Did you know that 40% of Americans will get a mobility disability during their lifetimes? Think about that for a second. That’s a lot of people. What if you or someone close to you got a mobility disability? Big, scary, and fast! No, these aren’t the names of roller coasters or horror movies. They’re simply phrases that are often used to describe e-wheelchairs. If you’ve ever heard these words before and have been looking into getting a better, stronger version of an average wheelchair, an electric wheelchair may be ideal for you.
Electric wheelchairs have come a long way in recent years. In fact, they’ve gotten so good that it’s hard to choose the best one for 2023. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best electric wheelchairs for 2023, based on our research and testing.
From lightweight models that are easy to transport to heavy-duty chairs that can tackle any terrain, there’s an electric wheelchair for everyone. So whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or the latest and greatest model, we’ve got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Get shopping for the best electric wheelchair for you.
Top Must Buy Electric Wheelchairs 2023 Edition
Best Electric Wheelchairs 2023 | An In-Depth Review
Here we have the in-depth review of our best electric wheelchairs recommended by market experts. Look out for your top wheelchairs below.
1. Sentire Med Deluxe Electric Wheelchair
| Item Weight | 67 Pounds |
| Style | Motorized, Electric, Compact |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Ground Clearance | 12.7cm/5” |
| Lithium Battery | 24V/10AH |
| Driving Range | 20 Mile |
Bringing only 67 lbs of weight equipped with 2 batteries, this ultralightweight electric power wheelchair is made to take you anywhere you like. Plus, it has a convenient foldable design for easy transportation. In addition to folding lightweight for easy transport, this easy to use portable wheelchair features foldable armrests and footrests for top-notch comfort, as well as a compact size for easy storage.
You can explore new places and travel further with this all terrain wheelchair’s five-inch ground clearance. Moreover, this premium folding wheelchair is equipped with two brushless motors that produce 300 Watt peak power and a very tight turning radius. From Sentire Med, the electric wheelchair has a lightweight aluminium frame that is durable and rock solid. Wheelchairs designed for adults with four suspension comfort springs and anti-tipping wheels ensure a smooth ride on all terrains. If you need a foldable electric wheelchair that can withstand any circumstance, this is the one.
Furthermore, this wheelchair for adults comes with 2 TSA-approved batteries, a cup holder, a cane hook, a fast charger, as well as a storage bag on one side. Moreover, a travel bag and a backrest pocket come standard with Sentire Med’s electric wheelchair. They also provide A+ rated customer service.
2. Intelligent Folding Electric Wheelchair
| Brand | Innuovo |
| Color | Black |
| Item Weight | 59 Pounds |
| Style | Adjustable, Electric |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 35.4 x 23.6 x 34.6 inches |
| Safety Support | 330 lbs |
| 200W Brush Motors | 2 |
This power wheelchair is equipped with a number of safety features. These features include balance weight, an anti-leaning design adjustable from the rear, a solidly stable wheel design for the front and back, and great slope electro-magnetic braking technology. A brush dual motor makes it very mobile. This wheelchair also features the innovative 360 degree joystick design, which allows you to control subtle motion and stop with one hand.
This chair has one high-performance lithium battery that can provide 15 kilometers of use on one charge. Built with an aerospace aluminum frame and weighing 59 pounds, the powered wheelchair provides great balance along with stability when seated. The wheelchair is suitable for airplane travel because the batteries are 288 WH, and it can be folded into a trunk and transported by car.
For the All Terrain Challenge, this wheelchair has a 12″ big air rear design and air tires for stability on the ground. In addition to providing extremely comfortable support and preventing seat depression and bedsores, the thick seat cushion also protects the cervical, lumbar, and neck vertebrae from twisting while sitting.
3. Porto Mobility 2023 Ranger SpacePro XL
| Brand | RANGER PORTO MOBILITY |
| Color | Carbon |
| Item Weight | 3 Pounds |
| Style | Electric, Compact |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Max Weight Capacity | 400lbs |
| Maximum Speed | 5 mph |
| Ground Clearance | 3.8” |
It is the World’s Lightest Power Electric Wheelchair with Big Motors and Big Wheels in its expertly crafted Carbon Fiber Frame. Built from high strength carbon fiber, this product is extremely lightweight and weighs only 43lbs while supporting up to 400lbs. There is no need for an additional scooter lift. SpacePro folds and unfolds with a single pull of the latch; it just takes seconds to fold and unfold.
