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Owning one of the best electric wheelchairs can make a huge difference in a person's day to day. Designed to help those who have difficulty walking, these motor-based chairs tend to have a variety of features like different driving modes and customizable seats and armrests. Most importantly, though, an electric wheelchair should assist with mobility, regardless of what a person's condition is.
"Electric wheelchairs can help with independence and mobility for those who don't have much physical ability or are uncomfortable on their feet for extended periods of time," Christopher Norman, a board-certified geriatric nurse practitioner with the National Council on Aging, says. "This could be due to chronic disease like arthritis or complications from diabetes, or a temporary condition like a healing fractured bone."
According to the National Household Travel Survey (NHTS), nearly 10 million working age Americans (18 to 64) reported having disabilities, with 8.8% regularly using a motorized wheelchair or scooter. Meanwhile, recent research found that 24% of Americans aged 65 and older reported using a mobility device, electric wheelchairs included.
It may feel like a daunting task to decide on the best electric wheelchair for a person's needs, but there are a ton of different options on the market. Special customization options (think back support, footplates, and headrest), seat width, turning radius, and weight capacity are all thoughtful features that ensure the user is comfortable and safe.
After researching some of the top models available from brands like Titan, Rubicon, and Reyhee, we put together a list of the best options.
The best electric wheelchair overall
How we picked the best electric wheelchair
What to look for in an electric wheelchair
Cost: $1,799 | Range: 12.4 miles | Foldable: Yes | Chair weight: 49 lbs. | Weight capacity: 300 lbs. | Turning radius: 19.7 inches | Max speed: 3.7 mph | Seat width: 18 inches | Seat depth: 17.7 inches | Comfort features: Cushioned seat, padded armrests, under-seat storage, headlight, flip-up footplates
This 3-in-1 electric wheelchair from Reyhee ended up as our top pick for a number of reasons. For one, it's one of the more affordable options on our list, especially given the useful features — namely, three different modes (electric, manual, and combination) and the lightweight, foldable design that makes it easy to travel with. (Norman recommends opting for a foldable model for those who travel frequently.)
It touts a maximum speed of 3.7 mph and has dual controls that allow either the user or a companion to operate the chair. The aluminum frame is durable while the two driving options (drive and neutral/freewheel) make it versatile enough to navigate through different environments, whether you're at home or at the grocery store.
When it comes to comfortability, it boasts a cushioned seat and padded armrests. There are also two handy storage compartments (under the seat and below the left armrest). That being said, it doesn't have the best back support we've seen, nor are there many customization options.
Cost: $2,349 | Range: 19 miles | Foldable: No | Chair weight: 171 lbs. | Weight capacity: 300 lbs. | Turning radius: 20 inches | Max speed: 4 mph | Seat width: Varies | Seat depth: Varies | Comfort features: Padded armrests, adjustable armrests, flip-up footplate, 45-degree swivel seat, recline, positioning belt, adjustable controller
If comfort is your top priority, the AXS Mid-Wheel Drive Powerchair from Titan is a good choice. Beyond its 300 pound weight capacity and impressive 4 mph max speed, it boasts some thoughtful features designed to keep the user super comfortable. Padded and adjustable armrests, a seat that reclines, and a positioning belt, plus an ergonomic and programmable joystick are some of our favorite features.
"Power wheelchairs are often customized with speciality features to match an individual's specific shape, size and functional needs," Jillian Cacopardo, clinical coordinator for Gaylord Speciality Healthcare's Wheelchair Clinic, says.
It's definitely on the heavier side at 171 pounds so it may not be the best for travel, but it can go around 19 miles per single charge. The mid-wheel drive also allows folks to maneuver their way through hallways, doorways, and elevators without much worry.
Cost: $999 | Range: 13 miles | Foldable: Yes | Chair weight: 64 lbs. (without battery) | Weight capacity: 330 lbs. | Turning radius: 32 inches | Max speed: 4 mph | Seat width: 18 inches | Seat depth: 18 inches | Comfort features: Cushioned seat, full back support, adjustable backrest and footrests, shock absorbers, all-terrain tires, Bluetooth remote control
If you live in a place with a lot of different terrain or spend your days outside, you may want to opt for something that can conquer a variety of textures. The Rubicon DX08 has many user-friendly features — a cushioned seat, comfortable back support, an adjustable backrest and footrests and even Bluetooth capabilities — but its number one highlight is the all-terrain tires. They can take on brick, mud, grass and bumpy floors, ensuring your safety regardless of where you go.
