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Best Wheelchairs

Updated February 2023
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Karman S-305 Ergonomic Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair
Karman
S-305 Ergonomic Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair
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Feature-packed
Bottom Line

An excellent chair with superior customer ratings for comfort and durability. The best deal on the market.

Pros

Lightweight yet sturdy. Great details, including padded, anti-bacterial seat and ergonomic contouring.

Cons

Expensive. Quick-release wheels can be tricky to operate.

Best Bang for the Buck
Medline Ultralight Transport Wheelchair
Medline
Ultralight Transport Wheelchair
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Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

This lightweight wheelchair has a compact design and a durable build.

Pros

Weighs less than 15 pounds, measures 19 by 16 inches, and has a 300-pound weight capacity. Has armrests that let the user sit closer to dining tables and padded upholstery for superior comfort.

Cons

It only has wheel-level brakes which is inconvenient for those used to handlebar brakes.

Karman LT-980 Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair
Karman
LT-980 Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair
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Best for Travel
Bottom Line

Trades off some features, like adjustable foot and armrests, for an extremely lightweight design.

Pros

Light enough at 24 pounds to lift easily into a vehicle. Offers a smooth ride either at home or on sidewalks.

Cons

Wheels are small. Handwheels are uncomfortable for some. Front wheels are a bit wobbly.

Drive Medical Blue Streak Wheelchair
Drive Medical
Blue Streak Wheelchair
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Easiest to Use
Bottom Line

This inexpensive but reliable wheelchair is simple to operate.

Pros

Bright blue frame. Dependable, solid tires. Users revered this chair for its lightweight and easy-to-use design.

Cons

"Desk-length" is the only arm choice. Occasional complaints about product quality and durability.

Medline K4 Lightweight Wheelchair
Medline
K4 Lightweight Wheelchair
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Most Adjustable
Bottom Line

Small and light enough to fit into a car trunk, but sturdy and comfortable for its size.

Pros

Sturdy build and comparatively lightweight at 45 pounds. Versatile configuration with movable arm and leg rests. Adjustable leg rests are a big help.

Cons

Lacks shock absorbers, so rolling outside can be bumpy. Leg rest cushions can detach after a few weeks.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for best wheelchairs

Though electric wheelchairs offer tremendous advantages for those with long-term mobility issues, a self-propelled wheelchair is a better option in terms of cost and portability for many. For example, a person recovering from a broken leg has only a short-term need for assistance; buying a self-propelled wheelchair could actually be more cost-effective than renting one in this scenario.

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Don't skimp on quality when selecting a wheelchair. Sturdy wheelchairs tend to be comfortable wheelchairs, and you can count on a well-made chair to move smoothly.

Questions to ask when you start shopping

Ask yourself the following questions before you buy a wheelchair. Your answers will help guide you toward the right wheelchair choice.

Who will be using the wheelchair?

The answer to this question dictates the size and type of wheelchair required. A larger user may require a wheelchair with a sturdier frame, whereas a smaller user (like a child) might be able to get by with a lighter frame.

Where and how will the wheelchair be used?

If the wheelchair will be used on flat terrain or an indoor environment, a non-electric wheelchair could serve your purposes.  For rough outside terrain or sports use, however, a sturdier wheelchair with durable wheels would be necessary.

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EXPERT CONSULTANT
Denise has a background in healthcare and physical therapy. She also has the unique experience of raising three boys. Through the years, she has coached her sons and many of their friends through their share of childhood health problems and accidents. When not helping others recover from their injuries, you may find Denise working in her garden or reading.
Denise
Health Care Professional

Is the wheelchair easy to transport and store?

Many basic wheelchairs are lightweight and compact, so they're easy to take from place to place.

Some wheelchairs are even collapsible; this is convenient if you’ll be traveling in a vehicle or on a plane with the wheelchair.

Wheelchair features

Most basic non-electric wheelchair models share some common features. You'll want to consider the following when browsing different units.

Collapsibility

If you want a wheelchair that’s easy to transport, look for a chair that can collapse in on itself. This makes the wheelchair much easier to carry and store.

