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Written by Brittany Ferri, OTR/L
When we get stuck in one place, the world can feel very small, and our well-being suffers. There is a difference between being a home-body and being stuck at home. As people, we need to see, do, and experience things to be happy and function at our best – even if it’s just getting fresh air and sunshine at the local park.
If walking is difficult or impossible for you, a wheelchair can be the key to expanding your world. This list highlights our 8 favorite manual wheelchairs that are designed for on-the-go use. These wheelchairs mainly boast lightweight designs and portability features. While they are perfect for travel, they are overall wonderful and can be used at home too.
Whether you need a wheelchair short-term or on a permanent basis, choosing one that will provide you with the best fit, most mobility, and highest level of independence can have a significantly positive impact on your quality of life. With thousands of models available, it can get confusing about which one to select, especially if you're purchasing for a family member. Let's pinpoint which factors you're not willing to compromise on to get the ideal wheelchair for your needs.
Most manual wheelchairs can horizontally fold for easy transport. Some unique chairs have vertical folding capabilities, which allows the back to fold as well. This is beneficial for users who have limited space to transport the wheelchair when not in use - like stowing it in your car’s trunk. Furthermore, some wheelchairs have quick-release wheels that allow the 2 large, rear wheels to be easily taken on and off. Quick release wheels are the ultimate portability feature. If you are taking this wheelchair while traveling, consider how much space you have to stow the wheelchair. If you are just using this wheelchair around the house, consider where it can fit while not in use; a closet, perhaps?
Manual wheelchairs usually weigh around 34 to 60 pounds. For traveling purposes, we suggest you consider a ‘lightweight wheelchair'; they weigh 29-34 pounds. Lightweight wheelchairs usually fold easily and are portable. Most people prefer lightweight wheelchairs, and we feature many in this article. Another category is “ultra-lightweight”, which is anything less than 29 pounds. We do feature a few ultra lightweight wheelchairs too! The weight of your wheelchair will depend on the material it's made from. Heavier wheelchairs will likely be made from steel, while lighter ones are typically made from aluminum.
Most lightweight wheelchairs are constructed with aluminum, rather than steel. Due to their construction, many lightweight wheelchairs have a weight capacity of around 250 pounds.
The two types of wheelchair armrests are desk length or full length. Desk length is shorter than full length, and usually extends about 3/4ths of the length of the chair. Desk length arms allow the user to pull themselves closer to a table/desk. Another armrest feature to consider is whether they are fixed or flip up.
| Portability | Product Weight |
Weight Capacity |
Armrest | |
| #1 Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair S-Ergo 115 | Folds in half, some models have quick-release wheels | 25 lbs | 250 lbs | Desk Length / Fixed |
| #2STRONGBACK24 Ultra Lightweight Portable Wheelchair | Folds in half, back folds, quick-release wheels, optional upgrade travel bag | 13.8 lbs | 300 lbs | Desk Length / Fixed or Flip Up |
| #3 S-305 Top End Lightweight Manual Wheelchair | Folds in half, back folds | 29 lbs | 250 lbs | Desk Length / Flip Up |
| #4 Ergo Flight Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair | Folds in half, back folds | 19 lbs | 220 lbs | Desk length / Fixed |
| #5 Viper Plus GT Manual Wheelchair | Folds in half | 34 or 36 lbs | 300 or 350 lbs | Desk Length / Flip Up |
| #6 Cruiser X4 Lightweight Manual Wheelchair |
Folds in half | 34 lbs |
300 lbs |
Full Length / Flip Up |
| #7 Bariatric Sentra Extra-Extra-Wide Manual Wheelchair 700 | Folds in half | 62 or 66 lbs | 700 lbs | Full Length / Flip Up |
| #8 VIP 515 Tilt In Space Lightweight Wheelchair | Folds in half, back folds | 38 lbs | 250 lbs | Desk Length / Flip Up |
The VIP 515 Tilt In Space Lightweight Wheelchair by Karman Healthcare stands out as the only lightweight tilt-in-space wheelchair that is also foldable. With a design that works to relieve pressure and improve blood flow, developing a pressure injury in this chair is unlikely.
This wheelchair is ideal for someone at higher risk of developing an ulcer and who has poor sitting tolerance. With a tilting design, this wheelchair can be maneuvered to relieve the pressure on your sitting bones and prevent skin breakdown. Tilt-in-space wheelchairs are a popular choice for patients who suffer from spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, or muscular diseases. This design also supports patients who suffer from dizziness or scoliosis and require unique positioning to feel comfortable.
It comes with antibacterial and anti-staining upholstery to give patients a clean and hygienic environment. Choose from a 16 or 18-inch wide seat for the perfect fit unique to your body type. This wheelchair offers easy repositioning for patients who can't easily do so for themselves.
