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In the medical world, wheelchairs are the most common aid used by people with
mobility issues. If you are having problems in walking, a wheelchair can
be a worthy investment in your life. When it comes to mobility,
having the right wheelchair can help you move smoothly and safely from one place to
another.
Which would you prefer to have for an active lifestyle, a bulky wheelchair or an
ultralight wheelchair? While the former is difficult to lift and carry, the latter
is easy to fold, easy to lift, and easy to carry. Lightweight wheelchairs are built
toprovide maximum comfortand mobility to the user. Having a wheelchair can positively impact the way
you move around.
Lightweight wheelchairs are specifically designed for disabled people, the elderly,
or people who are recovering from physical and psychological injuries. We
have tested
different models of wheelchairs and reviewed them in terms of
their features, performance, maneuverability, safety, support, and a handful of
other factors. Here are the best lightweight wheelchairs currently on the market.
Medline’s Adult Folding Wheelchair is a reliable wheelchair for easy
travel and transportation. It is convenient
for indoor use and is simple to use. It features a portable back
that can be quickly folded for easy storage and haulage during
travel. This product is sturdy and can hold up to 300 lbs.
This chair is much lighter than some standard wheelchairs. The
reason is attributed to the frame, which is made of slim
aluminum. This type of material is not only easy to lift, but it
is also durable and lasts longer than traditional bases. It is
powder-coated to prevent wear and color fading, as well as to
ensure increased resistance to chipping and scratching.
Additionally, it comes with extra-large 12-inch rear wheels that
guarantee high performance and increased stability, even on rough terrains or bumpy outdoor
surfaces. It also comes with full-length
arms that provide an extended area for gripping and ideal
support. For added safety, this wheelchair provides loop-lock
handbrakes that slow down the chair on rugged terrains or tilted
sidewalks.
One of the cons of this wheelchair is that the armrests are
permanently attached to the chair and cannot be removed. Also, a
lot of maintenance is required. The brakes also require regular
adjustment, which may be cumbersome and time-consuming. Apart
from this, there is not much maintenance required on the frame
material, and it is completely free of any solvent or toxic
chemical.
The Invacare TRSX58FBP Tracer SX5 is a durable, well-built
wheelchair with a lightweight aluminum frame. This wheelchair
weighs 38 pounds and can support up to 250 pounds. The armrests
are adjustable and removable which makes them easy to use at
tables, desks, or other locations where you need to have close
access to the body.
The S-115 Ultra Light Ergonomic Wheelchair by Karman is the
lightest wheelchair in its class weighing just 25 lbs so your
loved one can be mobile and still live independently. It also
has several convenient features that improve your life of users
like its fully reclining backrest, adjustable leg rest,
reclining seat, super-comfortable gel cushion seat, and 24″ rear
wheels & 7″ front casters that are perfect for indoor and
outdoor use.
The S-115 Ultra Light Ergonomic Wheelchair by Karman is the
lightest wheelchair in its class weighing just 25 lbs so your
loved one can be mobile and still live independently. It also
has several convenient features that improve your life of users
like its fully reclining backrest, adjustable leg rest,
reclining seat, super-comfortable gel cushion seat, and 24″ rear
wheels & 7″ front casters that are perfect for indoor and
outdoor use.
The Karman 24 pounds LT-980 is a great wheelchair for all users
looking for a lightweight product. It’s strong, durable, and
comfortable. Weighing only 24 lbs, the lightweight wheelchair is
great for daily use and traveling. It has a detachable footrest,
with height-adjustable armrests, five-star wheels, and
non-marking tires that are easier on floors and carpets.
The Innuovo Lightweight Electric Wheelchair is specially designed
for those customers who are looking for a folding wheelchair
that is lightweight and made from high-quality materials. With
its racing style, it has a sporty look that will be your perfect
assistant when you go camping, travel, or shopping. Designed to
fit a wide range of users and budgets, this rugged and reliable
wheelchair offers true mobility for active people.
The NOVA Lightweight Transport Chair with Locking Hand Brakes is
the perfect solution for active families. With easy-to-maneuver
independent tilt-in-space swivel front wheels, reclining seats
and adjustable leg rests, this chair is ideal for all ages. It’s
lightweight, with a durable aluminum frame and a weight capacity
of 300 pounds, providing maximum safety and comfort as needed.
The Medline Kids’ Pediatric Wheelchair is a lightweight,
easy-to-use wheelchair that makes it easier for kids to get
around. The 14-inch seat width makes it ideal for most children.
It comes with swing-away desk-length arms and swing-away
elevating leg rests. The best manual wheelchair for kids should
be lightweight and easy to push, so your child can move around
independently and has adjustable width to fit into your child’s
growing body.
