Don’t let your wheelchair get in the way of your mobility. A great way to do this is by finding some of the best lightweight wheelchairs in the market that can easily get you from one point to another!
I’ve searched high and low for some of the best wheelchairs for the elderly in the market. If that sounds like something you’re interested in, keep reading, and let’s get started!
10 Best Lightweight Wheelchairs
Finding the best and most reliable lightweight wheelchair was no easy task. My search brought me far, but it was pretty worth it.
I’ve listed some of my favorite finds, which I hope you’ll consider:
1. Drive Medical Blue Streak Ultra-Lightweight Wheelchair – Best Overall
FEATURES:
- Material: Steel
- Seat Size: 18 inch
- Style: Swing away footrests and flip-back desk arms
- Weight: 41.25 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
Drive Medical has some of the best wheelchairs on the market — its wide selection is hard to beat. So, what better way to start this review than by introducing this lightweight manual wheelchair?
After testing this wheelchair for myself, I finally understood why it has over 20,000 awesome reviews on Amazon. Despite being lightweight, this chair can accommodate up to 250 pounds.
It doesn’t come with any bulk because you can easily stow it away inside your storage room!
I’m not going to lie, the looks of this wheelchair are very unassuming and frankly boring. The only thing striking with the looks of this chair is its blue streak accents.
2. Medline Lightweight Transport Wheelchair – Best Value
FEATURES:
- Material: Aluminum frame
- Seat Size: 19 inch
- Style: Folding wheelchair with handbrakes
- Weight: 22 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
If you’re looking for one of the best transport wheelchairs on the market, this Medline transport chair is the one to get. It combines value for money and reliability in one compact and lightweight product!
Weighing only 22 pounds, this transport chair is perfect for anyone always on the go. You can fold the chair and pack it in your car without taking up too much space.
After testing out this wheelchair, I thoroughly enjoyed its safety features. It has easy-to-use hand brakes and safety belts, ensuring your patient stays on their seat while in transit.
The only room for improvement with this product is its nylon upholstery. The material is supposed to be breathable and cool, but it doesn’t do a good job of it.
3. Karman Healthcare Ergo Flight Ergonomic Wheelchair – Best Budget Pick
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Material: Aluminum
- Seat Size: 18 inch
- Style: Removable footrests with companion brakes
- Weight: 19.8 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 220 pounds
Who says you must spend a fortune to find the best lightweight wheelchair? Certainly not the Karman Healthcare Ergo Flight Ergonomic Wheelchair.
The wheelchair sports an ergonomic design, from the handles to the footrests. This ensures you can keep active and moving, even after extended periods! Plus, this is a highly portable wheelchair you can bring around.
Not to mention, its padded seat and backrest make this chair extra comfortable to sit in. You don’t have to worry about nasty back sores commonly attributed to wheelchairs.
The 220-weight limit of this wheelchair is pretty adequate. However, it would be better if its weight limit were anything like the Medline transport wheelchair with a rating of 300 pounds.
4. Nova Lightweight Transport Chair – Best Transport Wheelchair
FEATURES:
- Material: Aluminum
- Seat Size: 19 inch
- Style: Flip-up and removable armrests
- Weight: 22.65 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
If it isn’t apparent enough through its name, this wheelchair is lightweight and transport friendly. It’s become a crowd favorite among caregivers and nurses, and let me tell you why.
Thanks to its removable armrests, getting patients in and out of their seats is simple and can be done quickly.
Despite it being removable, the armrest stays secure in its place. You don’t have to worry about your patients falling over whenever you’re in transit.
Not to mention, this lightweight wheelchair also sports safety belts to keep the patient in place.
The only struggle I had with this chair was getting it cleaned. Getting stains out of the upholstery is pretty hard. You’ll need to be ready to do some serious scrubbing.
