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Power-folding wheelchairs help people with debilitating chronic illnesses as well as those with physical disabilities maintain independence.
Chronic pain, fatigue, and disabilities take so much from our lives. For some, an electric wheelchair could allow them to go shopping and meet friends for dinner or coffee. It could extend another’s ability to continue working. And allows all who use them the independence they desire.
But where do you begin looking for a power wheelchair? And why a foldable one?
I began researching electric folding wheelchairs near the end of 2019 when it became obvious the condition of my knees would not be improving. Because there is no way I could keep up with the required physical therapy unless something can be done with the mess in my abdomen, knee surgery is not an option. By the end of 2020, I found and bought a foldable power wheelchair that fit my needs.
Power foldable wheelchairs are perfect for people who either can or has someone who can lift one into a vehicle. There is no need to purchase an expensive accessible vehicle or outfit one with a large carrier. Foldable electric wheelchairs fit in the cargo area or trunk of pretty much any vehicle.
Here are my top five power foldable wheelchair picks!
Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission to fund my coffee drinking habit if you use these links to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra, and you’ll keep me supplied with caffeine. It’s a win for everyone. I am not a medical professional, and nothing stated in this article is mistaken for medical advice.
1. Fold & Travel Electric Wheelchair
This model is similar to my own. With that said, it is the wheels that have given me a case of electric wheelchair envy!
Unlike this model, mine is not suitable for snow or heavy rain. This model has rave reviews about how well it handles all types of outdoor terrain and weather.
The trade-off is that it doesn’t come with all the extra accessories that mine did. But if you are someone unlike me who likes to venture off the pavement or lives where it snows and rains heavily, this would be a fantastic option.
It is available in three colors; black, silver, and gold. The total weight of this power wheelchair is 55lbs, and its weight capacity is 330lbs. It comes with one lithium battery that can travel 12 miles on a full charge.
Pro tip: Remove the battery before lifting it into your vehicle. You will be surprised by how much weight it adds to your electric wheelchair.
2. Porto Mobility Ranger D09 Lightweight Folding Weatherproof Exclusive Electric Wheelchair
Here is another power folding wheelchair model similar to mine, yet like the first one, it can handle all types of weather and terrain.
This one is perfect for people who plan to be out all day. It comes with two lithium batteries which will allow you to travel up to 20 miles. This is impressive. Not all electric wheelchairs have the capability to travel as far. My Air Hawk can travel up to 26 miles with two fully charged batteries, perfect for a day at Disneyland.
The Porto Mobility Ranger fits into tight spaces and has a small turning radius. It weighs 50lbs and has a 400lb weight limit.
Shop the Porto Mobility Ranger
3. HHDQ Foldable Electric Wheelchair
This folding wheelchair made my list for three reasons. The first is its price! Secondly, it is much lighter than most others coming in at only 30.8lbs!
But what caught my eye on this model is something that those of us with chronic illness really need to consider. Fatigue is no joke for those of us with fibromyalgia or autoimmune arthritis. What happens when your out with your family and suddenly you are unable to concentrate? How will you drive your wheelchair?
While it is possible for someone to manually push almost all power wheelchairs from behind, not all offer the ability to utilize the battery power. This model comes with two joysticks, one for the wheelchair user and one on the rear handle for caregivers or family!!! I had to pay an extra hundred dollars for a bracket that is still on backorder!! This makes this model an outstanding option for anyone who experiences brain fog or fatigue.
Based on the tire size and location of the battery, it appears that this model could be used in any weather situation. It has a 220lbs weight limit and can travel up to 12.4 miles on a full charge.
Shop the HHDQ Foldable Electric Wheelchair
4. Rubicon All Terrain Heavy Duty Powerful Dual Motor Foldable Electric Wheelchair
This power folding wheelchair made my list because of its footrests! This is something that I didn’t think was a big deal until I bought mine. Wheelchairs with single footplates like the ones shown above increase pain in my knees and hips. I will be forking out more money to purchase a bracket that will allow me to add the footrests from my manual wheelchair to my power wheelchair.
With that said, this model is suitable for all types of terrain and weather. Coming in at 67lbs, it does weigh more than the others. However, removing the batteries before lifting will lighten the weight considerably.
This power folding wheelchair has a weight capacity of 300lbs and can travel up to 13 miles on a full battery.
Shop the Rubicon All Terrain Heavy Duty Powerful Dual Motor Foldable Electric Wheelchair
5. WHILL Model Ci
This futuristic electric power wheelchair can climb over obstacles that are 2 inches in height!!
It is available in five colors; pink, white, blue, gold, and gray. With a top speed of 5MPH and 10 miles per fully charged battery, you can get around with ease. The weight capacity for this model is 250lbs.
Unlike any other power wheelchair I have checked out, this one has an app for iPhone and Android. With the app, you can see how far you have driven and how much mileage your battery has left!!! There is also the ability to drive it remotely using the app.
Another unexpected plus of this model is its turning radius. Compared to the average 32-inch radius, the WHILL Model Ci comes in at 29.9.
Last but not least, although this is not technically a foldable wheelchair, it does break down into three pieces, with the heaviest weighing in at 43.3lbs.
Final thoughts on power-folding wheelchairs
As you may have noticed, my power folding wheelchair did NOT make this list. My reasoning for that is that while perfect for indoor and paved outdoor use, I would not recommend it to someone who needs to cross grassy areas. And while perfect for someone who lives where it rarely rains, the Air Hawk is not suitable for heavy rain or snow. You can listen to my full review here or check it out for yourself here.
If you plan to travel by plane or cruise ship you will need to make sure the powerchair you purchase is TSA approved. That is one thing mine is that the others do not state. With that said, all with the exception of number 5, have comments from people who have flown with them. I have placed an inquiry with each manufacturer and will update you when I receive their reply.
Lithium batteries are FAA approved in addition to being UN certified. While not perfect, mine, the Air Hawk traveling wheelchair, is both as well as FDA certified.
As I have discovered, there is no perfect electric power wheelchair, but there are many that meet will meet the majority of your needs. Which of those needs are the most important is up to you. If anything, I hope this list brings attention to some needs you may not have realized were important to you and your way of living.
Related Posts:
7 Best Heavy-Duty Rollator Options For Bariatric Patients
5 Best Outdoor Use Rollator Walkers With Seats For Balance Issues
Handicap Restrooms – What Really Makes Them Accessible And Why Most Fail
pain threaten your mobility, take back your independence with an electric power wheelchair! The Disabled Diva shares 5 of the best power folding wheelchairs!”>
pain slowing you down? The Disabled Diva wants to help keep you moving by sharing the 5 best electric power wheelchairs for indoor and outdoor use!”>
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Can you buy any of these wheelchairs in Australia?
The ones that are listed on Amazon can be found on Amazon AU. You may have different manufacturers, but there are similar wheelhairs. I do not now about the other sites. I hope this helps.
Any ideas on how to get paying for one of these? Is insurance an option?
Typically insurance won’t cover these types of mobility aids. With that said, if you can get your doctor to back you up it’s worth trying. Other options provided by manufacturers include layaway, financing, or help their customers raise the funds through crowdsharess.
These are great picks that’ll really help those looking for new wheels. The WHILL definitely looks funky and futuristic, doesn’t it? I likey! xx
I love its futuristic look too. 😍