Lightweight Wheelchairs

Enhance your mobility with lightweight wheelchairs you can take with you
By Lesley Graybeal With lightweight wheelchairs, people who use wheelchairs no longer have to rely on someone else to lift their heavy chair when they need to take it with them. Lightweight folding wheelchairs have the additional convenience of folding away easily for storage in transit.

Wheelchairs typically classify as lightweight if they weigh less than 35 pounds, but some weigh much less. When shopping for a lightweight wheelchair, check out all of the options to be sure you can find a lightweight wheelchair to fit your needs.

When shopping, look for the following:

1. Check out lightweight manual wheelchairs for durability.

2. Look for lightweight transport wheelchairs for the lightest options if you want an ultra lightweight wheelchair.

3. Compare prices and specifications across brands for the ideal weight, weight capacity, and price.

4. Check out lightweight electric wheelchairs and scooters for power mobility.

Look at lightweight manual wheelchairs for standard options

A manual lightweight transport wheelchair offers the best durability for the price, and comes in lightweight options weighing less than 35 pounds.
Try:  Lightweight wheelchairs and the lightweight folding wheelchair are both lighter weight versions of standard manual wheelchairs, so they offer the same comfort and durability as a standard chair with a lighter frame.

Look at lightweight transport wheelchairs for the lightest choices

If you're looking for an ultra lightweight wheelchair, a transport chair will be your best option, but transport chairs are not meant for constant everyday use and typically scrimp on comfort in favor of lighter weight.
Try:  Transport chairs and convertible transport chairs, which have easily attachable 12 inch wheels, are great options for ultra lightweight wheelchairs. Some transport chairs weigh less than 26 pounds, a significant decrease from manual lightweight chairs.

Compare prices and specifications across lightweight wheelchairs

Lightweight wheelchairs all have different exact weights, as well as weight capacities. Rather than just buying a chair that calls itself a lightweight wheelchair, compare actual weights and make sure the chair has a capacity that fits your needs.
Try:  Compare specifications and order online from a variety of brands and models. Remember to check the weight limit on the chair you want; since lightweight wheelchairs have lower capacities than standard chairs.

Shop electric when looking for lightweight wheelchairs

Don't forget electric options, as well as mobility scooters. When shopping lightweight, manual wheelchairs aren't the only option.
Try:  Lightweight electric wheelchairs disassemble and fold into easy portable pieces. Especially if you are leaving the house and want a lightweight travel wheelchair to get around, power options work well for mobility outside the home. Folding mobility scooters are another great power lightweight option, and you can even purchase mobility accessories in a single package when you buy online.

• Lightweight portable wheelchairs are a convenient option for transport and travel, but don't overlook the importance of comfort. If you use a wheelchair most of the time, either plan to have another, more comfortable chair for use around the house, or invest in some medical cushions for your lightweight manual wheelchair to be sure an uncomfortable chair doesn't affect your body.