Best Wheelchairs

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 28, 2024
Physiological or physical illness? Injury? Disability? Recovery period? To become more mobile and independent, there is no better ...Read more
PROS
The sturdy steel frame will serve you for many years. 8-inch front wheels guarantee great passability on any surface.
CONS
Armrests are rather short.
OUR VERDICT
The innovative design of the Drive Medical chair with hydraulic reclining mechanism ensures absolute support. Plus, cushioned headrest and calf pads surround users with extra comfort.
detailed parameters
Type
Wheelchair
Size
25" х 50" х 50"
Seat Size
18" х 16"
Weight Capacity
300 lbs
Weight
60 lbs
Comfort
Padded armrests and headrest, Cushioned head immobilizer, Swing-away elevating leg rests, Metal foot plates, 180-degree recline
Warranty
Limited lifetime
PROS
The wheelchair is pretty light and maneuverable. Quick-release axles provide tool-free removal of wheels.
CONS
Rubber tires emit smell during first weeks.
OUR VERDICT
Medline K4 wheelchair features all basic functions and is pretty easy to use. Since the chair is extra wide, it's an ideal choice for bariatric users.
detailed parameters
Type
Wheelchair
Size
~30.5" х 30" х 38"
Seat Size
22" х 18"
Weight Capacity
350 lbs
Weight
31.5 lbs
Comfort
Swing back, Nylon upholstered seat, armrests and calf pads, Hemi-height adjustable axles that raise/lower seat 2 inches
Warranty
Limited lifetime, 1 year on upholstery parts and component
PROS
The chair is very comfortable for users to sit in. Its smooth tires don't leave spots on the floor.
CONS
The wheels might slip on awkward surfaces.
OUR VERDICT
This wheelchair offers the best price/quality ratio! It's equipped with all necessary additions, thus, is fully adjustable and super comfy.
detailed parameters
Type
Wheelchair
Size
36" х 27" х 30"
Seat Size
18" х 16"
Weight Capacity
250 lbs
Weight
49 lbs
Comfort
Detachable footrests and armrests, Nylon upholstery
Warranty
Lifetime frame warranty, 1 year on all other parts
PROS
An extended brake handle will help you stop the chair instantly. A dual axle position provides adult and hemi seat-to-floor heights.
CONS
No calf pads.
OUR VERDICT
Invacare LightWeight Tracer EX2 wheelchair is suitable for people with different levels of disability. It provides very smooth and comfortable ride on any surface.
detailed parameters
Type
Wheelchair
Size
24" х 26" х 28"
Seat Size
20" х 16"
Weight Capacity
250 lbs
Weight
36 lbs
Comfort
Sort armrests, Seat cushion, Footrests, Dual axle positions allow variation of seat-to-floor heights
Warranty
Lifetime on frame and crossbraces, 1 year on all other parts
PROS
It easily folds for transportation and storage. The seat belt will secure a user on uneven surfaces.
CONS
It should be pushed by an assistant.
OUR VERDICT
This transport wheelchair is designed for people who can't propel a wheelchair on their own. An excellent solution for strolls together with your loved ones.
detailed parameters
Type
Wheelchair
Size
~37" х 24.5" х 22"
Seat Size
19" х 16"
Weight Capacity
300 lbs
Weight
23 lbs
Comfort
Seat belt for safety, Comfortable nylon upholstery, Full length permanent armrest, Detachable footrests, Back folds down
Warranty
Limited lifetime, 1 year on upholstery parts and component

The Ultimate Comfort

Being pretty versatile, the Drive Medical Reclining Wheelchair is one of the most comfortable seats in its class. The innovative design of the chair boasts a lot of positions to get a person sitting in the chair comfortable. The long backrest reclines up to 180 degrees back, so you are free to adjust the chair fully up, fully down, 45 degrees, etc. Also, the chair has two soft armrests, swing away elevating leg rests, and plastic footplates. Plus, the wheelchair has a headrest and arm extensions to support the body in a reclining position. 

With regards to usability features, the Drive Medical wheelchair has the composite Mag-style wheels boasting a special mechanism that prevents users from tipping. Thanks to the 8-inch front caster wheels, the chair guarantees a smooth ride. This model can serve both as a self- and attendant-propelled wheelchair, thus, is equipped with the push-to-lock wheel brakes for self-rides and special back handles for being pushed from behind.

Overall, it's a great wheelchair to spend a great load of time in it.

Interesting Fact

Scientist state "Virtual reality sets can help disabled people walk again"!

