If you’re like most of us, you may not expect lightweight wheelchairs to be comfortable or durable.
Contrary to popular belief, they actually are.
That’s why the wheelchairs we selected in this article are ergonomic, safe, and also easy to use. You should be able to find a model that fits your needs and shape, regardless of you needs.
Table of Contents
Best Lightweight Wheelchair Reviews
We’ve discussed all the models in terms of their pros and cons. Besides, we’ve translated these chairs’ features in terms of the benefits they bring to you. Read on!
Angel Mobility AMW1863SP Folding Self-Propelled Wheelchair Review
It has 24-inch back wheels. Therefore, you can reach the wheels easily and push them without straining your neck and shoulder muscles.
It’s light. Thanks to the aluminium frame and light fabric, the AMW1863SP only weighs 11 kg. This feature adds it both portability and mobility points for your list.
It’s safe. You get good safety features such as belt, foot straps, plus solid brakes. Besides, the solid tyres aren’t inflatable, which means they can easily resist punctures.
It’s comfortable. Although it lacks ergonomic padding and adjustable features, the AMW1863SP is comfortable because:
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- The padded armrests promote blood circulation and prevent pain.
- The slightly curved seat keeps your hips open at a correct angle, helping you maintain a correct posture.
- The sturdy fabric offers you contouring support for at least a couple of hours.
Elite Care Lightweight Folding Self -Propelled Wheelchair
Attendant handbrakes, so the person accompanying you can push the emergency breaks.
Quick-release back wheels, so you can remove the back wheels easily, without any tools. Besides, having removable wheels means your Elite Care chair is lighter and also easier to move.
Flip-up armrests that make your side transfers easier.
Removable and adjustable leg rests. You can rest your feet comfortably on the footrests and maintain a correct posture because the footrests are height-adjustable. However, you can completely remove them if they’re not needed.
Padded seat and backrest, which feel very comfortable. As such, you can sit in the Elite Care wheelchair for longer without feeling sore. However, if you have chronic pain, you can easily remove these cushions and replace them with specifically-designed pillows for your issues.
Heel and calf straps that secure your feet comfortably onto the chair. The result is that Elite Care is a very safe wheelchair regardless of your degree of mobility or terrain.
Very easy to disassemble. All you have to do is push the button to remove the back wheels, unhook the footrests and remove the pillows. You don’t need a lot of strength to make these movements, and the chair is easy to fold.
Drive DeVilbiss Lightweight Enigma Transit Wheelchair Review
It’s wide without being bulky. The 20-inch seat will accommodate you comfortably even if you’re on the larger side. Besides, the thin and grey two-tone fabric slims this chair, so it doesn’t appear bulky.
It’s resistant. If you’re a heavy person, you need a strong chair. That’s why Enigma Transit features an aluminium frame and a single cross-brace design for extra sturdiness.
Height-adjustable quick-release footrests. You can easily adjust the footrests to find a comfortable seating position when you’re on the go. After you stop, simply swing them sideways to rest your feet on the floor.
It folds easily. The half-folding back mechanism is easy to use, so you can fold this wheelchair whenever you need to.
It’s easy to push. Although you can’t push it yourself, the person doing it for you will have no problems. The chair only weighs 11.6 kg and it’s easy to manoeuvre, even on difficult terrain. Besides, your partner has an easy-to-access break for emergencies or for parking your chair.
The only disadvantage is that it’s not truly an ergonomic chair if you have chronic pain or problems keeping a correct posture. That’s because the fabric material for the back and seat is not extremely contouring, plus the armrests are fairly firm.
Days Escape Lite Aluminium Wheelchair Review
Days Escape Lite Aluminium Wheelchair is the best folding wheelchair if you’re on a budget because:
It’s light but also resistant. Escape Lite has an aluminium frame, a material which is known to be sturdy for years. Aluminium is also a lightweight, value-for-money material when you compare it to the more expensive fibreglass.
It’s easy to move. Although Escape Lite is an attendant-propelled chair, it only weighs about 10 kg. That means this wheelchair is easy to push or to move into storage.
It’s easy to fold. The aluminium frame folds easily, without too much pressure. Therefore, you can pack your Escape Lite in your car trunk whenever you have to drive.
It’s ergonomic. Escape Lite has various ergonomic features that allow you to adjust it to your body shape and needs. As such, you can:
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- Adjust the height of your footrests or remove them altogether.
- Secure the adjustable seatbelt to your girth.
- Rest your arms comfortably on the padded armrests that don’t constrict your circulation.
- Rest your feet on the heel cups to align your body into a correct posture.
