We’ve seen a lot of wheelchair advancements in recent years, but one of the best developments has been lighter materials. Lighter wheelchairs make it easy to travel and go about your daily life more independently.
Our Review of the Hi-Fortune Lightweight Wheelchair
We like that the Hi-Fortune chair is lightweight, but it’s also highly durable, includes safety features, is comfortable to use and is so easy to transport.
Lightweight and Compact Yet Durable
Hi-Fortune’s wheelchair is compact and ultra-lightweight (just 21 lbs.), but it doesn’t compromise on durability or stability.
The frame is made with magnesium alloy, which is extremely lightweight and highly durable. This is the same material used in aerospace, aviation and rocket industries. It folds up, too, making it easy to transport this chair in cars, subways and even airplanes.
But what about size and weight accommodation? This chair scores well in these two areas as well.
Due to the high strength of the frame’s materials, this chair can accommodate up to 220 lbs. Unfolded, this chair has dimensions of:
37” H x 27.5” W x 37” D
17.72” W seat
17.3” H from floor to top of the wheels
16” H from floor to seat
The size of the wheelchair can accommodate most users with ease.
Safety First
The Hi-Fortune wheelchair was designed with safety in mind. With any lightweight wheelchair, there is always a concern that the chair will tip over or will be difficult to push.
Fortunately, neither of these things is a problem with the Hi-Fortune chair.
Anti-tipping wheels keep the chair from tipping backwards. The front and rear hand brakes also make it easy to stop when needed. Brakes can be accessed by the rider or the pusher.
Comfortable
For such a lightweight chair, the Hi-Fortune is comfortable. The padded seat and backrest are made of durable yet comfortable materials that are easy to clean. The padded armrests also give users a place to rest their arms.
The swing-away footrests make it easy to get in and out of the chair, but they also provide a comfortable place for users to rest their feet.
The large rear wheels make it easier to ride on uneven surfaces.
A storage bag is included with this wheelchair, which can be accessed from behind the chair. The pouch is a great place to store essential items when you’re out and about.
Easy Assembly
If you’re worried about a complicated assembly, don’t be. The Hi-Fortune chair comes almost fully assembled. You won’t need any tools or complicated instructions to get your chair ready for use.
All you have to do is attach the footrests and back safety rollers.
Easy Portability
The lighter weight and foldability of this wheelchair make portability and travel a breeze. The footrests can be removed, and the quick-release wheels make it easy to store this wheelchair in a trunk.
Because it folds up to a slim profile, you could easily take it on the subway or check it on an airplane.
Folding the chair is easy:
Fold down the backrest
Pull up on the middle of the seat
You’re good to go!
Caregivers can also remove the large back wheels with the push of a button.
Once you get to your destination, it takes just minutes to unfold and attach the wheels.
Benefits of the Hi-Fortune Lightweight Wheelchair
Hi-Fortune’s chair offers some attractive benefits that other lightweight wheelchairs may be lacking.
Great for Traveling
Lightweight wheelchairs are great for traveling, and the Hi-Fortune chair can be self-propelled or pushed for even greater versatility. If you want to take a trip on your own or just visit the grocery store, the lighter weight and foldable design of this chair makes that possible.
Store it in your trunk, or check it at the airport. Your wheelchair easily goes wherever you go.
Can Handle Rough Terrain
The large back wheels make it easier to navigate more difficult terrain both indoors and outdoors. Uneven sidewalks and grassy areas can be hazardous for some lightweight wheelchairs, but the Hi-Fortune chair handles these areas surprisingly well.
Its ability to handle tough terrain is just another reason why this chair is great for traveling.
Accommodates Most Users
With a weight limit of 220 lbs. and a seat width of 17.72,” this wheelchair can accommodate most users with ease.
The padded seats and armrests make this chair more comfortable, and the swing-away footrests make it easy to get into and out of the chair. We like that this chair even has footrests, as many don’t. They make the ride a little more comfortable, and you can choose not to use them if that’s more comfortable. If you prefer not to use them, you can remove them entirely.
