Last updated: July 01, 2022Wheelchairs come in various shapes and sizes to fit a set of purposes. Some wheelchairs are quite light, while others are a little heavier. If you’re thinking about purchasing one, knowing how much the wheelchair weighs is essential, especially when lifting and propelling.
Are you thinking about purchasing an electric wheelchair? You may be asking – how much does an electric wheelchair weigh? Well, this is just the right place to get your answer. The weight of an electric wheelchair is 50 to 250 pounds.
While these electric wheelchairs seem heavy, they are user-friendly and stress-free. Users do not require an extra hand to move them around as they can do so with just a single tap. This article will discuss the weight of electric wheelchairs in detail, cover their types, and provide other helpful information.
Generally, how much a power chair weighs is dependent on the accessories, motors, and materials used in the design of each wheelchair.
Motorized wheelchairs typically weigh no less than 40 pounds, but they can weigh 300 pounds or more. Nonetheless, in addition to understanding the weight of the electric wheelchair, other variables to consider before purchasing one include;
These variables will assist you in determining the best electric wheelchair for you. Below are the various types of electric wheelchairs to assist you in making a better decision.
This electric wheelchair is loved for the ease and comforts it gives. These power chairs are lightweight and easy to carry around. It can easily fold down to a small, portable size, making it easy to fit into the boot of your car.
Most of its models have light cushioning, making them easier to store and transport. These power chairs typically weigh between 44 and 77 pounds. The heavier variants are usually designed for fleshy people and are more valuable than the lighter versions.
These electric wheelchairs also come with batteries. These batteries have a typical lifespan of 1–2 years. However, it must be a high-quality battery to last that long; a low-grade battery may only last 6 months.
Standard electric wheelchairs are primarily intended for those with mobility problems. With this customized wheelchair, you can go places you probably couldn’t. This chair also aids in the relief of discomfort connected with mobility.
The standard electric wheelchair can be modified by adjusting its height, size, weight, cushion, and armrest. This automatically provides you the flexibility to customize the chair to your preferences.
These power chairs look so much like folding electric wheelchairs. Although you may fold them in a specific fashion, it is not as easy as collapsing the folding electric wheelchair. To fold this wheelchair, you may need to remove the wheels and batteries. Notwithstanding, this will not entirely fold the wheelchair; instead, it will allow it to collapse in half. This motorized wheelchair weighs between 76 and 101 pounds.
The Bariatric power chair is a heavy-duty wheelchair designed to transport people with larger body frames comfortably. They can transport persons weighing between 400 and 1000 pounds. Their Seats are wider and customizable. Because the tires are composed of solid rubber, they do not go flat and can easily sustain added weight.
They make up some of the heaviest wheelchairs, weighing between 200 and 400 pounds.
Because of its weight, the mobility of both the wheelchair and the user could be an issue. These motorized wheelchairs are made from reinforced steel, titanium, or aluminum.
Knowing the weight of a wheelchair is critical when selecting one. The weight of a wheelchair has a significant impact on how you can use it.
Transport wheelchairs are the lightest wheelchairs. They weigh between 15 and 30 lbs. Because they are lightweight, carrying and lifting them into a car comes easy. This wheelchair is a great alternative if you find the regular wheelchair too heavy to move around.
The wheel of a transport wheelchair differentiates them from other wheelchairs. They have very small wheels compared to other wheelchairs. Their little wheels make it impossible for them to be self-propelled. They’re used by those who cannot propel themselves with the standard wheelchair and most likely require a second person for mobility.
The heaviest wheelchairs are electric wheelchairs. They range in weight from 45 to 250 pounds. This implies that they are pretty heavy; their weight is due to the materials, motors, and accessories used in their construction.
These wheelchairs aid mobility for those who lack the strength or stamina to use a self-propelled wheelchair. Unlike manual wheelchairs, which can be used outdoors and indoors, electric wheelchairs are environmentally sensitive.
Some motorized wheelchair models are better suited for indoor use, while others are designed for outdoors. However, few of them can serve both purposes.
The weight of a power chair is dependent on the types of materials used in making it. The element that holds all the other components of a wheelchair together is the frame. The frame of a wheelchair determines its shape and type.
Furthermore, the materials used in making the frame will help determine its total weight. The frame of a wheelchair can either be made of steel, aluminum, or titanium.
If the frame is made of steel, then most definitely, the wheelchair will be heavy. But if it’s manufactured with aluminum or titanium, then lightweight. So we can conclude that the frame is the heaviest part of a wheelchair.
Generally, lighter frames are easier to propel, so frame wheelchairs made of titanium and aluminum frames are always a better choice.
Asking the question, how much does an electric wheelchair weigh helps you identify the most suitable option for your mobility needs.
In most cases, they weigh between 50 to 250 pounds. Some types, like the Bariatric power chair, weigh higher, depending on their model.
In addition, the weight of electric wheelchairs varies depending on the materials used in the production, like the frame type.
