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Best Electric Wheelchairs For Travel
If you’re a senior with an appetite for travel, do not allow being in a wheelchair hold you back. As the avid traveler, triple-amputee, and wheelchair user John Morris can attest, there many are ways to satisfy your wanderlust regardless of age or needing a wheelchair. Morris has visited more than 30 countries and territories. Flying with a chairis definitely doable.
So, whether you’re traveling to more rugged areas, or some of the most wheelchair-friendly destinations in the U.S. (The Skydeck in Downtown Chicago, Disney Parks, or The National Sports Center for the Disabled) we have you covered on the best electric wheelchairs for travel.
How We Found the Best Electric Wheelchairs for Travel
Intelligent Lightweight Foldable Electric Wheelchairs
$2,199.00
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Features and Specifications
★THE SAFER CHOICE– Our electric implements a variety of safety features. These include a 360-degree joystick, solidly stable front and rear wheels, a foldable foot rest, dural motors, and extremely durable construction.
★SIMPLE TO OPERATE – Using an innovative joystick design and an updated electric magnetic breaking system, our wheelchair gives you superior motion control and quick stopping. It’s adjustable anti-leaning rear design also keeps it perfectly stable….
★LIGHTWEIGHT AND EASY TO FOLD – Being built with an aviation aluminum frame and weighing only 50lbs, our power wheelchair is durable and incredibly lightweight. It’s also easy to fold in 3 seconds, making it perfect to travel with and stored for…
★FANSTATIC STABILITY AND COMFORT – Thanks to our power chair’s unique 7.5cm thick seat cushion(with seat belt), it’s extremely comfortable and prevents against seat depression and bedsores, as well as protecting the caudal, lumbar, and neck…
★SATISFACTION ENSURED – best gift option.
Pros
Super lightweight
Anti-bacterial, removable, and washable upholstery
Swing-away footrests
Comes assembled
Aircraft-grade aluminum
Well-rated by customers
FDA-approved
Cons
A bit more expensive than some power wheelchairs
The Innuovo Electric Power Wheelchairisan extremely lightweight chair for an electric model, and it opens up a range of travel possibilities for active seniors. At only 18 pounds, it’s easy to carry and to lift in and out of vehicles. It can climb on the national standard of a six-degree incline and has high-tread tires to give you enhanced mobility.
It’s both airport and airplane safe. Combined with the lightweight, foldable features of this model, its airplane-friendliness makes it one of our favorites for travel. There is also a one-year warranty on the joystick, controller, and motor. The braking is secure, and with only a tiny bit of a sluggish start, it gets moving up to a solid walking pace.
The beauty of this lightweight wheelchair is that is has a higher weight capacity than we often see with standard chairs. This makes it a sturdier option for more individuals, which we love. With almost zero negative ratings, this is our favorite lightweight electric wheelchair.
Our Verdict
We love how easy it is to lift this chair along with some of its other features, such as removable upholstery for cleaning
Best Foldable
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Pros
Foldable within seconds.
Flip-back/away leg rests.
A large travel case is
Long battery life.
Moves up to 3.75 to 4 miles per hour.
Incline capability of 12-degree slope.
Lower cost than many power wheelchairs.
FDA 510K approved.
Cons
Can be a bit unstable for larger individuals on inclines
The KD Smart Chair Power Electric Wheelchair is a decent value for a power chair. While many cost over $3,000, this model runs around $2,000 but still works excellently for everyday use. It also folds-up easily for travel and transport in and out of vehicles.
What’s more, folding action of this wheelchair is supremely smooth and can be done within a few seconds, thanks in part to folding footrests. Once you get it going, this chair moves at an extremely brisk walking pace—3.75 to 4 miles per hour on polyurethane rubber wheels.
We love this chair for everyday use, especially for older adults who are on the go and frequently need to fold up their wheelchair. The ease of folding and storing makes this a winner for a travel power wheelchair.
Our Verdict
Completely foldable and able to handle 12-degree inclines, this makes an excellent option for travel.