Other pros? The tires can take on 12-degree inclines and the chair itself can fold down to 13 inches tall in just a few seconds. It also has shock absorbers, which are designed to keep things smooth regardless of the terrain while also reducing general wear and tear.
At 64 pounds, it's a pretty lightweight option, plus the joystick is adjustable for right- or left-handed users. It also has a maximum speed of 4 mph and a range of up to 13 miles per charge.
Cost: Starting at $4,608.99 | Range: 14.1 miles | Foldable: No | Chair weight: Not stated | Weight capacity: 300 lbs. | Turning radius: 24.1 inches | Max speed: 3.71 mph | Seat width: Varies | Seat depth: Varies | Comfort features: Elevating seat, cushioned seat and backrest, adjustable armrests and footplate, customizable seat, adjustable headrest
Although it's certainly more of a splurge, the Jazzy Air Med touts user-friendly features that make the price tag worth it, especially if you have a hard time doing things from a seated position. The padded seat and backrest and adjustable armrests and footplate are all super handy, but the shining star is definitely the elevating seat, which can give users up to a 12-inch boost.
The elevating seat feature is especially useful for reaching shelves or completing tasks more independently. That being said, there are also multiple customizable options too, allowing you to choose the seat size, depth, width and cushioning, the placement of the joystick and legrests, and any additional accessories (lap belts, a weather cover, saddle bags and more).
Despite its high price tag, it's worth considering if you want maximum comfort and independence.
Cost: Starting at $3,423 | Range: 18 miles | Foldable: No | Chair weight: 137 lbs. (without battery) | Weight capacity: 300 lbs. | Turning radius: 19.6 inches | Max speed: 5 mph | Seat width: 18 inches | Seat depth: 16 inches | Comfort features: Supportive cushioning, full back support, adjustable armrests, flip-up armrests, swing-away footrest
The 2-in-1 powerbase of the Merits electric wheelchair makes it one of the most versatile picks we found. It can easily be converted from front wheel drive to rear wheel drive just by rotating it, and you can also elevate the seat by 5 inches. Other highlights include its 300 pound weight capacity, 18 mile range and supportive backseat.
It's not a super portable option (it doesn't fold down and it weighs 137 pounds without the battery), but the turning radius measures in at 19.6 inches, the lowest on our list. Plus, it's specifically designed to help users maneuver their way through narrow doorways and hallways — its overall width is just 24 inches.
As a bonus, you can also customize the color, seat style, joystick and legrest options and add in accessories, like a cane holder, chair cover or a saddlebag arm mount.
Cost: $849.99 | Range: 12 miles | Foldable: Yes | Chair weight: 95 lbs. | Weight capacity: 220 lbs. | Turning radius: 47 inches | Max speed: 4 mph | Seat width: 18 inches | Seat depth: Varies | Comfort features: Cushioned seating, adjustable safety belt
The best electric wheelchairs don't have to always cost a pretty penny — this option from Vive is available for under $1,000 and still has some great, user-friendly features. It's foldable and weighs only 95 pounds so it's good for travel, and the cushioned seat and adjustable belt are both comfy and safe.
You can travel up to 12 miles on a single charge and its maximum speed reaches 4 mph, which is on par with some of the more expensive picks we found. Like our other favorite options, it has a 360-degree joystick controller that can be used for either left- or right-handed people, and includes an easy-to-reach button for a safety horn, a USB port and a battery charge indicator light.
Just note that weight capacity is a bit lower at 220 pounds, so it may not be the best option for people in larger bodies.
When creating our list of the best electric wheelchairs, we took a number of factors into account. Most importantly, we wanted all of our options to have thoughtful, user-friendly features that most people can benefit from regardless of their mobility. We also wanted to include picks at all different price points and even spoke to experts to point us in the right direction.
After chatting with mobility specialists, we prioritized picks that would only offer a comfortable, safe riding experience.
There are a few different kinds of electric wheelchairs, and the one that works best for you will likely depend on your lifestyle. Some of these may include:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD): These wheelchairs usually drive slower, which is meant to give the user enough time to adjust their joystick to finish turning. Rear-wheel drive wheelchairs are great for stability because they can easily conquer uneven terrain or even relatively steep inclines.
Mid-wheel drive (MWD): If you live in a space that has narrow hallways or doorways, mid-wheel drive is a good feature to have. They typically boast a smaller turning radius since the wheels are located directly beneath where the user sits.
