Top 10 Best Lightweight Wheelchairs - Oct 2023

Are you looking for a lightweight wheelchair that is of quality, durable and doesn’t burn your pockets? Look no more for we have done the work for you. We have analyzed hundreds of lightweight wheelchairs and gone through thousand of reviews and have narrowed the list to only 10. Below are the 10 best lightweight wheel chairs with the best value for your money. We encourage you to read reviews yourself to ensure that you are buying what you actually want.

Lightweight Wheelchair Buying Guide

Finding the ideal wheelchair takes careful research and planning. Manual wheelchairs feature a no-frills design that makes them lightweight and easy to maneuver. These wheelchairs are equipped with oversized back wheels, enabling patients to push the chairs on their own without the need for another person.

These chairs come in lightweight versions, as well, weighing anywhere between 27 and 35 pounds. Although that may sound like a lot, it is quite a bit less than a typical manual wheelchair, which can weigh as much as 40 pounds. Bariatric and extra-wide models are also available. These chairs tend to be larger and heavier. However, they provide superior support and stability for patients who weigh more than average.

Typically, manual wheelchairs are designed to fold up so that they are easy to store and transport. The leg rests can quickly be removed, reducing the size of the folded wheelchair while at the same time making it lighter weight.

Some of the key details to think about when shopping for a lightweight wheelchair are outlined below.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Lightweight Wheelchair

Lightweight wheelchairs are classified into two general categories: lightweight and ultralightweight.

Ultralightweight Wheelchairs

Weighing in at anywhere between 25 and 34 pounds, the  ultra light wheelchairs are an excellent option. They feature a lightweight design that is durable and easy to fold.

Wheelchairs and accessories in this category are available in many different styles, making it easy to find the ideal style, fit, and with features that you need. Optional accessories and components are available, as well. For instance, some wheelchairs have frames with adjustable heights while others have swing-away footrests.

Lightweight Wheelchairs

Manual wheelchairs that fall into the lightweight category are a much better option than heavier wheelchairs. They are easier to move around, which means they are less likely to negatively impact your condition or to cause other physical issues. Today, foldable, lightweight wheelchairs are the industry standard.

These chairs weigh in at anywhere between 29 and 34 pounds, making them ideal for many different lifestyles and conditions. While they are slightly heavier than chairs in the ultra-lightweight category, they still provide a lot of benefits over standard wheelchairs.

Ergonomic Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs in this series are crafted out of T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, making them extremely lightweight. They also have an S-shaped seat frame that is ergonomically-designed and patented. This seat minimizes pressure on the body, which helps reduce the risk of common issues that wheelchair users experience with their bottoms and lower backs. Wheelchairs in the ergonomic series are equipped with Aegis Microbe Shield cushions. With unique antimicrobial properties, they help keep the cushions from deteriorating or developing stains or odors as a result of fungi, bacteria, or other types of microorganisms.

Seat Width

One key characteristic to consider when shopping for a wheelchair is the width of the seat. Everyone has unique requirements based on the size of their body. Most standard wheelchairs have seat widths of 16 inches, 18 inches, or 20 inches.

The seat width on a typical pediatric wheelchair is 14 inches. Bariatric wheelchairs, on the other hand, have seats that range up to 30 inches wide.

Depth of the Seat

When it comes to wheelchair seats, the depth is measured from the back of the seat to the front. To ensure that the seat depth is correct, measure the distance from the back of the patient’s shins to the back of their pelvis when they are seated in a straight position.

If you have used a wheelchair in the past that was comfortable, you can also measure the depth of the seat on that chair. That measurement can then be used when shopping for a new chair to ensure that you get a comfortable fit.

Height of the Seat

The seat height is measured from the floor to the top of the seat. Getting the seat height right is important. Otherwise, the patient’s feet may drag on the ground or may hang there dangling. With the right height, on the other hand, their feet will fit comfortably on the leg rests.

If the patient uses their feet to propel themselves, choosing a seat height that allows their feet to reach the ground is important.

Backrest Height

The backrest height is measured from the top of the seat to the top of the backrest. If the backrest is too short, there are additional accessories that can be used to extend it so that it is higher.

The Armrests

Armrests on wheelchairs are usually either classified as full-length or desk-length. Armrests in the desk-length category make it easier to pull the chair up to a table or desk. Full-length armrests, on the other hand, support the entire forearm.

Some armrests are designed to be flipped back or removed, making it easier to transfer into or out of the wheelchair. In some cases, the height of the armrests can also be adjusted.