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Last updated: November 16, 2020
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There are few things more important than your mobility. For the elderly or disabled, having an electric wheelchair can make it easier to get to the store, visit family and friends, or simply enjoy time outside.
To help you find the best electric wheelchair, we reviewed dozens of top models. We looked at whether they use front-, mid-, or rear-drive system, which impacts power and feels. We also considered the seat dimensions and weight limit, which impact comfort when spending hours at a time in a wheelchair. Range per charge and maximum speed were also factors we examined since it’s essential that your electric wheelchair can go the distance you need. With all that in mind, read on for our detailed reviews of the 13 best power wheelchairs on the market today, with the Titan AXS Mid-Wheel Power Wheelchair being on top.
"This model features an extremely comfortable and adjustable chair and a mid-drive motor that enables a tight turning radius of 20 inches.Swiveling seat.Bluetooth-enabled programmable controller.Lifetime warranty on the frame."
"This electric wheelchair has a weight capacity of 396 pounds and takes on inclines of up to 25 degrees.Weighs 58 pounds.25° maximum climbing angle.Foldable."
"Another wheelchair perfect for travel, this model is also budget-friendly, lightweight, and foldable.Weighs 64 pounds.Air travel approved.12° maximum climbing angle."
"This wheelchair packs an unusual blend of features, like portability and a high weight capacity.Yup to 360 weight limit.Lightweight and foldable.5 speed options."
"This wheelchair is an excellent choice for those who need help standing up and is suitable for indoors and outdoors.Drive and stand remote.25-mile range per charge.Large rubber wheels."
"Another mid-drive chair, this model sports a comfortable seat with padded armrests and headrest.300-pound weight limit.4-inch turning radius.Lifetime warranty on frame."
"A front-drive model, this wheelchair sports a tight turning radius and a plushly padded seat.300-pound weight limit.Wide armrests and foot platform.24.75-inch turning radius."
"This affordable electric wheelchair offers exceptional weight support despite being lightweight and foldable. Ideal for outdoor use with electromagnetic brake and comfortable cushions."
"Another inexpensive option, this wheelchair has a tight 26-inch turning radius and a storage under the seat.Compact design.300-pound weight limit.15.5-mile range per charge."
"A great wheelchair for travel, this model weighs only 46 pounds and folds nearly flat in a couple of seconds.Lightweight and portable.Front suspension system.Storage space under the seat."
Warranty: limited lifetime on frame, 2-year on electronics; 1-year on battery
Other features: seat swivels in 45-degree locking increments; Bluetooth-enabled programmable controller; various seat depth and width options available
The Titan AXS is a feature-packed mid-drive wheelchair that won’t break the bank. This wheelchair is extremely stable thanks to the fact that it has six wheels. However, don’t expect to use it outside – the front and rear wheels are primarily for stability and aren’t thick enough to roll easily over grass.
The wheelchair sports a moderate maximum speed of four miles per hour and can make it a whopping 19 miles on a single charge. Users liked that the controller on the right armrest is Bluetooth-enabled and programmable with the Titan app. This makes it easy to set limits on your speed and to troubleshoot if there’s an issue with the wheelchair.
Another thing users loved about this wheelchair is the quality of the seat. The seat base is 18 inches wide and features contours for your legs. There’s also a foldable footrest that extends from the base of the wheelchair and an adjustable headrest.
What we liked
This mid-drive wheelchair has the tightest turning radius of any wheelchair we reviewed. At just 20 inches, it’s incredibly easy to maneuver through any indoor space.
What could be better
The front and rear wheels aren’t as beefy and durable as the wheels in the center of the wheelchair. Although they’ll keep you balanced on indoor surface, they’re not much help once you move outside.
Wheelchair weight: 58 lbs (50 lbs without batteries)
Warranty: 3-year on frame; 1-iyear on motor and controller
Other features: 25° max. climbing angle; two 250W brushless motors; dual suspension; foldable
The Porto Mobility Ranger is one of the best electric wheelchair options for heavyset individuals. It’s rated to carry up to almost 400 pounds, ensuring that it can hold almost anyone. It also offers a wide 18.5-inch seat, which is plenty roomy to keep you comfortable.
This wheelchair is heavy-duty, with dual 250-watt brushless motors and the ability to take on hills up to 25 degrees. It also offers an impressive 18 miles of travel per charge at a speedy 5 mph. In fact, it’s tied as the second-fastest wheelchair in our review.
