The editors of Forbes Health are independent and objective. To support our reporting efforts and continue to provide this content to our readers for free, we receive compensation from companies that advertise on the Forbes Health website. This compensation comes from two main sources. First, we offer advertisers paid placements to showcase their offerings. The compensation we receive for these placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the Site. This website does not include all companies or products that are available on the market. Second, we also include links to advertiser offers in some of our articles; these “affiliate links” may generate revenue for our site when you click on them.
The rewards we receive from advertisers do not affect the recommendations or suggestions our editorial staff make on our articles or otherwise affect any editorial content on Forbes Health. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information that we believe will be relevant to you, Forbes Health does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties as to its accuracy or its suitability for gender.
Electric wheelchairs, commonly referred to as electric wheelchairs, provide mobility for people who are forced to stay at home due to illness, stroke, or injury. “Now I have one in my garage to move around and work in the yard,” says Bill Fertig, director of the United Spine Society Resource Center in Virginia Beach. The units typically have four to six wheels to help provide stability, and are powered by batteries that typically last about 10 miles before needing to be recharged.
To select the best electric wheelchair, Forbes Health reviewed data from over 100 products from leading brands, ranking them based on price, product weight, maximum load capacity, range, maximum speed, portability and more. Read on to find out which electric wheelchairs made our list.
Constructed from durable and lightweight aluminum alloy, this power foldable chair is ideal for travel. It has a seat width of 18.5 inches, a wheelchair width of 25 inches and a turning radius of 31.5 inches. The control panel can be placed on either side of the chair for the convenience of left-handers and right-handers. In addition, the battery can be fully charged in three hours for a range of up to 15 miles at a maximum speed of 5 miles per hour.
This stylish electric wheelchair is made from durable yet lightweight aluminum alloy for easy portability, travel and storage. It also comes with a 12-inch rear wheel system for improved performance on all surfaces, according to the company. The joystick can be left or right mounted and the battery can be fully charged in three hours for up to 15 miles at a maximum speed of 5 miles per hour.
This H-shaped wheelchair can be used manually or with power controls, depending on the preference of the user in any given situation. According to the company, the lightweight aluminum frame keeps the weight of the chair under 40 pounds without sacrificing its maximum load capacity, while the 22-inch rear wheel system keeps users stable and supported on any surface. The battery can be fully charged in three hours for up to 15 miles at a maximum speed of 5 miles per hour.
This lightweight electric chair from Pride Mobility folds in a few easy steps and includes plenty of storage options, making it a great choice for frequent travellers. It even has a mesh cup holder at the end of one of the armrests. The joystick can be left or right mounted and the battery can be fully charged in three hours for up to 10.5 miles with a top speed of 3.6 mph.
This electric wheelchair from eVolt folds and unfolds at the push of a button for easy transport. Like the other models on our list, its lightweight aluminum alloy construction allows it to weigh less than 50 pounds. The joystick controller can be left or right mounted and the battery can be fully charged in three hours with a top speed of 5 mph and a range of up to 12 miles. According to the company, the special version of the model is equipped with a 12-inch rear wheel system for better performance on all surfaces.
This durable electric wheelchair also performs well in rough road conditions and can withstand sudden weather changes. While it takes six hours to charge its high-performance batteries, they minimize time between charges and can travel 18 miles on a single charge with a top speed of 4.5 mph. The folding joystick can be mounted on the left or right side of the chair, and this chair’s load capacity is the best on our list.
Sturdy and versatile, the Ewheels wheelchair is the perfect companion for active users. While this chair is a bit heavier than the others on our list, its frame folds easily for transport and is air travel approved. What’s more, its battery can be fully charged in three hours, allowing it to travel up to 15 miles at a top speed of 5 mph. It also provides a small turning radius of 31.5 inches to help users get where they need to go.
