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