Appliance Guide

Top Resource for Home Appliances

10 Best Lightweight Wheelchairs – Weight Options From 12 lbs and Up

Getting a wheelchair into a vehicle trunk can be a real hassle with traditional wheelchairs, because they can be quite heavy. If you get out and about a lot, you probably want a lightweight chair that will be easier to handle for you or somebody helping you to get into and out of a vehicle.

There are so many to choose from, though. How can you find the best one for you? We’ve put together a list of the best lightweight wheelchairs along with features you should pay attention to, so you can find the one that best suits your needs.

Ultralight Wheelchair

Our Top Lightweight Wheelchairs

  1. 1
    Featherweight Wheelchair - Weight 13.5 lbs
  2. 2
    Medline - MDS806550E Lightweight Wheelchair - Weight 33 lbs
  3. 3
    Karman S-115 Ergonomic Wheelchair - Weight 25 lbs
  4. 4
    Drive Medical Cruiser III Light Weight Wheelchair - Weight 36 lbs
  5. 5
    TiLite Aero Z Ultralight Wheelchair - Weight 12.4 lbs
  6. 6
    Karman Ultralight Reclining Wheelchair -  Weight 36 lbs
  7. 7
    Karman Ergo Flight Wheelchair -Weight  19.8 lbs
  8. 8
    TiLite Aero X Foldable Ultralight Wheelchair - Weight 18.4 lbs
  9. 9
    Spazz G Ultralight Wheelchair - Weight 19 lbs
  10. 10
    Quickie Qri Lightweight Wheelchair - Weight 22 lbs

Features to Look for in a Lightweight Wheelchair

How do you know what to pay attention to when you’re looking at lightweight wheelchairs, so you can choose the best one for you? After all, not everybody needs the same thing in a wheelchair. Here are some features to focus on while looking at wheelchair descriptions.

Weight

Some lightweight wheelchairs can weigh as much as nearly 40 pounds, while others weigh as little as 12.4 pounds. If you need a chair under 30 pounds, it’s not enough just to rely on the term “lightweight.” Pay attention to the product weight and look for terms like “ultra lightweight” to find the lightest wheelchairs.

Weight Capacity

One downside to lightweight wheelchairs is that they usually have a maximum weight capacity of around 250 pounds. If the person who needs the wheelchair weighs more than that, pay close attention to the weight capacity.

Some lightweight chairs can support up to 350 pounds. Users who weigh more than that may need a bariatric wheelchair, instead.

Dimensions

If the wheelchair will be used indoors, it’s especially important to pay attention to the overall width of the wheelchair. You’ll want to measure the doors in your home, especially the bathroom door, to make sure the wheelchair can go where you need it to.

You also need to consider the dimensions of the person using the wheelchair. Tall people and short people won’t be comfortable in the same wheelchair. Especially be sure to pay attention to the seat width. Some wheelchairs only have one seat width, while others can be customized to a wide range of sizes.

Comfort

If you only need the wheelchair to transport a person from place to place, comfort isn’t as important of a factor. However, if somebody will be sitting in the chair for hours at a time, you should put high importance on the comfort level of the chair.

You may need to purchase additional cushions to make the chair comfortable enough to use for more than just going from one location to another.

Maneuverability

If a wheelchair has a turning radius listed, pay close attention. Some wheelchairs don’t turn corners very well. If the wheelchair will mostly be used outside, then maneuverability doesn’t matter as much. If the wheelchair will be used indoors, you’ll want one with a small turning radius.

Safety Features

Every wheelchair user has different requirements for features they need to keep them safe. Think about how the wheelchair will be used. You may need safety features like a seat belt or anti-tippers, and those things aren’t always included in the base model - or even available as an add-on.

User Needs

Overall, it’s important to think about who will be using the wheelchair. Think about both the person sitting in it and, if applicable, the person who will be pushing it. For example, if either a tall person or a short person might be pushing the wheelchair, you might want to look for height adjustable handles to accommodate the height of anybody pushing the chair.

Armrests, Legrests, and More

Since every wheelchair user has different needs, you’ll need to consider which features are important.

Armrests are usually desk length or full length and may be fixed, removable, or flip back. Legrests might be fixed, swing away, elevating, or removable. Backrests might be fixed or foldable for easier transport. Decide which of these features are most important and find chairs that include them.