Constructed from durable aluminum alloy, this ultra-light wheelchair is a comfortable choice for travel. Easy to store whether you are in the car or on the plane. The battery is fully charged in three hours, with a range of up to 13 miles at a top speed of 3.7 miles per hour. The joystick can be mounted on the left or right side of the chair depending on user preference, according to the company, and the chair has a 9.8-inch rear wheel system that works well on all surfaces.
This stylish electric wheelchair from EZ Lite Cruiser is small but powerful. It folds to fit in the trunk of a standard sedan, and its five-hour battery charge time gives it a range of up to 10 miles and a top speed of five miles per hour. The narrow design is especially suitable for small users and those who move in tight spaces, and it can be disassembled into three parts for easy transportation. At the same time, the five positions of the seat back provide a comfortable ride.
If comfort is your priority, consider this heavier yet well cushioned electric wheelchair from Golden Technologies. It features a high back seat, two seat widths, adjustable and liftable armrests, and large pedals. Meanwhile, the battery can be fully charged in three hours, allowing you to drive up to 15 miles at a top speed of 4.3 mph. Users can also install the joystick on the left or right side of the chair.
To determine the best power wheelchairs on the market, Forbes Health reviewed data from over 100 leading brand products and ranked them based on the following factors:
A power wheelchair, also known as a power wheelchair or motorized wheelchair, is a four- or six-wheeled wheelchair whose motor is powered by one or two batteries. These wheelchairs are controlled by joysticks and require no upper body strength. Electric wheelchairs range from simple standard wheelchairs suitable for short-term use to specially adapted versions for more complex and long-term needs.
Corey Lee, 31, from Georgia, has been wheelchair-bound since she was 4 years old. He’s also an avid traveler — he’s flown in a hot air balloon in Israel, swam in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon and encountered hippos in South Africa — and is an expert on wheelchair travel. Lee has used wheelchairs of all sizes and types throughout his life and knows the importance of choosing the right one.
Electric wheelchairs like the one Li uses are in a category known as Comprehensive Rehabilitation Technology, or CRT. “These wheelchairs are specifically sized and built to meet the unique needs of each individual,” said Angie Kiger, clinical strategy and training manager for California-based wheelchair manufacturer Sunrise Medical. The technology includes multiple positioning options, advanced electronics and controls, correction of orthopedic problems, and ventilator tuning.
When people lose the ability to walk, they turn to motorized vehicles such as scooters or electric wheelchairs. Mobile scooters are three- or four-wheeled vehicles that cannot be highly customized. Electric wheelchairs typically have four to six wheels and can be designed to the user’s specifications. “Mobile scooters are for people who have some mobility and can get in and out of them,” Li said.
An electric wheelchair can be a useful alternative or a necessity for those who cannot manually operate a wheelchair. People who are unable to walk due to an irreversible or progressive disability can greatly benefit from a power wheelchair.
If you are new to the world of electric wheelchairs, check out the following types online or at a medical supply store:
Once you have decided which type of wheelchair is best for your needs, consider the comfort features that come standard or at an additional cost, as well as the maximum load capacity of the wheelchair and the included batteries.
“What matters most when choosing a wheelchair? Comfort,” Lee says. Here are some features to consider:
“A typical power chair can support up to 350 pounds and work on most surfaces a customer might want to walk on,” says Thomas Henley, owner of Henley Medical in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Most electric wheelchairs can go about 10 miles on a full charge, Li says, so some people choose to charge them every night or every other night. As for average battery life, Li says his batteries should last three to five years. Battery life depends on many factors, including how often it is charged and how often the wheelchair is used.
Prices for electric wheelchairs range from $2,000 for a standard portable electric wheelchair like the Pride Go Chair to $6,000 for a fully adjustable and highly maneuverable model like the Quickie Q500 M electric wheelchair.
Meanwhile, custom-made electric wheelchairs can cost much more, ranging from $12,000 to $50,000, according to Henley. And few funding sources, whether Medicare or private health insurance, come close to paying full retail price.