Numerous studies and experiments show that VR sets (glasses and nano-enabled exoskeleton) may help regain partial control over limbs. It all started back in 2014, when 156 greatest minds of the world launched the program helping handicapped people regain their footing. During this research, scientists have noticed that regular training with VR sets really gave a great result. VR positively affects the human nervous system, forcing nerves to carry messages from the brain to muscles, making the body move. As a result of the experiment, many patients gradually began to restore their ability to move the limbs. It's unbelievable, but after a constant use of virtual reality set, the young woman, who had been paralyzed for 13 years, could move again, though with the help of walkers. At the moment, scientists conduct additional researches to bring their discovery into the medical treatment level. Who knows, perhaps in the near future, VR sets will help disabled people regain their ability to move and enjoy life in full.

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Last updated price $440.28
Stock In stock
ASIN B002VWK3KC

So Simple to Control

The Medline K4 Extra-Wide wheelchair is designed for active use both indoors ant outdoors. The chair has all basic features and will please users with the simplicity of use. It has got a light and foldable frame excellent for storage and transportation. Although the chair weighs only 31.5 pounds, it can withstand up to 350 pounds. As the name suggests, the wheelchair boasts an extra-wide seat that along with high weight capacity meets the needs of bariatric users.

The chair features quick-release axles allowing a person to remove rear wheels without any additional tools. Plus, the chair can be folded almost flat for transportation. As for adjustments, the chair can be raised or lowered 2 inches owing to hemi-height adjustable axles. Adjustable height back support allows tuning the chair for a specific height, elevating leg rests can be accustomed for injured or swollen limbs, while desk-length armrests allow for easy dining close to a table. The chair is covered in nylon providing maximum comfort and breathability. A win-win choice.

Useful to Know

Partial loss of any limb, let alone the total loss of legs or arms, completely changes the life. However, nowadays, technology and medicine can make the life easier offering high-quality prosthetics. Artificial limbs allow people to do activities they might not be able to do otherwise. Today, the market offers us new bionic prosthetics that significantly differ from mechanical ones.

A bionic knee can replace true muscle activity and adapt for slow and fast walking speeds, while a bionic leg can be even adjusted for cycling, hiking or cross-country skiing. As for upper limbs, a bionic hand is the first fully articulating prosthetic that acts and looks like a real human hand. The artificial hand is controlled by a highly intuitive control system that can read muscle signals to open and close fingers.

So, with bionic limbs, a large number of people can live a full life once again.

 

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Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $556.09
Stock In stock
ASIN B000K6UU5O

VIDEO

Great Features

Are looking for an affordable yet durable wheelchair? If so, the Self Transport folding wheelchair is exactly what you need!

It comes with desk-length removable armrests helping you find an appropriate seating position. Adjustable height axis provides a comfortable fit for any height. Featuring detachable footrests, the chair allows users to change feet position, thereby preventing stagnation of blood. Plus, since the footrests are elevating and swing away, you are free to adjust them as you like.

However, all these additional accessories don't make the chair heavy, and the total weight of this model is only 49 lbs. Also, we would like to note that the chair boasts soft nylon upholstery which is pretty durable, easy to clean, and less prone to the wear and tear. Another great advantage of the Self Transport folding wheelchair is its lifetime frame warranty. Don't think twice, get it!

A Few Words about Stephen Hawking

Stephen William Hawking is the most famous disabled scientist. It's Stephen Hawking who has discovered black holes and written "A Brief History of Time", an international bestseller. Being wheelchair bound for more than 50 years, Stephen Hawking gives lectures, write books, works on the basic universe laws, does researches in cosmology, and lives a family life. All this is due to his special wheelchair!

The scientist lost his ability to speak in 1985 when he caught pneumonia. Walter Woltosz, the CEO of Words Plus company, developed a high-tech communication program "Equalizer" that allowed Hawking to communicate with the people around. A small computer that could react to Hawking's mimic was attached to his wheelchair. Thus, Stephen Hawking got an ability to continue his research.

Yet, technologies don't stand still, and after a while, Intel presented a clever chair computer that could interpret a person's intentions rather than the actual input. Such a computer can always control biometric human condition as well as mechanical properties of the chair. Some sensors are responsible for the body temperature, pressure, blood pulse, while others control the chair itself. A special program can even arrange the optimal route to the desired point.

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Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B000GOIJWG

Super Versatile

Invacare company is the world's leading manufacturer of medical equipment for home use. Their LightWeight Tracer EX2 wheelchair is designed for people with various levels of disability. That's why the manufacturer has done its best to provide users with the extra comfort since some of them have to stay in the chair all day long. Combining soft cushion, Hemi spaced footrest, and full-length removable arms, the wheelchair sets the benchmark for comfortable and fully-adjustable wheelchairs.

This wheelchair is convenient for use both at home and on the street as it's equipped with special handles for assistance, what is a welcome feature for any wheelchair. Its carbon steel frame is pretty light (only 36 lbs) yet quite durable with the max weight capacity of 250 pounds. Plus, the chair can be folded to 13 inches for transportation and storage. Overall, the Invacare Tracer EX2 wheelchair is easy-to-use, lightweight, and durable. Hands down, a great deal!