Despite all of these features, the Porto Mobility Ranger weighs in at just 58 pounds. The only major downside to the design is that it has a wide turning radius of over 31 inches.
What we liked
This foldable electric wheelchair holds heavyset individuals up to 400 pounds, yet it weighs just 58 pounds including the batteries. It’s hard to beat that strength to weight ratio. Plus, it can climb grades up to 25 degrees.
What could be better
The seat on this wheelchair is relatively minimal. There’s no lumbar support and no headrest. Many users reported adding some additional padding to the seat bottom, too, to make it more comfortable over extended periods.
Warranty: 1-year on frame, 1-year on motor and controller; 6-month on battery
Other features: foldable and air travel approved; 12° max. climbing angle
The Rubicon is a lightweight electric wheelchair that’s perfect for travel. It folds down to just a fraction of its unpacked size, and at 64 pounds it’s fairly easy for one or two people to carry. This travel wheelchair even comes pre-approved by airlines.
There are other things to like about this wheelchair, too. It’s very affordable, which is a plus if you’re primarily looking for a second electric wheelchair for travel. It also handles well outside and has a maximum climbing capability of 12 degrees.
For a rear-drive wheelchair, the Rubicon performs relatively well inside. It has a turning radius of 33 inches. However, beware that the battery is very small. The wheelchair can only travel 10 miles on a single charge, which means you might have to stop and recharge it during the day.
What we liked
The cost and portability of this wheelchair are very attractive. It’s budget-friendly enough to purchase as a travel-specific wheelchair, yet comfortable enough to use as your daily vehicle for getting around.
What could be better
The retractable footrests are relatively small to save on space and weight. Users found that they’re not as comfortable as the footrests on other wheelchairs. In addition, the seat on this wheelchair doesn’t have a headrest.
Wheelchair weight: 67 lbs (60 lbs without batteries)
Warranty: 1 year
Other features: FDA-approved, two 250-watt motors; storage bag and cup holder; 5-inch ground clearance; 5-speed options; 15° max. climbing angle
This folding electric wheelchair from Sentire Med has an unusual blend of capabilities. It is packed with two 250-watt motors that together give it a maximum speed of nearly 4 mph and a maximum range of up to 20 miles. On top of that, it has large never-flat rear wheels and an elongated base that makes it more stable.
This power wheelchair performs particularly well outside. It has a 5-inch ground clearance, which is more than most comparable wheelchairs. In addition, it can handle grades up to 15 degrees – steeper than any paved surface you’re likely to encounter.
All of these features do make this wheelchair slightly heavier than other folding models we reviewed. It weighs in a 67 pounds with the batteries. On the plus side, it’s surprisingly compact when folded and can even fit in the trunk of most mid-sized cars.
What we liked
This wheelchair is compact and foldable, but it doesn’t feel cramped when it is unfolded. The seat is a full 18 inches wide, and the armrests are long enough for the majority of users. It also has a wide platform for your feet. The only thing missing is a headrest.
What could be better
Perhaps the biggest downside to the Forza FCX Deluxe is the turning radius. At 31.5 inches, it takes a lot of room to spin the wheelchair around inside a typical house.
Warranty: 5-year on frame, 1-year on motor and controller; 6-month on battery
Other features: two batteries; foldable; two-sides anti-tipper; 8° max. climbing angle
This travel electric wheelchair from Opome is incredibly lightweight. It weighs just 43 pounds including the two batteries and folds down to a surprisingly small size. Even better, once folded, the wheelchair has a built-in stand so that it can stay upright on its own and a carry handle to make rolling it around easier.
Users liked the seat on this electric wheelchair. It doesn’t feature the same level of padding as other models, but it does have built-in lumbar support and a plush cushion covering the seat. Another plus is that the seat is nearly 16.5 inches wide, leaving you plenty of room to get comfortable.
The front and rear wheels on this wheelchair are impressively heavy-duty. They’re made with never-flat rubber and have enough grip to handle off-road surfaces. In fact, these wheels make this one of the best electric off-road wheelchairs for those who like to get off the beaten path.
What we liked
This wheelchair is designed to last. The lightweight steel frame has a built-in suspension system and comes with a five-year warranty. On top of that, the never-flat wheels and high ground clearance ensure that you’ll have no problem moving from sidewalk to grass or dirt.