Best Mileage
EZ Lite Cruiser – Standard Model – Personal Mobility Aid – Light Weight Folding Power Chair
Price not available
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Features and Specifications
Weighs Only 50 Pounds With the Battery & Carries Passengers up to 264 Pounds
Easy to Transport — No Need to Install a Lift on your Car or SUV to transport
Small Turning Radius of about 33 inches — Gets around tight areas easily
Uses a Lithium Ion Battery for 10 miles on a full charge. Add a second battery (sold separately) for 20 miles of range.
Costs Less than Older model & much heavier Power Electric Wheelchairs.
Pros
Can go up to 10 miles on a single charge
Can travel 20 miles with additional battery
Flip-back armrests
Foldable design for storage and travel
Removable seat/seat cover for cleaning
Airline and airport friendly
Various battery sizes available from manufacturer
Cons
Some complaints about the quality of design with footrests
The add-on 15 AH battery is not approved for airlines
The EZ Lite Cruiser Folding Power Wheel chair is made out of a durable, lightweight aluminum alloy, making it quite light for a power chair at only 44 pounds. The cost of this chair is also a bit lower than some other electric wheelchair options on the market.
With a single battery, you can get a solid 10 miles of use on a single charge. However, larger-sized cells are available, and an additional battery can be added on for increased mileage. With the foldable design and excellent battery options, this is one of our favorite models for a long-distance and easy-to-travel wheelchair for seniors looking to expand their horizons.
Our Verdict
With the add-on battery option, this wheelchair can go up to 20 miles on a single charge.
Best Heavy Duty
EZ Lite Cruiser Heavy Duty (HD) Deluxe DX12 Light Weight & Foldable Personal Mobility Aid
Price not available
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Features and Specifications
The EZ Lite Cruiser Deluxe DX 12 is our Redesigned Version of the Heavy Duty (HD).
Now with the Quickest and Easiest Folding & Unfolding action ever seen.
Perfect for Outdoor Usage with Rugged 12″ Rear Wheels, and Works Great Indoors as well.
Lithium Ion Battery Gets 10+ miles on a single charge. Connect two batteries for 20+ miles range.
Made for Travel – Weighs only 58 Pounds (w/o Battery) or 64 Pounds (with Battery).
Pros
Foldable in seconds
Can combine batteries for more extended travel
Backrest reclines to five positions
Flip-back armrests
Well-rated by users
High-weight capacity
Sturdy frame
Cons
Some issues with steering on very bumpy surfaces
The 15 AH battery add-on is not airline approved
The EZ Lite Cruiser Deluxe DX12 Foldable Mobility Aid is sturdy, durable, yet foldable, and can even be broken down. With a patent on their Quick Release feature, EZ Lite designed this model to be split into three pieces for even more storage or travel options. We found the folding action to be very easy and quick to use.
This model also has a top speed of a rapid five miles per hour, a solid jogging pace that makes it great for older adults who no longer drive but want to get around town. With high tread on the rear wheels, it aids in gripping the ground and giving you a more stable ride. The reclining backrest is a bonus we love, with five positions to make your more comfortable and take pressure off the hips.
Our Verdict
We love that this chair has a sturdy frame, yet still folds down and has a reclining backrest.
Best User-Friendly
Features & Specs
The range of 8.74 miles on single charge.
Seat measures 17 x 18 inches.
Seat to floor measures 22 inches.
Chair measures 36.5 x 24 x 20.5 inches.
Weighs 128 pounds.
Weight capacity is 300 pounds.
Pros
Extremely high user ratings
Top speed of 3.7 miles per hour
Available in 10 different colors
Secure storage under seat
Comfortable stadium style seat
Simple to charge
Portable charger
Sturdy design
Cons
Heavy
A bit costly
The Pride Go-Chair is surprisingly easy to maneuver in tight places. The charger for this chair is also simple to use and portable, making it ideal for independent seniors. While it might be a little heavier than some chairs, it can be taken apart in only a few minutes, and the most substantial piece is 36 pounds. The ease of operating this model is superb, making it our favorite user-friendly wheelchair.
We found the stadium-style seat comfortable. This model also features flip-back armrests that are adjustable in both height and width. This helps you to get in and out of the wheelchair without hassle. There are also two separate storage compartments under the seat. We like this option as it’s a more secure storage area than the exposed back of the chair.
