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These are the Best Wheelchairs for Seniors!
As we grow older, our bodies become frail, bones get brittle, and muscles weaken – all of these things are inevitable. The good news is – there are things designed to help make our lives easier, especially when it comes to mobility. One of these is a wheelchair.
In this blog, we’ll give you Mobility Paradise's best selection of the best wheelchairs for the elderly. So, if you’re looking for a suitable wheelchair for your parents or grandparents, then read on.
Kinds of Wheelchairs
Before we dive right in, let’s discuss the two main kinds of wheelchairs – regular and electric wheelchairs.
A regular wheelchair, of course, you already know, is the one with a typical built – bigger rear wheels and a somewhat smaller built. On the other hand, electric wheelchairs have a bigger built and come with smaller wheels. Aside from these physical differences, the main distinction is that an electric wheelchair allows you to control your movement with just a joystick control instead of a regular wheelchair wherein you’ll need the assistance of another person to push you towards the direction you want to go.
But to give you a better understanding of the main differences between the two, read on below:
Regular Wheelchairs vs. Electric Wheelchairs
Both Regular Wheelchairs and Electric Wheelchairs cater to the elderly. However, there are significant distinctions between the two which we’ll discuss below:
CONVENIENCE
Using an electric wheelchair is way more convenient than having a regular wheelchair. The reason is that you can use it almost everywhere – you can ride it indoors up to the bumpiest roads outdoors, all by just driving it through a centralized joystick control. This removes the headache of having to ask for help from another person whenever you want to go somewhere. Plus, it allows you to move around effortlessly and conveniently.
COMFORT
As for the level of comfort, electric wheelchairs also lead the race. This is because most electric wheelchairs come with a full orthopedic seat to provide you with a full head, neck, arms, and back support. It’s essentially like a captain seat that makes you feel like driving a car. This contrasts with asking for regular wheelchairs that typically have limited support and thin lining, which may not be comfortable when used for an extended period.
BUILT
As for the built, Electric Wheelchairs are generally bigger than Regular Wheelchairs. This is mainly because Electric Wheelchairs have a battery and electric motor. Plus, you’ll also notice that Electric Wheelchairs have relatively more minor wheels than regular ones, which have two vast and slim rear wheels and two support front caster wheels.
INDEPENDENCE
Electric Wheelchairs are a lot easier to use than the regular ones mainly because it takes a lot less effort to push them forward. The reason is that electric wheelchairs come with a central joystick control that allows you to go forward or backward as you please. This essentially takes away your dependability on other persons since you won’t need the help of another person to push you forward.
WEIGHT CAPACITY
Since electric wheelchairs are more significant, of course, you can expect that it has a bigger carrying capacity unlike regular wheelchairs, which are designed only to carry little weight because of their very slim built. This sometimes poses a considerable downside, especially for heavyweight individuals.
The problem with a regular wheelchair is that it’s mainly built for indoors. This is precisely why it has such a slim pair of rear wheels. This poses a significant challenge to those who live in the suburbs who want to go for trips to the lake or stroll in the parks. Generally, electric wheelchairs come with thick and small rear wheels – enough to manage challenging terrain, giving you a better riding experience even on rough pathways.
Best Wheelchairs for Elderly
Regular Wheelchairs
Strongback Mobility Excursion 12 Transport Wheelchair 1003
If you’re looking for a lightweight and straightforward wheelchair, then this Strongback Mobility Excursion is a perfect choice. This wheelchair has an 18-inch seat that can carry up to 300-lbs, perfect for any adult of average built. It boasts a compact, foldable, and lightweight built that only weighs 22lbs, making it a convenient choice if you’re constantly on the go.
In terms of comfort, it has swing-away detachable footrests, ergonomic grip handles, and comfortable desktop-length armrests to provide you maximum comfort and convenience. Check out this Strongback Mobility Excursion Transport Wheelchair if you’re looking for an easy-to-transport wheelchair.
Walk'n Chair Folding Wheelchair
If we’re talking about flexibility, the best choice would probably be this Walk'n Chair Folding Wheelchair. This folding wheelchair has a dual purpose – either use it as a wheelchair or as a rolling walker. As a folding wheelchair, it’s equipped with adjustable footrests and handles that allow you to customize the setup according to your comfort. If we’re talking about safety, then you’ll be pleased to know that it comes with a brake lock system to ensure better stability and security. Plus, it’s also functional with its spacious basket where you can put your essentials.