What could be better
The only thing holding back this wheelchair is the fact that it’s limited to grades of 8 degrees or less. The range, which is just 12.5 miles per charge, can also be a limitation for some people.
Warranty: 3-year on frame; 1-year on electronics and motor
Other features: power standing function; adjustable backrest height; two batteries; drive and stand remote
If you’re looking to upgrade from a standard power wheelchair to something more versatile, consider this stand-up wheelchair from Karman. What makes this wheelchair unique is the design of the seat. You can strap in your legs and torso, and then raise the seat bottom and back until you’re in a fully standing position.
That means that this wheelchair allows you to effectively stand up and move around. For many wheelchair users, standing up can make a world of difference. It puts you on eye level with family, friends, and coworkers, as well as helps address common problems with blood pressure and muscle tone.
The wheelchair is surprisingly light, at just 110 pounds. However, it doesn’t fold down so it can be hard to travel with. The good news is that it offers a speed of up to 5 mph – it’s tied for being the second-fastest electric wheelchair we reviewed – and up to 25 miles of travel on a single charge.
What we liked
This wheelchair features a rear-drive motor, but the turning radius is competitive with many front and mid-drive wheelchairs. You can spin around in just 25 inches. The large wheel size also makes this wheelchair more suitable for rolling around outside, although you’ll want to be careful about balance when moving outside in standing mode.
What could be better
Unfortunately, this wheelchair is extremely expensive – too expensive for most people’s budgets. We’d like to see a lifetime warranty at that price, but Karman only offers a 3-year guarantee on the frame and 1 year on the motor.
The CTM Mobility Scooter is a well-designed electric wheelchair that’s very easy to use indoors or out. The wheelchair’s mid-drive motor provides a tight turning radius of just 24.4 inches, enabling you to maneuver through hallways and around tight doorways. The wheelchair also offers an impressive speed of up to 4 mph, although the range is limited to just over 12 miles.
Users praised the seat on this electric wheelchair, which is contoured and padded to provide excellent support. The headrest is fully adjustable, and there’s a grippy platform at the base of the wheelchair for your feet.
While this wheelchair can operate outside, it does have some limitations. The front and rear wheels, which are present for stability, can struggle on unpaved surfaces. The motor can only handle climbing grades up to six degrees, which is about the angle of a moderately steep road. Ground clearance can also be an issue since there’s only 2.4 inches of space underneath this wheelchair’s base.
What we liked
This electric wheelchair for the elderly is comfortable and easy to use. The design of the seat is the main attraction, as it’s generously padded throughout. It’s a great all-around performer in indoor spaces, and it holds its own outside on paved surfaces.
What could be better
If this wheelchair had slightly more ground clearance, it would be a very attractive all-terrain option. Unfortunately, 2.4 inches isn’t enough clearance even for some doorframes.
Warranty: 5-year on frame, 13-month on electronics and motors
Other features: two motors; 1.50″ ground clearance; 6° max. climbing angle
This electric wheelchair from Pride Mobility is one of the only models we reviewed with a front-drive motor. The drive system gives it an impressively small turning radius of under 25 inches. As a result, we think this is one of the best electric wheelchairs for maneuvering around indoors.
The wheelchair also features a very comfortable seat that’s plushly padded and built with the same back support you’d find in desk chair. It features a padded headrest and a wide platform for your feet. The arm rests are also relatively wide compared to what we’ve seen on comparable electric wheelchairs.
The front wheels on this wheelchair are made with never-flat rubber, but the rear wheels aren’t as impressive. They have a small diameter and don’t roll easily even over surfaces like deep carpet. Between that and the six-degree maximum grade this wheelchair is rated for, it’s not great for outdoor use.
What we liked
The front-drive electric wheelchair offers a tight turning radius and a seat that’s comfortable all day. It’s a great option if you need an everyday powered wheelchair to move around your home or office.
What could be better
This wheelchair only has a 1.5-inch ground clearance and the rear wheels are surprisingly small. As a result, this wheelchair can quickly encounter impassable obstacles if you try to use it outside on unpaved surfaces.
Other features: foldable design, seat belt, storage bag, rubber pneumatic tires, 6 hours charging time, 200W*2 brushless motors
Our budget pick is the K KLANO World’s Lightest Foldable Electric Wheelchair, allowing you to save money while enjoying high-quality. It weighs only 30 pounds and is the most compact and lightweight electric wheelchair you can get for a low price. Its double joint armrests, collapsible footrest, and heavy-weight support provide full comfort. The anti-tilt hydraulic support and breathable seat cushion and backrest cover for comfort.
