Rent
Looking for an easier way to travel, shop, or even transport your wheelchair in a car? Fortunately, a wide range of compact electric wheelchairs are available on the market today. These chairs are lighter weight, some of them fold easily, and overall, they offer many advantages to those with special mobility needs.
As with any purchase, you’ll probably want to research options specific to your needs. Some things to consider fall into the who, what, why, and how categories:
- Who will be transporting the wheelchair?
- What condition(s) are best suited for compact electric wheelchairs?
- Why might compact power wheelchairs be the top choice?
- How often will the wheelchair be used?
I’ve compiled a list of the top five compact motorized wheelchairs for everyday and travel use. These wheelchairs are not only light and durable, they are also comfortable and easy to maneuver.
Yoga
The perfect compact electric scooter for tight spaces, this lightweight beauty has a 24-volt lithium-ion that will last for up to 11.25 miles. Similar to actual yoga, which helps to increase stability and balance, this sweet ride also offers excellent stability when turning on a dime thanks to its patented twin front tires with a spring suspension system. The steering tiller can be customized to each individual with an adjustable angle and height feature.
While this electric chair is made of light-weight alloy aluminum, it can still carry up to 250 lbs. The Yoga also folds into a tidy and compressed package, making it easy to transport anywhere. It will fit in the trunk and even the backseat of a car easily. Plus, it comes with its own carrying case (sold as an accessory) that looks just like a hard-sided suitcase on wheels.
WHILL Model C2
The crème de la crème, the WHILL Model C2 is one of the most innovative compact power wheelchairs on the market today. Featuring patented omni wheels, it screams freedom, whether using it around the house or exploring the great outdoors. It comes in 5 color choices – white, black, blue, pink, or red – and some describe it as looking like it arrived straight out of Star Wars. One thing is for sure, the force will be with you in this versatile motorized wheelchair.
The weight capacity is 300 lbs. and it has a range of up to 11 miles. Designed with safety in mind, it has a short wheelbase and anti-tip bars. Using feedback from wheelchair users, the patented front omni-wheels were designed for traction and can traverse snow, gravel, uphill, and uneven climbs with ease. Not to mention, the WHILL Model C2 has a 30” turning radius, so it can pivot in a tight spot. It also can clear obstacles up to 2” high, which is particularly helpful for rolling on or off small curbs.
This compact power wheelchair is custom made for each user, from the control type, to the chair angle, to the armrest length, and so much more.
Golden Buzzaround LX
Sometimes you may be looking for compact electric wheelchairs that can handle higher weight capacities. Not only does the Golden Buzzaround LX support up to 375 lbs, it can also cruise at speeds up to 5 MPH and has a 18-mile maximum range. It’s easy to disassemble and can be stowed in your vehicle or readily broken down for safe transport at the airport.
This scooter also features an ultra bright LED headlight and tail light to give you a little extra visibility when needed. You don’t have to sacrifice style and comfort for mobility scooter safety and durability with this one. It comes standard with blue and red color-change panels, a comfortable captain's seat, an adjustable tiller, and a convenient USB port that you can use to charge your smartphone or tablet.
Jazzy Passport Power Wheelchair
You may not think of compact power wheelchairs when it comes to portability, but the Jazzy Passport certainly fits the bill. Durable enough for everyday use, yet light enough to transport with ease, the Pride Jazzy Passport weighs in at only 53 lbs. without the battery. This small motorized wheelchair is designed to fold in just a few simple steps, making it highly transportable.
This model supports up to 250 lbs. and can travel up to 11 miles on a single charge. The controller can be customized in either a left or right-handed position, which has been cited as a great benefit for stroke survivors. The chair also has a back seat pocket and large mesh bag under the seat for added storage. Safety is incorporated throughout this wheelchair, with a large foot platform, foam seat design, and electromechanical duel braking system.
Freerider Luggie Scooter Standard
There are a growing number of wheelchair users that have some leg function. Many elderly people or folks with respiratory conditions still like to get out to shop, visit a park, and enjoy other activities. However, they are unable to stand for long periods of time or walk very far.
This is where compact wheelchairs come in handy. If the wheelchair is bulky and heavy, it often hinders their mobility and many will stay home rather than enjoy their independence. The Freerider Luggie Scooter Standard is perfect for these folks, as it’s made from lightweight alloy aluminum and is collapsible, almost like a baby stroller. In fact, it’s so compact that when the scooter folded, it’s just about the size of a small to a medium suitcase. It has easy to use controls, adjustable steering height and angle, and comfortable seating. Whether your destination is the grocery store or traveling by boat or plane, this is one of the easiest to use compact wheelchairs on the market today.
Now that you’ve seen just a few examples of compact electric wheelchairs on the market, you’ll probably want to visit the Scootaround Sales website to find the perfect one for you. Today’s technological advancements offer lightweight, transportable, easy to maneuver functions while keeping safety, style, and comfort at the forefront. Whether you need a small electric wheelchair all the time, some of the time, for at home use, or extensive travel use, Scootaround’s friendly staff will be able to assist you to find the ideal option that meets your lifestyle needs.
Cory Lee is a wheelchair user, travel addict, and accessible travel writer. On his blog, Curb Free with Cory Lee, he hopes to inspire others to roll out of their comfort zones and see all the beauty our world has to offer.
