What does an electric wheelchair weigh?
There are many different situations were somebody could need a wheelchair. For some it is essential for everyday life. for others it can be a convenient mobility aid, that helps them to get out more. This means there are a variety of different wheelchair types, to suit every person’s individual needs.
A common question before buying a new wheelchair, is what does an electric wheelchair weigh? This is a very reasonable question to ask, but unfortunately the answer can vary quite a bit. For example, a small folding electric wheelchair could be as light as 20kg (44lb). On the other hand, a heavy duty power chair could weigh as much as 160kg (353lb).
The question you need to ask is what you need the wheelchair for? If getting your wheelchair in to the trunk of a car is important, then a large all terrain power chair is not going to be the solution.
A folding electric wheelchair on the other hand could be a great option. They are light and extremely compact once folded. This makes them ideal for transporting in the boot of a car.
Examples of different wheelchairs and how much they weigh
To give you a better idea of how much different types of wheelchairs weigh, you can find some examples below.
In the examples we will discuss the benefits of each type of wheelchair, including when each individual style might be the best choice.
Folding electric wheelchair weight
In general, this is going to be one of the lightest types of electric wheelchair. A folding electric wheelchair will usually range from 20kg to 35kg (44lb – 77lb). Chairs at the heavier end of this scale are usually designed to carry heavier individuals. You may also find that heavier models are sometimes better off road.
Folding electric wheelchairs are designed specifically for convenience. They are small, lightweight, and easy to store and transport. This makes them the ideal mobility aid for carrying out a variety of activities, including:
- Moving around areas of your house.
- Traveling locally to the shops, or just to get out and about.
- Visiting friends and family.
- Easy storage for transporting via car, or public transport (perfect for days out)
- Convenient storage at home.
Most folding electric wheelchairs also come with long life lithium-ion batteries. So they can last a long time on a single charge. Some chairs have battery life of up to 25 miles without the need to recharge.
Standard electric wheelchair weight
Standard electric wheelchairs usually look quite similar to folding electric wheelchairs. However they do tend to be slightly heavier 50kg – 80kg (110lbs to 175lbs) is a typical weight rating.
The main difference with this type of chair is they do not fold as conveniently as a folding electric wheelchair. Generally, you will need to remove the batteries and wheels and the chair will often collapse in half, in a similar way to a manual travel wheelchair.
The main advantage with this type of chair is you will save a bit of money. They are usually quite a bit cheaper than a folding electric wheelchair. You will just need to decide if the extra convenience of folding your chair down is worth paying the extra money for.
Essentially a standard electric wheelchair is going to give you most of the benefits of the folding alternative. The only real difference is they take up a little more space and folding them down is a little more challenging. But they are still a great option if you are looking for a lightweight affordable electric wheelchair.
Power chair weight
Power chairs tend to be considerably heavier than the previous 2 options. They can range anywhere from 50kg (110lbs) all the way up to 160kg (350lbs) and come in a variety of different styles.
They are usually not as easy to store and travel with. However, models at the lighter end of the range can usually be disassembled for this purpose.
With that said, if you are interested in a chair that is easy to travel with, then a power chair might not be the best solution.
So why would you choose a power chair over something like a folding electric wheelchair? Below are a few reasons:
- Power chairs tend to have a smaller turning circle. This can be very convenient if you are using indoors or in tight spaces.
- Extra comfort. With most power chairs you can customise your seating position more. This will usually include seat height, as well as adjusting the backrest.
- They tend to have good suspension, making them capable of traveling over a variety of different surfaces and terrains.
One other thing you will often find with power chairs is they tend to be more varied in their functionality. There is a lot more variety to cater to individuals with different disabilities and specialist needs.
Something like a folding electric wheelchair, is usually suitable for a wider variety of people with mobility issues. However, they are probably not the best solution for people with more severe disabilities. In this case some type of power chair is often the best option.
Conclusion – what does an electric wheelchair weigh?
As you can see electric wheelchairs come in a variety of different styles. This means they can vary in weight quite dramatically.
The type of chair you choose will vary greatly based on your own personal needs. If you are looking for a lightweight, easy to store mobility chair, then a folding electric wheelchair could be a great option.
On the other hand, if you have more specific needs and will be spending more time in your wheelchair, then a specialist power chair could be a more suitable option.
We hope you found this article useful. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below.