Front-wheel drive (FWD): FWD is good for both indoor and outdoor use. They'll usually have a tight turning radius like MWD, along with the ability to get close to things (like a bathroom sink or cabinet) and good traction.
Travel power wheelchairs or folding electric wheelchairs: Designed for portability, these electric wheelchairs will be foldable and easy to assemble. They can weigh anywhere from 50 to 100 pounds, so they're also a little lighter than your average one.
Heavy duty power wheelchairs: Also called bariatric wheelchairs, these have a higher weight capacity of over 300 pounds. They also tend to have reinforced frames and wider seats, so they're a good choice for people in larger bodies.
Standing or elevated electric wheelchairs: Hence the name, these chairs will usually allow its users to stand upright or to adjust the seat height so you can reach objects that would typically be tough from a seated position.
Prior to picking an electric wheelchair, you should consider some key factors:
Features: Most electric wheelchairs come with a few handy features, many of which will depend on what you deem helpful. "Such speciality features can include tilt/recline, seat elevator, standing, cushion, trunk support and custom controls to help operate the chair," Cacopardo says.
Battery life: Norman says that you should ideally look for a wheelchair that has enough battery power for your daily activities. "Ask yourself what kinds of things you'd like to do so that the wheelchair might be helpful with [them]."
Lifestyle and needs: According to Norman, you should consider the primary environment you'll be using your wheelchair in, whether it be inside or outside. "Oftentimes driving an electric wheelchair outside will result in more wear and tear on the device, and battery life can be affected significantly by temperature outside," he says. This means that your chosen wheelchair should be able to adequately perform wherever you need it to, especially when it comes to speed, turning radius and comfortability.
Transportability and chair weight: If portability is an important factor for you, you'll definitely want to pick a chair that isn't super heavy and can be folded down. You'll also want to ensure that it isn't too much of a hassle to reassemble.
Chair design: "Adjustable seats and supportive backrests are good to look into for longer use," Norman advises. "If you're going to be spending a lot of time sitting, make sure you're as comfortable and supported as possible."
The size of the user: Wheelchair specs will usually tell you what the maximum weight is, and heavy duty wheelchairs are designed for those who are in larger bodies.
Price: Since insurance coverage will depend on what your plan is, you want to make sure you're choosing an electric wheelchair within your budget.
How many batteries does an electric wheelchair have?
An electric wheelchair will usually use two batteries. They may come with the wheelchair itself, but you should check the specifications of your chosen wheelchair to make sure.
How much does an electric wheelchair weigh?
The weight of an electric wheelchair will depend on each individual model. We made sure to list this as a spec in each of our picks, but our favorite models range from 49 pounds to a little over 150.
Can you rent an electric wheelchair?
Yes, you can rent an electric wheelchair. If you're traveling somewhere and your day-to-day model isn't the most portable, you can look into renting one through an electric wheelchair company in whatever destination you're heading to.
Where can you buy electric wheelchair batteries?
You can buy electric wheelchair batteries online or in-person. Some of the most common retailers include The Home Depot, Amazon and Walmart. If you purchase your chair from a specific website, you can likely find a replacement battery there, too.
That being said, Cacopardo advises that users charge their wheelchair every night: "Once you start seeing your battery life decrease to less than a day, it is time to replace it," she says. "Batteries generally last one to two years. If your insurance paid for the chair, then oftentimes [they'll] pay for a new battery."
How much is an electric wheelchair?
An electric wheelchair can cost anywhere from $500 to over $4,000. This will depend on the features and model you end up going with, and we made sure to include options that are different ends of the budget spectrum. Some picks will offer useful add-ons, but you may have to pay for those, too.
Will Medicare pay for an electric wheelchair?
Insurance coverage depends on your plan. If you have Medicare, their Part B plan will cover some wheelchairs and power-operated vehicles dubbed as durable medical equipment (DME) prescribed by a doctor. This means you'll need to have a written prescription and a face-to-face evaluation since Medicare will only cover electric wheelchairs if they're found to be medically necessary.
It can get a bit more complicated after that since you'll need to meet the Part B deductible in order to receive DME financial assistance. To find out how much you'll pay, Medicare recommends talking to your doctor. The overall cost can depend on factors like your co-pay for appointments, the type of facility you go to, where you get your wheelchair and more.
Jillian Cacopardo, MPT, ATP/SMS, clinical coordinator for Gaylord Specialty Healthcare's Wheelchair Clinic
foldaway electric wheelchair Christopher Norman, MSN, APRN, APHN-BC, GNP-BC, geriatric nurse practitioner with the National Council on Aging