Customization

Cheaper wheelchairs usually offer very little customization, which may be fine if you don’t use the chair often. However, if you want a wheelchair that fits your size, abilities, or preferences, look for one with more customization options.

Just keep in mind that customization often comes with an additional cost. Make sure you knew which customizations are included and which cost extra.

Accessories

Do you want a cup-holder? How about a storage pouch? Some wheelchairs include accessories, some sell them separately, and some may not accommodate certain accessories at all. Keep this in mind while researching the various options.

Best Lightweight Wheelchairs

1. Featherweight 13.5 lbs. Wheelchair - Weight 13.5 lbs

Featherweight Wheelchair
Check Price on 1800Wheelchairs

When you’re looking for a lightweight chair, you have to start with the Featherweight 13.5 lbs. Wheelchair. It’s the lightest folding wheelchair in the world, only 13.5 pounds without the wheels and 19 pounds with them. It has a weight capacity of 250 pounds.

Key Features

  • Product weight: 13.5 pounds without wheels, 19 pounds with wheels
  • Weight capacity: 250 pounds
  • Unfolded dimensions: 30” L x 27.5” W x 35” H
  • Folded dimensions: 23” D x 12” W x 29” H
  • Seat width: 18”
  • Seat depth: 16”
  • Back Height: 16”
  • Rear wheel size: 22”
  • Front wheel size: 6”
  • Available in 2 frame colors (grey or matte black) and 3 seat cushion colors (red, grey, or blue)
  • Customizable
  • Optional additional features like a seat belt, drink holder, anti-tippers, and quick release wheels
  • Ultra lightweight

Pros

  • Extremely lightweight
  • Folds up quite small
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Too wide for some interior doorways
  • Many features, including a seat belt and quick release wheels, cost extra

Customer Reviews

Customers had overwhelmingly positive things to say about this wheelchair. Most of the negative comments were just about how they wish certain parts were more adjustable, but even then, they loved the chair otherwise.

Our Take

This is one of the best ultra lightweight wheelchairs on the market. It’s compact, comfortable, and customizable. There is a good chance you will love this chair.

2. Medline - MDS806550E Lightweight & User-Friendly Wheelchair - Weight 33 lbs

If you need a wheelchair that won’t hit your wallet too hard, you may like the Medline - MDS806550E Lightweight & User-Friendly Wheelchair. It’s one of the more affordable lightweight wheelchairs on the market, comes in 3 seat widths, and has a 300-pound weight capacity.

Key Features

  • Product weight: 33 pounds (without leg rests)
  • Weight capacity: 300 pounds
  • Unfolded dimensions:  31.5” x 25.5” x 36.5”
  • Available in 3 seat widths: 16”, 18”, or 20”
  • Seat depth: 16”
  • Removable desk length flip back armrests
  • Includes elevating leg rests
  • Nylon upholstery
  • Adjustable seat back

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Fits through most doorways
  • Flip back desk length arms are very convenient

Cons

  • Reports of quality control issues
  • The leg rests add quite a bit to the weight of the chair
  • Some assembly required

Customer Reviews

There are various complaints about missing, loose, or malfunctioning parts. Others struggled to put the wheelchair together. However, most people are happy with this chair, saying that it’s lightweight and a good value.

Our Take

If you’re on a tight budget, this is a good lightweight chair, especially if you only need it occasionally or for a short time. There do seem to be some quality control issues, however, so if you can afford a more expensive chair, it may be worth the money.

3. Karman S-115 Ergonomic Wheelchair - Weight 25 lbs

Karman S-115 Ergonomic Wheelchair
Check Price on 1800Wheelchairs

If you have a small trunk and need a wheelchair that folds smaller than some other models, check out the Karman S-115 Ergonomic Wheelchair. The back folds down, making it even more compact and easier to lift into a car trunk. It weighs 25 pounds and has a 250-pound weight capacity.

