Written by Amanda Marten, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
The freedom to go where you want, when you want–it’s important, right? Since almost 12% of the U.S. population uses a wheelchair, it’s important to think about how mobility limitations can affect a person’s independence.
For many wheelchair users, mobility is only possible with a power wheelchair. If you can’t propel yourself in a manual wheelchair, an electric power wheelchair might be life-changing. There are various power wheelchairs on the market, all with different features and designs. Let’s detail some of our favorites and features to consider before purchasing.
Wheelchairs have many options and it can be difficult to choose the best option. Let’s discuss some features to consider before purchasing your new wheelchair.
Rechargeable batteries power electric wheelchairs and have varying ranges of distance before needing to recharge. Most power wheelchairs have a range of 10 to 20 miles per charge and batteries last about one to two years. A battery’s lifespan is influenced by several factors, including usage, weight, and maintaining a proper charge.
All power wheelchairs have a unique weight capacity. Typically, power wheelchairs can carry about 200-30 lbs, with 250 lbs being the average weight capacity. Heavy-duty or bariatric wheelchairs support more weight, carrying up to 700 lbs.
It’s important to know how much the wheelchair weighs before purchasing for ease of transportation. Most of the time, the weight shown does not include the weight of the battery. Standard wheelchair models are usually over 150 lbs, whereas lightweight models range from 60-100 lbs.
Since most people travel with their power wheelchairs, it’s key to consider portability and disassembly. Many models fold and can be easily carried, while others are designed to disassemble into multiple parts. Some units have more padding for comfort and cannot be easily transported.
Check the power wheelchair’s turning radius before purchase to make sure you can maneuver tight spaces. Some power wheelchairs have a 20-inch turning radius, whereas you can turn around in a 40-inch space.
Power wheelchairs typically have storage space behind or under the unit. This is helpful for users who need to take a purse, medications, or other small items with them. Also, wheelchairs offer accessories, such as cane or oxygen tank holders.
Always review the power wheelchair’s product warranty and decide if it’s necessary to purchase. Most warranties cover the wheelchair frame, but not the battery or its charger. So make sure to review before purchasing.
| Wheelchair Model | Battery Range | Weight Capacity | Product Weight | Warranty |
| #1 Jazzy EVO 613 Power Wheelchair | 17- 21 miles (depends on model) | 300 lbs | 189 lbs | 5-year limited on frame / 13-month limited on electronics and batteries/ 13-month on drive motors |
| #2 LiteRider Envy - Compact Power Wheelchair | 15 miles | 300 lbs | 123 lbs | 5-year on Frame / 13-Months on Drive Train and Electronics / 1-Year on Batteries |
| #3 Resten City Wheelchair | 12-15 miles | 265 lbs | 66 lbs | 3-Year on Chair Frame / 1-Year on Motors, Controller, and CPU System / 6-Months on Battery / 3-Month on Wear Parts |
| #4 Titan AXS Reclining Electric Wheelchair | 19 miles | 300 lbs | 171 lbs | Limited Lifetime |
| #5 Jazzy Elite HD Power Wheelchair | 14.4 miles | 450 lbs | 178 lbs | 5-year limited on frame / 13-month limited on electronics and batteries/ 13-month on drive motors |
| #6 Go Chair | Powered Wheelchair | 13.2 miles | 300 lbs | 128 lbs | 5-year limited on frame / 13-month limited on electronics and batteries/ 13-month on drive motors |
| #7 Jazzy Air 2 Elevating Power Wheelchair | 16.8 miles | 300 lbs | 252 lbs | 5-year limited on frame / 13-month limited on electronics and batteries/ 13-month on drive motors |
| #8 Cirrus Plus EC Folding Power Wheelchair | 12 miles | 300 lbs | 146 lbs | 1-year limited warranty |
| #9 Folding Power Wheelchair | 12 miles | 220 lbs | 95 lbs | 5-year frame/ 1-year electric/ 6 -month batteries and controller/ 90-days handles and charger |
Our most budget-friendly wheelchair is the Folding Power Wheelchair by Vive Health. This affordable chair is notable for its portable design. It has sturdy, 16-inch rear wheels, which can accommodate rough outdoor terrain. The wheelchair is made from lightweight steel and can support up to 220 lbs.