Verdict
The Hi-Fortune lightweight wheelchair makes it easy to transport and travel with your wheelchair. Even though it weighs just 21 lbs., this chair is still highly durable and feels stable when riding in it.
If you’re looking for a self-propelled, lightweight wheelchair that you can take on vacations or that will just make your everyday life easier, the Hi-Fortune chair is a great option.
Tim is a professional caregiver who has helped hundreds of seniors gain back their freedom and independence. He has been actively helping the senior community for 20+ years.
The Voyager R2 weighs just 43lbs without batteries, but don’t let its light weight fool you – this wheelchair is built with the superior craftsmanship Forcemech is known for. With the right care, this wheelchair will give you many years of use.
Durable Frame and No-Flat Tires
The aluminum alloy frame provides the strength and durability needed to stand up to travel and offers a high weight capacity of 265lbs. In between uses, this electric wheelchair folds up for easy transport. Plus, it’s airplane and cruise ship ready to make traveling a breeze.
With polyurethane non-flat tires, you never have to worry about getting a flat while you’re traveling or running errands around town. All of the wheels are built with a metal alloy core for even greater structural integrity. Forcemech has also outfitted this chair with shock-absorption springs for an even smoother riding experience.
While
the wheels are highly durable, they can only be used on hard surfaces. The
Voyager R2 is not an all-terrain wheelchair, so you won’t be able to use it on
sand, gravel or dirt.
The
chair can travel at a maximum climbing slope of 10 degrees, so you’ll want to
stick to mostly flat ground when using this chair.
Powerful Motor and Batteries
The
dual 200-watt brushless motors allow this wheelchair to travel at 4 MPH. The
dual, 6.6Ah super lithium-ion LiFePO4 batteries give this chair enough power to
travel 16 miles on a single charge.
There
is a little caveat with the distance, however. Some users have complained that
the chair only gets 7-10 miles before needing to be recharged. This chair has
two batteries: one on the left side, and one on the right side. The chair uses
the left battery primarily, and once that runs out of juice, you’ll need to
swap in the right side battery to reach the 16-mile distance.
It
takes approximately 6 hours to fully recharge the chair’s batteries.
Safety and Comfort
Forcemech
designed this chair with safety in mind. The color of the chair is yellow for
easy visibility, and the rear of the chair also features reflective lights to
ensure that you’re seen in low-light conditions.
Along
with safety, Forcemech made comfort a priority. The seat features an ergonomic
design for maximum comfort. Both the armrests and footrests can be lifted up
for your convenience and to make it easier to get in and out of the chair.
The
seat and backrest cushions may also be removed. Both are securely attached
using Hook and Loop tape for easy removal.
The
rear of the chair also features anti-tipping rollers that keep the chair from
tipping over. These rollers are retractable, so you can slide them away when
you’re storing the chair.
For
added convenience, there’s a folding kick-stand that will keep the chair
upright when it’s folded up.
Easy Controls
The
Voyager 2 is easy to control thanks to the built-in control panel. A joystick
allows you to easily move the chair in any direction. There’s also a horn and
power button right on the panel for easy use.
The
chair has a 32” turning radius, so it’s easy to take around corners and curves.
Pros
Durable aluminum alloy frame
Can accommodate up to 265lbs
Can travel up to 16 miles on a single charge
Removable seat and backrest
Foldable design that’s ideal for traveling
Plane and cruise ship ready
Bright yellow color and rear flashing lights improve
visibility
24/7 customer service
Cons
Instructions on battery swapping aren’t clear
The
only real complaint with this chair is that the instructions on battery
swapping aren’t very clear. Many users don’t know that they have to change from
the left to the right side battery in order to reach 16 miles on a single
charge.
Aside from this minor issue, the Forcemech Voyager R2 is a durable and comfortable power wheelchair that will get you where you need to go without missing a beat. The joystick controls are easy to use, and the foldable armrest and footrests make it easy to get in and out of the chair. The foldable design ensures that you can store this wheelchair when it’s not in use and take it with you on the go.
Tim is a professional caregiver who has helped hundreds of seniors gain back their freedom and independence. He has been actively helping the senior community for 20+ years.
