Best electric wheelchairs in 2024

Electric wheelchairs are a great aid, designed to give more independence to those with less mobility. With an electric wheelchair, you can travel further from home - whether for a holiday or your weekly shopping - enjoy time outdoors or simply get around the house. They can be expensive though, as a piece of equipment you’ll use regularly in your day-to-day, it’s a worthwhile investment. When purchasing an electric wheelchair, it’s important to look at its features to make sure you get the best style for your needs or the needs of the person you are caring for. Luckily, we’ve done the work for you.

Read below for our guide to the best electric wheelchairs, including their top features and functionality, so you can choose what’s right for you.

What are the types of electric wheelchair?

Electric wheelchairs come in several sub-categories that relate to their specialist features. Below is some further explanation of the types of electric wheelchairs you can find:

• Lightweight electric wheelchairs
  These are designed to be more transportable and manoeuvrable than other wheelchair models. They’re ideal if you intend to move your wheelchair from place to place regularly to avoid any unnecessary strain.
• Folding electric wheelchairs
  Folding electric wheelchairs can easily fold up to become more compact. They’re ideal for storing away your wheelchair when not in use and saving space. You can travel with them as their folding capabilities make them easy to store in cars and coaches.
• Indoor electric wheelchairs
  These wheelchairs are intended primarily for indoor use, and as such are often more compact to fit through smaller spaces and are comfortable to sit in for long periods. While they may be able to be used outdoors, they are not necessarily intended to do so.
• All-terrain electric wheelchairs
  All-terrain electric wheelchairs can be used in more demanding environments. These are perfect for people who intend to use their wheelchairs to spend quality time outdoors as they feature more power, better traction, and off-road capabilities to make them more suitable for outdoor use.

Best lightweight electric wheelchairs

What to look for in an electric wheelchair

When you’re looking for your ideal electric wheelchair, there are several aspects you should consider before purchasing. Some of these may be more relevant to you than others depending on how you intend to use your wheelchair. Nevertheless, you should consider the following before you make your decision:

• Intended area of use
  Wheelchairs are designed with specific terrains in mind and are adapted to be most suitable for these. For example, there are indoor, outdoor, and all-terrain electric wheelchairs designed for these areas. Indoor wheelchairs are often more compact for convenience, whilst outdoor wheelchairs are usually more robust with additional features. Consider what you require the most out of your wheelchair and where it will likely be used when deciding on your electric wheelchair.
• Dimensions and weight capacity
  You should ensure that when choosing your wheelchair it will be a comfortable fit for you. Before making your decision, check the dimensions and weight capacity to see if it will be suitable. If you require an electric wheelchair with a higher weight capacity, we have powered bariatric wheelchairs available in our active wheelchair range.
• Transportability
  If you’re always on the move and need your wheelchair to prioritise convenience, you should consider a lightweight electric wheelchair or a folding electric wheelchair. Some models forgo the ability to be easily transported in favour of more power or additional features, so choose a wheelchair with this in mind.
• Power
  If you typically use your wheelchair over long durations, it’s important that you have enough power to use it without being conscious of running out. If this sounds applicable to you, be sure to choose an electric wheelchair with a high-capacity battery. If you use your wheelchair over shorter periods, you may not need to choose a more expensive electric wheelchair as a result.

What is the best electric wheelchair for me?

Ultimately, the best electric wheelchair for you will come down to your unique requirements, and whether you will be using it temporarily after an injury or on a long-term basis due to a disability or illness.

Due to differences in age, body size, and activity levels, children, adults, and seniors will have different requirements for an electric wheelchair. Similarly, stroke patients, people living with Parkinson’s disease, or those with an amputation may have different levels of mobility, cognitive ability, and physical strength that will affect what’s most suitable for them. 

If you need assistance with making your decision, we provide a free specialist wheelchair home assessment service so our wheelchair specialists can fully advise you on which wheelchair will be most suitable for your needs.

Get in touch

If you’re not sure which wheelchair to choose from our list, please contact our free Expert Advice Service. Our team of Occupational Therapists will be happy to discuss your requirements and advise you on our range of electric wheelchairs, powerchairs, and additionally our mobility scooters. So, please do not hesitate to contact us.