This folding wheelchair is the perfect choice for both physical rehab and ambulatory care. The best part is that you won’t have to worry about passing through rugged terrain as it’s capable of passing through any kind of terrain, including dirt trails, grass, gravel, sand, and even snowy roads. Of course, you benefit from its flexibility and foldability, making it the top choice for on-the-go individuals who want to go out and explore constantly. So, if you’re looking for a foldable wheelchair that you can use as a walker as well, then this Walk'n Chair Folding Wheelchair is a must-have!
MJM All-Terrain Beach Wheelchair 722-ATC-YEL
How about taking your outdoor to another level? This MJM All-Terrain Beach Wheelchair 722-ATC-YEL will undoubtedly address your cravings for beach escapades. This wheelchair looks precisely just like the previous one, but it’s packed with better features, including a padded seat and an adjustable footrest to give you maximum comfort. The best part is that you won’t have to worry about getting all dried up under the sun as it comes with an umbrella, which overall provides you with a completely relaxing experience.
So, if you want to treat yourself out to the beach or have fun with your grandchildren outside, then this MJM All-Terrain Beach Wheelchair 722-ATC-YEL will undoubtedly be the perfect choice.
Electric Wheelchairs
EWheels EW-M51 12V/50Ah Medical Heavy-Duty Electric Wheelchair
If you’re looking for a Heavy-Duty Electric Wheelchair, this EWheels EW-M51 Heavy-Duty Electric Wheelchair is the perfect choice. This Electric Wheelchair boasts a sturdy built that’s designed to give you better traction and control. It has a stability system that will provide you with a smooth and steady ride for better comfort and safety. Besides that, you also get padded seating with a full armrest, backrest, and headrest support paired with an adjustable footplate to give you ultimate comfort.
You get an easy-to-control joystick for controls, which you can set up either on the left or right-hand side, depending on your preference. It has a range of 15 miles on a single charge and a top speed of 5 mph. You’ll also be surprised to know that EWheels EW-M51 Heavy-Duty Electric Wheelchair can carry a weight load of up to 400-lbs., which is perfect for heavyweight individuals.
Zip'r PC 12V/35Ah 320W Mid-Wheel Electric Wheelchair
Do you need a Mid-Wheel Electric Wheelchair that you can take indoors and outdoors without worrying too much about its stability and durability? If yes, this Zip'r PC 12V/35Ah 320W Mid-Wheel Electric Wheelchair should be your top choice. This Mid-Wheel Electric Wheelchair comes with a compact yet comfortable design with its heavy-duty seat cushions and armrests that give you a relaxed feeling for every use.
You also won’t have to worry about taking it outdoors since it’s equipped with 6-wheels to ensure you of utmost stability. The best part is that it’s equipped with flat-free tires, which give you a worry-free feeling whenever you’re outside. It can carry up to 300-lbs of weight in terms of capacity and has an outstanding mile range of 15 miles. So, if you’re looking for a comfortable Mid-Wheel Electric Wheelchair that can provide you with utmost stability, then this Zip'r PC 12V/35Ah 320W Heavy-Duty Electric Wheelchair is a must-have!
Merits Health 12V/50Ah 400W Heavy Duty Electric Wheelchair P182
If you prefer to have the classic built of a regular wheelchair but with the power of an electric wheelchair, then this Merits Health 400W Heavy-Duty Electric Wheelchair will surely fit your taste. This Electric Wheelchair has all the features you will surely love, including a foldable frame, spacious seating, great capacity, and a powerful motor.
It boasts a 400-watt motor that’s enough to power your ride even through rough roads. You’ll also enjoy riding this throughout the day since it has a whopping 25-mile range, which you can only find in electric bikes and scooters. Another thing to love about this Electric Wheelchair is its weight capacity. If you’re already sold with an Electric Wheelchair that can carry up to 400-lbs., then you’ll be surprised to know that this can carry up to 600-lbs. in one seating! This Merits Health 400W Heavy-Duty Electric Wheelchair is undoubtedlyasking the best choice for the elderly, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and bariatric users.
Looking for Other Wheelchair Options?
If you're looking for more options, then make sure to check out other resources below:
- Best Wheelchairs - Must read if you want an overview on the best units available in the market.
- Best Folding Wheelchairs - Perfect for those who are looking for a wheelchair that's space saving.
- Best Wheelchairs for Outdoors - Best option for patients who live in the suburbs where there are rugged trails.
- Best Portable Wheelchairs - If you're looking for a wheelchair that's convenient and handy to bring wherever, then this is your main pick.
But, if you want a more powerful mobility equipment, then you might want to consider getting an electric wheelchair, a mobility scooter or an electric scooter. There are also other patient care products that you should check out like patient lifts, rollator walkers, geri chairs, and transport carts.