Your
wheelchair takes care you, but are you taking care of it? With the right
care and maintenance, your wheelchair will provide you with years of use and a
smoother ride.
The level of care and maintenance your manual wheelchair will need will depend on: how often you use it, and how rough the roads or pathways are where you ride your chair.
But
as a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to follow the maintenance schedule
below.
Daily
If
you use your wheelchair on a daily basis, there are a few things you’ll want to
do every day to keep your chair running smoothly. These include:
Cleaning off dirt and grime from the wheelchair frame. Use a
damp (not soaking wet) cloth for this job.
Check the tires to make sure that they’re still firm. Your
wheelchair’s tires should be very hard when you press on them. If they’re not,
use a bicycle pump to add air.
Keep
your wheelchair stored in a safe place where it won’t get wet. If you can, try
to keep dirt and water out of the wheel bearings.
Weekly
Set
aside time once a week for the maintenance and care of your wheelchair. Don’t
worry, this process won’t take long, and it’s worth the time to make sure that
your chair is in tip-top shape.
Check the rear wheels to make sure they’re spinning properly.
If your back wheels are wobbling or making unusual sounds, the ball bearings
may need to be repaired or replaced.
Check the brakes. Brakes can become inefficient if they’re
poorly placed, tire pressure is off, or they’ve been incorrectly adjusted.
Using a wrench, tighten any parts of the wheels that may feel
loose.
Check all of the tires for punctures and to ensure that the
tread isn’t worn. If you find something stuck in your tire, like a nail, don’t
pull it out until you’re ready to fix the tire. You may need to take the chair
to a bike shop for a patch.
Check the front wheels to make sure that they spin properly.
If they’re not, you may need new bearings.
Check the front forks to make sure they’re moving from side
to side properly. They should not be hitting the footrests. If they’re wiggling
a lot, use a wrench to tighten them. Don’t overdo it, or the forks may not turn
easily.
Clean out dirt or hair from the 4-wheel axle housings using a
damp cloth with a few drops of oil.
Check the spokes of the back wheels. Use a wrench to tighten
any loose spokes, and replace broken ones.
Clean the chair’s frame and seat using a mild detergent.
It’s
important to keep your wheelchair as clean and dry as possible. Let’s go over
the cleaning process step-by-step.
Disassemble the chair by taking off the seat and back
cushions as well as any other fabric components of the chair.
Use a can of compressed air (the kind used to clean keyboards
and other electronics) to spray dirt out of the crevices of the chair. The
compressed air can help remove hair and dirt that may be impacting your chair’s
mobility.
Fill a bucket with warm soap and water, and grab some
microfiber towels. Dunk the towels in the water/soap mixture, and gently wipe
down every surface of the chair, including the seat and back rest.
Use a separate damp towel to clean the wheels. Don’t forget
to wipe down the spokes and between the spokes.
Remove bolts with grease or dirt build-up, and clean them
with a wire brush.
Use a clean towel to dry the wheelchair frame, wheels and
bolts.
You may also use a special tire cleaner to improve the shine
of your wheels.
You can apply Scotchgard to your chair cushions to help
prevent stains and tears.
Reassemble the chair, and make sure all components are dry
before storing it away.
Monthly
Monthly
maintenance is important. Some of the most important tasks include:
Checking arm rests, hand rims and leg rests for sharp edges
or rough spots. These can cause injury to yourself or others. If you have any
rough or sharp areas, file them down to make them smooth again.
Wax the frame of your wheelchair to make it easier to open,
close and clean.
Check all of the screws and bolts on your chair. If you find
any that are loose, tighten them with a wrench or screwdriver. Check each part
after tightening to make sure that your wheels spin freely and that your
steering is still smooth.
Inspect the frame of your chair, and look for any cracks or
dents. Cracks can be particularly troublesome because they can cause your frame
to break. Depending on the severity of the crack, it may be able to be welded
together.
If the chair’s ball bearings aren’t factory sealed, take them
out. You’ll need to clean them, dry them, and then apply new grease. This step
is important because if water gets into the bearings, it can cause them to rust
and your chair to ride rough.
