Choosing the best electric wheelchair is essential for your health. Without good mobility aids, you can become frustrated or even aggravate some of your pain. That’s because manual wheelchairs either require you to push a lot or have someone else do that for you.
Although electric wheelchairs are more expensive than manual ones, you can still apply for VAT exemption and some subsidies. Besides, we rounded up the most comfortable and performing models across all price ranges. All these wheelchairs are safe and foldable, so you can also fit them in the trunk of your cars.
Read the article below to find the best wheelchair for your needs.
Table of Contents
Best Electric Wheelchair Reviews
What is the best folding electric wheelchair? That’s probably what you’re here to find out. We studied the market and found seven of the most popular items sold today. We evaluated all their features in terms of their benefits to you.
Bonus: you can read along to find out which products come with VAT relief.
Electric Wheelchair Lightweight Wheelchair: best lightweight and cheap electric wheelchair
This Electric Wheelchair model is only 14 kg and foldable in one second. That means you can easily pack it in the trunk of your car or even have someone carry it in a suitcase.
Another top feature is this chair’s ergonomic design. Firstly, the 8ᵒ tilt on the backrest takes the pressure off your back and keeps your spine in a relaxed position. Besides, the hollow honeycomb is breathable so that you’ll be sweat-free even if you’re sitting down for hours.
The Electric Wheelchair Lightweight Wheelchair has a powerful dual motor drive for the price range. Courtesy of this motor and battery, you can get up to 20km in one go.
This product has a range of user-friendly features to consider. One of them is an easy climbing design if you have serious mobility issues. Another is the humanized control system, which renders the chair safe and easy to push by nursing staff.
You should also purchase this model if you need extra safety features. For instance, you get a reinforced anti-fall belt, wider aluminium pedals, and anti-rolling back wheels.
For all the reasons above, the Electric Wheelchair model is the best lightweight electric wheelchair in the low-price category. However, it’s best for indoor or pavement use considering it only gets to 6 km/h.
Wheelchair88 Foldawheel PW-999UL review: best for medium-rough, level terrain
Choose Foldawheel PW-999UL if you need a powerful, compact, and ergonomic wheelchair. Let’s analyze these features one at a time.
Firstly, the two polymer lithium-ion batteries and double gear brushless motor are power-saving and allow the Foldawheel PW-999UL to reach a total distance of at least 26 km. Besides, in combination with the rubber tires, the hard-grade motor can easily take you on steep terrain and offer you a high torque.
Secondly, the Foldawheel PW-999UL is easy to fold and it weighs only 23.5 kg with the included batteries. You only need 5 seconds to fold it, and you can easily pack it into your trunk.
You will also get an ergonomic chair that’s comfortable for hours. As such, the mesh upholstery is breathable, plus the seat and backrest pads contour your body to help you maintain a correct posture. Moreover, the waterfall seat edge allows good blood circulation to your legs.
The Foldawheel PW-999UL is also safe and user-friendly. The collapsible footrest allows you to stand up easily, you get anti-tilt support with shock absorber, plus a storage bag. You can also lift the armrests to sit comfortably at a restaurant table.
Super Heavy Duty Electric Wheelchair by KWK review: best for tight spaces
We recommend this model to mobility-challenged people who want to navigate medium-rough terrain, although you can use it indoors as well. That’s because the chair has a sturdy design with two 250W brushless motors and rear wheel suspensions. As such, your chair can get up to 25 km and the back suspensions reduce impacts.
The Super Heavy Duty Electric Wheelchair by KWK is also a good choice if you want to navigate tight spaces. That’s because the chair’s turning radius is just 33 inches, so you can easily turn tight corners.
You can also notice the top materials and craftsmanship that render this KWK chair comfortable and durable. The aerospace aluminium alloy is sturdy and rust-resistant, but also light. Besides, the soft upholstery, S-shaped backrest, and comfortable padding feel very comfortable and supportive. This chair keeps your body in a correct position and allows good weight distribution, so you can sit down for hours.
