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An electric wheelchair, more commonly known as a power wheelchair, gives the gift of mobility to people otherwise bound to their homes due to illness, stroke or injury. “I have one in my garage right now for zooming around the yard and doing yard work,” says Bill Fertig, the Virginia Beach-based director of the United Spinal Association Resource Center. These devices usually have four to six wheels, which help with stability, and are powered by batteries that generally last around 10 miles before needing to be recharged.
To choose the best electric wheelchairs, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on over 100 products from top brands, evaluating them based on price, product weight, maximum weight capacity, travel range, top travel speed, portability and more. Read on to see which electric wheelchairs made our list.
Note: Prices are accurate as of the publication date.
This folding power chair is made of a durable, lightweight aluminum alloy, making it ultra convenient for travel. Its seat is 18.5 inches wide, the wheelchair is 25 inches wide, and its turning radius is 31.5 inches. The control panel can be placed on either side of the chair to suit both left- and right-handed users. Furthermore, the battery fully charges in three hours to cover a maximum distance of 15 miles at a top speed of 5 miles per hour.
This sleek power wheelchair is made of a durable yet lightweight aluminum alloy, making transport, travel and storage easy. It also features a 12-inch rear-wheel system that provides improved performance on all surfaces, according to the company. The joystick controller can be mounted on the left or right side, and the battery fully charges in three hours to cover a maximum distance of 15 miles at a top speed of 5 miles per hour.
This Model H wheelchair can be used manually or with its power controls, depending on the user’s preferences during any given situation. The lightweight aluminum alloy frame keeps the chair weight under 40 pounds—without compromising its maximum weight capacity—and the 22-inch rear-wheel system keeps users stable and supported on any surface, according to the company. The battery fully charges in three hours to cover a maximum distance of 15 miles at a top speed of 5 miles per hour.
This lightweight power chair from Pride Mobility folds in a few simple steps and includes a number of storage options, making it a solid choice for users who travel often. It even features a mesh cup holder at the end of one of the armrests. The joystick controller can be mounted on either the left or right side, and the battery fully charges in three hours to cover a maximum distance of 10.5 miles at a top speed of 3.6 miles per hour.
Read our review of Jazzy electric wheelchairs here.
This power wheelchair from eVolt folds and unfolds with the push of a button, making transport a breeze. Similar to other models on our list, its lightweight aluminum alloy construction keeps it under 50 pounds. The joystick controller can be mounted on either the left or right side, and the battery fully charges in three hours to cover a maximum distance of 12 miles at a top speed of 5 miles per hour. The special edition model features a 12-inch rear-wheel system for better performance on all surfaces, according to the company.
This tough electric wheelchair works well on rough road conditions and can navigate sudden weather changes. While its high-performance batteries take six hours to charge, they minimize time between charges and can travel up to 18 miles on a single charge at a top speed of 4.5 miles per hour. The foldable joystick controller can be mounted on either the left or right side of the chair, and the chair has among the best weight capacity of any pick on our list.
Have you considered Move Lite Folding Power Chair?
Made from durable, lightweight aircraft quality aluminum making it extremely durable and able to hold up to 300 lbs. Here's why we chose it:
This Ewheels wheelchair is both durable and versatile—an ideal pairing for users who lead an active lifestyle. While slightly heavier than other products on our list, this chair’s frame folds easily for transport, and it’s approved for air travel. What’s more, its battery fully charges in three hours to cover a maximum distance of 15 miles at a top speed of 5 miles per hour. It also offers a tight turning radius of 31.5 inches, helping users get where they need to go.
Made of a sturdy aluminum alloy, this super lightweight wheelchair is a convenient choice for travel. It’s easy to store, whether you’re in a car or on an airplane. The battery fully charges in three hours to cover a maximum distance of 13 miles at a top speed of 3.7 miles per hour. The joystick controller can be mounted on the left or right side of the chair based on user preferences, and the chair features a 9.8-inch rear-wheel system that performs well on all surfaces, according to the company.