Excel G-Explorer All Terrain Self-Propelled Review
It’s good for all surfaces. You can use the Explorer on grass, bumpy roads, as well as paved streets. That’s because its wheels have 24-inch pneumatic tyres that absorb shocks and are puncture-proof. Besides, the suspension system and enhanced front casters keep you steady even when you’re on rough terrain.
It’s sturdy. The aluminium frame is light but durable and resistant. That way, the frame can withstand bumps and scratches, plus you can handle the Explorer easily. Another benefit is that thanks to this frame and overall design, the Explorer can support up to 114+ kg.
It’s safe. You get all the features you need to keep you safe across any terrain, such as attendant brakes, calf straps, and belt. The bonus is a seat skirt that keeps your clothes away from the wheels when you’re rolling.
It’s comfortable for long hours. Although it lacks cushions and padded armrests, the Explorer keeps you in a correct posture because:
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- You can adjust the height of your handles for an easy reach.
- You can tilt the backrest to take the pressure off your back.
- You can adjust the armrests to avoid upper body strain.
- The chair comes in three sizes that accommodate your body shape, which means you can choose the right size for your needs.
Elite Care Transit Travel ECTR05 Review
It’s easy to get in and out of the wheelchair. When you’re travelling or enjoying a day out, you may need to get up from the chair often than usual. Transit Travel is one of the few chairs at this price range with swing-away footrests, which means it’s very handy for quick transfers.
It’s portable and lightweight. You can fold the Transit Travel to about one-third of the size of your average folding wheelchair. Besides, it only weighs 9.3 kg and it comes with a sturdy portable bag. That way, you can pack the Transit Travel easily in your car or add it to your plane bag.
It’s solid. The Transit Travel features various cross braces which make it stronger and more durable. Besides, the 8-inch tyres are puncture-proof so you can avoid accidents while travelling.
You can use it in restaurants. Transit Travel allows you to avoid uncomfortable transfers at restaurants. That’s because you can squeeze the desk armrests under your table easily. If your table is too small even for that, you can also flip them up easily.
It has some ergonomic features. For instance, the curved padded armrests stimulate your blood circulation and prevent arthritis pain. You can also adjust the footrest height to keep your knees bent at a correct angle. However, you may feel the seat bumps through your hamstrings and the thin upholstery doesn’t provide a lot of contouring support.
FAQ
Now that you saw some of the best wheelchairs that are lightweight, you might still need some help choosing the right model for your needs. Read this section if you want more answers to your questions.
Who invented the wheelchair?
Wheelchairs were used in China and Ancient Greece about 500 BCE, so we don’t know who invented them. However, we know that the wheelchair became a thing in 1595 when King Philip II of Spain got his.
The first self-propelling wheelchair was designed in 1655 by a twenty-year-old paraplegic called Stephan Farffler and it looked like a hand bike. The first light, foldable wheelchair was invented in 1922 by two mechanical engineers, Harry C. Jennings and Herbert Everest.
What size of caster on a wheelchair is best?
Choose a 6-inch diameter caster if you’re a new user. These casters will allow you to navigate most types of terrain and push the chair easily enough.
Choose small casters under 5 inches, if you’re interested in pushing the chair easily on even terrain. You may need these casters if you want to go fast or if you lack upper body strength.
Choose big casters around 7-8 inches if you want to stay safe on rough terrain. However, remember that only electric wheelchairs have casters over 8 inches in diameter.
How much is a wheelchair?
A lightweight foldable wheelchair is around £150, but you can find more affordable quality wheelchairs. For instance, the Elite Care models above are good choices if you have a limited budget. If you want a sturdier, more durable chair that doesn’t fold, you can pay up to £1000.
How wide a wheelchair usually is
Wheelchairs are usually between 16 and 20 inches wide. Choose the right width according to your size, to ensure you can remain comfortable for longer.
Where can i donate my old wheelchair?
If you want to donate your wheelchair, get in touch with:
- The Salvation Army
- Disabled Equipment Sent Overseas (DESO), which sends the wheelchair in Ghana
- Limbcare, which helps amputees all over the world
- Recycle Mobility Centre if your wheelchair is broken, but some of its parts are still working
In Conclusion
It’s important to choose the right wheelchair for your needs, and, hopefully, this article helped you find it. Remember to take into account the wheel and caster size, safety and ergonomic features, plus the chair’s width.
That said, here’s a reminder of the best models depending on your purpose:
- The Angel Mobility AMW1863SP is the best choice if you’re taking a long walk.
- Elite Care Lightweight Folding Self Propel Wheelchair is the best value-for-money.
- The Enigma Transit Wheelchair is best for heavy people.
- Days Escape Lite Aluminium Wheelchair is the best budget foldable wheelchair.
- The Excel G-Explorer by Van Os is the best all-terrain foldable wheelchair.
- Elite Care Transit Travel ECTR05 is the best portable model for travelling.