Key Features

  • Product weight: 25 pounds
  • Weight capacity: 250 pounds
  • Unfolded dimensions: 39” L x 23”-27” W x 36” H
  • Folded width: 12”
  • 3 seat widths: 16”, 18”, or 20”
  • Seat depth: 17”
  • 2 frame colors: red or silver
  • 3 padding colors: grey, purple, or orange
  • Highly customizable
  • Ergonomic "S" shaped seat
  • Removable, washable nylon upholstery
  • Optional quick release wheels

Pros

  • Ergonomic and comfortable
  • Easy to fold, lift, and transport
  • Fits through most doorways

Cons

  • May tip forward, especially going over bumps
  • Some screws may come loose
  • Optional features can add a lot to the cost

Customer Reviews

Multiple people reported falling or nearly falling forward out of the chair, especially going over even small bumps like the threshold to a home. Others reported loose screws. However, most people loved this chair and said that it’s comfortable and easy to get in and out of a car trunk.

Our Take

While this lightweight chair may not be right for everybody, it is a good option that will work for many.

4. Drive Medical Cruiser III Light Weight Wheelchair - Weight 36 lbs

If you’re on a tight budget, you need to check out the Drive Medical Cruiser III Light Weight Wheelchair. It’s one of the cheapest lightweight chairs on the market. It weighs 41 pounds when the leg rests are attached and has a 350-pound weight capacity.

Key Features

  • Product weight: 36 pounds without leg rests, 41 pounds with leg rests
  • Weight capacity: 350 pounds
  • Unfolded dimensions: 42” L x 28” W x 35” H
  • Closed width: 12”
  • Seat width: 20”
  • Seat depth: 16”-18”
  • Seat to floor height: 17.5”-19.5”
  • Rear wheels: 24”x1”
  • Carbon steel frame
  • Removable, flip back arms
  • Black nylon upholstery

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Easy to maneuver
  • Easy to transport

Cons

  • Quality control issues
  • Not very durable
  • Plastic wheels don’t offer much traction

Customer Reviews

There are quite a few reports of the chair breaking after as little as one hour of use, and there’s little consistency about which parts are prone to breaking. There were also a handful of complaints about the plastic wheels. Generally, though, most people say this was a good wheelchair and a great value.

Our Take

This is one of the cheapest lightweight wheelchairs on the market. As a result, it may not be the most heavy duty. However, it’s a good option if you need a wheelchair fast and cheap.

5. TiLite Aero Z Ultralight Wheelchair - Weight 12.4 lbs

TiLite Aero Z Ultralight Wheelchair
Check Price on 1800Wheelchairs

Are you looking for a lightweight chair that’s so customized to your needs that it’s more like a prosthetic than a wheelchair? Look no further than the TiLite Aero Z Ultralight Wheelchair. Every last detail is customizable, so it fits your body, taste, and lifestyle perfectly. It only weighs 12.4 pounds and has a weight capacity of 265 pounds.

Key Features

  • Product weight: 12.4 pounds
  • Weight capacity: 265 pounds
  • Seat width: 10”-20”
  • Seat depth: 10”-20”
  • Seat to floor height: 16”-21”
  • Rear wheel size: 20”-26”
  • Quick release wheels
  • Mono tube aluminum frame
  • Ultra lightweight
  • Made to measure
  • Highly customizable

Pros

  • Custom made to fit
  • Ultralight
  • Easily adjustable

Cons

  • Expensive
  • May not fold, depending on features

Customer Reviews

All in all, people are thrilled with this chair. Every detail is fully customizable, from the dimensions to the color to the camber to the angles. It’s also easy to make many adjustments once you receive the wheelchair.

Our Take

If you’re looking for a fully customized wheelchair, this is an excellent choice. It’s one of the best ultra lightweight wheelchairs out there. Just be prepared to pay accordingly.

6. Karman Ultralight Reclining Wheelchair -  Weight 36 lbs

Karman Ultralight Reclining Wheelchair
Check Price on 1800Wheelchairs

Are you looking for a lightweight reclining wheelchair? You may be interested in the Karman Ultralight Reclining Wheelchair. It reclines up to 163° and includes elevating leg rests. The models with the smaller seat widths only weigh 36 pounds. Depending on the seat width, the weight capacity ranges from 250-350 pounds.