Quarterly
Every
4-6 months, you’ll want to perform a few special maintenance tasks. These
include:
Checking the seat fabric for rips or sags. If the fabric is worn or torn, it’s time for a replacement. Sagging and tears in the seat can actually lead to pressure sores, so it’s important to repair or replace damaged fabric as soon as possible. And if you’re using a foam seat, check to make sure that it’s still firm. Foam wheelchair cushions can also sag and cause pressure sores.
Take the time to oil the center and bottom of the x-brace with machine oil (medium-weight). You’ll also want to oil other pivot points on the chair.
If
you plan to store your wheelchair for a long period of time, make sure that
it’s covered and left in a dry place that is protected from the sun and
fluctuating temperatures. When you’re ready to use your chair again, make sure
that you go through each of these checklists to ensure everything is working as
it should be.
Tim is a professional caregiver who has helped hundreds of seniors gain back their freedom and independence. He has been actively helping the senior community for 20+ years.
Unlike their motorized counterparts, manual wheelchairs must be propelled by you – the user – or a companion. Many people prefer manual to electric wheelchairs for both temporary and long-term use. On reason is there’s no need to worry about drained batteries or dead motors. Also, because they have only a few working parts, manual wheelchairs tend to be more durable and reliable than motorized chairs.
With
that said, not all manual chairs are made with the quality and safety you’d
expect.
What’s the best wheelchair? We share our five picks.
Model
Weight Capacity
Weight
More Information
Drive Medical Blue Streak
up to 250 pounds
41.2 pounds
McKesson Standard Wheelchair
up to 350 pounds
40 pounds
Drive Medical Viper Plus
up to 300 pounds
32 pounds
Drive Medical Cruiser III
up to 350 pounds
36 pounds
Medline Lightweight
up to 350 pounds
36 pounds
1. Drive Medical Blue Streak Wheelchair
Drive Medical Blue Streak Wheelchair
Drive Medical’s Blue Streak is one of the best wheelchair models under $120. It may not come with all of the bells and whistles of higher-end wheelchairs, but it has everything you need to get around quickly, safely and comfortably.
Three
sizes are available:
16”
18”
20”
Swing-away
footrests make it easy to get in and out of the chair, and the open 20” x 26”
seat gives you plenty of room. Detachable desk arms give you customizable
support, and the nylon seat is easy to clean.
The
durable tires have a push-to-lock feature for added safety. Drive Medical also
includes a calf strap as well as a storage pocket for convenience.
The
design of this model is both user- and caregiver-friendly, which makes this a
versatile wheelchair.
The two sides of the chair push together for easy portability and storage. Weighing just 41.2 pounds, this wheelchair is lightweight, foldable and can easily be taken wherever you go.
The
only real complaint with this model is that the seat is rather thin. You may
want to buy some wheelchair cushions if you plan to use this chair for long
periods of time. Otherwise, it’s easy to operate, it’s sturdy, and it’s easy to
operate.
If you’re on a tighter budget and need a durable, portable, sturdy wheelchair, Drive Medical’s Blue Streak is a great option.
Pros
Affordable
Multiple size options
Push-to-lock feature for safety
Can be self-propelled
Folds up for easy storage and portability
Detachable desk arms and swing-away footrests
Cons
Thin seat (you may need a wheelchair cushion for comfort)
McKesson’s standard wheelchair features a classic design with swing-away footrests, a 20” seat and a 350-lb weight limit.
The
carbon steel frame adds to the durability of this chair, and the embossed vinyl
upholstery is both aesthetically appealing and easy to clean.
The
urethane tires are mounted onto composite wheels for a smoother ride over most
surfaces. The 8” casters at the front of the chair are also adjustable in three
positions.
Push-to-lock
wheel brakes add to the safety of this chair, and the dual axle allows for easy
transition to hemi-level seat height. The padded desk arms are also easy to
remove and are positioned to fit comfortably at a desk or table.
The
McKesson standard wheelchair is a great option for anyone who wants a
comfortable seat, durable frame and a higher weight capacity.
