Power wheelchairs are essential for those with significant mobility issues. Portable power wheelchairs are excellent choices for those that are looking for a power wheelchair that they can bring with them for travel or just day-to-day activities and they need to be able to get the wheelchair in and out of a vehicle or other transportation device as easily as possible. The best portable power wheelchairs are lightweight and easy to travel within and out of a vehicle.
With the right portable power wheelchair, you or a loved one will find it easier to take that wheelchair with you in order to stay as mobile as possible. Let’s take a look at the top portable power wheelchairs on the market.
- What is a portable power wheelchair?
- what are the Different types of Portable power chairs?
- Portable wheelchairs let you travel easier
- Best Portable power wheelchair comparison chart
- The top 5 best portable electric wheelchairs
- 1. Featherweight 33 lbs. Power Chair
- 2. eVolt Traveler Power Chair
- 3. All-New Move Lite Folding Power Chair
- 4. Model X 35 lbs. Travel Power Chair
- 5. AirWheel H3S Auto Folding Smart Chair
- Guide to purchasing the best portable power wheelchairs
- Power wheelchair Foldability
- Weight of the portable power wheelchair
- Electric Wheelchair and Airline Travel
- Final thoughts on electric wheelchairs
What is a portable power wheelchair?
A portable power wheelchair is a power chair that allows the user to easily move the chair using a joystick. A portable power wheelchair is created with lightweight materials that have foldable frames that allow for an easier time transporting your power wheelchair.
For those that have older models, you may find it difficult to get your wheelchairs from point A to Point B. The newer models utilize the most advanced technologies to help with getting a power wheelchair more portable. You may even have a scooter but want to know the difference between a power wheelchair and an electric scooter. This guide will explain how the right portable power wheelchair can make traveling much easier.
what are the Different types of Portable power chairs?
There are two primary types of portable power wheelchairs. They are folding electric wheelchairs and then there are transportable power chairs. Folding electric chairs fold in one piece making them really easy to fold and take with you. Transportable chairs are typically broken down into a few pieces and this turns them into lightweight pieces that then can be transported.
Portable wheelchairs let you travel easier
As we age and our mobility slows down or for those who have suffered from mobility issues because of accidents using a portable power, wheelchair makes getting around much easier and becomes an excellent solution for many people.
This device can be used both indoors and outdoors and because they are electric all that is needed is the push of a simple joystick.
There are different types of electric wheelchairs. Some are great for outdoor use and are larger and heavier than other models. Power portable wheelchairs are lighter and fold smaller and quicker than other types allowing for easy travel and storage in vehicles.
We have researched many areas of a portable power wheelchair like weight, folding, portability, ease-of product use, and more to bring you the best electric wheelchair list. We choose the top five products that we believe will make an excellent choice.
Best Portable power wheelchair comparison chart
Key Specs | Featherweight 33 lbs. Power Chair | eVolt Traveler Power Chair | All-New move Lite Folding Power Chair | Model X 35 lbs. Travel Power Chair | AirWheel H3S Auto Folding Smart Chair |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Product weight: | 33 lbs. | 48 lbs. | 50 lbs. | 35 lbs. | 62 lbs. |
Weight capacity: | 242.5 lbs. | 220 lbs. | 300 lbs. | 220 lbs. | 286 lbs. |
Max speed: | 3.7 mph | 5 mph | 5 mph | 5 mph | 3.8 mph |
Max distance: | 13 miles | 12 miles | 15 miles | 8 miles, 13 miles | 15 miles |
Turning radius: | 47.24″ | N/A | 31.5″ | N/A | 47.2″ |
The top 5 best portable electric wheelchairs
Our Rank | Portable Power Wheelchair | Our Score |
---|---|---|
1. | Featherweight 33 lbs. Power Chair | 4.8/5 |
2. | eVolt Traveler Power Chair | 4.7/5 |
3. | All-New Move Lite Folding Power Chair | 4.6/5 |
4. | Model X 35 Lbs. Travel Power Chair | 4.6/5 |
5. | AirWheel H3S Auto Folding Smart Chair | 4.6/5 |
1. Featherweight 33 lbs. Power Chair
The featherweight power wheelchair is the lightest power chair you can purchase at only 33 lbs. It also has a driving range of 13 miles and it’s airplane approved so you can bring this power chair almost anywhere you travel.
