If you are unable to walk or if you live with a disability, you want to have the lightest electric wheelchair. One of the biggest expressions of liberty is the ability to move around from place to place. Meaning that a wheelchair, especially an electric one, might be one of the most essential items to have.
However, not all are suitable as some might be too heavy to carry around, and therefore a lightweight electric wheelchair will reduce the amount of heavy lifting you have to do.
Fortunately, the market has a number of light wheelchairs available and we just had to choose which is the lightest electric wheelchair. Some are small enough to fit into your car, others can be lifted by a single person, still others can be accommodated for on airplanes, and many can be driven for a considerably long distance on a single charge.
Features of A Light Electric Wheelchair
Before choosing the right light electric wheelchair for your needs there are important design features to consider:
Is It Portable, Foldable And Can It Be Disassembled?
Most modern electric wheelchairs can easily be disassembled into smaller units for easier transportation. They can also be folded to reduce their size and for easier storage in a car.
Are The Wheels Front, Rear or Middle-wheel Drive?
It is the most natural thing to have rear-wheel drive designed electric wheelchairs as they are great for the outdoors and are faster. However, front-wheel drive electric wheelchairs are gaining more popularity as they have a better turning radius and are therefore better suited for both the indoors and outdoors.
Mid-wheel driven electric wheelchairs perform much better in bigger indoor areas or in terrains where the surface is smooth as they don’t perform that well on rough surfaces.
Is The Electric Wheelchair Adjustable?
Can the electric wheelchair be adjusted? Can you adjust the seat, the footrests as well as other parts of the wheelchair? This is important as it will provide you with the needed comfort you invested for. Look for the perfect size for your body. Including a reclining feature might be an added bonus for extended sitting.
What Are The Dimensions and Weight Capacity?
Make sure you shop for an electric wheelchair that is comfortable for your size. Experiencing even the slightest discomfort might cause pain on your back. Also be sure to check the weight capacity of the electric wheelchair you like before purchasing, to ensure that it supports your weight.
How Big Is It?
Your electric wheelchair should fit in the environment that you will use it in. Do you live in a small apartment or do you have to use it in tight spaces? Then a wheelchair with a tight turning radius will suffice. A turning radius of 46 inches is generally advised as maximum for outdoor use while 20 inches is considered a pretty good tight turning radius.
1. ComfyGo IQ-8000
The ComfyGo IQ-8000 is a lightweight folding electric wheelchair with a remote control to control the chair and the joystick. The backrest reclines and the seat comes in two width choices, the 17.5-inch width or the 20-inch width.
This unit weighs 55 pounds with the battery and easily folds up in just 3 seconds. It runs on two lithium-ion battery choices, one of which is a 12AH battery that can run for 10 miles on a single charge and the
other a 20AH battery that can run for 17 miles on a charge.
The ComfyGo IQ-8000 has a weight capacity of 310 pounds, a maximum operating range of 17 miles, a turning radius of 33 inches, and a top speed of 4 mph.
2. EWheels EW-M45
The EW-M45 by E-Wheels was designed for the purpose of simplifying and assisting in the easier transportation of an electric wheelchair. As it is only 59lbs, it is very light and can easily be rolled up and put into the trunk of a car. When folded it occupies a volume of 23”x13”x31”. When driven it has a top speed of 3.7mph.
The EW-M45 has a drive range of 15 miles on a single battery charge. You can also opt to extend your mileage by upgrading to 3 lithium batteries and a drive range of 23 miles or 4 for a drive range up to 31 miles.
Though the EW-M45 is lightweight it can accommodate an astounding 400lbs in weight, and as such it has a 19’ wide seat. With its 12” rear wheels it offers excellent traction and can easily ride on uneven surfaces.
3. iLiving USA ILG-255
The iLiving ILG-255 folding powerchair is similar to the IQ-8000 in weight and foldability. It also folds in a few seconds and once folded it measures 13.8"x24.4"x30.3".
After removing the battery, the ILG-255 weighs 58 pounds, light enough for one person to lift with ease. It comes with a padded seat and there is a nylon basket right underneath the seat for storage.
One of the unique features about this chair is that the batteries are located on the sides of the chair, so they are easier to access.
It has dual wheel brushless motors and instead of one battery the ILG-255 runs on two 12Ah lithium batteries. The iLiving USA ILG-255 has a weight capacity of 260 pounds, a maximum operating range of 7-10 miles, a turning radius of 37.8 inches, and a top speed of 4 mph.
4. Whill Model Ci
The Whill Model Ci by Whill is a wheelchair that seems to transcend the line between a scooter and a wheelchair. It comes with a palm guided joystick and has no steering column or tiller. It also has a longer chassis giving you more room for your legs and more storage.