The K KLANO World’s Lightest Foldable Electric Wheelchair is best suited for outdoorsy persons. The chair is ideal for all areas of life outdoors, with powerful brushless motors and high-quality rubber tires that provide better traction on different terrains. It is also easy to navigate on steeper slopes and comes with an electromagnetic brake for stopping smoothly and safely outdoors. The wheelchair can be easily folded within a few seconds and stored in your trunk or carried like a suitcase when traveling.
What are our favorite features?
Highly comfortable and customizable
Breathable cushion and backrest cover
Lightweight and foldable
Ideal for outdoorsy persons, with good traction for steep slopes
This simple, compact electric wheelchair is a great option for users who only need electric mobility assistance occasionally. It’s relatively budget-friendly and doesn’t include many bells and whistles. But it does a nice job of getting around and is a fraction of the size of more expensive alternatives.
One of the best things about this electric wheelchair is that it excels indoors. It uses a rear-drive motor, but still boasts a turning radius of just 26 inches. The 2.5 inches of ground clearance isn’t ideal, but it should be more than enough if you’re primarily using the wheelchair around the house.
Users appreciated that the space under the seat is available for storage. In fact, the Envy GP162 has a built-in basket so the items you need are easily available.
What we liked
For an inexpensive electric wheelchair, it’s hard not to love the 26-inch turning radius. This is comparable with what you’d find on models that cost $1,000 more, and it makes it very easy to maneuver around your home or office.
What could be better
The biggest problem that we see with this electric wheelchair is that it’s heavy. At over 120 pounds, it’s very hard to lift or transport. While it’s compact, it also won’t fit into most vehicles easily.
This simple electric wheelchair from Drive Medical is a good choice for anyone on a tight budget. Its design is reminiscent of a manual wheelchair, except it’s powered by a rear-drive electric motor. That design can come in handy since the wheelchair has handles that can easily be pushed and pulled if the battery runs out or you want to conserve charge.
What’s exciting about this wheelchair is that it can motor by at up to 5.5 mph, making it the fastest electric wheelchair we reviewed. However, the battery is limited to a range of just 15 miles, which is surprising since it weighs over 50 pounds. The motor is also limited to pushing up inclines of 6 degrees or less, which is a somewhat disappointing.
Users found that the seat on this electric wheelchair is comfortable, but not amazing. It has a comfortable 18-inch wide cushion, but there is no headrest or lumber support. The swing-away footrests are a nice touch, though, as they make it easier to rest your legs when stopped.
What we liked
This wheelchair has 4 inches of ground clearance, which ensures that you’ll never run into problems getting past a doorframe. On top of that, the never-flat rubber wheels are surprisingly burly for a wheelchair that’s primarily designed for indoor use.
What could be better
This wheelchair is very heavy for what you’re getting. At 146 pounds with the battery, it takes at least two people to lift it. Plus, it doesn’t fold down so you can easily put it into a car.
Wheelchair weight: 46 lbs (43 lbs without batteries)
Warranty: 5-year on frame, 2-year on motors; 1-year on battery
Other features: dual 200W brushless motors; 3.5″ ground clearance; foldable
The Forcemech Voyager R2 is one of the lightest electric wheelchairs and arguably the best folding electric wheelchair on the market today. It weighs just 46 pounds, including the battery, and folds down flat in seconds. If you frequently travel with your wheelchair, whether by car, plane, or cruise ship, the Voyager R2 is hard to beat.
There are some nice features to this wheelchair beyond just portability. It offers 3.5 inches of ground clearance and heavy-duty never-flat wheels. There is a spring suspension system over the front wheels, helping to reduce vibrations if you move around on uneven ground. Users also liked that the space under the seat is open on this wheelchair and can be used for storage.
Unfortunately, this wheelchair can be hard to maneuver if you’re using it in tight indoor spaces. It has a turning radius of 32 inches, which is large even among rear-drive wheelchairs. That’s despite the fact that it’s narrower than some other wheelchairs – the seat is only 17 inches across.
What we liked
This wheelchair is extremely lightweight and easy to fold. It comes with a five-year warranty on the frame, too, so you don’t have to worry about problems with the folding mechanism.