When speaking about portable electric wheelchairs portability comes to mind and the featherweight 33 lbs. power chair can fold really small. In fact the seat collapses to 13″ and the back can fold down to 28″ making it possible to fit into almost any car or even a small closet.
What makes this unique is that it folds into one piece. For those not familiar with how power wheelchairs fold they typically need to be taken apart into multiple pieces to get them to fold. Not with the Featherweight power chair.
Airline approved with a removable lithium battery this power wheelchair ranks at the top of our list.
Key Specifications
- Product Weight: 33 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 242.5 lbs.
- Folded depth: 28.35″
- Folded height: 28″
- Folded width: 13.39″
- Turning radius: 47.24″
- Max speed: 3.7 mph
- Driving range: 13 miles
- Battery weight: 2 lbs.
Score: (4.7 / 5)
Pros
- Lightest power chair on the market
- Great battery range for a light chair
- Airline approved
- Folds extremely small
- Does not need to be taken apart to fold
Cons
- Not for rough surfaces
- Speed could be better
2. eVolt Traveler Power Chair
The eVolt Traveler Power Wheelchair is an excellent mobility device that is also very portable and can be taken with you to most travel destinations. This compact and easy-to-travel chair is a sought-after mobility aid because of its large 250 W motors that help to combine the motor strength to 500W.
That combined with its large 12 inch back tires helps this portable electric wheelchair to travel over much more rugged terrain than others in the same class.
In terms of folding this model can fold up really tight the dimensions would be 31″ x 25′ x 13. This means that you can fit this in most drunks and into almost any SUV. Most people love this super strong, very light, and compact portable electric wheelchair.
Key Specifications
- Product weight; 48 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs.
- Frame type: Foldable
- Max speed: 5 mph
- Driving range: 12 miles
- Frame type: Foldable
Score: (4.7 / 5)
Pros
- Folds in seconds
- One button fold
- Excellent power
- Airline approved battery
- Tight folding dimensions
- Can travel over different terrains
Cons
- To add additional battery can be a little expensive
3. All-New Move Lite Folding Power Chair
Another great portable power wheelchair. The All-new moe lite folding power chair requires no disassembly to fold. The frame is designed so all you need to do is quick release, then fold up the electric wheelchair.
Made from real lightweight aluminum that not only keeps the power chair light but strong. This model can accommodate up to 300 pounds.
We love that this model also uses 12″ flat-free rear tires so they can easily go over all types of terrain that other portable wheelchairs cannot.
You also get a removable seat cover that allows for easy cleaning when needing. The range is also excellent on 1 lithium-ion battery you can reach speeds of 5 mph when fully charged.
Key Specifications
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Product weight: 50 lbs.
- Max speed: 5 mph
- Drive range: 15 miles
- Turning radius: 31.5″
Score: (4.7 / 5)
Pros
- Easy transport
- Flat free wheels
- Airline approved
- One-piece fold
- Good range
- Advanced battery
Cons
- Little heavier than some other models
- Accessories can add up
4. Model X 35 lbs. Travel Power Chair
This is an excellent lightweight portable electric wheelchair. At only 35.5 pounds is considered to be the lightest travel chair ever. Because of the lightweight, almost anyone can pick up the chair to load it into an SUV or car.
We love this power chair because it has a lot of great standard features like a removable seat, back covers, and includes a seat belt. It also comes standard with a charger and batteries. But what separates this chair from a lot of other electric wheelchairs is that it still can be pushed by a caregiver because of its lightweight and push handles.
While this is an available option it is something that can be added if you know you need or have a caregiver that would need to push this chair from time to time.
Key Specifications
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs.
- Product weight: 35 lbs.