If you would like to know more about this type of wheelchair, we encourage you to read How does a tilt in space wheelchair differ from a reclining back wheelchair? That article explains all the benefits of reclining and tilt-in-space wheelchairs!
We told you that we'd have a wheelchair for every circumstance, and we're doing just that. The Bariatric Sentra Extra-Extra-Wide Manual Wheelchair 700 by Drive Medical is designed for bariatric users and can accommodate up to 700 pounds.
This self-propelled bariatric wheelchair is designed for those who need additional support, with a durable design and extra-large seat. The heavy-duty footplates and padded arm rests ensure comfort and offer additional support.
Most self-propelled wheelchairs cannot hold more than 350 pounds making the market selective for overweight patients. Luckily, this wheelchair offers a comfortable option for bariatric users. This wheelchair is designed to be used with the assistance of a caregiver.
Weight-bearing points throughout the Bariatric Sentra are reinforced with steel gussets to provide extra durability and strength. The durable yet supportive seat, made from long-lasting nylon, will give you many years of comfortable usage.
Heavy-duty footplates are installed to aid in mounting and dismounting, making assisted transfers easier for everyone involved. With a foldable design, this wheelchair is easy to store and take on the go.
The Cruiser X4 Lightweight Manual Wheelchair by Drive Medical is the 6th manual wheelchair on our list with a unique, sleek frame design. Built for daily indoor use, you can maneuver the wheelchair through narrow door frames. This product removes that issue altogether. The average door frame is about 36 inches wide, and this wheelchair is specially designed to easily fit through this size of space, making it ideal for smaller homes and apartments.
The upholstery is nylon-covered to resist mildew and bacterial build-up. Ensure safety and hygienic conditions all day for users who do not have any mobility on their own.
Its aluminum and carbon-steel blended frame is sturdy yet easily manageable to get through doorways or passageways indoors and if you decide to go out. The chip-resistant aluminum makes it so the Cruiser X4 is not easily dented and can withstand pressure.
You can lower the frame for patients with low mobility in their feet. This is to help propel themselves and stand on their own, a great choice for individuals with less severe disabilities.
The height-adjusting armrests are also removable and can be flipped back, making lateral transfers easy. The seat also features an adjustable depth, a patented feature unique to this product.
A stroke is one of the most paralysis-causing conditions. Many people who suffer strokes are bed-ridden or confined to wheelchairs. The Viper Plus GT Wheelchair by Drive Medical is the best choice for patients recovering from strokes.
This wheelchair sits apart from the rest as it is designed specifically for patients with limited mobility associated with stroke outcomes. Recovering from surgeries can also be difficult, with individuals entirely dependent on attendants. The Viper Plus GT makes life a bit easier with its optional one-arm drive upgrade (sold separately).
Some individuals who have suffered from strokes have limited arm mobility or are paralyzed on just one side of the body. A three-position quick-release axle allows the seat height to be lowered, which is called Hemi Height. This position is ideal for users you prefer to self-propel using their feet. This makes this wheelchair ideal for people who have suffered from a stroke since it doesn't require you to use both arms.
The anti-tipper wheels will never hinder your movement as they can be flipped up and moved out of the way. An adjustable seat offers an adjustable depth with built-in seating rods.
Our #4 favorite lightweight wheelchair is the Ergo Flight Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair by Karman Healthcare. One of the lightest wheelchairs on the market (weighs only 19.8 pounds!), it is the perfect choice for people who want to get around without the need for maneuvering a heavy product. The Ergo Flight is the lightest wheelchair we feature in this article.
The Ergo Flight Ultra Lightweight wheelchair was designed to be light and compact. It can be folded up and transported anywhere without difficulty with easy folding capabilities. This lightweight wheelchair can make independent living a breeze. No one wants to feel stuck in the house all day, and the portability of this wheelchair makes getting out super simple without the need to carry a heavy, bulky wheelchair.
The frame is built from aircraft-grade aluminum, making it perhaps the most durable self-propelled wheelchair on the market.
Detachable footrests with high tread, flat-free tires can help users get to their destination, minimizing issues faced due to terrain. It also comes equipped with fixed armrests and concave arm pads, so you don't get tired during long travels. The storage pouch in the back offers the perfect place to store your items, and the swing-away foot rests offer versatility and comfort.
Another amazing lightweight wheelchair is the S-305 Top End Lightweight Manual Wheelchair by Karman Healthcare. With a major priority being their ergonomic design for extended usage, the S-305 is made to optimally fit the body and reduce stress on vital pressure points. The ergonomic design minimizes pressure on the bottom to prevent pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers can easily occur when individuals spend most of their time sitting in the same position, so this type of design makes this wheelchair ideal for long-term use.
It has a small, easily-foldable design to aid transportation without taking up too much space.
The flip-back armrests with wide contour arm pads give great maneuverability and easy self-propulsion. Get wherever you want without being dependent on anyone. The armrest height is also adjustable, a unique feature that offers comfort for everyone.