Key Features

  • Product weight: 36-38 pounds
  • Weight capacity: 250-350 pounds
  • Unfolded dimensions: 35” L x 25”-31” W x 51” H
  • 4 seat sizes: 16” x 17”, 18” x 17”, 20” x 18”, 22” x 18”
  • Seat to floor height: 20”
  • Recline range: 90° to 163°
  • Rear wheel size: 24”
  • Front wheel size: 8”
  • Aircraft-grade aluminum
  • Swingaway detachable elevating leg rests
  • Full length removable armrests
  • Nylon upholstery
  • Foldable

Pros

  • Reclining
  • Swingaway detachable elevating leg rests included
  • Optional accessories like cupholder, seatbelt, and bag

Cons

  • On the heavy side for a lightweight chair
  • Doesn’t fold up very small
  • No reviews to be sure about the quality

Customer Reviews

There aren’t any customer reviews for this wheelchair yet.

Our Take

Without customer reviews, it’s hard to know what flaws this lightweight chair may have, but it looks like a good choice based on its features. It’s also the only lightweight reclining wheelchair on our list.

7. Karman Ergo Flight Wheelchair -Weight  19.8 lbs

Karman Ergo Flight Wheelchair
Check Price on 1800Wheelchairs

Not only does the Karman Ergo Flight Wheelchair only weigh 19.8 pounds, but the backrest folds down and you can get optional quick-release wheels, making this wheelchair compact in addition to being lightweight. It has a 220-pound weight capacity and an ergonomic seat frame.

Key Features

  • Product weight: 19.8 pounds
  • Weight capacity: 220 pounds
  • Unfolded dimensions: 38” L x 22.75", 24.75" W x 36” H
  • Folded width: 15”
  • Seat sizes: 16” x 17”, 18” x 17”
  • Seat to floor height: 19”
  • Rear wheel size: 20”
  • Front wheel size: 6”
  • S-style ergonomic seat frame
  • Optional quick release rear wheels
  • Swing away footrests
  • Desk length arms
  • Includes pocket behind backrest and small carry pouch on each armrest
  • Foldable, including the backrest

Pros

  • One of the lightest wheelchairs available
  • Folds quite small, making it easy to transport
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Leg rests won’t elevate
  • Armrests are not removable

Customer Reviews

People had overwhelmingly positive things to say about this wheelchair. They love how easy it is to transport and say that it’s comfortable and easy to push. The main complaints were from people who wished the chair had other features.

Our Take

As long as you don’t need certain features, like elevating leg rests or removable armrests, this should be an excellent choice.

8. TiLite Aero X Foldable Ultralight Wheelchair - Weight 18.4 lbs

TiLite Aero X Foldable Ultralight Wheelchair
Check Price on 1800Wheelchairs

If you’re looking for a highly customizable and adjustable ultralight wheelchair, you’ll love the TiLite Aero X Foldable Ultralight Wheelchair. You can customize just about every detail of this wheelchair, including the frame color, armrests, footrests, camber, dimensions, and more. Depending on customizations, the weight capacity is 265-350 pounds.

Key Features

  • Product weight: 18.4 pounds
  • Weight capacity: 265-350 pounds depending on dimensions
  • Unfolded dimensions: 30” L x 20”-30” W x 36” H
  • Folded width: 12”
  • 11 seat widths from 12”-22”
  • Rear wheel size: 24”-26”
  • Front wheel size: 4”-8”
  • 19 frame colors to choose from, including Orange Crush, Deep Blue Ice, and Super Wet Black
  • Tru-Fit System
  • Quick release wheels
  • Removable full length armrests
  • Swing away elevating footrests
  • Nylon upholstery
  • One-piece side frame
  • Highly customizable
  • Very adjustable

Pros

  • Extremely customizable and adjustable
  • Very lightweight
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Needs some assembly
  • Can be expensive once you add all the features you want

Customer Reviews

There aren’t very many reviews yet, but people are overwhelmingly happy with this chair. One person said the back support was creaky, and another complained that hex wrenches weren’t included to assemble the chair when it arrived.

Our Take

With only a handful of reviews, it’s hard to know if this chair has any downsides, but it seems to be an excellent lightweight chair that you can customize and adjust to make it perfect for you.

9. Spazz G Ultralight Wheelchair - Weight 19 lbs

Spazz G Ultralight Wheelchair by Colours
Check Price on 1800Wheelchairs

Those in the market for a customizable and adjustable lightweight chair will love the Spazz G Ultralight Wheelchair. You can customize nearly every dimension, including the wheel size, and there are 23 frame colors and 3 upholstery colors to choose from. This 19-pound wheelchair has a 250-pound weight limit.

