For those of us who require a mobility device that can support higher weights than using a heavy-duty electric wheelchair may be the right kind of wheelchair for you to safely and quickly get around both indoors and out. Finding the best heavy-duty electric wheelchairs can be overwhelming simply because of the number of choices and accessories that can be configured. These wheelchairs should be strong, reliable, and easy to operate.
This in-depth guide will explain what important factors you should look at when making a purchase of a heavy-duty electric wheelchair. We will also explore some of the best electric heavy-duty wheelchairs from the list we researched. These reviews will help you make the best possible choice on your next purchase.
- What is considered a heavy duty electric wheelchair ?
- How much weight can a Heavy-duty Eelctric wheelchair hold?
- Top 5 best heavy-duty electric wheelchairs
- Heavy-Duty Electric Wheelchairs comparison chart
- 1. Best Overall Heavy-Duty Electric Wheelchair
- 2. All-New Move Lite Folding Power Chair
- 3. Cirrus Plus Power wheelchair
- 4. Pride Jazzy Select 6 Power Chair
- 5. Pride Jazzy Elite HD
- Heavy-Duty Electric Wheelchair Buying Guide
- Weight capacity of the electric heavy-duty wheelchair
- Drive range of the wheelchair
- How fast does your electric wheelchair go?
- Turning radius of your power wheelchair
- Durability and stability
- Overall thoughts on the best heavy-duty electric wheelchairs
What is considered a heavy duty electric wheelchair ?
Heavy-duty electrical wheelchairs are just like other electric wheelchairs in terms of look and technology, except heavy-duty power chairs can support heavier weights than standard chairs.
Bariatric electric wheelchairs are heavy-duty with the capabilities to support weights from 300 pounds up to as much as 650 pounds or more depending on the model.
These chairs have strong frames wider wheels and larger electric motors that are able to safely move the user over different terrains with great stability.
How much weight can a Heavy-duty Eelctric wheelchair hold?
Heavy-duty power chairs can hold anywhere from 300 pounds up to 600 pounds or more depending on the model. These bariatric power chairs are built stronger and can hold higher weights than a typical power wheelchair.
Because of the higher weight capacity, these chairs are able to traverse rougher terrain than a featherweight or lightweight wheelchair.
But they do come with some negatives compared to lightweight chairs. The biggest is the ability to travel with these types of chairs simply because they weigh much more. Getting them in and out of a vehicle may require lifts and ramps.
Top 5 best heavy-duty electric wheelchairs
Our Rank | Heavy-Duty Electric Wheelchair | Our Score |
---|---|---|
1. | Pride Go Chair | 4.8/5 |
2. | All-New Move Lite Folding Power Chair | 4.7/5 |
3. | Cirrus Plus Powe Wheelchair | 4.6/5 |
4. | Pride Jazzy Select 6 Power Chair | 4.6/5 |
5. | Pride Jazzy Elite HD | 4.5/5 |
Heavy-Duty Electric Wheelchairs comparison chart
Pride Go Chair | All-New Move Lite Folding Power Chair | Cirrus Plus Power Wheelchair | Pride Jazzy Select 6 Power Chair | Pride Jazzy Elite HD | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weight capacity: | 300 lbs. | 300 lbs. | 300 lbs, 400 lbs. | 300 lbs. | 450 lbs. |
Product weight: | 128 lbs. | 50 lbs. | 146 lbs. | 167 lbs. | 178 lbs. |
Heaviest piece: | 36 lbs. | (No dis-assembly) | 90 lbs. | 100 lbs. | 99 lbs. |
Seat width: | 18″, 20″ | 18.5″ | 18″ – 22″ | 16″ – 20″ | 18″ – 22″ |
Drive range: | 8.7 miles | 15 miles | 15 miles | 15 miles | 9.8 miles |
Max speed: | 3.7 mph | 5 mph | 5 mph | 4 mph | 4 mph |
Editors Choice
1. Best Overall Heavy-Duty Electric Wheelchair
Pride Go Chair
When it comes to our favorite heavy-duty electric wheelchair the Pride Go Chair is our best choice. This electric heavy-duty wheelchair has all the features needed for an excellent user experience that will allow for enjoyable time spent indoors and out.
with convenient storage bins and excellent running, radius users rave about the ease of use this chair provides. The armrests are both height and width adjustable it comes with a five-point swivel seat with latch release, one-hand feather-touch disassembly, and large footplates for excellent comfort.
This electric wheelchair uses 2 12V 18Ah batteries that can move this chair at 3.7 miles per hour and a driving range of 8.7 miles.
This chair also has an excellent warranty:
- Warranty on frame: Five Year Limited
- Warrant on motor: Thirteen Months Limited
- Warrant on electronics: Thirteen Months Limited