What could be better
The seat on this wheelchair isn’t the most comfortable we’ve seen. It’s only 17 inches wide and doesn’t have lumbar support or a headrest. The foot rest also consists of just a narrow bar, not paddles for your feet.
Wheelchair dimensions: 38”x 26” x 37” (unfolded); 26″ x 13″ x 31″ (folded)
Wheelchair weight: 60 lbs
Warranty: 5-year on frame, 2-year on motors; 1-year on battery and controllers
Other features: 12° max climbing slope, aluminum alloy frame, 12.5″ x 2.3″ rear wheel
The Forcemech Navigator XL Electric Wheelchair for Adults is the 2022 flagship model for the 6th generation Navigator series of electric wheelchairs. It is quite the beast in terms of performance. It boasts an impressive travels speed of 5mph and can climb slopes up to 12 degrees. Although it has the same rugged frame as the original navigator’s, the XL has an improved seating allowance of 17 by 19 inches. A larger sitting allowance means better comfort. Another feature that contributes to the Navigator XL’s superior comfort is the shock absorption system on its front and back.
The Forcemech Navigator XL Electric Wheelchair for Adults is incredibly powerful. Thanks to its powerful batteries, you can ride on it for up to 18 miles without needing to recharge it. A full recharge with the charger provided would take up to 6 hours. Setting up the wheelchair is easy-pizzy. It comes pre-assembled, and you only need to attach the all-direction Joystick controller before you can hit the road. You can mount the joystick on the right or left armrest. For your safety, the wheelchair features an electromagnetic brake that will help you make safe navigations. The best thing about the Navigator XL is its portability. It is foldable, and FAA air-travel approved, so you can easily bring it with you everywhere you go.
Why are we impressed?
We loved the Navigator XL’s durable and portable build. We liked how the wheelchair is built with travelers in mind. It is even FAA air-travel approved. We also found its travel speed and battery life pretty impressive.
What negatives must you be aware of?
The Navigator XL is pretty impressive, but for all the right reasons.
Now that you know more about our 11 favorite electric wheelchairs available today, how do you decide which one is right for you or your loved one? A powered wheelchair is a major investment, so it’s important to choose wisely. In our buying guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to get the best electric wheelchair for your needs.
Benefits and drawbacks of an electric wheelchair
What makes an electric wheelchair better than a manual wheelchair? There are several reasons why a powered wheelchair can be better for mobility.
First, don’t underestimate the power of an electric motor. Being able to get around without relying on your upper body strength is a huge advantage of electric wheelchairs. Even if you have the strength to push a manual wheelchair for several hours, it can be exhausting over a full day of moving around.
Another benefit of electric wheelchairs is that they can often go places manual wheelchairs cannot. Many electric wheelchairs have tight turning radii – for example, our Editor’s Choice power wheelchair from Titan has a turning radius of just 20 inches. That means you can more easily navigate through tight doorways and indoor spaces.
Electric wheelchairs also come in handy if you need to go uphill. Pushing a manual wheelchair up even a small grade can be exhausting or impossible. Electric wheelchairs like the Sentire Med Forza model can climb grades up to 15 degrees with ease.
Of course, there are some downsides to electric wheelchairs. They’re almost always larger and heavier than manual wheelchairs, which can make them difficult to transfer by car or to take on a plane. Electric wheelchairs can also be expensive, especially for high-end models. The price is a major factor that discourages people from making the switch to electric powered mobility.
Features to consider before you buy an electric wheelchair
There are dozens of different features to consider when buying an electric wheelchair. Which ones you will matter most to you depend on how you plan to use your wheelchair most of the time. To help you decide what’s important, we’ll cover the key features you should look for when choosing a powered wheelchair.
Indoor or outdoor use
You might not know it just from looking at a set of electric wheelchairs, but some models are better suited for either indoor or outdoor use. Much of this comes down to the type of electric motor drive.
Front-drive wheelchairs like the Pride Mobility model are highly stable and offer relatively tight turning radii, factors that makes them suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. Mid-drive motors, on the other hand, offer even tighter turns that make them perfect for indoor spaces. Rear-drive wheelchairs like the Drive Medical or LITERIDER wheelchairs have larger turning radii, so they can be difficult to maneuver indoors. On the other hand, rear-drive systems are highly stable on rough terrain, making them perfect for outdoor use.
Of course, you should never plan to leave any electric wheelchair outdoors. The materials and motor housing are typically water resistant, but they won’t hold up for long if they are left out in the rain.
