Wheelchairs provide their users with remarkable comfort, especially in terms of mobility. However, regular wheelchairs tend to be limited in terms of functionality because they are primarily designed for indoor use. This poses a massive drawback for those who want to go out and enjoy what life offers.
If you’re faced with this kind of dilemma, then read on as we give you Mobility Paradise's exclusive list on the best wheelchairs for outdoors.
Different Kinds of Wheelchairs
Generally, there are several kinds of wheelchairs – there are electric wheelchairs and regular ones. Then there’s another set of classifications depending on your preference, whether you prefer a folding wheelchair, transport wheelchair, all-terrain wheelchair, and so on.
But for this blog, we’ll give you our best selection of the best wheelchairs for outdoors for both electric and regular wheelchairs with different classifications, so you get enough choices.
Before we get to the main list, it would be better to select a suitable wheelchair for your needs...
Things to Consider Before Buying a Wheelchair
Before your purchase, there are several factors that you must consider to make sure that you’ll be buying the right one for your needs. For instance, specifications like seat size, capacity, wheels, range, and overall support. To better understand, we’ve laid them out below.
PURPOSE
What’s the reason why you’re buying a wheelchair outdoors? Is it because you’ll be traveling a lot by plane, boat, car, or train? Or do you simply live in the suburbs, where not all roads are paved? Whatever it is, these are the questions that you need to answer.
For instance, if you’ll be traveling a lot, it would be best to have a wheelchair that’s portable to avoid the hassle of traveling with such a bulky wheelchair. On the other hand, if you’ll need one that can take on rocky roads, then best if you get an all-terrain wheelchair. Your purpose will make a massive difference in shortlisting wheelchairs that fit your preferences.
COMFORT
If you’re buying a wheelchair, the chances are high that either you’re a senior who has difficulty in walking or someone who has a physical disability. If this is the case, then you’ll undoubtedly be spending a lot of time with your wheelchair. And in that case, you’ll need a wheelchair that can provide you with the utmost comfort.
Generally, electric wheelchairs do better in this sense as this kind of wheelchair typically comes with a fully orthopedic seat instead of the primary seating that comes with a regular wheelchair.
DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITY
In choosing a wheelchair, of course, you must select which one can fully support your weight. In wheelchairs, there’s no one size fits all. Some wheelchairs can only take on so much weight. There are also several options to choose from in terms of seat width, so you better make sure that you consider these things as they will significantly affect your comfort when using your wheelchair. Some offer flexibility, which allows you to adjust the seat height, which can be a nice touch to make your wheelchair the perfect fit for your body.
USER NEEDS
In terms of user experience, here’s where you can decide if you want a regular wheelchair or an electric wheelchair. If you prefer independence, then go for electric, but if you have someone to assist you most of the time, getting a regular wheelchair is the perfect option.
SAFETY FEATURES
A wheelchair is a form of medical equipment, so we cannot stress enough why you must get one that can offer utmost safety for the user or patient. There are basic safety features that you should look for before buying a wheelchair; for instance, these are non-slip footrests, padded cushions for better comfort, a locking mechanism, and many others. Plus, you want to get a wheelchair that can lessen the impact of passing through uneven terrain so you can avoid accidents.
ADJUSTABILITY
As mentioned earlier, there’s no one-size-fits-all wheelchair. Every patient or user has different needs, which is why getting a wheelchair that has room for adjustments can be a great choice. This allows you to make the necessary adjustments once you’re using it.
Now that you already have an excellent briefer on selecting the suitable wheelchair for you let’s now move on to the main meat of this blog – our selection of the best wheelchairs for the outdoors.
Best Wheelchairs for Outdoors
REGULAR WHEELCHAIRS
Best Outdoor Dual-Function Wheelchair
Walk'n Chair Transport Wheelchair
If you’re looking for a dual-purpose wheelchair, you shouldn’t miss out on this Walk'n Chair Transport Wheelchair. You can either use it as a wheelchair or as a rolling walker. This Transport Wheelchair comes with adjustable footrests and handles that allow you to customize the setup according to your preferences. It comes with all the essential features that you’ll probably need, especially in terms of safety, as it comes with a brake lock system that ensures the utmost stability and security. Plus, it’s highly functional with its spacious basket where you can put your essentials.
This Wheelchair is undoubtedly the perfect choice for both physical rehab and ambulatory care purposes. The best part is that you won’t have to worry about passing through rugged terrain as it can easily pass through any kind of terrain, including dirt trails, grass, gravel, sand, and even snowy roads. Also, you benefit from its narrow framing for better transportability, making it a good choice for on-the-go individuals who want to go out and explore constantly. Overall, if you’re looking for a Wheelchair that will give you the best value for your money, this Walk'n Chair Folding Wheelchair is a must-have!
Best Outdoor Transport Wheelchair
Strongback Mobility 24 Portable Wheelchair 1006
If you need one that offers more features, then check out this Strongback Mobility 24 Portable Wheelchair. Like the Strongback Mobility Excursion 12, you get the same level of transportability – but with tons of additional features.
This wheelchair comes with a patented Strongback ergonomics with easily adjustable posture support in the backrest. In terms of size, you have the flexibility to choose one with a small seat (16-inches), a regular seat (18-inches), and a large seat (20-inches), which makes it the right choice if you’re looking for the wheelchair wherein you can fit just right in. You can check out this Strongback Mobility 24 Portable Wheelchair for more.
Best Outdoor All-Terrain Wheelchair
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
Best Heavy-Duty Electric Wheelchair for Outdoors
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 Heavy-Duty 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.
Best Portable Electric Wheelchair for Outdoors
EWheels EW-M47 12V/36Ah Folding Electric Wheelchair
Not all Heavy-Duty Electric Wheelchairs are bulky. Take, for instance, this EWheels EW-M47 12V/36Ah Folding Electric Wheelchair – this Heavy-Duty Electric Wheelchair is also foldable, which allows it to transform to a compact built-in second. This Heavy-Duty Electric Wheelchair is exceptionally lightweight and can easily be transported, which you can just fit into the trunk of your car.
Don’t be deceived by its lightweight built as this Heavy-Duty Electric Wheelchair can carry up to 350-lbs weight. Meaning, it can carry even overweight individuals without having to worry about its durability. So, suppose you’re constantly on the go, and you need a Heavy-Duty Electric Wheelchair that you can take with you wherever. In that case, our recommendation is to get this EWheels EW-M47 12V/36Ah Folding Electric Wheelchair – and it will not disappoint!
Best Electric Wheelchair for Everyday Use
PaceSaver Scout Boss 4.5 Heavy-Duty Electric Wheelchair 82348
If you’re after a simple yet elegant-looking Electric Wheelchair, then this PaceSaver Scout Boss Electric Wheelchair is undoubtedly the best choice. This Electric Wheelchair is designed to give its user the most comfortable ride through its finger touch reclining admiral seat with coil spring cushioning system and contoured orthopedic seat and back for maximum comfort and support.
Not only will you be pleased with its comfort but also with its aesthetics. It’s also built in a way that will ensure enhanced maneuverability to its users. In addition, you won’t ever have to worry about running out of battery mid-way since you can just carry with you a small charger with battery-saver technology for longer battery life. It can carry up to 450-lbs in terms of capacity, making this PaceSaver Scout Boss Electric Wheelchair the perfect choice for those looking for the best combination of luxury and comfort.
Didn't find what you're looking for?
If you want to see more options for an outdoor wheelchair, then make sure to check out other relevant best selection articles 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 Elderly - Perfect if the user is a senior who needs maximum functionality and comfort.
- 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.