5. Hover Move Lite Folding Power Chair – Best Electric Wheelchair
FEATURES:
- Material: Aluminum
- Seat Size: 18.5 inches
- Style: Modern power chair
- Weight: 50 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
The last thing you probably have in mind when thinking of lightweight chairs is electric wheelchairs. I, too, was surprised, especially when I found the Hover Move Lite folding power chair.
Unlike manual wheelchairs, you don’t need to manually wheel yourself from one place to another. This electric wheelchair has a battery pack that lets you travel 15 miles on a single full charge!
That’s significantly farther than how far you’d expect to go with other manual wheelchairs. You can independently travel to your destination without any help!Because of its battery pack, expect this to be one of the heavier wheelchairs on this list. Do I consider it a deal breaker? Not necessarily!
6. Drive Medical Cruiser III – Highest Weight Limit
FEATURES:
- Material: Carbon steel frame
- Seat Size: 20 inch
- Style: Removable full arms/ Swing away footrests
- Weight: 38 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
If you thought the weight limit of the Medline transport wheelchair was impressive, wait until you hear about what’s in store with this Drive Medical Cruiser III.
It can hold up to 350 pounds, giving it one of the highest weight limits. This being the case, you can expect this product to also double as a bariatric wheelchair.
The carbon frame on this wheelchair gives it superb durability, and you don’t have to worry about replacing it anytime soon. You can expect a smooth ride all the time. I do wish that this bariatric wheelchair came with simple safety features like belts and hand brakes. By now, that should be a standard for the different types of wheelchairs offered.
7. Strongback Excursion Mobility Wheelchair- Best Ergonomic Design
FEATURES:
- Material: Aluminum
- Seat Size: 20 inch
- Style: Adjustable lumbar support
- Weight: 25 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
Sitting on wheelchairs can cause serious back aches, making it uncomfortable for some patients to sit in them for hours. They shift around their seats, hoping to find the best position.
Thankfully, this will be the least of your problems when you use the Strongback Excursion mobility wheelchair. The back part of the chair is adjustable so that you can find a comfortable position for you.
This ergonomic design helps you improve your posture, even while you’re seated! You don’t have to worry about any pressure points building up on your spine.
However, I do hope this wheelchair can be improved and become more durable. I noticed some of the parts falling off, like the wheel caps and even sometimes the leg rest.
8. Feather Chair Featherweight Ultra-Light Wheelchair – Most Lightweight Wheelchair
FEATURES:
- Material: Aluminum
- Seat Size: 18 inch
- Style: Compact and foldable backrest
- Weight: 13.5 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
True to its name, the Feather wheelchair is perhaps the lightest wheelchair I’ve encountered today. It only weighs 13.5 pounds when the detachable rear wheels are removed.
But with rear wheels on, the whole wheelchair weighs just 19 pounds, making it one of the most ultra-lightweight wheelchairs on the market.
The featherweight wheelchair comes highly recommended thanks to its sleek and light design. The chair folds easily so that you can keep this in your storage or your car’s trunk.
Overall, nothing much can be said about this product, except that it can potentially be one of the lightest wheelchairs on the market. Its plain design could certainly be improved, but this is just a matter of aesthetics.
9. Drive Medical TR39E – Best in Maneuverability
FEATURES:
- Material: Carbon steel body
- Seat Size: 19 inch
- Style: Lightweight steel transport wheelchair
- Weight: 26 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
If it isn’t apparent enough, you can tell how much I love Drive Medical wheelchairs. Like I’ve said earlier, they have some of the most awesome lightweight wheelchairs in the market that are hard to beat.
I’m impressed with the 250 maximum weight limit of this chair. After all, who would have thought that its slim frame could accommodate such weight?
This wouldn’t have been possible without its durable carbon steel body. It may be one of the lightest wheelchairs you can find, but it certainly is one of the strongest.
Unfortunately, this chair doesn’t sport the usual large wheels. This being the case, you need to rely on other people to wheel you from one place to another.