Another special feature is the USB port, making it convenient to charge your electronics or smartphone. Some other features include a 360-degree joystick, speed controls, and a safety horn. This chair can travel up to 4 miles per hour and its battery supports up to 12 miles per charge. The wheelchair seat is also well-padded with easy-to-clean, breathable upholstery.
If you love to travel, the Drive Cirrus Plus EC Folding Power Wheelchair by Drive Medical is a great option. It offers a travel-friendly design and it is fully collapsible, for easy transport. The chair comes in four widths, ranging from 16 inches to 22 inches.
This model has anti-tipper wheels, locking brakes, and thigh and heel straps. Most of the components on the chair are adjustable, including the seat back, leg rests, and armrests. The chair has an impressive 300lb weight capacity and a maximum speed of 5 mph.
Research shows that height disparity between wheelchair users and able-bodied people can create feelings of superiority and inferiority due to eye-level differences. So, why not buy an elevating wheelchair? Jazzy Air 2 Elevating Power Wheelchair by Pride Mobility is our best elevating power wheelchair with an impressive suspension system. This chair’s seat height rises to 12 inches, making it easier to access tabletops, shelves, or any hard-to-reach places.
This wheelchair supports up to 300 lbs and can travel up to 19 miles on a single charge. It also has a comfortable seat with extensive back support, padded armrests, and a wide base for added stability.
The Go Chair by Pride Mobility is a great option for those who need to maneuver around small spaces. It has a turning radius of just over 25in, which makes it ideal for indoor use. It’s lightweight and once disassembled, the heaviest piece weighs 36lbs.
The wheelchair has concealed storage compartments. Its two swing-away storage bins are directly under the seat, making it easy to access. This wheelchair comes in a variety of colors and has a more modern design. It can travel up to 13 miles on a single charge and has a top speed of 3.8 mph.
The Jazzy Elite HD Power Wheelchair by Pride Mobility is our best heavy-duty powered wheelchair. It’s ideal for indoor and outdoor use and features 14-inch tires for rough terrain. The wheels also have anti-tip stabilizing technology to help navigate uneven ground.
The weight capacity is 450 lbs, which is one of the highest. This wheelchair can travel up to speeds of 4 mph and has a 12.5 mile per charge battery life. It has electric brakes, and an adjustable backrest and armrests.
A reclining wheelchair is an effective way to redistribute weight to prevent pressure sores and increase circulation. Our best reclining wheelchair is the Titan AXS Reclining Electric Wheelchair by Drive Medical. It’s available in multiple seat sizes and has adjustable armrests. It has a height-adjustable headrest, which swivels in 45-degree increments.
The wheelchair supports up to 300 lbs and lasts up to 19 miles per battery charge. It has a narrow turning radius and can travel up to 4 mph.
Next, the Resten City Wheelchair / Folding Power Wheelchair by 5 Minds is our favorite folding and lightweight wheelchair. It weighs 66 lbs total (including the battery), which is great for traveling.
Despite being lightweight, this chair does not compromise on comfort. It has a padded backrest and a contoured seat for back support. It also carries up to 265 lbs, has a battery that lasts up to 15 miles per charge, and travels up to 4 mph.
The Power Wheelchair LiteRider Envy by Golden Technologies offers the best storage space when compared to other wheelchairs. Its large storage bin is located under the seat, measuring approximately 8 inches wide by 16 inches long. Its large design and placement make it perfect for storing valuables. It also has a storage pouch on the back of the seat.
This chair is lightweight and disassembles into four parts, making it easy to travel. Despite its lightweight design, it supports up to 300 lbs and the battery can last up to 15.5 miles. It’s one of the most affordable chairs on our list with great features.