How you plan to pay for an electric wheelchair plays an important role in your wheelchair options. To help understand payment options, the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation provides fact sheets, videos, and expert information for those who understand the funding process.
To be reimbursed through Medicare for a power wheelchair, a doctor must classify the power wheelchair as medically necessary. Wheelchairs fall under the Medicare Part B Durable Medical Equipment (DME) category, but Medicare has very strict limits on who can be reimbursed for electric wheelchairs.
“According to Medicare guidelines, you cannot get [a wheelchair] by any means of transportation,” said Bernadette Mauro, director of information and research services at the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. Immobility means that the user cannot walk or stand at all.
You must then arrange an appointment with a certified occupational therapist or physical therapist and a Medicare-approved wheelchair provider so they can assess your abilities and needs and submit the appropriate forms.
From submitting the necessary information to Medicare to finally receiving a customized wheelchair, the process can take anywhere from four months to a year, Kiger said.
Private insurers are no more flexible than Medicare when it comes to funding electric wheelchairs. “Almost all insurance companies use Medicare guidelines,” Mauro said.
If you do not have insurance, you can purchase an electric wheelchair at your own expense.
Henley said manufacturers warranties are typically one to two years and cover the motor, electronics, joystick and frame, but not tires, seats or cushions.
He added that return policies vary, with many vendors not accepting returns. Check with your supplier about their policies before making a purchase.
Wheelchair casters, tires, armrests and bearings usually need to be replaced. “Quality and reliable service is very important,” Henley said. “Research the history of the service department of the dealership you plan to buy the chair from,” he adds, suggesting talking to those who have used that particular store. The life of the components depends on the number of uses and maintenance of the electric wheelchair. Remember that Medicare allows you to buy a new electric wheelchair every five years.
It is important to make sure that the wheelchair you want will fit in your home. An occupational therapist can help you determine the height and width of your wheelchair and compare it to the width of hallways, doorways, bathrooms, and kitchens. Other considerations include whether you need to add a ramp to your home or move bedrooms to the ground floor. If Medicare coverage is available, the provider you choose will help you find it.
“Medicare requires wheelchair providers to visit clients at home to make sure the equipment is working properly in the client’s home,” Kiger said. “Family assessments often involve measuring steps and doorways… Medicare wants to know that a wheelchair will improve daily mobility activities.”
The FDA-approved Vive Mobility Power Wheelchair provides convenient and safe transportation, while the durable steel frame folds in seconds for easy storage and travel. Equipped with two powerful motors, a comfortable padded seat and an intuitive joystick.
The information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health condition is unique to you and the products and services we review may not be appropriate for your situation. We do not provide personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For a personal consultation, please contact a healthcare professional.
Forbes Health adheres to strict standards of editorial integrity. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date of publication, however the offerings contained herein may not be available. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and have not been provided, endorsed or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.
Angela Haupt has been a health professional and editor for over a decade. Previously, she was managing editor of the health department at US News & World Report, where she spent 11 years reporting and editing health and condition topics. She helped launch the popular Best Diet List and continued to curate the franchise during her tenure. Angela also writes about health and wellness for publications such as The Washington Post, USA Today, Everyday Health and Verywell Fit. She is passionate about helping people make healthier decisions through accurate news that presents facts and puts them in context.
Alena is a professional writer, editor and manager with a lifelong passion for helping others live better lives. She is also a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) and Certified Functional Medicine Trainer. She brings more than a decade of media experience to Forbes Health, focusing on developing content strategy, delivering high-quality content, and empowering readers to make the best decisions for their health.
Throughout her career, Robbie has served in many roles as a screenwriter, editor, and storyteller. He now lives near Birmingham, Alabama with his wife and three children. He enjoys working with wood, playing in recreational leagues, and supporting chaotic, downtrodden sports clubs like the Miami Dolphins and Tottenham Hotspur.
Post time: Apr-28-2023