Drive Medical’s Viper Plus wheelchair is ultra-light (32 lbs.) and portable thanks to its aluminum frame. Heavy-gauge nylon upholstery adds comfort and durability. It’s also easy to clean, and includes hook-and-loop fastener straps.
The
Viper Plus has seat rail extensions as well as extendable upholstery. This
allows you to adjust the seat to your liking:
Seat depth can be adjusted from 16” to 18.”
Back height can be adjusted from 17” to 19” in 1” increments.
Back angle can be adjusted from 5-degrees to 20-degrees.
The
dual axle allows for a wide range of seat-to-floor height options, and the
over-center cross brace eliminates the need to have seat guides.
The
Viper Plus has quick-release, 24” Mag-style wheels with precision wheel
bearings for added durability and reliability. Urethane tires and caster wheels
at the rear of the chair allow for a smoother ride and better performance.
For
even more customization, the Viper Plus offers adjustable caster forks with
three height adjustments. The swing-away footrests are adjustable as is the
anti-tipper and the push-to-lock wheel locks.
With
a maximum user weight of 300 lbs., the Viper Plus can accommodate most users
with ease. And the customization features make this model ideal for people who
want a truly custom fit.
Pros
Multiple adjustable features for a custom fit
Swing-away footrests and flip-up armrests
Dual axle
Comfortable, breathable nylon upholstery
Foldable for easy portability
Cons
No information on whether the wheelchair folds up for storage
The Cruiser III from Drive Medical features a foldable carbon steel frame with a silver vein finish for a sleek look. Weighing less than 36 lbs., this chair is easy to take with you on the go.
This
model comes in three sizes and styles:
16,” 18,” and 20”
Flip Back Removable Adjustable Height Desk Arms/Elevating Leg
Rests, Flip Back Removable Adjustable Height Desk Arms/Swing Away Leg Rests,
and Flip Back Removable Full Arms/Swing away Footrests
We’re
going to discuss the 20” chair with the flip back removable arms and swing-away
footrests.
This
model has built-in seat rail extensions as well as extendable upholstery that
allows you to adjust the seat depth from 16” to 18.” The padded armrests add
comfort, but can also be removed for convenience. The dual axle design allows
for easy transition to hemi-level.
The
Mag-style wheels are maintenance-free, and the 8” casters at the front of the
chair can be adjusted in three positions. Sealed wheel bearings at the front
and rear allow for added durability, and the push-to-lock wheel locks add to
the safety of the chair.
The
design of the frame eliminates the need for seat guides, and also allows for
customized back inserts and accessories.
The
Cruiser III is easy to fold up for storage or portability, and its durable
design makes it a great option for most users. It’s difficult to find any
information on weight limits, but many users say that it can support at least
300 lbs.
Pros
Lightweight and portable
Multiple style and size options
Adjustable features
Dual axle
Folds up for easy storage and portability
Cons
No reliable information on the wheelchair’s weight limit
5. Medline Lightweight and User-Friendly Wheelchair
Medline Lightweight and User-Friendly Wheelchair
Medline’s lightweight wheelchair features comfortable (and easy to clean) nylon upholstery and a generous 18” wide seat. The chair is lightweight and has a 300 lb. weight capacity.
Removable,
flip-back desk arms make it easy to sit at tables and desks, and to transfer to
other seats. Elevating leg rests help alleviate pressure, prevent swelling and
also improve the comfort of this chair – especially during long trips. The
backrest and armrest are both adjustable for customized support and comfort.
The
maintenance-free Mag-style wheels are smooth rolling and flat-free. An arm
drive attachment allows for easy, independent movement. Medline’s chair also
folds up easily for transport and storage.
These five manual wheelchairs are durable, easy to use and comfortable to sit in. Most are foldable for easy transport and portability. Many also have adjustable features that allow for a more customized fit. These models come in varying price ranges and options to suit your needs and your budget.
Best Transport Wheelchairs For Ease of Travel
If you are looking for a wheelchair that is easy to fold up and move around, then a manual one like the some of the ones above aren’t what you are looking for. There are plenty of lightweight or transport wheelchairs that are much easier to lug around with you while you are on the go. We have reviewed a few that we recommend here: TOP 3 LIGHTWEIGHT WHEELCHAIRS – LIGHT AND AFFORDABLE
Tim is a professional caregiver who has helped hundreds of seniors gain back their freedom and independence. He has been actively helping the senior community for 20+ years.