Paralympic Games

Sport for athletes with a disability has existed since the 19th century; the first sport clubs for the deaf were opened in 1888 in Berlin. However, only after the World War II, sports for disabled were widely introduced. On 29 July 1948, Sir Ludwig Guttmann organized the competition for wheelchair war veterans, which he called the Stoke Mandeville Games! It was a turning point in Paralympics history. Four years later, competitors from other countries joined these Games and, thus, the Paralympic Movement was born.

The first Olympic-style games took place in Rome in 1960. 400 athletes from 23 countries came to these games, and since then the games have been taken place every four years! As for the first Paralympic Winter Games, they were held in Sweden in 1976.

 

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Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $177.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B0009G6W8E

VIDEO

Family Strolls

As a rule, people recovering from surgery should have to limit their movements. What is the best solution for them? A reliable companion and a transport wheelchair! The main difference of this type of wheelchair lies in its small maneuvering wheels a user can't push, but an assistant. Such wheelchair will make life easier for your loved ones since it is easy to push and light to lift.

We can safely say that the Medline Transport Wheelchair with Brakes is the best-seller wheelchair for strolls with your caregivers. Due to the increased rear wheels, the chair moves gently and smoothly on almost any surface. Featuring nylon upholstery, the chair is super comfortable and easy to clean. Also, the transport chair is paired with full-length armrests and detachable footrests which can be regulated depending on the individual needs of every user. Note that the wheelchair comes with a seat belt for additional safety. Loop-lock handbrakes on top are pretty easy to operate and work great for locking rear wheels during transfers. Overall, the chair is very light and compact, which makes it ideal for homes, hospitals, nursing homes or simply for travels around the town.

 

Interesting Fact

Some scholars believe that wheeled furniture has its roots in the 5th century, since the earliest image of the wheeled bed was found on a Greek vase of that age. Yet, the first wheelchair (also called an invalid chair) was made in 1595 for Phillip II, the king of Spain. In 1655, a self-propelling three-wheeled chair was invented by a paraplegic watchmaker, Stephen Farfler. And only since the late 17th century, invalid chairs were widely used in Europe. In 1760, James Heath introduced a bath wheelchair intended for invalids and ladies, that soon became a popular means of transportation. However, a bath chair was not very comfortable and during the next two centuries, was significantly improved. Only in 1869, a wheelchair was finally equipped with push wheels and front casters. In 1933 Harry Jennings along with his disabled friend, Herbert Everest, invented the first collapsible wheelchair. They founded the Everest & Jennings company and began mass production of folding wheelchairs. It's noteworthy that the same company was the first to manufacture electric wheelchair in 1956.

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The positive effects of thermotherapy are numerous. Better blood circulation, pain relief, improved joint health, spasms soothing! If you want to try heat therapy, get a heating pad!

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $134.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B007WA1ZG4

What is a Wheelchair

Injuries at work? Illnesses? Lifestyle? Terrible accidents? Nowadays, there are too many dangers causing partial or total disability. A wheelchair is a very thing that can significantly improve your life. On buying a wheelchair, you'll get an opportunity to continue doing the things you like. Yet, choosing the right wheelchair from tons of models available on the market can be a daunting task, that's why we have reviewed 5 top wheelchairs to make your choice easier.

If you need just a convenient walking aid, crutches may come in handy.

What Features to Compare

Type

There are two main types of standard wheelchairs: attendant-propelled and self-propelled.

Attendant-propelled or dependent mobility bases have a small diameter of both front and rear wheels. Such wheelchairs may look and function like strollers, though, should be pushed and controlled by a caregiver standing at the rear.

Self-propelled manual wheelchairs enable users to push themselves on their own. They are fitted with larger rear wheels for propelling. Riders can self-propel using either both legs, both arms, or one arm/one leg. All self-propelled chairs can be customized for users' needs.

Tech Features

Choosing a wheelchair, the first thing to consider is its weight capacity as the chair should be strong enough in order not to deform or break under user's weight. Yet, if a person's weight exceeds 220 pounds, it is necessary to purchase a wheelchair with a reinforced frame. But the stronger the frame, the heavier the wheelchair. Also, you should take into account the width and depth of the seat since these parameters determine how comfortable the seat will be. For example, if a plum person sits in a narrow wheelchair for a long time, it will lead to poor blood circulation, and vice versa, if a slim person gets a wide chair, it may result in poor fixation and spinal problems. Finally, don't forget to check the total size and weight of a wheelchair. For comfortable moving around the house, choose the model according to your hallways and doorways.

Conveniences 

First and foremost, the seat should be comfortable! That's why, wheelchairs usually come with soft armrests, footrests, and headrests. For instance, footrests are a great aid for swelling legs, armrests give the opportunity to relax hands after a long trip, while a headrest provides stability and comfort to a head. Many manufacturers also equip chairs with some extras like pockets, cup holders, additional cushions, etc.

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