The term self propelled refers to the ability of a wheelchair to move on its own. The vast majority of wheelchairs are not self propelled, and require the user to push and maneuver them manually. Some users will opt for a non-self propelled wheelchair as they find these more comfortable to sit on and easier to push. But for others, the non-self propelled wheelchair will be a poor fit and they will need to consider self propelled wheelchairs.
Self propelled wheelchairs are designed to be pushed around by the user, but they have the added feature of being able to move on their own, so the user doesn’t have to. This enables the user to focus on going about their day-to-day business rather than having to push their wheelchair.
Self propelled wheelchairs have a variety of names, including self-propelled, battery powered and power wheelchairs.
Before you rush out and buy a self propelled wheelchair, you should consider whether this is the right choice for you. Are you comfortable pushing a manual wheelchair? Do you have enough upper body strength and stamina to push a self propelled wheelchair? Do you have enough stamina to operate a self propelled wheelchair for a full day of shopping, sightseeing or going to work?
Self propelled wheelchairs are more expensive than most manual wheelchairs, and even some non-self propelled wheelchairs. If you’re considering a self propelled wheelchair, you should be sure that this is the right choice for you.
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Our Editor’s Best Self Propelled Wheelchairs Reviews
- ALL-TERRAIN PERFORMANCE - Treaded pneumatic 24" rear tires power through rough surfaces and uneven ground with superior grip and stability, perfect for outdoor adventures.
- COMPACT STORAGE - This folding wheelchair folds flat to just 10" wide, with removable wheels and folding handles for effortless transport and storage in cars or tight spaces.
- ENHANCED SAFETY FEATURES - This compact wheelchair includes built-in attendant handbrakes for reliable control on slopes, while the included lapbelt and calf strap deliver secure positioning.
- CUSTOMIZABLE COMFORT – This lightweight wheelchair features adjustable footrests, drop-down armrests for easy transfers, and a cushioned seat. Available in 18 or 20 inch widths and in red or black.
- TRAVEL-READY DESIGN: This travel wheelchair lightweight foldable design weighs just 32lb fully assembled, or 19lb with wheels removed, supporting users up to 250lb for convenient transportation.
- Convenience - The foldable wheelchairs for adults is easy to maneuver both indoors and out with large rear tires for greater stability and traction. You can use this wheel chair self propelled or with assistance.
- Comfortable Wheelchair Seat Cushion - Large padded seating area is designed with your comfort in mind. PU material is more durable and high quality.
- Adjustable Footrests - Swing-away footrests that are adjustable for customization, comfort and support. Footrests on our wheelchairs are also fully removable for easier transport or storage. Comes with heel loops so the user can rest their feet.
- Durable Wheelchair Wheels - Strong solid rubber tires are mounted on a sturdy composite wheel for easy and effortless wheeling with low maintenance.
- Safety - This portable folding wheelchair comes with a safe braking system. Rear and hand brakes to not only make the riders times safer but also to make the assistant's job easier.
- Convenience - The foldable wheelchairs for adults is easy to maneuver both indoors and out with large rear tires for greater stability and traction. You can use this wheel chair self propelled or with assistance.
- Flip-back Armrests - wheelchair features padded desk style arms that make it easier to sit at a desk or table and flip back for transfer.
- Adjustable Footrests - Swing-away footrests that are adjustable for customization, comfort and support. Footrests on our wheelchairs are also fully removable for easier transport or storage.
- Durable Wheelchair Wheels - Strong solid rubber tires are mounted on a sturdy composite wheel for easy and effortless wheeling with low maintenance.
- Safety - This portable folding wheelchair comes with a safe braking system. Rear and hand brakes to not only make the riders times safer but also to make the assistant's job easier.
- Lightweight Folding Wheelchair: These cutting-edge wheelchairs for adults and seniors make independent mobility enjoyable via specialized features; just 41 pounds, the portable wheelchair folds to a compact 12.5-inch width for transport or storage
- Durable Design: This transport wheelchair features durable tires enhanced with push-to-lock functionality for added safety; model features a 20-inch seat, swing away footrests, and detachable desk arms
- Smooth, Stable Ride: Easy to push with solid yet lightweight wheels, this single axle wheelchair is easy to maneuver and fits through most doorways
- Flipback Armrests & Swing Away Footrests: Lightweight wheelchair features padded “desk” style arms that make it easier to sit at a desk or table and flip back for transfer; swing-away footrests are removable
- Dimensions: Overall: 42 inches in length x 26 inches wide x 36 inches in height; closed: 12.5 inches wide; seat: 16 inches depth x 20 inches wide; weight capacity: 300 lbs
- 【Safe,Comfortable Transportation】: Providing safe, comfortable mobility for patients and loved ones, the foldable wheelchair features a wide 18” /45cm seat, padded armrests, a quick-release seat belt, and a breathable, durable backrest. The wheelchair foldable is easy to maneuver both indoors and out with large 20-inch rear tires for greater stability and traction
- 【Ergonomic Push Rim】: Ergonomic push rims are designed to reduce strain on the wrists, hands, and arms, making it easier for users to propel the wheelchair. This can also help reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries. The contoured shape of ergonomic push rims provides a better grip, allowing users to propel the wheelchair more efficiently and with less effort.The design of ergonomic push rims allows for better control and maneuverability, particularly when navigating tight spaces or uneven terrain. By making it easier to propel the wheelchair, ergonomic push rims can help users maintain their independence and mobility
- 【Ergonomic Handle】: An ergonomic handle is designed to fit the natural shape of the hand, reducing strain and pressure on the user's hands and wrists, and providing better overall comfort.The ergonomic design allows for a more secure and comfortable grip, reducing the risk of slippage and making it easier to maneuver the wheelchair. By providing better support and reducing strain on the hands and wrists, ergonomic handles can help prevent repetitive strain injuries and other related issues. The design of the ergonomic handle can make it easier for the user to propel the wheelchair, reducing the effort required and making it more efficient to use
- 【Ultra Lightweight Foldable Wheelchair】: With its strong yet lightweight alloy frame only 24lb/11kg, this wheelchair provides durable support for adults up to 220lb/100kg, making it a secure option for a range of users. The wheelchairs' quality craftsmanship and materials ensure it can handle daily trips with ease
- 【No Installation Required Manual Travel Wheelchair】: lightweight and easy to transport, making the wheelchair convenient for on the go travel and everyday use.Besides, with less parts,it can reduce the need for maintenance and repairs
- Dimensions and Weight: The overall size is 45” L x 31” W x 36” H, when folded up width is 14”. This transport wheelchair weights 48lbs and the weight capacity is 500lbs. Material: Quality steel frame and fireproof nylon seat
- Safety: Equipped with a reliable safety braking system, including both rear and hand brakes, the portable wheel chairs offer enhanced maneuverability and control.