Besides, it only weighs 26.5 kg with the two batteries and you can fold it by pushing one button. As such, this power wheelchair is portable and convenient.
Green Power Mobility Super Lightweight Electric Wheelchair review: best eco-friendly wheelchair
Besides, this product’s green technology saves more energy, which means it has a long-distance range. Although you can only drive it at 6km/h, the 500W motor allows you to go up to a maximum range of 24 km.
You will also like the intelligent electromagnetic braking system that renders the Green Power wheelchair safe.
The solid tyres have an anti-puncture design and the rear wheels have a large diameter. As such, you can use this electric wheelchair on rougher terrain. You can even run it on some inclined slopes, but remember its capacity is 12 degrees.
However, this Green Power wheelchair isn’t the most portable on the market. That’s because it weighs roughly 45 kg and, although it folds, it has a few separate parts to consider.
You will also like the ergonomic design that prevents back pain, thanks to the supportive padding and curved armrests. Therefore, this wheelchair contours your body and minimizes strain.
Wheelchair88 Electric Wheelchair with Recline Adjustable Headrest review: best folding wheelchair for back pain
Besides, the angle-adjustable headrest is easy to fix so that you get good upper body support even when you’re sitting. This design ensures less strain on your neck muscles, so you can avoid all sorts of pain, including tension migraines. The only problem with the headrest is you can’t adjust its height.
The height-adjustable armrests are also good for back relief because you can easily adjust them to your shape and size. Therefore, you can keep your elbows at a comfortable 90ᵒ angle. The other advantage to the armrests is you can easily remove them when you want to transfer or sit at a table.
That said, this Wheelchair88 model has an average performance. The maximum range is only 16 km, and it’s not the most portable model available considering that it weighs 39 kg. However, you can easily fold it down to fit your car trunk.
Electric Wheelchair by KWK: best waterproof power wheelchair for all terrain
However, the lack of padding might not be comfortable for long hours especially if you’re heavy or have preexisting back pain. In that case, it’s best to add your cushions.
This power wheelchair is also good for all-terrain types thanks to its wide rubber rear wheels, front shock-absorb system, and powerful motor. However, keep in mind it only goes up to 6 km/h maximum speed and that the maximum range is 20 km.
But unlike other electric wheelchairs, this model has five speed levels. That way, you can choose how fast or how slow you need to go.
ACEDA Heavy Duty Electric Wheelchair With Headrest: best ergonomic wheelchair for slopes
The padded backrest and seat are also ergonomic because your body gets the contoured support it needs to maintain a natural, correct posture. As such, this chair is comfortable for hours.
Another feature we like is that it’s easy to switch between the manual and electric mode. As such, if your battery runs low, someone else can push the chair for you.
The ACEDA Heavy Duty Wheelchair is also packed with user-friendly features. For instance, it’s easy to fold, it has a manual parking system, and a large storage bag. Besides, the cushions are easy to clean and you can lift the armrests for easy transfers or sitting at the table.
You can also use the ACEDA Wheelchair on various terrain types, including steeper slopes because it features shock-absorbing and anti-flip wheels for added stability. Another reason is that it has a slope performance of 30ᵒ, courtesy of two 250W motors. This product is also safe thanks to the electromagnetic brake system that prevents slips.
Lastly, take into account that the ACEDA Heavy Duty Wheelchair is a good wheelchair for the tall and heavy. We already discussed how the headrest benefits tall people. In addition to that, the carbon steel frame is very sturdy, so it can support up to 150 pounds.
FAQ
You now know a little about some of the best models on the market, but you may still have questions. We’ll answer some of those below. You’ll find out how to convert your manual wheelchair into an electric one, how far your power wheelchair can go, and if you can get it into your car.
We also have some tips on how to choose the right type of wheelchair for your needs, plus tips on how to reduce the end purchase cost. Read along!
Can you convert a manual wheelchair to electric?
Yes, you can convert a manual wheelchair into an electric one.
One solution is to acquire a handbike, which attaches to your wheelchair. The setup is easy to make and convenient.