Key Features

  • Product weight: 19 pounds
  • Weight capacity: 250 pounds
  • Unfolded dimensions: depends on customization
  • Seat width: 14”-20”
  • Seat depth: 12”-19”
  • 23 frame colors to choose from, including Candy Red, Forest Green, Atlantic Blue, and Candy Purple
  • 3 upholstery colors to choose from: black, red, and blue
  • Quick release wheels
  • Unique contoured frame
  • Customizable
  • Highly adjustable

Pros

  • Very customizable and adjustable
  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Can be expensive with customizations
  • Few reviews to be sure of the quality

Customer Reviews

There are only two reviews of this wheelchair so far, but both people are thrilled with it.

Our Take

This customizable and adjustable wheelchair should work well for many people, but there aren’t enough reviews to know about any potential flaws.

10. Quickie Qri Lightweight Wheelchair - Weight 22 lbs

Quickie Qri Lightweight Wheelchair
Check Price on 1800Wheelchairs

If you’re interested in a highly customizable manual wheelchair with a mono frame design, you should check out the Quickie Qri Lightweight Wheelchair. You can customize many of the dimensions, the wheel and caster size, the frame color, the wheel locks, and more. This wheelchair weighs 22 pounds and has a 265-pound weight capacity.

Key Features

  • Product weight: 22 pounds
  • Weight capacity: 265
  • Unfolded dimensions: depends on customization
  • Seat width: 12”-20”
  • 28 frame colors to choose from, including Matte Electric Blue, Rootbeer, Mauve Pink, and Evergreen
  • Ultra lightweight and durable aluminum
  • Customizable
  • Mono frame design for easier propulsion, transportability, and reduced risk of repetitive strain injury
  • Quick release wheels

Pros

  • Highly customizable and adjustable
  • When customized and adjusted properly, provides the perfect center of balance for popping wheelies to get over obstacles
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Can be expensive after customizations
  • Mono frame isn’t foldable

Customer Reviews

So far, everybody who has reviewed this chair has had nothing but positive things to say about it. Several mentioned how easy it is to pop wheelies in this wheelchair to get over obstacles. They love the customizations and say that it’s easy to maneuver.

Our Take

This seems to be an excellent manual wheelchair you can customize to be perfect for your needs.

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, we’ve given you the information you need to find the perfect lightweight chair for you. There are lots of great options out there to suit any needs or preferences; it can just take some digging to find the one that suits you best.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Electric Wheelchairs
electric wheelchair

Lightweight Wheelchairs
lightweight
	wheelchair

Heavy Duty Wheelchairs
heavy duty wheelchair

Transport Wheelchairs
transport wheelchair

Reclining Wheelchairs
reclining wheelchair

Bariatric Wheelchairs
bariatric wheelchair

Tilt in Space Wheelchairs
tilt in space wheelchair

Standing Wheelchair
standing wheelchair

Sit to Stand Lifts
sit to stand lift

Rolling Walker
rollator

Knee Scooter
knee scooter

Tub Transfer Bench
tub transfer bench

Toilet Riser
handicap toilet seat

Overbed Tables
overbed rolling table

Walk In Tubs
walk in tub

Lift Assist Chair Recliners
lift assist chair recliners

Stair Lifts
stair lifts

Rocking Recliners
rocker recliner

Weighted Blanket
weighted blanket

Massage Chairs
massage chairs

Robot Vacuums
Robot Vacuum

Pool Cleaners
pool cleaners

Home Carpet Cleaners

Pet Hair Vacuums

Main

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy

Recent Posts

  • What is Adaptive Equipment for Occupational Therapy?
  • How to Prevent Falls in the Elderly
  • How to Get a Free Wheelchair
  • Benefits of Occupational Therapy for the Elderly
  • Tips to Help You in Choosing an Assisted Living Facility

Affiliate Disclosure

BestVacuumResource.com is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

BestVacuumResource.com also participates in various other affiliate programs like Avantlink, Rakuten Linkshare, Shareasale and CJ other affiliate platforms where we promote merchants on their platform, and we sometimes get a commission for purchases made through our links

Copyright © 2023 BestVacuumResource.com