The Ranger SpacePro is also outfitted with an easy-to-remove extra battery that extends its range by up to twenty miles. It is extremely lightweight and easy to handle. You also get TWO (one FREE) LIthium-Ion batteries that are airline compliant and non-spillable. The SpacePro features two 250-Watt Brushless Motors that generate enormous torque and an energy-absorbing frame that makes riding easier. Despite hills and inclines, SpacePro will give you the power you need. After inserting the joystick, the bike is ready to go.
With the NEW Sensi-Touch Joystick and a small turning radius, you can not only ride your SpacePro Wheelchair with one finger, but you can also maneuver your SpacePro into tight spaces that require dexterous turning ability. Ensures excellent control even at high speeds, and offers outstanding stability even in rough terrain. The SpacePro literally turns on and off on a dime, so it’s perfect for environments with tight access. Additionally, it is covered by a 3 year frame warranty, a 1 year motor and controller warranty.
4. BEYOUR WALKER Electric Wheelchair
| Brand | Beyour Walker |
| Item Weight | 36 Pounds |
| Style | Adjustable, Electric, Manual |
| Size | 36.6″ * 22.8″ * 35.4″ |
| Weight Capacity | 260 pounds |
| Battery Capacity | 6 AH |
BEYOUR WALKER Electric Wheelchair is the perfect mobility aid for those who need a little help getting around. This lightweight and foldable chair are easy to transport, making it ideal for travel or everyday use. The powerful motor provides smooth and reliable operation, while the adjustable seat and joystick make it easy to find the perfect driving position. With a maximum speed of 4 miles per hour and a range of up to 12 miles, this Electric Wheelchair can go anywhere you need to go.
Whether you’re looking for a way to keep up with your grandkids or simply want to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about walking, BEYOUR WALKER Electric Wheelchair is the perfect solution. Battery life is about nine-and-a-half miles, and a dual 250w brushless motor provides enough power for around the house and travel. There are two 6″ wheels on the front and two 8″ wheels on the back. This ensures a smooth ride.
The wheelchair also has a comfortable seat with a backrest, armrests, and footrests, so you can relax and enjoy the ride. Additionally, the wheelchair comes with a detachable battery pack that can be easily removed for charging or replacement. And when you’re ready to pack up and head home, the BEYOUR WALKER Electric Wheelchair folds down quickly and easily, making it super convenient to transport.
5. Rubicon Premium Lightweight Electric Wheelchair
| Brand | Rubicon |
| Item Weight | 64 Pounds |
| Style | Premium – Heavy Duty |
| Seat Height | 18.5 Inches |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Battery Capacity | 13 AH |
This next Generation of foldable and lightweight electric power wheelchairs is here. Designed and crafted with the highest quality materials today, this frame supports 300 pounds of weight, not only meeting, but exceeding the changing needs and expectations of users who value independence, comfort, and mobility.
With an 8 inch front and 12.5″ rear puncture-free wheel, this vehicle is ideal for both indoors and outdoors. Also, it can be used indoors and outdoors for navigating through tight spaces. Folds in seconds, suitable for air travel. You don’t have to install a lift to transport the product. It is ergonomically designed. With a long-lasting battery and shock absorber, you can take this motorized wheelchair on grass, gravel, or snow. It easily makes sharp turns with its sharp turning radius.
It features under-seat storage as well as removable, breathable seat and back cushions for your comfort and ease of cleaning. To ensure passenger safety, they use an intelligent electromagnetic brake. Two Brushless motors offer enough power to tackle hills. Easily maneuvers in tight spaces due to its narrow turning radius of only 23 inches. The frame comes with a one-year warranty, the motor and joystick controllers have a one-year warranty, and the battery has a six-month warranty.
Different Types of Wheelchairs for Different Situations
If you’re new to the world of electric wheelchairs, then you have to understand the types of wheelchairs available in the market.
Types of Electric Wheelchairs
Electric Wheelchairs are the most expensive type of wheelchair, but they are also the most comfortable. Motorized wheelchairs are operated by a joystick and have a battery. They have a top speed of 5 mph, and can go as far as 20 miles before needing a recharge. Here are their types.