This wheelchair is offered in your choice of swing-away footrests or elevating legrests. Swing-away footrests are an industry standard, and elevating footrests are ideal for patients that require constant elevation plus mobility. Greatly assisting in recovery times, this feature could be a key factor while deciding the perfect wheelchair for you.
The Strongback24 Ultra Lightweight Portable Wheelchair by Strongback comes in at #2! Its unique design and adjustable lumbar support provide individuals with the comfortability to travel long distances in this manual wheelchair. This wheelchair also offers portability with its quick-release wheels, foldable design, removable foot rests, and optional travel bag, making it easy to take on the go.
The Strongback24 also comprises adjustable lumbar support to keep the spine in place no matter what terrain you're on. This feature, coupled with the functional support design, relieves pressure on various lower body points, such as the spine, coccyx, and bottom.
Able to accommodate up to 300 pounds, it is made for people of all body shapes and sizes. It is ultra-lightweight because it weighs a minimal 25.8 pounds, making it easier to lift than other options.
It also consists of special netting between the upholstery and wheels. This netting reduces the risk of clothing getting logged into the wheels.
Three different seat sizes are available for this portable wheelchair, offering a comfortable seat for any body type. Choose from 16 inches, 18 inches, or 20 inches.
Topping the charts as an all-around ideal wheelchair, the ultra-lightweight wheelchair S-Ergo 115 by Karman Healthcare will be some of the best money you've ever spent.
Designed to relieve pressure on the back and improve posture, it is a great way to keep comfortable while remaining in the wheelchair for most of the day. The unique, S-shaped seat perfectly cradles the legs and bottom to evenly distribute weight and relieve pressure. This can minimize your risk of pressure ulcers and improve stability.
The S-Ergo 115 captured the top spot in our list due to its lightweight and ergonomic design. Weighing in at a meager 25 pounds, it can easily be packed up and transported.
Providing comfort and accessibility while also giving the user complete control of its mobility, the S-Ergo 115 gives you all the essentials you'll need to get through your day. Its upholstery is pre-treated with antimicrobials, helping the seat stay clean and making upkeep simple.
It comes in two attractive colors and three different sizes to cater to a wider audience.
There are two styles of rear wheels to choose from: mag or quick-release. Quick-release wheels are desired for those who need ultimate portability! This feature allows you to easily remove the wheel, giving it a smaller footprint when storing.
A: Yes, but only 80% of the cost. The rest, 20%, along with deductible, premium payments, and any related copayments, is to be paid by the individual. This remaining 20% may be partially covered by secondary insurance, if an individual has that type of coverage.
A: Lightweight chairs weigh between 28-36 pounds, while standard chairs are 36+ pounds.
A: Karman wheelchairs are much more comfortable and reliable compared to the other companies. They are a good option, using ergonomic designs coupled with antibacterial and anti-staining upholstery and lightweight frames.
A: Most basic wheelchairs have weight limits ranging from 250 pounds to 350 pounds. Lightweight wheelchairs have weight limits ranging from 200 pounds to 250 pounds.
A: As far as the wheelchairs we've listed, the Ergo Flight Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair by Karman Healthcare comes in as the lightest, weighing roughly 19 pounds.
A: The REVO Dart Daily Living Manual Wheelchair works great within the home, given that it offers a flexible and narrow design. This stylish wheelchair is also aesthetically pleasing and can easily navigate tight corners and doorways.
A: Tilt-in-space wheelchairs provide weight shifts and position changes. Redistribute pressure from sensitive pressure points to the trunk. Manage blood flow and prevent pressure injuries.
A: Manual wheelchairs can start from $200 and go up to $2,000+ depending on functionalities.
A: Karman Healthcare's S-305 Top End Lightweight Manual Wheelchair is great for the elderly. Since they usually cannot reposition themselves without assistance, the wheelchair will reposition itself by a button preventing several pressure injuries.
People with various disabilities and afflictions require wheelchairs. Since every condition is different, you need a wheelchair best suited to your specific needs. This list should help you find the ideal manual wheelchair for your situation or give you an idea of where to start and what to prioritize, depending on your circumstances.
Every wheelchair boasts a unique quality that you may not find in others, such as the lowest priced or best for heavier patients. So even if you have a specific need in mind, you'll likely be able to find a wheelchair to suit your unique needs.
We hope our insight has given you some helpful information that you can use for choosing the best manual wheelchair for your needs. Visit our page to find similar products of the highest quality at reasonable prices.
Brittany is an occupational therapist who has worked in a variety of rehab facilities. She has always expressed an interest in patients’ internal motivation for therapy and the use of assistive devices, which led her to pursue a PhD in Integrative Mental Health. This research-based training has also led her to develop her writing career to educate patients of all ages on how to improve their health. Brittany has published four books, written over 300 articles, and has been quoted in media outlets such as WebMD, Healthline, and NBC News.