This sleek power wheelchair model from EZ Lite Cruiser is small but mighty. It can fold to fit in the trunk of a standard sedan, and a 5-hour battery charge time supports a travel distance of up to 10 miles and a top speed of 5 miles per hour. The narrow design works particularly well for smaller users and those navigating tighter spaces, and it disassembles into three pieces for easier transport. Meanwhile, five reclining positions in the chair’s back support ensures a comfortable ride.
Have you considered Move Lite Folding Power Chair?
Made from durable, lightweight aircraft quality aluminum making it extremely durable and able to hold up to 300 lbs. Here's why we chose it:
If comfort is your focus, consider this heavier-but-well-cushioned power wheelchair from Golden Technologies. It features a high chair back, two seat width options, adjustable and raisable armrests and a larger footplate. Meanwhile, the battery fully charges in three hours to cover a maximum distance of 15 miles at a top speed of 4.3 miles per hour. Users can also choose to mount the joystick controller on the left or right side of the chair.
To determine the best electric wheelchairs on the market, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on over 100 products from top brands, evaluating them based on:
An electric wheelchair—also called a powered or motorized wheelchair—is a four- or six-wheel chair with a motor that runs on one or two batteries. These wheelchairs are maneuvered with a joystick and require no upper body strength. Powered wheelchair varieties range from simple, standard wheelchairs for short-term use to highly customized versions for more complex and long-term needs.
Cory Lee, 31, of Georgia has been in a wheelchair since he was 4 years old. He’s also an avid traveler—he’s hot air ballooned in Israel, floated in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland and had a run-in with a hippopotamus in South Africa—and an expert in traveling in a wheelchair. Over the course of his life, Lee has used many different sizes and types of wheelchairs—and knows the importance of buying the right one.
Electric wheelchairs like the ones used by Lee fall into a category called complex rehabilitation technology, or CRT. “These wheelchairs are measured and built specifically to meet each individual’s unique needs,” says Angie Kiger, a clinical strategy and educational manager at Sunrise Medical, a California-based wheelchair manufacturer. This technology includes multiple positioning options, advanced electronics and controls, adjustments for orthopedic issues and accommodations for ventilators.
When people lose the ability to walk, they turn to motorized vehicles, such as a mobility scooter or a powered wheelchair. Mobility scooters are three- or four-wheel vehicles that aren’t highly customizable. Electric wheelchairs usually feature four to six wheels and can be designed to the user’s specifications. “A mobility scooter is for people who have some mobility who can transfer in and out of it,” says Lee.
A powered wheelchair can be a helpful alternative or necessity for anyone unable to operate a wheelchair manually. People who cannot walk due to a permanent or progressive illness that causes disability can benefit significantly from an electric wheelchair.
If you’re new to the world of powered wheelchairs, check out the following types online or at a medical supply store:
Once you’ve determined which type of wheelchair would best suit your needs, consider comfort features that come standard or at an additional cost, as well as the wheelchair’s maximum weight capacity and accompanying batteries.
“The most important factor in choosing a wheelchair? Comfort,” says Lee. Here are a few features to consider:
“The average power chair can carry up to 350 pounds and run over most surfaces that a client might wish to traverse,” says Thomas Henley, the owner of Henley Medical in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
“Most power chairs have two batteries and cost about $250 to $300 each,” says Henley.
Most electric wheelchairs can travel about 10 miles on a full charge, so some people choose to charge them every night or every other night, says Lee. As for average battery life, Lee says he’s had batteries last anywhere from three to five years. The lifespan of a battery depends on many factors, including how often it’s charged and how much the wheelchair is used.
Prices for electric wheelchairs can range from $2,000 for a standard, portable power wheelchair like the Pride Go Chair to $6,000 for a fully adjustable and highly maneuverable model like the Quickie Q500 M Power Wheelchair.
Meanwhile, highly customized electric wheelchairs can cost much more—anywhere between $12,000 and $50,000, according to Henley. And it’s rare for a funding source, be it Medicare or private health insurance, to come close to covering the full retail price.