Drive type
Electric wheelchairs have three different drive types: front-drive, mid-drive, and rear-drive.
Front-drive wheelchairs like the Pride Mobility Jazzy Sport 2 have reasonable turning radii and maneuver easily over small obstacles. They are highly stable, but beware that they can fishtail at higher speeds – so most front-drive wheelchairs have a low maximum speed.
Mid-drive wheelchairs like the Titan AXS and CTM Mobility Scooter offer incredibly tight turning. They can virtually spin on the spot compared to most other types of wheelchairs. The downside is that mid-drive systems aren’t all that powerful, so they can struggle going up inclined grades.
The majority of powered wheelchairs we reviewed are rear-drive models. Rear-drive wheelchairs can power over any type of terrain, and some models like the Sentire Med Forza have excellent climbing abilities. However, most have turning radii over 30 inches, so they can be hard to maneuver in tight indoor spaces.
Comfortable seat
You’re probably going to spend several hours a day or more sitting in your electric wheelchair. So, it’s important to look for a seat that’s comfortable and provides support for your lower back.
Every wheelchair manufacturer approaches seat comfort differently. The Titan AXS features a contoured seat that is designed to help you sink into the chair, as well as includes a headrest so you can lean back. The Innuovo Intelligent wheelchair includes a shaped seatback with lumbar support, but leaves out the headrest. Keep in mind that if the seat is rectangular, as on the Drive Medical and Porto Mobility Ranger wheelchairs, it is easier to add your own after-market cushion.
Be sure to check the seat width as well, especially if you are heavyset. Most of the chairs we reviewed have seat widths between 18 and 19 inches, but models like the Forcemech Voyager R2 can have seats as narrow as 17 inches.
Weight limit
Heavyset individuals will want to pay close attention to the weight limit for which any electric wheelchair is rated. Most models we reviewed are rated for either 265 or 300 pounds. However, you can also find heavy-duty wheelchairs like the Porto Mobility Ranger that hold up to nearly 400 pounds.
Battery life and charging time
There’s nothing worse than worrying about your electric wheelchair running out of battery. Since powered wheelchairs are so heavy, they can be very difficult to move on your own without the electric motor.
Battery life is typically rated in terms of the average distance you can travel on a single charge. Some models like the Rubicon Extreme can travel 10 miles per charge, while chairs like the Karman Xo202 can travel up to 25 miles. Most wheelchairs we reviewed fall somewhere in between.
Consider how far you will typically travel in a day and whether there are places to recharge along the way.
Speed
Electric wheelchairs aren’t designed to go fast, but that doesn’t mean they have to be slow. Nearly all of the models we reviewed offer maximum speeds between 3 and 5 miles per hour. If you plan to use your wheelchair outside and cover longer distances, having a higher maximum speed can save you a significant amount of time getting around.
Turning radius
The turning radius of an electric wheelchair is typically determined by the type of drive it has. Mid-drive motors offer extremely tight turning radii, followed by front-drive motors and then rear-drive motors.
Turning radius matters because the simple fact is that most indoor spaces aren’t designed to make things easy for wheelchair users. If your wheelchair requires a large turning radius, you might not be able to turn around in a narrow hallway or room.
It’s a good idea to measure the spaces in your house to get an idea of how much space you’ll need to turn. Of course, if you’re primarily using your wheelchair outside, turning radius isn’t as much of a concern.
With that in mind, the electric wheelchairs we reviewed differ widely in their turning capabilities. The Titan AXS has a turning radius of just 20 inches, while the Innuovo Intelligent wheelchair has a radius of nearly three feet.
Wheels and ground clearance
Another thing to consider is the quality of the wheels your wheelchair is built with. Most wheelchairs we reviewed feature robust never-flat rubber wheels that can easily handle both indoor and outdoor surfaces. Many models, though, have smaller front or rear wheels that might not roll smoothly over grass or other soft surfaces.
Think about where you plan to travel with your powered wheelchair and look for wheels that suit the surface.
You’ll also want to think about the ground clearance of your wheelchair. Doorframes, rocks, and other objects can make it difficult for your wheelchair to move, and lifting a chair to get it over an obstacle can be difficult. Most wheelchairs only offer 2 to 3 inches of ground clearance, but models like the Sentire Med Forza FCX Deluxe have up to 5 inches of clearance.
