Motorized mobility that puts you in control

Types of power wheelchairs

Power wheelchairs are built differently depending on who’s using them (children, adults or bariatric riders) and vary in power, seat size, drive wheel position, materials and adjustability.

• Pediatric/Youth

  Sized specifically for smaller riders and children.

• Standard

  Built to meet the needs of most everyday users.

• Lightweight/Portable

  Foldable or easy to disassemble, ideal for car trunks and travel, and typically lighter than standard chairs.

• Heavy-Duty

  Stronger frames, more powerful motors and batteries to support bariatric patients.

• Reclining

  Helpful for patients managing hip issues, orthostatic hypotension, or pressure ulcer prevention, and can improve circulation.

• Tilt-in-Space

  Offers therapeutic positioning for neuromuscular conditions, edema, pressure ulcers, postural hypotension, back pain, and fatigue.

• Outdoor/Beach

  Rugged builds with suspension, larger tires, and drive wheel placement suited for rough terrain.

• Power Assist

  Lightweight and easy to break down, built for users with some self-mobility; adaptive kits can even convert a standard chair.

• Elevating

  Raises the user to standing height, useful for socializing and daily tasks.

How to select an electric wheelchair

Choosing the right power chair means weighing lifestyle, comfort and everyday performance needs, plus drive-wheel factors for outdoor use or rough terrain.

With so many options on the market, choosing can feel overwhelming, but that range is exactly what lets you match a chair to your specific needs. A few more factors worth weighing:

• Weight capacityMatch the chair’s rated capacity to the patient; bariatric patients need a heavy-duty model.
• DimensionsMeasure doorways and compare against the chair’s width to confirm it fits.
• Drive wheel positionFront, rear, and mid-drive each come with their own tradeoffs.
• Battery rangeLonger outdoor trips call for greater battery output.
• SpeedCompare top speeds if a faster chair matters to you.
• DistanceMatch expected travel distance to what the chair can cover.
• Turning radiusTighter spaces call for a tighter turning radius.
• PortabilityWeight, disassembly, and folding matter most for frequent travelers.
• AdjustmentsSeat, footplate, and controller adjustments affect overall fit and comfort.
• AdaptationsFeatures like reclining or tilt-in-space can improve fit for specific needs.

Drive wheel configurations

Where the drive wheels sit changes how a chair handles. There are three common setups, each with its own tradeoffs.

Portability

Designing a truly portable power wheelchair is genuinely difficult. A power chair needs four to six wheels, a battery pack (sometimes two), a motor, frame, seat, controller, brakes, anti-tippers, and more, all of which add weight and bulk.

Manufacturers work around this a few ways: some chairs break down into sections for easier lifting and storage, though those sections can still weigh 50+ pounds; others fold instead, cutting down on overall bulk. A separate option is an external carrier that attaches to the vehicle transporting the chair, rather than changing the chair’s own design.

Getting the best fit

A proper fit comes down to two things: measurements and comfort.

Accessories and support

Once you know what you need in a power chair, the next step is picking the right accessories: a safety seatbelt, a wheelchair table for eating, or a transfer board if getting to and from a bed or chair is difficult. Cup holders, cushions, umbrellas, trays, anti-tip add-ons, and swivel footrests round out everyday comfort and safety. Care Supply Inc also carries replacement parts like wheels.