Best Electric Wheelchairs

Finding the right electric wheelchair is a matter of finding the best fit — one that accommodates your body and lifestyle and provides you with the independence you want. Use our guide to research the best electric wheelchair for you. The right electric wheelchairs help you travel in comfort and speed without tiring you out on the way. Electric wheelchairs let you go farther on your own than manual wheelchairs.
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Compare Reviews for Top Electric Wheelchairs | ||||||
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One of the largest designers and manufacturers of mobility solutions in the United States, their products include lift recliners, scooters and electric wheelchairs outfitted with the latest technology. Prices start around $1,699. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
New and pre-owned wheelchair accessible vehicles start at $29,900. Available with a variety of configurations and price points for all lifestyles and budgets. Wheelchair lifts available for installation on full-sized van or RVs. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Sells Access BDD, Hamar and Bruno Independent Living Aids stair lifts in Springfield, Massachusetts. Staffs an in-house service and installation team. Free assessments available for all customers. Largest showroom in New England. | ![]() | |||||
Read Author Review | This company makes lightweight (weighing no more than 63 pounds), durable electric wheelchairs ideal for travel. You can choose from the standard model and deluxe slim or wide models. Prices start at $2,195. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |||
Read Author Review | This company has been has been providing mobility solutions like electric wheelchairs, stair lifts and electric scooters for over 20 years. Their products range from compact to luxury models. Prices start at $699. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |||
Read Author Review | This brand is known for its high-tech, feature-rich electric wheelchairs. The Storm and TDX wheelchairs feature advanced steering and stability systems at various price points. Prices start at about $5,000. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |||
Read Author Review | This company specializes in designing and developing standing (or vertical) electric wheelchairs. The combi, combi Jr. and C3 are all built for versatile use in various environments. They are available at select retailers. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |||
Read Author Review | This company sells scooters, motorized beds and various power wheelchairs that range from basic electric versions to feature-rich deluxe models. These wheelchairs are available at most retailers, starting at about $1,600. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |||
Read Author Review | These electric wheelchairs are available at distributors and retailers nationwide. The Corpus line of electric wheelchairs are built for maximum comfort, versatility and maneuverability, giving you the smoothest ride possible. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |||
Read Author Review | This designer, developer and manufacturer of mobility and rehabilitation products makes customizable electric wheelchairs. Its Quickie and Zippie electric wheelchairs are available at prices starting at $5,665. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent |
Common questions about electric wheelchairs
What is an electric wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs are battery-powered wheelchairs that are operated by a joystick located on the armrest of the chair. These motorized wheelchairs are easy to use and don’t require the user to manually push the wheels in order to move the chair. Unlike a mobility scooter that is mainly used outdoors, an electric wheelchair can also be used indoors and is easy to navigate through tight spaces like hallways and doorways. Electric wheelchairs may also be used by individuals who need to go longer distances or over rough terrain that would be difficult or tiring if using a manual wheelchair.
How fast do electric wheelchairs go?
The fastest electric wheelchair can go up to 8-10 miles per hour. Most power wheelchairs reach an average speed of 5 miles per hour.
How does an electric wheelchair work?
Electric motors are located behind or underneath the seat of the wheelchair and are usually powered by rechargeable deep-cycle batteries that hold enough power to last about a day between charges. Most power chairs come with a built-in charger that can be plugged into a standard wall outlet and are controlled with a joystick that regulates the wheelchair speed and direction.
Many electric wheelchair manufacturers offer customized control options to accommodate users who do not have the ability to use a hand-controlled joystick. Power chair drive systems can be front, center, rear wheel or all-wheel drive. Drive wheels are fixed on a single plane and guide wheels are usually fitted with variable suspension springs and struts so the wheels stay on the ground even on rough and uneven surfaces.
How much is an electric wheelchair?
You could pay anywhere from $1,200 to well over $10,000 for an electric wheelchair. Electric wheelchair cost depends on its size, weight, features and functions. A cheap electric wheelchair may not cost much more than $1,000, but a high-end, heavy-duty power chair could cost you several thousand dollars. However, you can lower your electric wheelchair price with an electric wheelchair rental. You can rent one from a medical supply store for $300-$700, depending on how long you need it.
Does Medicaid cover electric wheelchairs?
If using a wheelchair is medically necessary, Medicare Part B may pay for an electric wheelchair when prescribed by your doctor. Medicaid can pay the remaining amount (usually 20 percent) as long as you purchase from a Medicare-approved medical equipment supplier. Talk to your doctor to determine your eligibility for coverage in your state. Not all electric wheelchair manufacturers accept Medicare or Medicaid, so talk to each provider about your payment options.
How long do wheelchair batteries last?