10. Karman S-115 Ultra-Light Ergonomic Wheelchair – Best in Comfort
FEATURES:
- Material: Aluminum
- Seat Size: 18 inch
- Style: Compact height adjustable seat
- Weight: 25 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
Ending on a sweet note, the Karman S-115 wheelchair is everything you’d want for a lightweight wheelchair. It sports a comfortable seat thanks to its cushioned back and bottom.
Its ergonomic hand rims are comfortable, giving you a wide range of motion and mobility without sacrificing comfort.
You can bring yourself from one point to another without relying on anyone to help you! One thing’s for sure: this wheelchair offers 100% comfort in all aspects.
Unfortunately, this ultra-lightweight wheelchair has a pretty expensive price tag, costing nearly $600. For its price, it’s only natural you expect this to be the best lightweight wheelchair for comfort.
What Are the Benefits Of Lightweight Wheelchairs?
If you’re not convinced you should invest in a good lightweight chair, I’m here to help you. I’ve listed some of my top reasons to get a lightweight wheelchair:
1. Comfort and Mobility
Are lightweight wheelchairs any different than your standard wheelchairs? Not necessarily. The primary difference between the two is their weight, an important factor for many people.
One noticeable difference I experienced while using some of the best ultra-lightweight wheelchairs is their maneuverability.
Regardless of what direction and how many turns I made, everything was effortless! Not to mention, I didn’t have to worry about any nasty hand strains.
Although you’re operating a super lightweight wheelchair, they’re still made of durable materials to ensure you get the most out of your investment.
2. Portability
You can transport lightweight wheelchairs anywhere and easily load them inside your car! That’s because, unlike the average manual wheelchairs, the light weight makes them highly portable.
Most lightweight wheelchairs are typically foldable, so you can save a ton of space wherever you put them. Having quick-release wheels also lets you store your chair away without the bulk!
But make no mistake in thinking that ultra-lightweight wheelchairs can’t hold you. You’d be surprised that even bariatric users can enjoy this lightweight design!
So whether you’re going indoors or outdoors, you can enjoy a wide selection of lightweight wheelchairs in the market.
3. Versatility
A versatile wheelchair lets you enjoy a wide range of motions thanks to its impressive built-in features. Simple swing-away footrests, for example, already change how you enjoy your lightweight wheelchair!
If you want to get the most out of your wheelchair, here are some basic features you need to watch out for:
- Elevating footrests
- Leg rests
- Leg support
- Adjustable armrests and seat width
- Wide seat
In my quest to find the best lightweight wheelchair, I have found that these simple features can do much for my comfort. You can sit on your chair for hours and self-propel yourself wherever you want!
How to Choose a Lightweight Wheelchair
I’m not going to lie, I found it extremely challenging to develop a list of some of the best lightweight wheelchairs. There are many products to choose from, and it’s as if I was looking for a needle in a haystack.
To ensure you don’t have the same experience, I listed some of the important factors you should prioritize in your search for the best lightweight chair:
1. Cost
Wheelchairs come in different price points, regardless of the type. This being the case, you’ll always find a wheelchair regardless of your budget.
A good rule of thumb I follow is to always set a budget before making any big purchase. This helps me narrow down my search and stay within budget.
If you’re working with a limited budget, ensure you’re not sacrificing the quality for its price. After all, you still want to get your money’s worth at the end of the day.
But if you’ve got a few extra bucks you’re willing to spend, consider investing in some of the higher-end lightweight wheelchairs.
2. Weight Capacity
Always take into account the weight limit of your wheelchair. The higher the limit, the better!
In general, the average weight limit of standard wheelchairs is 200 to 300 pounds.
This is pretty sufficient, even for some bariatric patients. You don’t have to worry about buying separate wheelchairs to meet different weight requirements.
Keep in mind that wheelchair weight is different from weight limits. The former refers to the overall weight of just the wheelchair itself, and the latter refers to how much load it can handle.
3. Maneuverability
The main purpose of having a manual wheelchair is to travel from point A to B with the least struggle possible. Part of this is being able to make turns, regardless of the angle.