Hi-Fortune is pleased to introduce to you their new innovative
design wheelchair, 21 lbs Lightweight Magnesium Wheelchair. This
lightweight wheelchair was designed from the ground up to
provide maximum maneuverability with minimum weight. It
lightweight design makes it an excellent choice for elderlies
and persons with limited mobility or strength.
The ALCO 22″ Heavy Duty Chrome Wheelchair (500 lb. Weight
Capacity) is constructed to easily propel plus-sized users to
any destination of their choice regardless of the terrain. This
stylish, comfortable wheelchair features a contoured seat to
help with pressure relief, independent adjustable dual-position
footrests, and a removable backrest for added flexibility.
Weighing only 13.5 lbs, the Featherweight Wheelchair is in a
class of its own. It is one of the lightest wheelchairs in the
world. It is the perfect choice for people who need to travel on
small airplanes or with reduced amenities. Sturdy in
construction, it’s also foldable, permits easy transfers, and
allows you to maintain as much independence as possible.
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Are Lightweight Wheelchairs Convenient For Traveling?
Lightweight wheelchairs are good for traveling. This is
because they provide the user with comfort and a plethora of other
safety features. They also fold up for convenience, which makes them
excellent for travel on buses, trains, boats, and planes.
How Heavy Can A Lightweight Wheelchair Be?
Lightweight wheelchairs aren’t created to be heavy. The heaviest ones
weigh between 29 and 35 pounds.
What Is The Highest Speed For Motorized Wheelchairs?
Motorized wheelchairs offer a maximum speed of 4 mph.
What Is The Main Benefit Of A Lightweight Wheelchair?
The advantage of this type of wheelchair is that it is constructed with
lighter materials. They are also easy to fold and transport and users
find it easy to store them in smaller vehicles and spaces.
Furthermore, a lightweight wheelchair is not as bulky and heavy as
standard wheelchairs. Therefore, users can fully enjoy the freedom and
independence they crave during self-propulsion. Lightweight wheelchairs
remain the most affordable option for disabled people or individuals
with mobility issues.
Lighter wheelchairs are considered to be a better choice because they’re easier to
move. If a wheelchair is too heavy, it will be hard for both you and your loved one
to use. If it is lightweight though, it can be ideal for everyday
use.
There are things you need to consider first before making your decision. In this
article, I am going to share some of the best lightweight wheelchairs that guarantee
easy movement regardless of the injury or extent of your disability.
Medline’s lightweight transport wheelchair remains the best option for seniors and
elderly who need a caregiver to help them rather than manually propelling
themselves. Owing to this comfort and performance, this wheelchair remains reliable
for older adults who want a more active lifestyle. The seat of the chair features
nylon upholstery made from soft and breathable material for comfort. This is a
better choice than vinyl material because it is easy to clean.
On the back of this chair is a 12-inch wheel for outdoor traction coupled with manual
hand brakes for extra protection and safety. The chair
provides support for weights of up to 300 pounds. It is worth
notable that this chair itself weighs 22lbs, which is incredible considering the
list of useful features incorporated in it. Also, it has a sturdy and powder-coated
frame that prevents rust.
Furthermore, it comes with removable elevating footrests to improve the user’s
comfort. The elevating leg rests is particularly useful
as it helps prevent leg symptoms that older adults may face. It is equipped with
desk-length armrests, which can be flipped back when not needed. This chair doesn’t
provide much comfort as it is not designed for long-term sitting. However, we
noticed that it has a wide seat that should accommodate most users.
This wheelchair is designed with a durable steel frame and it has a weight-bearing
capacity of 250 pounds. It provides great stability, which makes it an ideal option
for many disabled individuals. It can be used independently or can be driven by an
assistant or caregiver.
It provides excellent maneuverability in tight and narrow indoor spaces. This Drive
Medical Transport Wheelchair is designed with swing-away footrests and cushioned
armrests that offer increased comfort to users. The chair and backrest fold flat
for easy transport and storage.
Most importantly, this chair has a comfortable seat and the nylon upholstery is so
easy to clean. Occupants of this wheelchair will have a comfortable experience even
if they sit on it for prolonged periods.
The NOVA Lightweight Transport Chair is built to provide easy transport for patients
or users. It is lightweight, foldable, and offers easy maneuverability. One of the
major features of this chair is the secondary wheel locks coupled with the
detachable anti-tippers, which add an extra layer of safety to this product.
Furthermore, it comes with an adjustable seat belt alongside a small storage pouch
for storing items such as your smartphone, keys, or purse. The patented locking
handbrakes and the 12-inch rear wheel help to control the speed of the chair.