- Max speed: 5 mph
- Drive range: 8, 13 miles
- Battery type: 24V 10Ah, 24V 6Ah
- Number of batteries included: 1 Lithium ion
Score: (4.7 / 5)
Pros
- Foldable
- Lightest power chair on the market
- Excellent standard features
- Easy-to-travel with
- Batteries and charger included
Cons
- Original battery should be upgraded for further drive time
- Not great on anything other than hard smooth surfaces
5. AirWheel H3S Auto Folding Smart Chair
This is a unique power wheelchair. This is a full-automatic folding smart electric chair. It has an app remote control that will allow you to move the wheelchair using a mouse. This means you can also fold or unfold this wheelchair with a simple click of a button.
Want more features? This will wheelchair will also come to you by remote control. The three controls available are a single hand, gravity sensing, and two hands. Very advanced! Not only do you get some amazing features but this chair is very comfortable.
Pedals have three adjustable heights and it has retractable armrests so when you pull up to a table you can get closer and enjoy your meal.
Joystick controls are advanced as well and make for a simple way to control the wheelchair and turn in any direction both indoor and outdoor. There are many features that this chair comes with. Click the check price below to learn about all the features this wheelchair offers.
Key Specifications
- Weight capacity: 286 lbs.
- Product weight: 65 lbs.
- Max speed: 3.8 mph
- Drive range: 15 miles
- Battery type: 25.2V 524Wh
Score: (4.7 / 5)
Pros
- Excellent drive range
- Automatic folding by push button
- Remote wheelchair-App
- Intelligent control system
- Bluetooh technology
Cons
- Little heavier than some other portable chairs
- Expensive
Guide to purchasing the best portable power wheelchairs
This guide will explain what to look for in a portable electric wheelchair. There are certain aspects of the portable chair that are more important than others while some areas of the chair will be more for your particular needs.
Power wheelchair Foldability
The folding aspect of a electric wheelchair is key. One of the reasons you are searching for a wheelchair like this is because you want the ability to fold and have the electric wheelchair better for transporting. All of the wheelchairs on our list fold, are lightweight and make transporting them much easier than a standard power wheelchair.
Some of the models can fold in seconds with a simple push and fold design. While others can even fold automatically with the use of a remote or app. Regardless of the method the chairs above all fold easily and tightly so taking them with you becomes much easier.
Weight of the portable power wheelchair
The weight of the portable wheelchair is crucial because you will need to transport that chair from a vehicle, airplane, or cruise ship.
The weight of the chair is also important because you may need to pick up that chair from time to time. Most of these wheelchairs weigh under 65 pounds and some are as light as 33 pounds making them extremely lightweight for an electric wheelchair.
Do keep in mind that these extremely lightweight electric wheelchairs while are excellent for travel, portability, and moving around from vehicles they may lack the ability to travel over harder terrain.
Electric Wheelchair and Airline Travel
Did you know that airlines by law required that people with disabilities can access the same opportunities in travel as those that do not have disabilities? Unless this opportunity has a threat to other passengers’ safety.
Because of this airlines will have to have doors within their aircraft that are wheelchair-accessible. Not only do the doors need to be accessible but an aisle seat has to have a removable armrest for chairs.
Some of the wheelchairs we have suggested also our Airplane approved. This means that the lithium battery can be removable so the chair can be taken on the aircraft. The type of battery that the wheelchair houses are what the airline is looking for.
These types of batteries are lithium batteries. A lithium battery should not exceed the 300AH mark in order for it to be approved for your flight. IF other battery types are on your wheelchair they have to be sealed in order to be approved.
It will always be smart to contact the airlines beforehand to insure this with them. To double-check and ensure you have no issues with the batteries you have.
Final thoughts on electric wheelchairs
As we age our ability to feely move becomes a major issue for a lot of seniors. These types of mobility devices become necessitates to keep active and keep a healthy mind frame. While some heavy-duty wheelchairs are difficult to transport and use lightweight portable electric wheelchairs can be exactly what is needed to maintain an active lifestyle.
Based on our in-depth research of these lightweight power portable wheelchairs we have determined that the Featherweight 33 lbs. Power Chair is the best choice when it comes to lightweight, the distance that can be traveled, foldability, and ease of use in a portable power wheelchair. At a weight of 33 lbs and an easy folding frame, this is sure to make your life or the life of a loved one easier.