A fully-charged wheelchair battery can last you anywhere from 12 to 25 hours, generally giving you about 10-20 miles of use before you need to charge it again. It takes around 8-10 hours to charge an electric wheelchair battery fully. Here are some factors that can affect battery life.
- Battery age: In general, electric wheelchair batteries older than 18 months should be replaced. Batteries that have been in use for more than 18 months do not hold their charge reliably, and you may find yourself charging your wheelchair more often than you want to.
- User weight: The heavier the user is, the harder the wheelchair has to work to move. This extra effort puts more strain on the battery, so heavy users may need to replace their batteries more often.
- Terrain: If you’re taking your wheelchair over uneven terrain (especially outdoors), the chair most likely has to work harder to climb over obstacles. This strain can also drain your battery.
Where can I take my wheelchair?
You can take most electric wheelchairs anywhere you want. They are made to be durable and withstand rough conditions. However, some offer features better suited for navigating rough terrain or indoor spaces.
- Indoor electric wheelchair: If most of your activity takes place indoors, you’d probably get the most out of a narrow chair with mid-wheel drive. These types of chairs have the best maneuverability, which is key for indoor spaces with tight corners or narrow hallways.
- All-terrain electric wheelchair: If you plan on using your electric wheelchair outdoors on nature trails or across uneven terrain, look for a chair with larger wheels and front-wheel drive. All-terrain electric wheelchairs and all-terrain power chairs have larger wheels that can roll over rough ground and make for a smoother ride.
- Folding electric wheelchair: If you plan on traveling often with your wheelchair, consider a foldable electric wheelchair. These lightweight motorized wheelchairs collapse for easy storage in a car or on a plane during travel. Foldable power chairs are often cheaper than heavy deluxe models.
Can I buy a custom electric wheelchair?
Some electric wheelchair manufacturers and retailers like Built-4-Me and Sunrise Medical sell custom electric wheelchairs. You can choose the size, controller, features, color and other options.
- Electric wheelchair controller options: Most standard electric wheelchairs come with joystick controls. Custom models, however, have multiple controller options. Rounded, mouselike compact joysticks or touchpad controls are more sensitive than standard joysticks, making them a popular option for people with arthritis. Also, head controls allow you to steer and power your wheelchair by moving your head.
Types of electric wheelchairs
Standard electric wheelchairs
Most standard electric wheelchairs have cushioned rehab seats and joystick controls. Features vary across models, but you can expect to get 10 to 15 hours of battery life and attain a speed of about 6 miles per hour.
Power chairs
Power chairs are electric wheelchairs that look like full-size chairs that include headrests. These chairs tilt and recline at the touch of a button. Hoveround, Pride and many others sell power chairs.
Vertical chairs
Vertical or standing electric wheelchairs are electric wheelchairs that hold you in a vertical position. This standing position improves blood flow and extends your reach, making these some of the most versatile chairs on the market. Specialty retailers like Permobil sell vertical chairs.
Pediatric power wheelchairs
Some electric wheelchair manufacturers make smaller models for children that you can adjust as the user ages. These chairs are designed to accommodate a child’s growth. Pediatric chairs are available from Levo, Permobil and Sunrise Medical.
Heavy duty power wheelchairs
Heavy duty power wheelchairs are motorized wheelchairs made for the bariatric market. These bariatric wheelchairs can support up to 600 pounds. Most companies like Pride or Hoveround also sell bariatric motorized wheelchairs.
Electric wheelchair dimensions
How wide are electric wheelchairs?
Most electric wheelchairs are at least 22-24 inches wide. Bariatric electric wheelchairs and deluxe power chairs will tend to be a bit wider.
How wide does a hallway need to be for a wheelchair?
On average, hallways are about 24-27 inches wide, which is a tight fit for most wheelchairs. Most hallways, aisles and doorways should be about 32 inches wide to accommodate wheelchairs comfortably.
How tall are motorized wheelchairs?
Most power chairs and electric wheelchairs have a seat height of 19-24 inches. You can adjust your height in some deluxe power chairs.
How much does an electric wheelchair weigh?
Most motorized wheelchairs weigh about 100-250 pounds. Some lightweight electric wheelchairs and lightweight power chairs are built to weigh less than 100 pounds to make travel easier. Heavy duty power chairs and bariatric electric wheelchairs can weigh up to 400 pounds.
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Compare Reviews for Top Electric Wheelchairs | ||||||
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Read Author Review | This company has released two models since it began development in 2010: the Model A and the Model M. These products are designed to keep people active with versatile, responsive electric wheelchairs. Prices start around $3,999. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent |
Information in this guide is general in nature and is intended for informational purposes only; it is not legal, health, investment or tax advice. ConsumerAffairs.com makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from its use.
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