Footrests and armrests

Most wheelchairs include footrests. Some footrests are permanently attached; others can be pushed out of the way. Armrests are a part of the package, but some are more comfortable than others. If comfort is a concern, look for a wheelchair with extra arm padding.

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Expert Tip
Customization is an important feature to consider when shopping for a manual or powered wheelchair. Seat height is just one of many adjustments required for maximum comfort.”
STAFF
BestReviews

Comfort

If you can’t test a wheelchair before buying it, you should at least check out what others have to say about its comfort and overall quality.

A poorly designed chair can cause back pain and other discomforts.

Chair weight

Lightweight wheelchairs are easier to move and navigate whether they are being propelled by the user or someone else.

Make sure the chair you choose doesn't put additional strain on your body by requiring too much force to move it.

"If you’re buying a wheelchair for long-term use, get a professional to help you find the right fit. Since you’ll be spending a lot of time in the chair, comfort matters."
STAFF
BestReviews

Types of wheelchairs

There are several wheelchair types available on the market that suit a variety of needs. 

Standard non-electric wheelchair

This type of wheelchair gives the user a choice between being pushed and manually propelling the wheelchair. Standard non-electric wheelchairs are usually more durable than transport wheelchairs. They also tend to be lighter and more maneuverable.

Power wheelchair

Power wheelchairs run on electricity; they do not require physical strength to move. This type of wheelchair is intended for users with more severe disabilities.

Transport wheelchair

This type of wheelchair is often used in hospitals to transport patients from one place to another. The user cannot manually move this kind of chair; someone else must push it to propel it forward.

Transport wheelchairs are usually very basic with few, if any, bells and whistles.

Sports wheelchair

A sports wheelchair is suitable for active individuals who require superior mobility. This type of wheelchair is ultra-light and maneuverable.

If you’ll be making quick, agile movements, this could be the right choice for you.

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Expert Tip
Ask your insurance provider whether wheelchairs are covered as part of your healthcare plan.
STAFF
BestReviews

Tips

  • A folding wheelchair is an excellent choice for short-term use.

  • If you're not sure whether you need footrests, opt for a wheelchair with a footrest component that can easily swing out of the way.

  • If your home, workplace, or school has narrow doorways, make sure your chosen wheelchair is small enough to fit through them.

  • If you will often be maneuvering your wheelchair over uneven terrain, consider getting a wheelchair with some kind of suspension system.

  • Renting a wheelchair is certainly an option if you'll be needing it for only a short period of time.

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Some wheelchairs are ergonomically designed to relieve pressure on the body and enhance comfort.

FAQ

Q. How much does a wheelchair cost?

A. The cost of a wheelchair ranges from approximately $100 to $800. Pricier wheelchairs will be lighter, heartier, and easier to move. Transport models are usually priced lower than most other units. Powered wheelchairs tend to cost the most money.

Q. Is purchasing a used wheelchair a good option?

A. If you’re on a tight budget and your health insurance won’t help you purchase a new wheelchair, you may be tempted to buy a used wheelchair. However, you'll want to make sure the wheelchair is in working order before committing to the purchase. Make sure the tires are still functional, the upholstery is still in good condition, and the chair fits your body comfortably.

Q. Is it essential to get fitted for a wheelchair?

A. Yes, this is a crucial step to take if you’re buying a new wheelchair. Getting a good fit is extremely important for your comfort and long-term physical health. An improperly fitted wheelchair could end up being the root cause of all sorts of aches and pains. Ask an expert to help you with selection and fit.

Q. I no longer have a use for the wheelchair in my home. What are my options?

A. You could try to sell your used wheelchair. Alternatively, you could donate it. Many hospitals and other healthcare facilities gladly welcome wheelchair donations.

Q. Why choose a standard non-electric wheelchair over a powered one?

A. For people who don't require additional assistance, a non-powered wheelchair provides much better control. Non-electric chairs are usually lighter and can fit in places a powered chair cannot. They are also much more economical.