The removable desk arms are padded and can flip up, which makes it easier to transfer
the person in the wheelchair from the chair, bed, or car. The adjustable footrests
are designed with heel loops for the user to relax their feet. Also, the footrests
can be removed and locked back into their position.
Lightweight wheelchairs are popular in the market because they offer more freedom and
mobility to users. When juxtaposed side by side with standard wheelchairs,
lightweight wheelchairs are easier to propel and maneuver.
Below are some of the advantages of getting a lightweight wheelchair:
Suited for indoor and outdoor use: Lightweight wheelchairs are
suitable for both outdoor and indoor use. You don’t have to switch from one
wheelchair to another when you have a lightweight wheelchair in your home.
Easy to Carry: Another benefit of lightweight wheelchairs is
that they are portable and very easy to carry. They typically weigh around 14
lbs.
Distributes Weight Evenly: Since this type of wheelchair is
lighter, they won’t suppose those on the heavier side. If you weigh around 250
lbs or less, you can consider using a lightweight wheelchair. However, if you
weigh above 250 pounds, a heavy-duty or bariatric wheelchair can be a good
option. Lightweight wheelchairs are designed with a sturdy frame and they
distribute the user’s weight evenly.
Easy to Store: Since these chairs are collapsible, they can be
easy to store. With their folding ability, you can fold and keep the wheelchair
under your bed or in a tight corner of your home until further use. Lightweight
wheelchairs will help you save some space.
Easy to Maneuver: Most lightweight wheelchairs are designed
with large wheels. This means that you don’t have to apply much force or effort
in maneuvering the wheelchair. Even if you are manually propelling the movement,
you can move around swiftly without straining your hands.
Gives You Independence: Unlike traditional wheelchairs that can
strain your hands or require the
assistance of a caregiver, the lightweight models allow you
to manually propel yourself. They are not bulky, so users can operate them with
ease.
Important Features to Consider When Purchasing a Lightweight Wheelchair
Choosing a lightweight wheelchair shouldn’t make you compromise on comfort and other
features that you should enjoy. From time to time, users’ tastes and preferences
impact the market system and manufacturers integrate some special features into the
newer models they create.
Although the most important feature to look out for in a lightweight wheelchair
should be its lightness and portability. Notwithstanding, there are a few other
variables to consider. Here’s a detailed buying guide on the factors to consider to
choose the right lightweight wheelchair.
1. Personal Needs
and Requirements
Individuals use different mobile devices for different reasons. For example, people
who have amputations or are paralyzed have special needs compared to those who are
not. Some users may need more safety features and a balancing system in the
wheelchair to prevent accidental falls.
Before you purchase a wheelchair, you should know whether you rely on it as your main
or supplementary form of mobility assistance. If you need a wheelchair for
supplementary aid, you should go for a portable, economical, and lightweight chair.
On the other hand, if you need a mobility aid for recovery after surgery, you can opt for a stand-up
wheelchair. This type of wheelchair offers the basic function
of a wheelchair and they also provide users with standing support for easy ups and
downs.
In case you are fully reliant on wheelchairs for mobility, then having an ergonomic
wheelchair will be perfect for you.
2. Weight-bearing capacity
If you are buying a chair to transport or propel your loved one, you should think
about the weight of the user and the weight of the chair. The chair should not only
be light but also strong enough to accommodate the weight of the person sitting in
it. A lighter chair is easier to self-propel, push, fold and carry in the vehicle.
Transport wheelchairs generally weigh around 25 to 35 pounds and they are collapsible
as well. Chairs that fall within this range do not have too much weight and this
makes it easy for someone to push them.
3. Foldable design
A lightweight wheelchair improves the independence and mobility of the user. Apart
from this, the foldable feature is one of the reasons why it is popular in the
market. You should opt for foldable wheelchairs as they are portable and easy to carry while
traveling. Even if this factor isn’t among your priorities, it
can be a wise idea to include it. Getting a wheelchair with folding ability can save
you the headache of having a bulky model.
4. Warranty
If the manufacturer backs the product with a good warranty, it can be assumed that
the product is of good quality. So, if there is an issue with the wheelchair, you
can rely on them to get it solved.
5. User Body Type
Another factor to consider before you purchase a wheelchair is your body type or the
physical build of the wheelchair user. Consider any aspect, ranging from your age,
shape, height, weight, body build, composition, and shape to find the model that best
fits you.
If you need upper body support, consider getting a high-back reclining wheelchair.
People who would like to traverse different terrains should go for all-terrain
wheelchairs.
You can as well consult a medical professional or physiotherapist and request a
wheelchair recommendation that suits your needs.