Our Verdict
This wheelchair comes with an easy-use-use portable charger and accessible features that make it a user-friendly favorite.
Best High-End
Features & Specs
2 V 10 AH lithium ion battery.
Seat measures 16 x 18 inches.
Seat to floor is 19 inches.
Overall measures 31 x 38.8 x 23.5 inches.
Can run 10 miles on a battery
Chair weighs 115 pounds.
Weight capacity is 250 pounds.
Pros
Outstanding user ratings
Bluetooth connectivity
Ergonomic controls
Palm-guided joystick
Armrests can move out of the way
Excellent suspension and traction
Six colors to choose from
Top speed of 5 miles per hour
Cons
Expensive
The chair is heavy
Learning curve with no technology
The Whill Model Chi is the ultimate high-tech power wheelchair for those who want a high-end model. With Bluetooth connectivity, it allows you to manage your speed settings, to lock and unlock your chair, and access the diagnostics system wherever you are through the Whill Chi iPhone app. There is also a convenient built-in USB port so you can charge on the go.
This chair has a small footprint and a tight turning radius. Coupled with precise steering, this makes it user-friendly in tiny spaces. We also like the under-seat storage bin to carry your items securely.
This power wheelchair even has electromagnetic brakes for extra-smooth stops, and the armrests move up and out of your way for more straightforward transfers. It can also handle inclines of 10 degrees and maneuvers over obstacles up to two inches high. Some older adults may face a learning curve with such new technology, but we think savvy seniors will enjoy the many luxuries of this chair once they adjust to it.
Our Verdict
Top of the line and tech-friendly—this is our favorite high-end model for its speed, comfort, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Traveling with a Wheelchair
Airlines are required to allow older adults or people with disabilities to access the same travel opportunities as those without disabilities, unless doing so poses a threat to the safety of other passengers.
This means airlines must have wheelchair-accessible aircraft doors, an aisle seat, as well as a seat with a removable armrest for chairs. Airplanes with less than 30 seats are, in general, the exception for these regulations. However, planes with more than 60 seats are required to have these specifications as well as a wheelchair on board.
What to Search for in a Travel Power Chair
As with any wheelchair, you will want to consider the basics such as the weight of the chair, foldability, sturdiness, and seat size. When it comes to travel and adding in an electric element, there are a few more things to consider.
Voltage And Charging
If you plan to travel overseas, check into purchasing a power converter, and find out how you will be able to frequently charge the battery of your chair. You will need to check the battery type and make sure you have the proper converter for foreign countries.
Type Of Travel
Will you be driving your wheelchair for extremely long jaunts on your trip? Or will you be lounging poolside at nearby a hotel? If you know you’ll be traveling long distances, check with airline regulations on the size of battery that can go with you. Looking for a chair that is good for mileage or extra batteries might be needed in that case.
Adding Comfort
Travelling can be uncomfortable for anyone. Moreover, things like unstable roads or bumps over unexpected cobblestones can become more painful while in a wheelchair that doesn’t have the right accommodations. But with the right chair and a little planning, your comfort doesn’t need to be compromised.
We suggest adding any comforts to your chair that you can, such as an extra cushion for the seat and even for the backrest. Elevating leg rests can also be crucial if you’re planning to be on long flights to help with circulation while in the air.
Tips for Traveling with a Power Chair
Taking trips with an electric wheelchair can add an extra headache if you don’t plan ahead. It only requires a little research and a bit of planning to figure out how to see the world with your power chair. Having a small repair kit (that can pass through security) to fix any potential small damage to your wheelchair is an excellent idea. It’s also smart to have insurance on your chair. Also, call ahead to be sure the airline, train, or cruise ship knows the measurements of your wheelchair and can be prepared if you’ll need additional accommodations.
Selecting Your Travel Power Wheelchair
Your budget will have to be a factor in your decision of a power chair, of course. Electric wheelchairs cost significantly more than manual wheelchairs. However, they can also provide an added level of ease and comfort you won’t always find in a manual model.
If you have the means for it, we love the Whill Model Chi electric wheelchair. However, any of these are outstanding options for older adults who want to get out and see the world.
