Reviewing The Best Electric Wheelchair Brands in 2021
Are you faced with disability challenges that make movement in and outside the home difficult? Mr. Smart became a happy good fellow when he got delivery of a motorized wheelchair. He can now move around and was able to live his life to the full because of the technology in the chair that made movement easy for him. When you take delivery of a motorized wheelchair, it will make movement easy around the house. The best among the models must be rugged. The best that is meant for outdoor use must be rugged and lightweight. The folding technology must be great; this is necessary when you want to fold it and keep it in the booth of the car on a long journey. When you have the best model around in 2021; the technology that comes with it will ease the stress that is exerted on the frail bodies of the users. The helper that is used to a manual wheelchair will heave a sigh of relief when he experiences the technology that comes with the power model. How do you get the best model that will serve you well? You cannot pick the best among the options online without the proper information. Knowing all the benefits it has to offer many people want to purchase but get overwhelmed in the process. Fortunately, we have got your back. In this article, we have listed some of the most trusted wheelchair brands and the available models. In this article, we would cover some basic ideas of electric wheelchairs, how can you ensure if the wheelchair fits your home, and lastly review some of the best electric wheelchair brands of 2021.
Initial Idea About an Electric Wheelchair
If you want to get a clear knowledge about the features of a wheelchair, then you must understand the registers used in the features. You are about to read some of the registers used in wheelchairs and the explanation of each of the concepts involved. This will give you a soft landing during shopping.
Wheels
There are at least 4 wheels and the highest of 6 in every wheelchair. Only 2 of the wheels are involved in power transmission from the motor. The function of the remaining wheels is to ensure stability which will make sure the rider remains on the chair even when passing through very difficult terrains. If you have tight places to negotiate in your comfort zone, then you should go for the mid-wheel drive technology. If you want a smooth delivery outdoors, then your best bet is the rear- and front-wheel drive. If you want to get the best for daily use; then please ask for expert advice from an occupational therapist.
Turning Radius
The ideal turning radius is between 20" -35". You will need a small turning radius for small spaces and use in the home. When you opt for large chairs; expect a large turning radius. The angle of the footrest, as well as the wheel drive, will affect this radius.
Travel Duration
You must take special interest in the battery capacity because everything depends on its power output of it. The range will show you how far the battery can take you before you call for a recharge of it. Some wheelchairs can last between 4 to 20 miles. The battery might not take you through the estimated hours on the range because of the following factors:
- The weight of the rider
- The speed of that you drive
- Difficult terrains outside
If you want to travel frequently, it is advised that you go for models with a longer range.
Warranty Limits
You will get a limited warranty on every model that you buy. The areas that are covered by most warranties are the metal frame of the chair. You can return the chair if you have issues with it between 5 and 10 years of purchasing it. The warranty period is dependent on each company. In the chart below, we will show you the highest level of coverage that you can get.
How to Pick the Best Electric Wheelchair for You
For those who want to buy this type of wheelchair for the first time, we have a list of credible models below that you should take a look at before making any decision. You can get details about them through medical stores that deal in the distribution of chairs or on their webpage. Here we go:
Power Wheelchair
These are elementary and lightweight. They have an easy interface. They are portable too.
Front-Drive Motorized Chairs
These power chairs are driven by their big front wheels. The traction is excellent and there is an allowance for the driver’s feet.
Mid-Wheel Motorized Chairs
This type of electric chair comes with a triple set of wheels—the smallest are in front and back, the larger wheels are in the middle. They can negotiate tight corners.
Back-Wheel Electric Chairs
They come in little back wheel technology. This chair has extra mobility from the rear. The extra mobility becomes useful when driving through difficult terrains.
Heavy-Duty Chairs
They are for the disabled on the heavy side. If you weigh between 400 and 600 pounds, this model is for you.
Comfort Features
Your comfort should be the chief factor when you go online in search of a suitable model. We have put together some of the best features that you should consider when searching for comfort.