Key Specifications
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Chair weight: 128 lbs.
- Seat width: 18″ , 20″
- Seath depth: 17″, 18″
- Turning radious: 25.5″
- Max speed: 3.7 mph
- Driving range: 8.7 miles
Score: (4.7 / 5)
Pros
- Good weight capacity
- Easy to operate
- Adjutable armrests
- Tight turning radius
- Good storage bins
- Good footplate size
Cons
- Drive range could be better
- Lightest piece may be heavy for some users
2. All-New Move Lite Folding Power Chair
The All-New Move Lite ranks as one of the lightest mobility power chairs you can purchase at only 50 pounds. But it still can hold 300 pounds because of the aircraft quality aluminum that it’s made out of.
What is loved about this power chair is that it is one piece and there is no disassembly required like most other power wheelchairs that require a breakdown of parts that are lighter and can be picked up and moved into a vehicle. With this chair, only folding needs to be done to fit into most vehicles.
It also is an excellent power chair for travel because of its lightweight and easy folding. The 12″ flat-free rear ties make moving over different types of terrain easier. For those of you looking for one of the lightest heavy-duty power chairs, this should be at the top of your list.

Key Specifications
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Product weight: 50 lbs.
- Seat width: 18.5″
- Seat depth: 16″
- Back height: 18″
- Max speed: 5 mph
- Driving distance: 15 miles
- Turning radius: 31.5″
Score: (4.7 / 5)
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Easy to fold
- No dis-esembly
- Good speed
- Very good driving range
- Easy-to-travel with
- Airline approved
Cons
- One piece footrest can be problomatic for someone with paralyzed leg and cannot swing them out of the way.
3. Cirrus Plus Power wheelchair
The Cirrus Plus power wheelchair is your standard power chair that is foldable, making it easier to transport, great for indoor and outdoor use. For those looking for the standard type of heavy-duty power chair that also has handles for a caregiver to push if needed this chair might be for you.
The batteries and charger are included. They have swing-away footrests with heel loops so anyone with issues that would require leg rests to swing away from this chair has you covered.
This chair is heavier than some other charges and the heaviest piece is also heavy so this should be kept in mind.
When folded up the chair gets into a compact 15.5″ x 29″ x 35″ size.
We also love that his chair comes with a free 14-month “Peace of Mind Protection Plan”

Key Specifications
- Weight capacity: 300, 400 lbs.
- Product weight: 146 lbs.
- Seat width: 18″ , 22″
- Seat depth: 16″
- Turning radius: 30″ , 33″
- Max speed: 5 mph
- Driving range: 15 miles
Score: (4.7 / 5)
Pros
- Good weight capacity
- Good drive distance
- Good speed
- Great protection plan for 14-months
- Swing away footrests
Cons
- Heavy pieces even when broken down
- Heavy-duty model cost more as upgrade
4. Pride Jazzy Select 6 Power Chair
The Pride Jazzy Select 6 power chair is an excellent mobility device from the Pride lineup. This particular model offers some really nice features. For one this product uses a patented Active-Tra Suspension that is combined with six wheels that are on the ground resulting in excellent performance both outdoors and indoors because of the great stability that is provided by the six wheels.
This design of this power chair also gives it excellent turning radiuses with great riding and control. We also love that the batteries and charger are included and free shipping. A downside of this device and there are not many is the product weight. Even when disassembled the heaviest piece is still 100 pounds making this hard to move by one person.
Utilizing a ramp to get into an SUV would be something to consider with this model or others that have a high product weight.

