rain, dust, etc.