I encountered several wheelchairs out there that I found to be frustrating. I couldn’t make a complete 360 turn because of one reason or another.
Out of frustration, I swore I’d only choose a manual wheelchair I could turn in one swift move. This is a good rule you, too, should follow.
You might also want to consider a wheelchair’s width — especially if you’re going through a lot of doorways or narrow paths.
The last thing you’d want to struggle with is mobility, which is what your wheelchair is supposed to help you with.
4. Safety Features
A simple set of safety features can support users in their day-to-day activities.
Take the case of a simple safety belt, which ensures no elderly will fall off their seat while in transit! Or wheel brakes, for example, which ensures that the users don’t accidentally roll down an incline.
Here are some of the common features you should watch out for:
- Anti-tip bars
- Brake lever extensions
- Headrests
- Swing-away footrests
5. Comfort
Believe it or not, I sat on the wheelchairs I reviewed to test how comfortable they were for long use. I found many products I felt comfortable in and others that didn’t meet my expectations.
Based on my test, I found cushioned wheelchairs to be the best. Not only does it cushion my back and bottom, but it also lessens the strain I feel when sitting down.
I also love how some wheelchairs use nylon upholstery, which keeps me cool even after a long time. Thanks to the breathable fabric of nylon upholstery, I can stay seated without breaking a sweat.
Apart from that, I also make sure to choose a wide seat so I don’t feel cramped in my seat.
6. Frame Material
If you want your wheelchair to last a long time, you must find the right material.
In general, I find stainless steel and aluminum to be durable and long-lasting. Not just that, but these two types of materials don’t weigh a lot!
New wheelchairs designed today are usually made with carbon fiber, which provides just the same durability. They are better than steel and aluminum, although they have a pretty expensive price tag.
Thus, before making that big purchase, check what material the wheelchair is made of. I’m sure you don’t want to suddenly fall off your chair because of your poor-quality frames.
7. Adjustability
I always recommend getting an adjustable wheelchair because it provides more product versatility.
Just think about it, you can get two people to use a single wheelchair if the seats and footrests are adjustable.
In general, if there’s one adjustable feature, you should always check out its height. Ideally, the wheelchair user should be able to pull it up and down when necessary.
Types of Lightweight Wheelchairs
There are various types of lightweight wheelchairs in the market — what should you choose? Should you stick to the conventional manual wheelchair, or is it time to level up to an electric-powered chair?
1. Standard & Manual Lightweight Wheelchairs
As its name suggests, a manual wheelchair is the most basic type of chair you can get today. It doesn’t come with any advanced features, unlike the new and modern wheelchairs.
Notwithstanding this, I always find a manual wheelchair the most reliable. It offers a no-frills and thrills operation, which I want.
Today, even manual wheelchairs have their variations, like in the case of transport wheelchairs. They’re just like the usual manual wheelchair, but a transport chair is comparably lighter.
Another good example is a bariatric wheelchair, which tends to have a larger seat width and high weight capacity.
2. Power Wheelchairs
If you’re looking for a new wheelchair design, consider powered wheelchairs. As its name suggests, powered chairs are battery-operated.
One of the main reasons I would get a power wheelchair is it can travel long distances without straining yourself. All you have to do is use the controls, and you’re all set!
I find power chairs to be one of the best wheelchairs for people with poor arm strength. It helps them overcome their mobility concerns and helps them regain their independence.
However, I did notice that this type of wheelchair makes a humming sound during operation. Fortunately, it doesn’t bother me too much.
3. Specialty Wheelchairs
If there’s a specific concern you want to address, your best bet is to use a specialty wheelchair.
If you’re fond of the outdoors, I suggest you check out outdoor-type wheelchairs. This type of wheelchair usually sports thicker wheels to traverse an unpaved road. Both the user and caregiver can travel comfortably!
Meanwhile, if you love playing basketball or tennis, there are also wheelchairs configured for that purpose. The wheels tend to be wider and tilted, ensuring you don’t fall over during a heated match.