Key Specifications
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Product weight: 167 lbs.
- Seat width: 16″ – 20″
- Seat depth: 16″ – 20″
- Turning radius: 21.9″
- Max speed: 4 mph
- Driving range: 15 miles
Score: (4.7 / 5)
Pros
- Some of the tightest turnign radious for a power chair
- Excellent stability
- Great drive range
- Good max speed
- Good weight capacity
- Batter and charger included
Cons
- Heavy even with lightest piece detached is 100 lbs.
5. Pride Jazzy Elite HD
The Pride Jazzy Elite HD has an excellent weight capacity of 450 pounds and runs on 14″ flat-free drive wheels that can handle a lot of different terrains. This heavy-duty powerhouse has two motors, front-wheel drive technology, and strong construction.
Not only is it a great outdoor choice for a heavy-duty electric wheelchair but it also has a front-wheel-drive design that makes turning in small spaces indoors excellent.
The batteries and charger are included and a free one-year in-home service contract is also included at the time of this writing.
Ther is also a free elevating leg rests or swing-away legrests, the choice is yours depending on your needs. For those looking for a bariatric heavy-duty electric wheelchair that is great for outdoor use and indoor use, this chair should be considered.

Key Specifications
- Weight capacity: 450 lbs.
- Product weight: 178 lbs.
- Seat width: 18″ , 22″
- Seat depth: 18″, 22″
- Max speed: 4 mph
- Drive range: 9.8 miles
Score: (4.7 / 5)
Pros
- Excellent weight capacity
- Good speed
- Good distance
- Good free accessories
- Great turning radius
Cons
- Heavy even after taking apart at 99 lbs.
Heavy-Duty Electric Wheelchair Buying Guide
When purchasing a heavy-duty electric wheelchair there are some important areas to look at before the purchase that can make your power wheelchair really stand out for you and give you the best possible experience. The features below should be looked at.
Weight capacity of the electric heavy-duty wheelchair
You need to understand and pay close attention to the max weight of the wheelchair. This is called the weight capacity and what the wheelchair is safely rated to hold while still maintaining the best performance.
Make sure your weight is not the wheelchair limits of what the chair is rated for. If it is we suggest finding a wheelchair with a heavier weight capacity. This is for two reasons. One, you want to be safe in the wheelchair and you want to allow for some room of the capacity of the chair so your wheelchair can perform at its best. Second. the closer you are to the weight capacity can affect the speed performance of the chair.
Drive range of the wheelchair
This number represents how far an electric wheelchair can travel in miles on a full single battery charge. So for example. If an electric heavy-duty wheelchair has a driving range of 12 miles you should be able to on a full charge if you are within the weight limit travel that far on a full charge battery.
Most electric wheelchairs have a driving range of 8 miles to 15 miles from the group we picked. For those that just use their wheelchairs around the house or locally you should be able to get a lot of drive time on a full battery.
How fast does your electric wheelchair go?
Speeds are not that important for some while others want the fastest electric wheelchair they can find. For most of us, you should be looking at a chair that has a top speed of 3 to 5 mph. This is very common in most electrical wheelchairs and it is in the same ballpark as what someone naturally walks in terms of speeds.
Turning radius of your power wheelchair
Take a look at the turning radius of the electric heavy-duty wheelchair. This is how sharp the power wheelchair can turn. This is an important number to look at because it will tell you how easily you might be able to move around tight corners or spaces inside or out.
When looking at this number you will see something similar to this in terms of numbers.
Turning radius: 25.5 or 31.5
These are respectable numbers. The lower the number the righter the turning radius. For example, in our review, the Pride Jazzy Select 6 Power Chair has a turning radius of 21.6. That is extremely tight and one of the tightest turning power chairs in heavy-duty models you can get.
Durability and stability
When purchasing a chair you should feel safe and comfortable when traveling in it. Take a look at the iters the chair is using do they feel wobbly or fragile? If so you will want to avoid this type of chair.
Also, pay attention to the durability of the wheelchair and read reviews of others who have purchased this chair. The last thing you will want is to get stranded with electrical issues.
Stability is also another important area and factor you need to be aware of especially for outdoor use. Having self-stability features that help with tipping can be an excellent safety feature for day or nighttime use.
Overall thoughts on the best heavy-duty electric wheelchairs
Make sure the wheelchair is large enough to sit in for longer periods of time. in addition to making sure the chair is not too small be sure to look at the backrest as some chairs will also have upgrades for a higher backrest that can also provide better back support and comfort.
Keep in mind what the overall weight capacity is and how much the chair weighs for transport if you need to bring your chair with you on trips. Always double-check these things before making a purchase to ensure the best possible match for your situation.