The Whill Model Ci has two powerful motors running on the latest in Lithium Ion technology. With this the Model Ci can climb up inclines of 10 degrees and over obstacles of 2 inches high with its powerful front omni-wheels. It has powerful suspension to tackle uneven bumps in its path.
It also has anti-tip and anti-sway features for greater stability and added safety. With its electromagnetic brakes, stopping is easy and without hassles, and with a tight radius of 29.90 going around corners is easy to do. The armrests can also tilt up or rotate out of the way to better manage getting on and off.
Ground clearance is 2.25” off the ground and the driving range is 10 miles on one single charge. The Whill can be folded for transportation and can come apart into three light pieces to carry in the trunk of a car.
5. Vive Health Folding Power Wheelchair
This chair is the least expensive in price on this entire list, which makes it more appealing. The Vive Health Folding Powerchair is a stable electric wheelchair with front shock absorbers, solid 7.9" front and big 11.8" rear tires. Due to its high 6-inch ground clearance, navigating over uneven terrain is a breeze.
It is not only convenient outside, but also inside. It has a single footplate which offers extra stability and increases ground clearance.
The Vive Health Foldable Power Wheelchair weighs 67.8 pounds, and when folded measures compact dimensions of 35"x25"x14"; making it small enough to store away in your closet or in the trunk of a car. This unit has dual motors that are powered by a 10AH battery.
The Vive Health Folding Powerchair has a weight capacity of 260 pounds, a maximum operating range of 6.2 miles, a turning radius of 47.2", and a top speed of 3.7 mph.
6. Golden Technologies LiteRider Envy GP162B
The LiteRider Envy by Golden Technologies is a quality lightweight power wheelchair for a really low price. It comes in the customary tubular design of LiteRider products from Golden Technologies with a traditional joystick controller.
Its seats are cushioned to offer added support to the back and the seats have an extended back height of 17”. This powerchair has two 22AMP batteries offering a driving range of 15.5 miles per single charge.
The LiteRider Envy also comes with a bigger footplate for easier leg comfort and it can easily be disassembled for easier and quicker transportation. It also has an under-seat storage basket to store your personals.
It has a weight capacity of 300lbs and a ground clearance of 2.5”. It comes in various colors, under which red or blue plus other limited colors. The LiteRider Envy can travel at a top speed of 3.5mph.
7. ComfyGo Patriot 11
The ComfyGo Patriot 11 is also a lightweight folding power wheelchair with an eye-catching look and customizable colors for the cushion and backrest. Plus, the seat and backrest can be removed for cleaning.
It weighs 66 pounds with the battery and 58 pounds without. The ComfyGo Patriot 11 comes standard with a wide 20-inch seat. It also has an battery indicator light, speed adjustment buttons, a power on-off switch and a horn.
This unit is equipped with a dual engine and shock absorbers for a smooth ride on uneven surfaces. The Patriot 11 has a weight capacity of 265 pounds, a maximum operating range of 13+ miles, a turning radius of 35.5 inches, and a top speed of 4 mph.
8. ComfyGo 6011
The ComfyGo 6011 is yet another lightweight foldable power wheelchair, which weighs only 67 pounds inclusive of the battery.
It is powered by two 250-watt motors and just like most of the models in this article, can easily fold in just 3 seconds. This wheelchair also has the option of a 12Ah battery that lasts for 13 miles on a charge or a 24Ah battery that lasts longer at 25 miles on a charge.
This model also comes with a horn, a speed indicator, an indicator light, and speed up and down buttons. The ComfyGo 6011 Folding Electric Wheelchair has a weight capacity of 265 pounds, a maximum operating range of 13 miles, a turning radius of 33 inches, and a top speed of 4 mph.
Final Words
Lightweight electric wheelchairs are an absolute necessity for impaired individuals, and therefore we have decided to review and recommend the top 8 best lightest electric wheelchairs. Our list includes the best the market has to offer in terms of quality and functionality.
Please feel free to ask if you have any questions or if you feel we should have another light electric wheelchair added to this list. See our product pages for details and should you have any questions feel free to give us a call at 800-682-9444. One of our agents will be happy to assist you. We are open every day from 8AM - 8PM EST.
Visit our blog to see more of what we have to offer on electric wheelchairs, like our 7 Best Folding Wheelchairs and our Power Wheelchairs With Elevating Seats.
Feel free to write me anytime at kellon@electricwheelchairsusa.com if you have any questions or comments. At Electric Wheelchairs USA, we truly love helping our customers make the best choice for their needs whether it is a power chair, mobility scooter, or lift chair.