Another solution is to purchase a removable motor, which is also easy to attach to your wheelchair.
However, if you have a restricted budget, check if the electric wheelchair you need is eligible for VAT relief. According to the UK Government website, you are eligible if you have a diagnosed chronic condition. You need to check with the company first or click on the link above.
If you need further help paying for your electric wheelchair, visit the NHS website. Some organizations can subsidize the cost of your wheelchair. Your local Red Cross branch may lend you a wheelchair, whereas the Motability Scheme can finance for at least a part of your wheelchair.
How far can an electric wheelchair go?
The average distance that your wheelchair can get to is about 15 km. However, some wheelchairs can get to 30+ km, while others can only do about 5 km.
The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the terrain type, inclination, your weight, the type of batteries you’re using, and your chair type.
Therefore, Class 3 wheelchairs have a longer range than Class 2 products. However, if you’re going downhill and have a small total weight, including your luggage, your wheelchair can go further.
Can you get an electric wheelchair into a car?
Yes, you can fit some electric wheelchairs in the trunk of your car.
Check the official specs to ensure that your wheelchair is foldable, and then compare the dimensions of the folded wheelchair to those of your car.
Keep in mind that Class 3 wheelchairs are bulkier, meaning a Class 3 product might not fit into your car.
Types of electric wheelchairs
According to the Disabled Living Foundation, you can choose an electric wheelchair for indoor use, outdoor use, or both. Keep in mind that indoor powered wheelchairs are foldable so that you can put them into your car. Outdoor only wheelchairs aren’t portable because they’re bigger and heavier.
The Department for Transport categorizes all electric wheelchairs as invalid carriages. You can either get a Class 2 wheelchair or a Class 3 wheelchair.
Get a Class 2 wheelchair if you’re ok with slower driving speed and pavement-restricted use because these wheelchairs only reach 6 km/h. The advantage is that these wheelchairs are smaller, lighter, and foldable. Remember that if you’re under 14 years old, you can only get a Class 2 wheelchair.
Get a Class 3 wheelchair if you want to drive faster and on different terrain. These wheelchairs reach 12 km/h on the road, but you can only use them at 6 km/h on the pavement. The advantage with Class 3 wheelchairs is their longer distance range and increased power. However, they’re not portable and you can’t fold them.
Besides, if you’re under 14 years old, you can’t get a Class 3 wheelchair. Otherwise, you have to register with the Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority for a permit.
Before purchase, remember to choose the best power wheelchair for your needs. Take into account things like your general mobility, underlying health issues, plus your shape and size.
For instance, people with dementia or severe sight impairments should not purchase electric wheelchairs. You should also make sure the wheelchair supports your body without creating pressure points. Lastly, make sure you can get in and out of the wheelchair easily.
Wrap Up
Now that you’re here, you know how to pick the right wheelchair for your needs. You also know that you can ask for VAT exemption and other subsidies so that you can purchase a comfortable wheelchair that addresses your mobility needs.
Remember to also choose a wheelchair that supports your other needs. Take into account whether you’re going to use your wheelchair indoors or outdoors, on slopes or flat terrain, on pavement or rugged ground. Consider all the extras you may or may not need, such as storage bags, waterproof upholstery, or speed levels.
Don’t compromise your health. You have all the tools to pick the best electric wheelchair now. Here’s a quick reminder of what you can choose:
- Electric Wheelchair Lightweight Wheelchair – Best lightweight and cheap electric wheelchair
- Wheelchair88 Foldawheel PW-999UL – Best for medium-rough, level terrain
- Super Heavy Duty Electric Wheelchair by KWK – Best for tight spaces
- Green Power Mobility Super Lightweight Electric Wheelchair – Best eco-friendly wheelchair
- Wheelchair88 Foldable Electric Power Wheelchair with Recline Adjustable Headrest – Best for Back Pain
- Electric Wheelchair by KWK – Best Waterproof Power Wheelchair for All Terrain
- ACEDA Heavy Duty Electric Wheelchair With Headrest – Best Ergonomic Wheelchair for Slopes