Wheelchairs can be a big pain to transport. They are big and bulky, and when it comes time to go in the car, it can be a pain to try and fit it in the trunk. Lightweight wheelchairs may be easier to carry, but they too can be difficult to fit into tight spaces. However, the best folding wheelchairs allow you to fold the chair down small enough that it can be placed in the backseat or trunk of a vehicle.
These chairs come in either assisted or self-propel options, and they’re able to accommodate people anywhere from 200 – 300+ pounds. In this article we highlight manual options. Click here if you would like to see our list of folding electric models we recommend.
Comfortable, soft and sturdy, these folding wheelchairs also have footrests and armrests that can folded or be removed to allow for an even more compact design. You’ll find that each model has its own perks, but for the most part, the difference between each model is minimal.
Models with larger wheel sizes, such as the first model on our list, benefit from being able to be pushed on rougher terrain. However, the bad part of these larger wheel sizes is that they make the chair heavier and more difficult to pick up and put into a vehicle.
We’ve taken everything into consideration and picked five of the best folding lightweight wheelchair models on the market today. These folding wheelchairs make it fast and easy for a user to enter and exit a vehicle without fearing that their wheelchair will be too cumbersome.
Top 5 Lightweight Foldable Wheelchairs
1. Drive Medical Lightweight Steel Transport Wheelchair
Drive Medical Aluminum Transport Chair
Drive Medical’s steel wheelchair is durable and comes in sizes 17″ and 19″. You’ll also be able to pick from detachable desk arms and fixed full arms. The durable steel frame allows for users up to 250 pounds to confidently use this transport chair.
Features and specs:
Seat depth: 18 inches
Seat width: 16.5 inches
Wheel size: 8 inches
Weight capacity: 250 pounds
Chair weight: 26 pounds
Cushioned arm rests
Swing away footrests
Backrest and chair that folds flat
Maintenance-free design
Nylon seat
Adjustable arm and leg rests
Drive Medical has incorporated 8-inch wheels that offer superb mobility outdoors and indoors. Eight-inch wheels are large enough for outdoor maneuverability, yet the wheels are small enough to maneuver in tight spaces indoors.
Simple to clean, the nylon upholstery seat is both comfortable and durable.
The armrests are padded for added comfort, and when it comes time to transport the wheelchair, it folds together by pushing the sides together. The backrest is simple to fold, too. Footrests do swing away for easy folding or to allow the user to place their feet on the ground.
Lightweight, the chair can fit in trunks or in the backseat of most vehicles.
Overall, this is a great wheelchair that folds up into a compact, transportable unit. The model does have the complaint of being too narrow for some users, so make sure you choose the appropriate size for your needs.
If you are looking for a transport wheelchair that is super light, then this is one of the best lightweight wheelchairs you can buy today.
Medline’s lightweight transport wheelchair comes in red, offers 12-inch rear wheels for better performance and is one of the best folding wheelchairs in Medline’s lineup.
Features and specs:
Seat depth: 18 inches
Seat Width: 16 inches
Wheel size: 12 inches
Weight capacity: 300 pounds
Chair weight: 23.5 pounds
Loop-style handbrakes
Lightweight aluminum frame
Collapsible back
Full length armrests
Detachable footrests
Adjustable arm and leg rests
Nylon upholstery
Larger rear wheels allow for easier transport over uneven, outdoor surfaces. The wheelchair cannot be propelled by the user, so it’s important to have someone to push the wheelchair from behind. Handbrakes help keep the chair from moving or the pusher from losing control.
The armrests are permanent and full length, allowing for the utmost in comfort.
The leg rests are removable, which allows the chair to easily fold up. Users are kept firmly in place thanks to the attached seatbelt. When it comes time to put the wheelchair into the trunk of the car or bring it up stairs, you won’t have to struggle. The chair weighs just 23.5 pounds, so it’s light enough to transport with ease.