4. Transport Chairs
Transport chairs are one of my favorites to bring, especially for an outing! They’re portable and lightweight and easily fit in my car’s trunk!
One thing I did notice with transport chairs is their wheels are smaller than your standard chairs. They usually sport four small wheels, which can turn in different directions.
Unfortunately, you’ll need someone to wheel you around when using transport wheelchairs since they don’t have the usual two large rear wheels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before I leave with my final words, allow me to answer some of the FAQs I usually get about lightweight wheelchairs:
What Is the Cost of a Lightweight Wheelchair?
There’s no hard and fast rule regarding how much a wheelchair costs. Generally, it could range from $100 to $1000.
Wheelchair options falling in the $100-$200 range are some of the most affordable. But just because they’re affordable doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on some basic wheelchair features.
You might be surprised, for instance, to find that the best electric wheelchair for you falls within that price range!
Alternatively, you can ask your healthcare provider if wheelchairs are part of your coverage.
What Is the Difference Between a Lightweight Wheelchair and a Standard Wheelchair?
There’s no difference between a lightweight and a standard wheelchair apart from its weight.
A lightweight wheelchair can generally come in different types, like manual and powered. While standard wheelchairs, on the other hand, are just your average manual wheelchair.
You self-propel yourself to get you to where you want to go.
How Much Does a Lightweight Wheelchair Weigh?
The average lightweight wheelchair weighs anywhere between 13 to 15 pounds. The lightest I’ve named today is the Featherweight wheelchair, weighing only 13 pounds with its rear wheels removed.
Of all the different wheelchairs out there, I noticed transport wheelchairs to be the lightest — probably because they don’t have large rear wheels.
What Features Make a Wheelchair Lightweight?
I’ve always wondered what makes a wheelchair light. After all, they look and function like any other wheelchair, minus the weight.
So how is this possible? I’ve found the answer through my search, and here’s what I discovered so far:
- Material – The weight of your wheelchair has a lot to do with what materials it’s made of. Based on my observation, most lightweight wheelchairs are made of aluminum or stainless steel.
- Foldable – Lightweight wheelchairs are highly flexible, and you can easily fold them. This is a great feature, especially if you don’t have enough space at home to store your chair.
Removable parts – The beauty of having removable wheelchair parts is that you can reduce your chair’s weight. Some wheelchairs are designed to have removable footrests and even have quick-release wheels.
A Recap of the Top Picks
I’ve named some of the best lightweight wheelchairs in this list — and choosing any of them will be a good idea. But of all the products I’ve mentioned, three deserve one final mention.
Best Budget Pick – Karman Healthcare Ergo Flight Ergonomic Wheelchair
If you want to experience independent mobility without spending a fortune, best believe this Karman wheelchair is for you.
It’s one of the best manual wheelchairs you can get today that doesn’t compromise quality for the price. You can’t get a deal better than this!
Best Value – Medline Lightweight Transport Wheelchair
Transport wheelchairs are comparably lighter than other wheelchairs in the market. The Medline transport wheelchair is no exception and packs extra features you’ll love testing.
Despite its lightweight build, you can expect this transport chair to last long. Its durable aluminum frame ensures you or your patient can be on the go anytime and anywhere.
Best Overall – Drive Medical Blue Streak Ultra-Lightweight Wheelchair
Nothing can beat how exceptionally lightweight and durable the Drive Medical wheelchair is. It’s perfect for everyday use and can withstand even the toughest jobs.
Its compact package makes it ideal for bringing anywhere, even on an outing! And for its price point, this wheelchair is practically a steal.
Conclusion
You and I know the challenge of finding a reliable lightweight chair to get us to places. With all the different options, you’ll be pressed for time to find the best.
The next time you’re looking for a lightweight wheelchair, don’t forget to check back on this list! I made sure to make your search a stroll in the park so you land only the best wheelchair.
