Are you looking for an extra wide wheelchair? Regular wheelchairs aren’t designed for larger people. If you or your loved one weigh more than 250 pounds and have limited mobility, you may be looking for a sturdy chair. There are so many to choose from, though.
That’s why we created this list - we want to help you narrow down your search. Here are some of the best bariatric wheelchairs with higher weight capacities.
Top Wheelchairs for Larger Folks
What to Look for in Bariatric Wheelchairs
Here are some features to look for to help you narrow down your search for the best bariatric wheelchair for your situation.
Comfort
Many factors go into determining the comfort level of a wheelchair. Keep in mind features like the type of wheelchair cushion, elevating leg rests, and seat width.
Maneuverability
Many places have tight corners that can be tricky to get a wheelchair around. Factor in a chair’s maneuverability and turn radius before buying it. Otherwise, you may discover that it won’t get around the corners of your home.
Adjustability
When it comes to bariatric wheelchairs, one size does not fit all. The more adjustable a wheelchair is, the more comfortable it will be for the user.
Reinforcement
What sort of reinforcement does the bariatric wheelchair have to support the weight of a heavier person? What material is it made from? Does the design reflect the fact that it will be carrying more weight than a traditional wheelchair?
Manual Bariatric Wheelchairs
1. Medline MDS806900 Excel Extra-Wide Bariatric Wheelchair
Are you looking for a basic bariatric wheelchair without a lot of bells and whistles? The affordable Medline MDS806900 Excel Bariatric Wheelchair may be just what you’re looking for. It has a 500-pound weight capacity, desk-length removable armrests, and swing-away detachable footrests.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Customer Reviews
There are a fair number of complaints about pieces breaking after very little use. A few people also complained that this chair was too wide or tall for them. Most people found this wheelchair to be comfortable and sturdy.
Our Take
If you need a budget-friendly heavy duty wheelchair, this one is a good option. It may not be the most durable for long-term use, but it will suit most users’ needs.
2. Graham Field Everest & Jennings Traveler Heavy Duty Wheelchair
For foldable heavy duty wheelchairs with many customizations available at a price point you can afford, look at the Graham Field Everest & Jennings Traveler HD Wheelchair. It supports up to 500 pounds, and you can select the seat size as well as the footrest and arm types.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Customer Reviews
Reviews are split on the durability of this wheelchair. Some people had issues with parts breaking fairly quickly, while others say it’s very sturdy. Generally, customers are pleased with this chair.
Our Take
While this transport chair may not be the most durable, it’s a solid option at this price point. Most people find this chair to be comfortable and sturdy.
Electric Bariatric Wheelchairs
1. EW Wheels EW-M45 Folding Power Chair
Electric bariatric wheelchairs can be very heavy, making them difficult to transport. The EW Wheels EW-M45 Folding Power Chair only weighs 59 pounds and folds down to 23” x 13” x 31”. That makes it much easier to transport than most electric wheelchairs.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Customer Reviews
Customers had overwhelmingly positive things to say about this wheelchair. It’s small enough to fit in most car trunks, and at only 59 pounds, it’s one of the lightest motorized bariatric wheelchairs you’ll find.
Our Take
If you’re looking for an electric wheelchair you can take anywhere, this may be your best option.
2. Merits Health P327 Vision Super Power Bariatric Chair
For a motorized chair that can go a little faster and farther than most, check out the Merits Health P327 Vision Super Power Bariatric Chair. It can go up to 5 mph and as far as 15-20 miles per charge, depending on the speed and the user’s weight. It also has many optional accessories, like a safety flag, oxygen tank holder, weather cover, and rear basket.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Customer Reviews
Most customers are thrilled with their purchase. The primary complaint is that the controls are very sensitive, which can lead to jerky movements, especially at high speeds.
Our Take
If you worry about your chair’s battery dying or keeping up with walking family members, this is an excellent chair with a higher speed and longer range than most other powered bariatric wheelchairs.
3. Porto Mobility Ranger Quattro XL Bariatric Electric Wheelchair
Do you travel a lot? If so, you’ll need a heavy duty wheelchair that can fold up small enough to be airline- and cruise-approved and fit in the average car trunk. You get just that with the Porto Mobility Ranger Quattro XL Lightweight Foldable Electric Wheelchair. It only weighs 55 pounds and has a weight capacity of 400 pounds.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Customer Reviews
This chair, as of writing, has more than two dozen five-star ratings, and no ratings lower than that. Customers overwhelmingly love this motorized wheelchair.
Our Take
Nobody has anything bad to say about this chair. It’s one of the best power bariatric wheelchairs you’ll find.
What is a Bariatric Wheelchair?
Bariatric wheelchairs are extra wide and better reinforced to help support the weight of larger wheelchair users. They can be manual or electric, and weight capacities may vary from 300 to 500 pounds or more.
Sit to Stand Lift
Since transferring into and out of a wheelchair can be difficult and dangerous, you may want to invest in a stand up lift. For people who are partially weight-bearing, it can help make transfers safe and easy.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, you’ll find what you need from the extra wide bariatric wheelchairs on our list. We’ve given you some great options to choose from along with reviews from actual customers to help you make your decision. We know this is a big purchase, so we’ve only listed the best choices out there.
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