- Portable Electric Wheelchairs: These are basic, light, and you can disassemble them for easy travel.
- Mid-wheel Electric Wheelchairs: These have three wheel sets-small ones are in the rear and front, and large wheels remain in the middle. You can easily manoeuvre these wheelchairs in small spaces.
- Front-wheel Electric Wheelchairs: These provide good traction and leave room for your feet because they are powered by big front wheels.
- Heavy-duty Electric Wheelchairs: These wheelchairs are built for people dealing with heavyweight issues. People who weigh 380 to 600 pounds can use such wheelchairs.
- Rear-wheel Electric Wheelchairs: These have small rear wheels and give the wheelchair more push from its back. This push supports your back when you are driving over rough terrain or a curb.
- Motorized Scooters: Motorized scooters look like an electric chair with three wheels instead of four. They have baskets on the front where you can store items, such as groceries.
Types of Manual Wheelchairs
Manual wheelchairs are meant to move the user by either their own power or by a caregiver. There are several styles of manual wheelchairs and each offers different features for different people.
- Folding Wheelchairs: These can easily be folded up for storage in a car trunk or carried on an airplane. But the user will often have to disassemble them for transport, which usually involves removing the footrests, backrest and armrests.
- Rigid Frame Wheelchairs: They are designed in one piece without folding and have a heavy steel frame that is generally stronger than the other types of manual chairs. Because of their strength, rigid frame chairs offer more stability when moving over uneven terrain such as grass or dirt.
- Transport Wheelchairs: These chairs weigh less than other manual chairs because they are made with aluminum frames instead of heavy steel which makes them easier to maneuver over curbs and up ramps. Because they fold like folding wheelchairs, they can also be disassembled into smaller parts for travel in a car trunk or as luggage on an airplane.
- Standard Wheelchair: This is the most widely available and affordable wheelchair. It’s made of steel and the frame is durable, but it’s also heavy. Moreover, the wheels are 24 inches in diameter, so it needs to be pushed by someone else and can’t be used to propel yourself.
- Ultralight Wheelchair: This type of chair is also made of steel, but has a much lighter frame because the tubing is thinner. It requires less effort to self-propel, making it easier on your arms than a standard wheelchair. However, it still requires help getting up curbs or other obstacles. The wheels are usually up to 28 inches in diameter (the largest size) so they’re still too big for propelling yourself while sitting in the chair.
- Manual Sports or Racing Wheelchair: These wheelchairs have smaller wheels (usually 20 inches) which makes them easier to push forward when you’re sitting in them as well as going up hills, but they can only do one speed at a time.
How We Choose Our Electric Wheelchairs?
Our team has spent many hours researching over 70 electric wheelchairs sellers and manufacturers to get the best options for you. The brands we have featured in this review guide 100% satisfy our rigorous standards regarding the following qualities:
Extensive Product Line
First of all, we excluded all those brands that offer only one or two electric wheelchair models because we wanted to show you companies that offer multiple products. All the companies listed here offer a number of products and accessories like cases carrying cases, soft cushions, and cup holders.
Warranty Offered
We are very strict about warranties because it shows how much a brand trusts its products. To ensure that your purchase goes well, we remove those companies that offer no warranty. All the brands mentioned here offer some kind of warranty over the wheelchairs and their parts.
Affordable Costs
No one can deny the fact that electric wheelchairs are highly expensive. You will be shocked to know that, on average, it costs more than $10,000. But we know that not everyone can afford such costs because we all have responsibilities to complete, right? So after keeping these things in our mind, we reviewed only those products that cost between $900 to $5500, which is half of the price range available. All in all, now everyone can buy an electric wheelchair for themselves.
Features to Consider When Buying an Electric Power Wheelchair
We know that manual wheelchairs are far different from electric ones. So, buying criteria also differ a lot. When you are shopping for the best electric wheelchairs, you have to keep so many things in mind such as travel range, maximum weight capacity, travel speed, portability, and a lot more. The key to picking the best wheelchair is to match key features with your lifestyle. Let’s explore each important factor below.
