Best Wheelchairs For Elderly In 2023

AIP Wheelchair Rating Methodology

Our Aging In Place wheelchair experts independently research and recommend products we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. We’ve conducted in-depth research on wheelchairs. Throughout this process, we considered a variety of factors for each product, including:

• Consumer reviews
• Price
• Top speed (electric wheelchairs)
• Maximum weight capacity
• Weight
• Functionality
• Portability

Who Can Benefit From Having a Wheelchair?

Wheelchairs are designed for people who have difficulty walking or cannot walk due to illness (physiological or physical), injury, or disability. Some disabilities that may require the use of wheelchairs include:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Amputations
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Cerebral palsy
• Diabetes
• Multiple sclerosis
• Muscular dystrophy
• Parkinson’s disease 
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Scoliosis
• Spina bifida
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries

Types of Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs are categorized by their manner of propulsion—manual or power-driven.

Types Of Manual Wheelchairs

A manual wheelchair is propelled by the chair’s occupant, usually by pushing on the bars that surround each of the larger wheels of the wheelchair to cause the chair to roll forward. They also have handles on the back so that another person can push the wheelchairs. Most manual wheelchairs come in a standard or lightweight version.

Standard wheelchairs – These are the least expensive type of wheelchair, but that discount comes with a trade-off. Weighing in at more than 36 pounds, these wheelchairs are more challenging to transport and propel than lighter models. Standard wheelchairs are usually made with less-expensive materials, can be uncomfortable to sit in, and thus are not preferred for long-term or frequent use.

Lightweight wheelchairs – As the name suggests, these wheelchairs are lighter than standard wheelchairs, weighing less than 36 pounds. Most offer more customization options, such as an adjustable back, footrests, and armrests, and added cushioning for comfort. Some versions of lightweight wheelchairs include:

• High-strength lightweight wheelchairs – These chairs are more durable than the standard or lightweight wheelchairs, but still weigh less than a standard wheelchair (about 30-34 pounds). They’re ideal for people who are active and like to go out often.
• Ultra-lightweight wheelchairs – These are the lightest type of wheelchairs, weighing in at just under 30 pounds. They’re also the easiest to control. Ultra-lightweight wheelchairs are great for people who spend an extended amount of time in a wheelchair.

A transporter chair is another mobility chair that is sometimes lumped into the wheelchair category. Transporters combine the function of a wheelchair with the maneuverability of a rollator or walker. Instead of two large wheels, these transporters have four smaller wheels that make self-propulsion impossible and thus are intended to be pushed by a caregiver and not the user.

Types Of Power Wheelchairs

• Power-driven wheelchairs—also called electric-powered wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs, or powerchairs—are propelled by electric means based on a power source (typically motors and batteries). There are three types of wheelchair drive systems:
• Front-wheel drive – These wheelchairs are made with two large drive wheels toward the front of the seat with two smaller casters at the rear for stability and maneuverability. These chairs have the power to go over bumps and curbs up to 2 inches high. These also have the smallest turning radius compared with other drive systems and can fishtail when turning at high speeds.
• Rear-wheel drive – These wheelchairs are similar to front-wheel drive wheelchairs, but the wheel construction is opposite, with two large drive wheels toward the back of the seat and two smaller casters at the front. Rear-wheel drive wheelchairs have good stability and maneuverability, even at high speeds. They’re also less sensitive to oversteering and are the best power wheelchair for outdoor use, especially on rough terrain.
• Mid-wheel drive – These “center drive” chairs have a total of six wheels—two large drive wheels toward the center of the seat with two smaller wheels at the front and two smaller wheels at the back. These chairs have a much tighter turning radius than the two other drive systems, making them ideal for smaller indoor spaces and flat outdoor spaces. However, these wheelchairs can sink and lose traction on softer terrain. They’re also more difficult to transport and are generally reserved for occupants who require a wheelchair with a high weight capacity, up to 600 pounds.

Power wheelchairs are sometimes confused with electric or mobility scooters, but there are some key differences. One of the biggest differentiating factors is that power wheelchairs are controlled by a joystick. This allows more control with little arm or hand strength, while also supporting the user´s arms. Joysticks can be operated with just a touch of a person’s fingertip. On the other hand, electric scooters are steered with handlebars, which requires much more upper body strength.