Power wheelchairs are excellent ways to increase your mobility while requiring minimal physical exertion. However, power wheelchairs can be big, bulky, and heavy, making transportation a challenge. Many power wheelchairs require the use of a vehicle lift to transport the chair.

Portable power wheelchairs eliminate the need for a vehicle lift. Portable wheelchairs either fold up into a compact unit, or can be disassembled into multiple pieces for easy transportation. The pieces can be placed into a vehicle, and then the wheelchair can be reassembled once you’ve reached your destination.

Because portable power wheelchairs can be transported without the use of a vehicle lift, they are more accessible for many people than traditional power wheelchairs are. When buying a portable power wheelchair, you do not have to budget for the added cost of a vehicle lift or its installation. Some vehicle lifts are only compatible with particular hitch types, which can also limit your choice. None of this is a problem with a portable power wheelchair – if the portable wheelchair disassembles into pieces, then you can transport it using even a small car.

Portable power wheelchairs tend to be versatile choices if you’re looking for a wheelchair for multiple uses. Portable wheelchairs are more compact than outdoor power wheelchairs, making them practical choices for indoor use. Many portable power wheelchairs boast a tight turning radius so you can navigate tight quarters in your home.

As you look at portable power wheelchairs, consider the different features available on each chair to find the chair which works best for you. Factors like the presence of elevating legrests, the wheelchair’s top speed, the weight capacity, and more can help you to determine whether a portable power wheelchair may be the right match for you.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Portable Power Wheelchair

Weight of Heaviest Disassembled Piece

If you’re buying a power wheelchair which disassembles, then consider the weight of the heaviest piece. Is it lightweight enough to lift into and out of a vehicle? If the wheelchair folds up, then is the overall weight of the wheelchair a weight that is manageable?

Battery Life

Think about how far you plan to travel with your portable power wheelchair. Does the battery life provide a travel range which is large enough to take you where you want to go?

Turning Radius

If you plan on using your power wheelchair indoors, then choosing a wheelchair with a tighter turning radius will give you more control in tight spaces.

Top Speed

Do you have a need for speed, or are you content to travel at a slower pace? Portable power wheelchairs have varying top speeds.

Consider Style Carefully

You will find that power wheelchairs are available in a wide variety of styles. Some wheelchairs offer you lots of support, while others have a more minimalistic, open frame. Carefully consider what style of wheelchair is best for you before making your purchase.