Cushions
The seating system is a factor that will determine your comfort in the chair. All features that are mandatory, including support for the back, the headrest, and cushions, must take care of all the comfort needs of the rider.
Tilt and recline functions
The tilt and recline functions will take care of discomfort that can lead to injury. This is mandatory for the elderly who have very soft skin.
Leg Rests
The legs need support that will enable free blood flow. This is achieved through leg rest technology.
Other features
Mention can be made of technology that makes the rider adjust to eye level while on the chair. Also, perfect technology has a charge for the feet that will ease the pressure on them due to sitting down for long periods.
Weight Capacity
According to experts, the weight capacity should not be less than 350 pounds and the model should have the capacity to go through any terrain with ease.
Batteries
The majority of the chairs can travel 10 miles when they are charged. Charging should be carried out every night. The life of the battery depends on several factors (the speed of drive; frequency of use; and terrain on which the chair runs) and, on average, it can last you between 3 and 5 years. The majority of the chairs come with two pairs of batteries, and the average cost is in the range of $250-$300.
The Best Electric Wheelchair Brands In 2021
Drive Medical
If you want the best in technology in both manual and powered models, then you can trust Drive Medical. The Drive-by DeVilbiss a Healthcare institution was established in the year 2000 and has offices and smart facilities in North America and Europe. The reach is worldwide. It provides elegant safety aids for each user. The giant strides made by this company are reflected in its financial growth in 2019 when it received thirty-five million in capital investments from its stakeholders. This model has the best warranty among all the competitors that we considered in this article. If you want the safest place to invest with minimal risks, then this model cannot be ignored.
Pros: User-friendly website: The website is detailed and world-class in its design. Getting precise info on the site about details on this model is easy. Getting the insurance and Medicare status on the website is easy because of the technology provided by HCPCS Reimbursement Codes.
Foldable Feature: The best of the serious options here is the Cirrus Plus EC. It is pretty easy to fold; collapsing it retains the height of the model, and it has enormous power and is very durable. Storage is simple when it is folded.
Cons: Heavy Chairs: Weight is an issue. With a gross weight of about 140 pounds, they are rather too heavy for helpers.
Pride Mobility
Pride Mobility came onto the scene in 1986 and is located in Duryea, Pennsylvania. It now has locations in 3 American cities and outside the states. This company has an excellent welfare package for its staff, which brings out the best in them, and a social scheme for its host community. The staffs work with voluntary organizations like the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, and local libraries for the benefit of their host community. You will get the widest selection of options through their Jazzy Power Chair product line. There are sixteen great models available from the company. You are going to get a motorized model that can fit the needs of any disabled person. Twin travel models, bariatric models, raised seat models, excellent maneuverable models, and several more can be had through available options.
Pros: Practical Prices: They are cost-effective, smart, and long-lasting. The most expensive one will not cost you more than $4,449. The majority of them will cost you more than a paltry $1,100.
Detailed information: Another great thing about this model is the detailed info on every part of the chair. You will get this with a click on the website. Details about its turning angle, weight ability, Medicare code, and every minute detail that you can think of can be gotten from the website.
Cons: limited Warranty: You will get a short warranty of 13 months for every part of the chair, minus the seat and the tires. This is poor when compared to the 5-10 year limited warranty that you will get from the majority of the competing brands in the industry.
Invacare
We found many sturdy options through Invacare. This is a home health goods company that has its branches spread across the whole world. They are proud manufacturers of slings and lifts, respiratory options, scooters, and more. They have a staff of more than 4,000 and have branches in 30 cities with a worldwide reach. They have been a major player in the health sector since the late 1800s. They have a mission of providing accessible healthcare delivery to everyone.