The Blue Streak wheelchair is one of the best folding lightweight wheelchairs on the market, and it has a flip back with desk arms for added versatility. The model is an 18″ size, and the cutting-edge design makes mobility a breeze.
Features and specs:
Seat depth: 16 inches
Seat width: 18 inches
Wheel size: 8 inches
Weight capacity: 300 pounds
Chair weight: 41 pounds
Folding design
Durable tires
Push-to-lock brakes
Detachable desk arms
Swing-away footrests
Adjustable arm and leg rests
You’ll also find that this model comes in three different seat sizes: 16″, 18″ and 20″. What’s great about this wheelchair is that the user can propel the chair themselves. There’s no need for someone else to propel the chair, but there are handles that do allow another person to push the chair as needed.
Footrests also swing away to make folding or getting out of the wheelchair easier.
When it comes time to fold the wheelchair up, you simply push the sides together and it folds up for easy storage. And with a blue powdered frame, the wheelchair is resistant to chips and cracks.
But being able to propel the chair means that it is significantly heavier than other lightweight wheelchairs, weighing 41.25 pounds.
Drive Medical’s Cruiser III model has a steel frame model that does allow for self-propelling. You’ll find that this model comes with several sizes, ranging from 16″ to 20.” It also has removable arms, swing away footrests and a slew of features that make using this wheelchair a breeze.
Features and specs:
Seat depth: 16 to 18 inches
Seat width: 20 inches
Wheel size: 8 inches
Weight capacity: 350 pounds
Chair weight: 36.5 pounds
Carbon steel frame
Seat rail extensions
Padded armrests
Push-to-lock wheels
The Cruiser III offers a very high weight capacity of 350 pounds. And with adjustable options, the wheelchair allows for seat rail, armrest, front cast and footrest adjustments. The wheelchair is easily propelled by the user, but this function makes the chair heavier at 36 pounds.
Wheels feature precision sealed wheel bearings for added performance and reliability.
Quick and easy to fold, the Cruiser III remains one of the best self-propelling wheelchairs in Drive Medical’s lineup. Extra-durable, the seat rail extensions make the III comfortable and provides a seat depth adjustment between 16″ and 18″ for a better overall fit.
5. Drive Medical Super Light Folding Transport Wheelchair
Drive Medical Super Light Transport Wheelchair
The final folding transport chair on our list is the Super Light Drive Medical, and comes with a carry bag and blue color. This model has padded, flip-back armrests and fold-down footrests for added comfort.
Users cannot propel the chair on their own.
Features and specs:
Seat depth: 16 inches
Seat width: 17 inches
Wheel size: 8 inches
Weight capacity: 300 pounds
Chair weight: 16.5 pounds
Fold-up armrests
Fold-down footrests
Composite wheels
Maintenance-free design
Rear wheel locks
When closed, this chair folds down into just a 9-inch width with an overall length of 30 inches. A carry bag with a shoulder strap is included, and the easy-to-push model comes with 19″ of space between the armrest pads and a seat width of 15.25.”
The seat’s depth is 17.”
Offering a classic, silver aluminum frame, the Super Light has a maintenance-free design with composite wheels. There are also rear locks for added control.
Wheels offer a smooth ride on most surfaces, and users up to 300 pounds can confidently use the Super Light without worrying about being over the chair’s weight capacity.
For pure transport needs, this the best folding wheelchair based on weight alone.
NOVA’s lightweight transport chair comes with two brakes for added safety, anti-tippers and is designed to hold users of up to 300 pounds. The footrests are adjustable to fit taller and shorter users, and the unit folds nicely when not in use.
Features and Specs:
Seat depth: 15.75 inches
Seat width: 18.5 inches
Wheel size: 12 inches
Weight capacity: 300 pounds
Chair weight: 27 pounds
Feature-rich, the hand brakes are the chair’s standout feature and keep you from having to bend over the lock the chair. The adjustable armrests and footrests allow for an ergonomic fit, and users of all heights can fit in the chair comfortable.
Fold the chair when it’s not in use, or bring it out on rough terrain thanks to the large rear tires.