How you plan to pay for an electric wheelchair can play a significant role in determining your range of wheelchair choices. To help navigate payment options, The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation provides fact sheets, videos and access to information specialists for people learning about the funding process.
To be reimbursed for an electric wheelchair through Medicare, a doctor must prescribe the chair as a medical necessity. Wheelchairs fall under the durable medical equipment (DME) category of Medicare Part B, but Medicare is very restrictive about who can receive reimbursement for a powered wheelchair.
“Under Medicare guidelines, you cannot have any ambulation to get [a wheelchair],” says Bernadette Mauro, director of information and research services at the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. No ambulation means the user cannot walk or stand at all.
Next, you must coordinate a meeting with a certified occupational therapist or physical therapist and a Medicare-approved supplier of wheelchairs so they can evaluate your abilities and needs, and submit the proper forms.
From submitting the necessary information to Medicare to finally receiving a custom wheelchair, the process can take four months to a year, says Kiger.
Private insurance companies are no more flexible than Medicare when it comes to funding an electric wheelchair. “Medicare guidelines are used by almost every insurance company,” says Mauro.
It’s possible to pay for an electric wheelchair out-of-pocket if insurance coverage is not available.
Warranties from manufacturers generally last one to two years, says Henley, covering motors, electronics, joysticks and frames, but not tires, seats or back cushions.
Return policies vary, and many suppliers will not accept returns, he adds. Ask your supplier about their policy before finalizing a purchase.
Wheelchair casters, tires, arm pads and bearings often need replacing. “Quality dependable service is of great importance,” says Henley. “Research the history of the service department of the dealer from whom you plan to buy a chair,” he adds, recommending talking to others who’ve used that particular store. The lifespan of parts depends on how much a powered wheelchair is used and how well it’s maintained. Keep in mind that Medicare allows for a new power wheelchair every five years.
It’s important to make sure the wheelchair you want will fit in your home. An occupational therapist can help you determine the height and width of the wheelchair and compare that to the width of your hallways, doorways and the space in your bathroom and kitchen. Other considerations include whether you need to add a ramp to your home or move the bedroom to the first floor. If Medicare coverage is an option, your chosen supplier will help with fitting.
“The wheelchair provider is required by Medicare to make a home visit to ensure the equipment will work in the client’s homes,” says Kiger. “Home evaluation often includes measuring steps and doorways… Medicare wants to know that the wheelchair will improve mobility-related activities of daily living.”
Light Yet Powerful Foldable Wheelchair
The Move Lite folding power chair folds into ONE piece (no dis-assembly). Easily fits in the trunk of most vehicles allowing you the freedom to travel, shop or the park and to do the things you enjoy.
The electric wheelchairs included on our list have maximum speeds ranging from 3.3 mph to 5 mph.
The weight of an electric wheelchair will depend on the type of chair and its weight capacity. Lightweight electric wheelchairs typically weigh between 30 to 60 pounds, while heavy-duty electric wheelchairs can weigh between 150 pounds to 300 pounds or more.
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Angela Haupt has been a health writer and editor for more than a decade. She was previously the managing editor of health at U.S. News & World Report, where she spent 11 years covering and editing wellness and conditions topics. She helped launch the popular Best Diets rankings and continued to oversee the franchise throughout her time there. Angela has also written about health and wellness for publications such as the Washington Post, USA Today, Everyday Health and Verywell Fit. She’s passionate about helping people make healthier decisions through accurate journalism that delivers the facts and puts them in context.
Alena is a professional writer, editor and manager with a lifelong passion for helping others live well. She is also a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and a functional medicine certified health coach. She brings more than a decade of media experience to Forbes Health, with a keen focus on building content strategy, ensuring top content quality and empowering readers to make the best health and wellness decisions for themselves.
Folding Electric Wheelchairs Robby has spent his career in a variety of writing, editing and storytelling roles. He now resides near Birmingham, Alabama, with his wife and three kids. He enjoys woodworking, playing rec league soccer and supporting chaotic, downtrodden sports franchises like the Miami Dolphins and Tottenham Hotspur.