Pros: Remarkable Features: You will get impressive options from Invacare. Here are models that meet the intricate health needs of disabled people. The recline technology in some of the models here is terrific. When you charge the battery of some of the models to 100%, they can take you 18 miles, which is not found in the batteries of the models that we have reviewed here. The course-correcting technology offered by G-TracTM Technology is another plus with this model. You will not go outside the lane, even if you are on difficult terrain. Invacare's main product lines are the Storm Series and the TDX Series. If you have experienced the manual option from this company and you want to upgrade to the power version, it is advised that you stick with this company. If you are happy with their manual option, you will be happier with their electric model.
Cons: mostly: Price is an issue with Invacare. The least expensive of the two models will set you back more than $6,000.
Quickie
Quickie has been around for over 38 years. Sunrise Medical has their signature on the company and they are noted for quality chairs over the last four decades and still counting. They are spread across 130 countries in the world. The factories are located in North and South America. They have a strong presence in the following areas:
- Mexico
- Tijuana
- Indiana
- Indianapolis
- Colorado
- Fresno
- California
- Boulder
Make sure you place your order through a recognized outlet, and it will give you a variety of options that you will not get through other sources. You will be able to get options that are customized for individual users with this brand.
Pros: High-Quality Batteries: When you choose a closed-cell battery that will not spill, you can take it along with you while traveling on air. The gel battery is suitable for this. You can opt for an AGM battery. The battery is an accessory that you must pay for because this model does not come with an included battery.
Many Models to Choose From: There are eight options to choose from. They can move on various terrains and will accommodate different body weights. The elderly who are disabled can select from heavy-duty, back-wheel, or mid-wheel models.
Customizable: They come with close to 30 options. There are five battery choices, and you will get about 19 color options. Whatever your requirements are, this model will provide you with something that will meet them.
Cons: Inadequate Medicare Involvement: The medical guidelines are not followed by the majority of the distributors. It is difficult to come across a model that is covered by Medicare.
Expensive Add-Ons: Some of the essentials that are required for the chair to function are not included in the unit price. For instance, you have to pay between $500 and $600 for a battery, which is not included in the unit price and is an essential part of the wheelchair.
KD Smart Chair
The original KD Smart Chair was unveiled at the San Jose Abilities Expo in 2014. It was the brainchild of Roland Reznik, with its base in Miami, Florida. It has appeared on several occasions in many TV sessions of the CBS show The Doctors. This company has invested in the science of wheelchair technology. In 2018, they aligned with the University of California, San Diego in research into open-source electric wheelchairs. This model is cheap and it is one of the best companions for those that want to travel long distances. The great features of a travel chair are evident in this model, and they are the best in their folding technology and lightweight, which is not found in other models.
Pros: This model is ideal for travel because its gross weight ranges between 58 and 72 pounds. The narrowest among them has a folding dimension of 13’ x 23’ x 33’. The biggest options are a few inches longer in all measurements. If you are looking for a lightweight model that is handy, your best bet is the KD Smart Chair.
Easy Return Policy: The return policy for this model is great. You can return it within 60 days of your buying it and get a refund if you return the chair in good shape. You will charge a restocking fee of 10%.
Flexibility: Another beautiful feature that you will get when you place an order for this model is flexibility over the control of the model. You can use the clip technology to control the joystick, which is connected to the armrest, as well as the plugs that are linked to the wheelchair at the rear.
Cost-effective: If you have a tight budget, this chair is for you because you can get one within the range of $2,000–$2,800. You will get free shipping with each order that you place.
Cons: Doesn’t Have Medicare Approval: Medicare plays an important role in deciding the fate of wheelchairs. This model is not among the models that are approved by the medical community. Though they have put it in for approval, we are not sure when the approval will get the seal from Medicare.
Final Thoughts
We have your back completely covered with our guide above. You can put your money on any of the brands that appear on the list above, and you will get full value for your investment. When you are careful to put your hard-earned money down on any brand, you are only cautious about how you spend your money. The brands above will give you the best comfort, safety, and durability if you invest in any of them. This is guaranteed.
