Best Power Wheelchair for Outdoor Use
The best power wheelchairs for outdoor use are built specifically to handle outdoor terrains like uneven ground, inclines, and long-distance driving. They allow wheelchair users to get out and about for shopping, visits, work, and other activities.
Finding the right power wheelchair for outdoor use takes time and research. Here are some of the best outdoor power wheelchairs along with key features and for whom they are most suitable.
1. Compass HD GP620: Tight Turning Radius
The Compass HD GP620 is a heavy-duty power wheelchair that is designed for outdoor use. Its powerful suspension makes sure the rider will hardly feel bumps and bounces on rough outdoor terrain. It also has a tight turning radius that provides a smooth and comfortable ride around every corner.
Below are a few key features that make this power wheelchair stand out from the rest:
The weight capacity of up to 450 lb makes it suitable for all sizes.
A 20-inch turning radius offers good maneuverability to make a 180-degree or 360-degree turn.
Its operating range is 12 miles per charge, so it can travel sufficient distances for outdoor trips.
A 3.5-inch ground clearance allows the rider to explore different levels of terrain.
Adjustable captain’s seat for all-day comfort.
Swing-away footrests that may be adjusted to the user’s leg length for the right amount of support.
Padded armrests that can be flipped up to give the rider a secure fit or a more independent riding experience when desired.
Why the Compass HD GP620 Is Great for Outdoor Use
This rugged power wheelchair shines for outdoor use because it manages uneven terrain, such as gravel or sand paths, thanks to the mid-wheel drive system. It’s considered a more robust power wheelchair compared to the Compass Sport model. This chair is most suitable for users who enjoy spending a lot of time outside and want a reliable chair to navigate varying terrains and conditions.
2. Jazzy Elite ES Power Chair
The Jazzy Elite ES power chair is just as snazzy as it sounds, combining front-wheel drive with spectacular outdoor capabilities.
Here are some of the top features that make this power wheelchair jazzier than the rest:
Front-wheel drive for the best maneuverability in outdoor spaces where the terrain is uneven or rough.
A turning radius of 24.75 inches helps the rider make turns more effectively and smoothly through tight spaces.
A weight capacity of up to 300 lb, making it suitable and comfortable for many potential users.
The chair has an operating range of up to 15 miles per charge, giving the operator the freedom to go long distances.
Available in candy apple red, which adds personality and class to the chair.
Why the Jazzy Elite ES Is Great for Outdoor Use
Front-wheel drive technology sets the Jazzy Elite ES apart, giving its user superior traction when driving over various terrains. Ramps, grass, or small inclines will be no challenge to this power chair.
This model maneuvers, turns, and transitions (such as pavement to gravel) with ease. It is best for riders who crave a versatile outdoor power wheelchair that’s reliable and comfortable.
3. BuzzAbout GP164 Power Chair
The BuzzAbout GP164 Power Chair is a small wheelchair with a lot of power. Don’t let its compact size fool you. This chair provides impressive outdoor rideability without sacrificing comfort and is great for both indoor and outdoor use.
Here are some of the top features that make this power wheelchair stand out:
A compact design that can be broken down into just four parts without the need for tools for easy transportation.
An optimal travel range of about 11 miles per charge, making it excellent for outdoor excursions with family or friends.
Rear-wheel drive system with a larger turning radius, helping the rider feel more stable and in control even at the top speeds.
An LED lighting system (front and rear) that gives the rider nighttime visibility. Taking a nightly leisurely stroll through the neighborhood is not out of the question. Just make sure you or the rider is safely operating the chair on the sidewalk.
Adjustable seating with a sleek and stylish captain's seat with a higher back that supports the user’s back and neck for longer and more comfortable rides.
Available in two bold primary colors: blue and red.
Why the BuzzAbout GP164 Power Chair Is Great for Outdoor Use
The BuzzAbout GP164 is great for outdoor use because of its lightweight frame and compact design. This makes the chair agile enough to explore a range of outdoor terrains, with a less bulky design. This rear-wheel-drive chair is best for moderate outdoor use in cities, suburbs, and towns where its users want easy accessibility to nearby places.
4. Go Chair Power Chair
The Go Chair Power Chair is a swift and surprising electrically powered wheelchair. It is small, light, and extremely versatile for many types of outdoor excursions.
Here are some of the top features that make this power wheelchair go above and beyond its competition:
Standout portability with an exclusive feather-touch disassembly design. The chair is disassembled into five pieces that are lightweight and easy to transport. Bring this chair anywhere that adventure calls.
Storage compartments that swing out to store away snacks, water bottles, or anything the rider needs for an outdoor adventure.
An accessory that may be used to mount a cane or an oxygen tank.