Our top overall is the Jazzy EVO 613 Power Wheelchair by Pride Mobility. It offers comfort and a variety of accessories, all while considering safety and practicality. It features robust 13-inch tires for stability on rough terrain and a narrow turning radius of 22 inches. The wheelchair has two battery options to choose from, depending on your needs.
The Jazzy EVO 613 features an impressive captain’s chair with adjustable armrests. The seat is memory foam and swivels for easy exit or entry. The chair supports up to 300 lbs, travels up to 21 miles on a single charge, and has a top speed of 5.1 miles per hour (mph).
A: The short answer is: maybe. According to Medicare.gov, you may qualify for Medicare coverage for a power wheelchair through Medicare Part B. You will also need a provider’s written order to demonstrate the medical necessity and provide proof of qualified mobility-limiting conditions. While every Medicare plan is different, it’s best to contact your Medicare insurance provider and ask what is needed. Please note that Rehabmart does not accept insurance. Rehabmart can provide you with an itemized receipt (upon your request), which you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
A: Like many insurance companies, Blue Cross Blue Shield does cover power wheelchair purchases for individuals who demonstrate need. Some requirements include that the policyholder must have documentation from a healthcare provider, demonstrating the need for a power wheelchair for activities of daily living as well as the ability to operate a powered mobility product. For up-to-date information on BCBS’s coverage for power wheelchairs, visit the official Blue Cross Blue Shield website and speak with your healthcare provider.
A: Rehabmart offers a few payment options, for qualifying customers, if you cannot pay the full amount upfront. One option is Affirm Financing, which gives customers the ability to make payments over 3-18 months when they make a qualifying purchase of $100-$17,500. Another option is NewLane Finance, which offers commercial loans and flexible payment plans.
A: An electric scooter usually has three or four wheels, while most electric wheelchairs have two large drive wheels and four smaller wheels (called casters) to help stabilize the chair. Most power wheelchairs have a joystick for steering, which does not allow fine-tuned movements. Electric scooters have handlebars instead of joysticks, which require more mobility and upper body strength to operate.
A: The answer to this question is tricky since a chair’s weight doesn’t always indicate the stability or durability of the chair. Many lightweight wheelchairs are designed to accommodate more weight than heavy-weight chairs. When comparing chairs, rather than comparing weights, consider the specifications for the chair to make sure it will accommodate your needs (wheel type, battery life, etc).
A: Many chairs are designed to be used both indoors and outdoors, but some chairs are specially outfitted for either indoor or outdoor use. Usually, standard indoor chairs have smaller wheels designed for easy maneuvering in smaller, indoor spaces. Outdoor chairs typically have larger wheels designed to carry the user over rougher terrain.
A: There are many reasons a person might benefit from a reclining power wheelchair. Some individuals seek to reduce their risk of developing pressure sores or who are recovering from an injury and may need to elevate their legs. Some individuals may also simply prefer to have the option to recline for relaxation and comfort.
If you are a wheelchair user and are unable to use a manual wheelchair, having the right power wheelchair can restore your sense of independence. Power wheelchairs are especially useful for exploring the outdoors, traveling more quickly over longer distances, and turning tight corners to more easily navigate smaller indoors spaces.
We believe that our #1-ranked power wheelchair, the Jazzy EVO 613 Power Wheelchair by Pride Mobility, is the best overall choice for comfort, safety features, power, and speed. The chair has large tires for outdoor safety and comfort, a narrow turning radius for indoor use, and the option to use a lithium battery to gain 21 miles-per-charge and faster recharge times.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read about the Top 9 Power Wheelchairs! For more information about power wheelchairs, take some time to check out our power wheelchairs for sale and be sure to visit Caregiver University for more information about products and caregiver resources!
Amanda Marten, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Amanda is a certified family nurse practitioner and freelance health writer. With eight years of nursing experience, she has worked in a variety of specialties including urgent care, post-surgical, intensive care, and travel nursing. She is passionate about patient education and strives to make a positive impact on her patients’ well-being.