The Giantex folding manual wheelchair is FDA approved and has a 24-inch large rubber wheel that provides ample ability to ride over all terrain types. The chair has 8-inch caster wheels for easy turning, and has handled if someone wants to push you.
Features and specs:
Seat depth: 16.5 inches
Seat width: 19.5 inches
Wheel size: 24 inches
Weight capacity: 250 pounds
Chair weight: 39.6 pounds
There’s a large storage pocket in the back for easy storage. Foldable, you can store the chair in your trunk and makes transport easy. The armrests are comfortable and padded, and the frame is made of reinforced steel.
The chair also has calf supports and the pedals flip up for greater comfort.
Pros
Two handbrakes keep the chair firmly locked in place
PVC material back adds to comfort even when sitting for long durations
Calf supports provide added comfort
Full length armrests are comfortable and padded
Folding option allows for easy storage in the home or a trunk
Lightweight wheelchairs (also called transport wheelchairs) provide an easy means of transport for anyone who is lacking full mobility. Heavier wheelchairs may be complicated to fold or disassemble, but lightweight chairs make it fast and easy to fold.
If you’re planning on going to a concert or the park, a lightweight wheelchair is a lot easier for transport.
When first looking for a lightweight model, you may not know how to choose a lightweight wheelchair. There are a lot of features and specs to consider. A few of the main considerations are:
Manual vs Transport Chair
Two main types of lightweight wheelchairs are available: manual or transport. A manual chair provides the user with a means of propelling the wheelchair without assistance from someone else.
A manual wheelchair is all about freedom, and have a small caster wheel and a large wheel for propelling the chair.
Transport wheelchairs do not have the ability to be propelled manually, so it is up to the user to have someone else push them. An aide or family member will be responsible for moving the chair from one point to the next.
If a person has the upper body strength and dexterity to manually push the chair, a manual option may be a good choice.
Weight
Weight doesn’t matter much to the user when using a lightweight transport chair. Heavier steel may be used in some chairs, making them heavier but also allowing for a higher maximum weight for the user.
But the weight of the chair is most important to the person that will be folding the chair and placing it into their trunk. Chairs that are lightweight will have weights between 25 and 30 pounds, but heavier chairs will be higher and might weigh as much as 40+ pounds.
Adjustable Armrests and Footrests
An adjustable armrest and footrest are two of the most important comfort features when choosing a wheelchair. Users of different heights and sizes will need to have adjustable footrests at the very least.
Improper footrest position can cause:
Discomfort
Ankle pain
Hip pain
Proper height adjustments will allow you to maintain a proper leg height and sit comfortably in your chair for longer.
Armrests may or may not have the adjustable feature. When armrests adjust, they allow the user to properly position their arms and also maintain a natural trunk position. These armrests click into place to make sure that they don’t move on accident.
Depth
Seat depth is another dimension of lightweight wheelchairs. You have to measure the depth of the chair against the length of the knee to the hip when sitting at a 90-degree angle. Proper measuring will allow you to determine if the depth of the chair is sufficient.
If the depth is too short, the user’s knees will not line up properly with the footrests and can make sitting uncomfortable.
When the depth is too deep, the depth can make it difficult to place your back against the backrest. Poor posture will follow if the user’s back does not sit flush with the back of the chair.
Most chairs will have a depth and will also provide all measurements so that you can be confident the chair will fit your user.
Seat to Floor Height
A wheelchair’s seat to floor height will allow you to determine if a person’s feet will dangle or if the person’s feet will end up dragging on the floor. You’ll want to also consider if the person will be using their feet to propel the chair.
Some users use their feet to propel their wheelchair, so you might want to consider a slightly lower wheelchair that is lower than the person’s presumed height.
Back Height
Another important thing to consider is the chair’s back height, which you can measure from the top of the seat to the top of the backrest. You may be able to find accessories that will extend the top of the backrest, but ideally, you want a chair that’s already an appropriate height.
I hope these reviews and tips helped you find the best folding lightweight wheelchair for your needs and budget.
Tim is a professional caregiver who has helped hundreds of seniors gain back their freedom and independence. He has been actively helping the senior community for 20+ years.
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