How Much Does a Power Wheelchair Weigh?
If you're considering an electric wheelchair purchase or power wheelchair rental, practical issues such as wheelchair transportation make it important to know how much an electric wheelchair weighs.
The good news is that there are lightweight designs that are easy to store in a trunk as well as equipment that can help you lift and store heavy-duty wheelchair models. No matter how much your electric wheelchair weighs, you won't need to break your back.
Wheelchair Weight: Lightest to Heaviest
Electric wheelchairs come in all shapes and sizes for everything from folding electric wheelchairs for travel to heavy-duty wheelchairs designed for all-day, outdoor use. Because power wheelchairs need a battery to operate, they will inevitably weigh more than a transport wheelchair (which can weigh as little as 29 lbs) or a standard manual wheelchair (which could weigh 36 or 46 lbs, depending on the seat width).
In our Denver showroom, we offer an electric wheelchair that weighs 125 lbs when fully assembled but breaks into four pieces—with the heaviest piece weighing 37 lbs. Because this model can be disassembled, you'll never need to lift the full 125 lbs. If you want something that doesn’t require disassembly at all, we also have a folding wheelchair that weighs just 44 lbs.
On the heavier end of the spectrum, a heavy-duty wheelchair can weigh hundreds of pounds and be too heavy to lift even when separated into the power base and seat. In that case, you would need to consider a vehicle lift and wheelchair ramp for moving the power wheelchair from place to place.
Factors that Affect Wheelchair Weight
There are several reasons why heavy-duty and bariatric wheelchairs weigh more than a folding electric wheelchair or standard manual wheelchair. Understanding these factors will help you weigh up the pros and cons of a lightweight wheelchair vs. a heavy-duty motorized wheelchair with "the works."
Batteries
All electric wheelchairs come with batteries to propel them without any need for the user to push. Most lightweight wheelchairs come with one Lithium-ion battery or two lead acid batteries while bariatric wheelchairs always use two 12-volt batteries for a total of 24 volts. The weight of a single 12-volt battery can vary greatly, leading to significant variations in wheelchair weight.
Seat
The most basic, lightweight electric wheelchair seats that resemble the sling-style seats of manual wheelchairs typically weigh very little in comparison to the "captain's seat" of a bariatric or heavy-duty power wheelchair. Large padded adjustable seats with a headrest can add significant weight while increasing the wheelchair's weight capacity—in some cases, these wheelchairs can carry up to 500 lbs.
Wheels and Accessories
Apart from the power base and seat, special tires and additional accessories that come with a power chair add to the overall weight. These components could include:
Large, all-terrain tires
Elevating leg rests
Carry basket
Saddlebag
Oxygen tanks
Rearview mirror
Keep in mind that mid-wheel drive wheelchairs weigh more than front-wheel or rear-wheel drive wheelchairs because they have six wheels instead of four.
The Ultimate Impact of Wheelchair Weight
Having an idea of how much electric wheelchairs weigh can help you choose an appropriate mobility device, but it certainly isn't the only factor. Comfort, speed, driving range, and accessibility modifications are also important factors to keep in mind when choosing the right power wheelchair.
If you or a loved one is considering a power chair purchase or rental, a physical therapist and/or mobility specialist will be able to advise you about the most appropriate device.