Best Wheelchairs For Elderly In 2023

Best Wheelchairs for Older Adults

Independence in mobility is one of the most important measures of quality of life for people with disabilities. Wheelchairs—whether powered or manual—provide nearly 2.7 million people with the freedom to get around who would otherwise be unable or have difficulty doing so. The truth of the matter is that shopping for the best wheelchair for yourself or a loved one can be overwhelming. After all, there are dozens of varieties to choose from, and features abound.

One of the first questions to ask when shopping for a wheelchair is whether you need a manual or a power one. People with less disability, who are more active, or those with a temporary injury may prefer manual wheelchairs, while those with very limited abilities, or who require extra assistance, may benefit from an electric wheelchair. However, other features must also be taken into consideration, such as the chair’s weight, foldability, maneuverability and comfort. 

The Aging In Place experts spent numerous hours researching and testing some of the top wheelchairs on the market. Here are our top picks:

• Invacare Tracer SX5
• Karman Ergo Flight Wheelchair
• Drive Medical Silver Sport 2
• Medline Lightweight And User-Friendly Wheelchair
• Innuovo Electric Power Wheelchair
• Spinlife Go-Chair Pride

What Is a Wheelchair?

The Americans with Disability Act of 1990 defines wheelchairs as devices that enable an individual with a mobility disability to get around indoors or outdoors, or both. As the name suggests, wheelchairs are literally chairs fitted with wheels. Wheelchairs are categorized into one of two categories based on mode of propulsion—manual operation and power-driven.

The Best Wheelchairs of 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.

Wheelchair Features To Consider

When shopping for a wheelchair, there are some features you should keep in mind:

• Seat construction
• Cover material and cushioning
• Headrest
• Footrests and armrests
• Storage bags
• Added customization
• Adjustments
• Accessories
• Weather protection
• Foldability
• Brakes
• Pop-off wheels
• Adjustable back tension
• Seat size
• Chair height
• Seat height
• Whether or not it is covered by Medicare

Does Medicare Cover Wheelchairs?

Wheelchairs are covered by Medicare Part B as durable medical equipment, but only if the user’s doctor submits a written order stating that the user requires a wheelchair in their home and has met all requirements for limited mobility required by Medicare. Patients pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount after their Part B deductible has been met, and Medicare covers the remaining 80 percent. Some Medical Advantage plans may also cover the cost of wheelchairs.

Other Factors To Consider When Shopping for a Wheelchair

You can help narrow your wheelchair choices by first answering a few questions about your or your loved one’s needs. Factors to consider include:

• Manual or electric
• Weight and size of the wheelchair
• User strength and ability
• User body type
• Needs and requirements
• Lifestyle needs
• Driving control
• Transportation and storage capabilities
• Design preferences

Pricing is accurate as of February 24, 2022.