6. User Strength and
Ability
If you are hunting for a lightweight wheelchair, your choice should also be
influenced by your physical strength. If you do not have the power and capacity to
push yourself on your weight, you may have to consider having
power-assisted wheels or an electric wheelchair. Even though
they are on the high side, they can provide to be a good investment for you in the
long term.
Another thing is to consider the area or surface where you will be using the chair.
Are you planning on taking it outside where the terrain may be rougher or strictly
for home use? Most newer wheelchair models are built
with a powerful set of wheels that provide more traction and
stability. So, you look at the possibility of these wheelchairs if you intend to use
them for outdoor use.
7. Lifestyle
The place where you’ll spend most of your time can affect your choice, so you need to
put your lifestyle into consideration. Different wheelchairs come with many
features, components, properties, and specifications. Then, it is up to you to
decide the ones to best fit your needs. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you may
want to get a wheelchair
that provides high traction and moves over rough terrains with
ease. If you are the indoor type, getting a wheelchair that is
easy to maneuver in tighter areas in your home should be your priority.
8. Maneuverability
Pay attention that chairs that move around easily. Look for a transport chair that is
responsive in tight areas and provides good traction on gravel, grass, and non-solid
surfaces. You would want to make sure the chair is easy for the wheelchair occupant
and caregiver to maneuver.
9. Comfort
The right chair should be comfortable for the person sitting on it. Some chairs
provide some level of padding to provide comfort. Others also
come with removable armrests and footrests, and sweat-resistant seat material.
Although this type of chair isn’t designed for long-term sitting, wheelchair
manufacturers are working tirelessly to enhance the level of comfort provided by
their products. Before making your final purchase, ensure that the chair you want to
buy has enough padding for the buttocks and back, and provide padded armrests and
footrests for extra cushion.
10. Wheelchair Size
and Weight
The wheelchair’s size and dimensions are important factors that come to mind when
choosing a wheelchair. In the same vein, a wheelchair’s weight is directly
proportional to the strength or effort required to move it manually.
Heavier wheelchairs will be burdensome to people who lack sufficient arm strength.
So, if you want a lightweight wheelchair, opt for the ones made from lighter
materials such as carbon steel or aluminum. Such materials help to minimize and
optimize the overall weight of the wheelchair.
Also, wheelchairs with removable parts can lessen the load or weight significantly.
Since lightweight wheelchairs come in a variety of different sizes and
weights, you should take your time to measure the most suitable
fit for a comfortable experience.
11. Seat
The seat is an important part of the wheelchair since this is where you sit.
Wheelchair seats come in different sizes and dimensions, so you must pick a seat
that supports your body type. The seat should provide good lumbar support and enough
cushioning to keep you comfortable and relaxed for long periods.
Additionally, the cover material or the material used for covering the chair’s
cushion is also essential. The chair material should be easy to
maintain, clean, and resistant to dirt and bacteria.
12. Headrests,
Armrests, and Footrests
The wheelchair should provide a headrest to support your neck. It should also have
armrests and footrests, which should be adjustable and removable. With this feature,
the user should be able to put away the footrests and armrests when they are not
needed.
13. Weather Protection
Most high-end or modern wheelchairs provide useful features such as waterproof. Some
are designed with leg warmers that keep you cozy during cold weather.
14. Safety Features
If you are buying a wheelchair for a senior or an elderly who struggles to hold
himself up, you will need safety features such as calf loops and seat belts. This
feature helps keeps the user secured always.
15.
Customization and Additional Accessories
Various manufacturer provides lots of customization options to meet the needs and
preferences of buyers. Some models are designed with a storage bag to aid transport.
Contact your supplier or manufacturer to find out what accessories your model offer.
If you are searching for a lightweight wheelchair for yourself or a loved one, the
good news is that there are lots of high-quality ones on the market. Lately, many
manufacturers have improved their products and released new models with better
maneuverability, comfort, support, and convenience.
Individuals who are looking for lightweight wheelchairs should experience no trouble
in selecting from the options we listed here. Whether you are looking for a
wheelchair for backup, short-term or temporal basis, our top picks will be perfect
for your individual needs and condition.
When you’re trying to decide what’s the best wheelchair for you, you need to have a
lot of criteria in mind. Will it fit through doorways? Does it weigh less than what
you can currently lift onto your lap? Does it come in the right color? The list goes
on and on.
What we’ve done is simplified that process for you by putting together this handy
dandy piece of web content about lightweight wheelchairs that will help you make the
right choice when buying one.
Wheelchaired is a proud member of the United Spinal Association
and a disability blog dedicated to sharing guides and advice on
issues concerning disability, mobility, accessible travel, and
personal development.