Weight and Height of the User
This is very important to consider because if you have weight issues, you will have to buy different wheelchairs. If you or someone for whom you are buying the electric wheelchair weighs over 300 pounds, then go for heavy-duty electric wheelchairs. These powered wheelchairs have more seating space for extra comfort and have a strong motor for additional power and heavy-duty wheels to overcome all road obstacles. With a heavy-duty wheelchair, you can comfortably travel without worrying about the terrain, hills, or bumpy roads.
Weight of the Chair and Folding Mechanism
Remember a rule, the lighter the chair, the simpler it is to move into a vehicle. So make sure you follow this rule generously while buying an electric wheelchair for yourself. Earlier, electric wheelchairs used to weigh more than 100 Pounds. So, it was very difficult to fold them and let alone keep them in vehicles because it was literally impossible.
But thanks to the latest advancements in technology and manufacturing, today, all-electric wheelchairs are made with strong and lightweight materials. These developments allow us to take the wheelchair anywhere without much effort. Moreover, this allows us to swiftly fold the chair in half and carry it into and out of the vehicle, car, train, or even air travel. That’s very helpful for people eagerly waiting for such technological development.
Check If It’s Travel Friendly (Both Plane and Cars)
So, will you take your electric wheelchair on a plane, car, or both? If you plan to take your wheelchair in a van or car, then look for lightweight foldable wheelchairs under 55lbs. These wheelchairs are easily foldable and kept in the trunk. A different option would be to purchase a wheelchair lift or wheelchair rack that is located outside of your vehicle and can carry your chair efficiently.
Now, if you are planning to take the electric wheelchair on a plane (as luggage), you must ensure that it has an airline-approved lithium battery. We also suggest you contact the airline before traveling to avoid future mishaps. You can go for Rubicon Premium Lightweight Electric Wheelchairs if you travel by plane. It is air traveling approved, and you can take it anywhere. Make sure you check the specs before buying to remove any confusion.
Battery Life
If you want to use your electric wheelchair for many years, then choose a product with sufficient battery power to keep moving. Make sure you have a backup battery as well, just for precaution. Thus, it will avoid any unwanted situation where you are low on battery. So no matter what, make sure you check this accessory while buying an electric wheelchair for yourself.
Portability
An electric wheelchair that is comfortable to transport will take its rider to many places. Foldability, weight, ease of disassembly, and materials are all important considerations to check if a chair can fit a lift rack or trunk.
Final Words
If you are in the market for an electric wheelchair, we have put together a list of the five best options available for purchase in 2023. These wheelchairs represent a variety of price points and features, so there is sure to be one that meets your needs. We hope you find this information helpful as you make your decision about which electric wheelchair is right for you. Have you had a chance to check out any of these wheelchairs? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I push an electric wheelchair ?
An electric wheelchair comes with a freewheel lever manual mounted on every motor. You can easily identify them with their bright yellow tips. The levers allow you to disconnect the drive motors to help you push the wheelchair manually without any effort.
Q2. How long my motorized wheelchair can last?
A motorized wheelchair is designed in such a way so that it is durable and long-lasting. Its expiration date is based on how you use and treat it regularly. If you maintain your electric wheelchair with proper care, it can last for even 10 years. So, if you buy a wheelchair, treat it with utmost care and maintain it frequently.
Q3. Can my electric wheelchair go in reverse?
You get many drive control options with an electric wheelchair, but the main control is its Joystick. Almost 90% of the motorized wheelchairs operate via a Joystick only as it allows easy front & reverse driving.
Q4. Should I buy an electric folding wheelchair?
Well, if it suits your traveling demand, then why not! Foldable electric wheelchairs are great for people who travel often or leave their homes. They are easy for caregivers to fold up and place in the trunk. But most folding wheelchairs aren’t reclined like those in traditional electric chairs. This is not a major flaw, but if your taste likes reclining wheelchairs, then foldable wheelchairs might not be for you.
Q5. How can I check about my electric wheelchair safety?
The best way to check the safety of your electric wheelchair is to go through its manual thoroughly. The user manual can guide you on which travel distances or maneuvers should be avoided to prevent tipping or getting stuck. Besides checking the user manuals, there are some common safety rules that you must always follow. Never drive your electric wheelchair when you are under the influence of alcohol, strong medication, or bad weather.