An assortment of fun colors, such as amber orange, rose quartz, citrine yellow, sapphire blue, ruby red, and pearl white.
Why the Go Chair Is Great for Outdoor Use
The Go Chair power chair is a lightweight but versatile chair that glides over all types of terrains in outdoor spaces. This chair features generous storage space for longer trips. It has convenient accessory mounts that enable mobility-impaired individuals to keep their essential items within reach. This chair is best for urban outdoor environments, such as cities or suburban neighborhoods.
How to Match the Chair to Your Outdoor Needs
Powered wheelchairs work to improve occupational performance, social participation, and life satisfaction for users. This is why it’s so important for the model you choose to align with your lifestyle.
A simple, compact, and easy-to-maneuver power wheelchair may be appropriate for city dwellers. For mobility-impaired individuals who live in suburban or rural areas, a heavier-duty wheelchair is better.
Here’s a breakdown of what to look for in a power wheelchair that will meet your outdoor riding requirements.
1. Tire Size and Type
Just like cars, a powered wheelchair with large and more rugged tires will handle outdoor terrain well. Tires with an off-road tread pattern will offer more comfort and grip on terrains ranging from pavement and grass to sand and gravel.
When buying a powered chair, inquire if the chair has a rear-wheel, mid-wheel, or front-wheel-drive system. Front-wheel drive generally will provide optimal traction on inclines and slopes. Rear-wheel drive wheelchairs are good for climbing ramps and riding over rough terrain. A mid-wheel drive system helps with tight turns.
2. Weight Capacity
Consider each powered wheelchair's weight capacity, as this will influence how supportive, comfortable, and safe it will be for the rider. Powered wheelchairs with higher weight capacities often offer more padding and a contoured design to make long-distance riding more enjoyable.
3. Suspension System
A powered wheelchair equipped with a good suspension system will move across bumpy terrain with ease. This reduces fatigue and physical strain. A solid and high-quality suspension system will also provide more balance and stability, making falls less likely.
4. Portability vs. Power
Larger electric wheelchairs generally offer more rugged outdoor performance. It is sheerly due to their rugged construction that they are able to withstand unpredictable outdoor terrain.
These models are more challenging to transport and disassemble. Smaller wheelchair models are easier to disassemble but are less stable on uneven terrain.
Tips Before Buying a Power Wheelchair
Before buying a powered wheelchair, consider where you or your loved one will use it the most. For instance, will the rider be taking the chair on long outdoor excursions, or short distances to run daily errands? Personal preferences also play an important role in choosing the right wheelchair.
The following are some additional tips for choosing the right powered wheelchair.
Take the power wheelchair on a test drive to see firsthand how it handles different types of terrain.
Measure the entryways in the house and places the rider often visits. The wheelchair should have access to every room in the house where the rider wants the chair to be. If your home is not wheelchair friendly, it may be necessary to invest in additional home modifications for wheelchair users.
Measure the car trunk space. Outdoor powered wheelchairs tend to be bulky and may need to be disassembled in order to fit in the rider’s vehicle.
Consider buying a vehicle lift to carry all-terrain wheelchairs. This helps with easy access to the car and prevents the need for manual lifting. Consider the cost of a van wheelchair conversion for even more room and accessibility.
Keep local weather conditions in mind. Some powered wheelchairs are better equipped for rain, snow, and sleet.
Take note of the accessories each powered wheelchair comes with. These range from storage compartments to other handy accessories that will make the rider’s outdoor experience more pleasant.
The Right Powered Wheelchair Is Life-Changing
Finding the right power wheelchair for outdoor use involves matching up lifestyle needs with the functionality offered by each chair. Outdoor wheelchairs are designed for longer-distance travel and various terrains as well as indoor maneuverability.
Here’s a rundown of the best power wheelchair models for outdoor use:
Compass HD GP620: A robust power wheelchair with excellent suspension and a 450 lb weight capacity, offering a smooth ride on most outdoor terrains.
Jazzy Elite ES: A stylish chair that features a front-wheel-drive system, a good riding range, and excellent traction when riding over various surfaces.
BuzzAbout GP164: A super lightweight and compact power wheelchair that can be disassembled quickly. This chair offers enhanced performance for both urban and suburban use.
Go Chair Power Chair: This ultra-portable powered wheelchair offers lots of storage space and is available in a variety of fun colors. It is excellent for city and suburban use.
These power chairs are built to effortlessly glide across hardwood, flat carpet, pavement, and sidewalks. They can also handle other surfaces like gravel and grass. With the right features, you or a mobility-challenged loved one will have what most people desire in this world: freedom and independence to explore any path put in front of them!