Climbing angle
The maximum grade your powered wheelchair can climb is another concern if you plan to use your wheelchair outside. ADA-accessible ramps are less than 5 degrees, but small hills and sidewalk grades can be up to 8 degrees or more. Of the wheelchairs we reviewed, the Rubicon Extreme and Sentire Med Forza offer the best climbing capabilities.
Dimensions and weight
One of the major drawbacks to electric wheelchairs is that they are large and heavy. Many of the wheelchairs we reviewed weigh in at over 150 pounds. However, you can find lightweight wheelchairs like the Innuovo Intelligent that weigh just 50 pounds. These lightweight models are much easier to lift into and out of a vehicle, and some like the Forcemech Voyager R2 are even foldable for travel.
Warranty
An electric wheelchair is a significant investment, so it’s important to check the warranty policy. Most wheelchairs we reviewed come with five-year warranties on the frames but only one-year warranties on the battery, motor, and other electronic components.
Keep an eye out for extra features that can vary from wheelchair to wheelchair. For example, some wheelchairs offer specific speed settings to help you control your motion. Others have retractable footrests and armrests that can increase portability and comfort. Think about what features are important to you based on how you plan to use your wheelchair.
The main difference between indoor and outdoor electric wheelchairs is in the motor. Outdoor electric wheelchairs typically have rear-drive motors that provide more power, but larger turning radii. Indoor wheelchairs may have mid-drive or front-drive motors that offer tighter turning but aren’t as good at climbing hills.
You can travel with an electric wheelchair as long as it is lightweight or foldable. Heavy wheelchairs that are over 100 pounds can be very difficult to get into a car or on a plane.
Electric wheelchairs are water resistant, but not waterproof. Always store your powered wheelchair inside and try to keep it dry if you use it outside during a rainstorm.
Medicare will cover up to 80% of costs for an electric wheelchair. You must have a doctor’s order stating your need for a mobility device and prior authorization from your Medicare plan provider.
Our Verdict
Our three overall favorite electric wheelchairs on the market today are the Titan AXS, the Porto Mobility Ranger D09, and the Forcemech Voyager R2.
The Rubicon Premium Lightweight Electric Wheelchair is our third best pick because it is lightweight and foldable. It weighs only 64 pounds is air travel approved and has a12° maximum climbing angle.
The Porto Mobility Ranger sports a weight capacity of almost 400 pounds, which makes it a great option for heavyset users. But we also love that this electric wheelchair can take on inclines up to 25 degrees and sports a range of up to 18 miles.
We think the Titan AXS is the overall best electric wheelchair on the market today. The captain’s chair seat is extremely comfortable and highly adjustable. Plus, the mid-drive motor offers an unbelievably tight turning radius of just 20 inches. As if all that weren’t enough, Titan offers a lifetime warranty on the frame to guarantee the quality of your electric wheelchair.
References
1.
Medicare’s Wheelchair & Scooter Benefit
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers power-operated vehicles (scooters), walkers, and wheelchairs as durable medical equipment (DME).
Coverage of power wheelchairs and scooters - Medicare Interactive
If you think you need a power wheelchair or scooter, first speak to your doctor or primary care provider (PCP). If your PCP determines that it is medically necessary that you use a power wheelchair or scooter, they should sign an order, prescription, or certificate after a face-to-face office visit.
Mobility Devices - Accessibility (U.S. National Park Service)
Many kinds of devices improve mobility for the 1 in 4 Americans with a Disability. From walkers, canes, crutches, or braces to traditional manual or power wheelchairs to off-road mobility wheelchairs or electric scooters.
What makes an electric wheelchair better than a 
You might not know it just from looking at a set of electric wheelchairs, but some models are better suited for either indoor or outdoor use. Much of this comes down to the type of electric motor drive.
You’re probably going to spend several hours a day or more sitting in your electric wheelchair. So, it’s important to look for a seat that’s comfortable and provides support for your lower back.
Electric wheelchairs aren’t designed to go fast, but that doesn’t mean they have to be slow. Nearly all of the models we reviewed offer maximum speeds between 3 and 5 miles per hour. If you plan to use your wheelchair outside and cover longer distances, having a higher maximum speed can save you a significant amount of time getting around.
Another thing to consider is the quality of the wheels your wheelchair is built with. Most wheelchairs we reviewed feature robust never-flat rubber wheels that can easily handle both indoor and outdoor surfaces. Many models, though, have smaller front or rear wheels that might not roll smoothly over grass or other soft surfaces.