- Durable: Solid rubber tires mounted on composite wheels provide this wheel chair long-lasting durability and low maintenance costs, with push-lock wheel locks for added security.
- Comfortable: Ergonomically designed with adjustable footrests, this manual wheelchair is perfect for both adults and seniors, ensuring a comfortable experience.
- Convenient and Portable: The foldable wheelchairs for adults are easy to operate and fold down to a compact size for storage.
- 【20" Wide comfortable seat】：New update 20" Wide Seat with weight capacity of 250lbs, bring you more comfortable experience. Tip: Overall Width is 26", please pass through the door 26" or wider.
- 【Ultra lightweight wheelchair, only 13lbs】: ENCAREFOR lightweight wheelchair for adults is made from magnesium alloy frame, only weights 13lbs( Not include rear wheels, rear wheels weight 6.5lbs), can be carried with one hand. Rear Wheels can be quickly released, and the backrest is foldable, easy to travel with and ideal for airplane transport.
- 【Travel bag and cell phone holder】: Our light folding wheelchair is shipped with a cell phone & water glass holder, easy to support water glass and cell phone; there are slide bags under the armrests and storage bag behind the backrest, that can storage keys, books, medicine boxes, magazines, umbrellas u.s.w. You will also get a oversized travel bag, that can storage the folded self-propelled wheelchair.
- 【Safe travel】: The front break allows you to safely pause while using the wheelchair on your own, while the rear brakes provide more convenience for your assistant. At the same time, the anti-tippers of this portable wheelchair and the 35.4" length seat belt also enhance your safety.
- Frame Materials : High quality Aluminum Alloy ( lighter,built to last),The aluminum alloy frame provides stronger load-bearing and is designed based on the principles of triangles, ensuring your safety. Product Weight: 10.7KG,Can bear to 300 pounds
- Super Durability: Navigate various terrains without compromising stability with this wheelchair,With 20-inch large rear wheels and solid tires that are puncture-proof and shock-absorbing, it can travel on various road surfaces. The 360° swivel wheel allows for easy maneuverability. Front and rear parking brake, more safer.
- Easy Folding and Storage: Unfolded dimensions is 92*64*90CM, folded dimensions is 74*35*71CM. Cushion Size: 45*37CM,Seat Size: Left to Right End to End: 45CM. Seat size: left to right end to end: 45cm,front wheel : 6inch,rear wheel : 20inch.
- Feature: Height of the footrest and armrest can be adjusted. Making it convenient for getting on and off the vehicle. (great for people with knee problem). The seats is equipped with high toughness Oxford cloth, which is not easy to deform.Perspiration, breathable.
- Practical and Portable: No installation, immediate use. Able to fit most car,Small and compact, great to use for travel overseas. Easily fold and bring to public MRT, bus, airplane, or cruise. It makes your life super easy.
- 🦽【SUPERIOR MATERIAL】FSA HSA Eligible Our lightweight wheelchair is crafted from a super-strong ultra-lightweight magnesium alloy frame, ensuring durability and maximum mobility.
- 👩🦽【COMFORTABLE DESIGN】Stay comfortable and supported with padded armrests and swing-away leg rests. The larger rear wheels provide better performance on uneven outdoor surfaces, while the convenient top handbrakes make it easier to control speed.
- 👌【EASY ASSEMBLY & PORTABILITY】No tools and virtually no assembly required. Quick-release wheels and removable footrests make transporting the chair in any size vehicle simple. The quick-release hinge allows for easy folding and storage, making it perfect for those on the go.
- ♿【IDEAL SIZE & WEIGHT】Our wheelchair features a seat width of 17.5” with a weight capacity of 220lbs, making it suitable for most adults. The frame weighs only 13.5 lbs, and the overall weight with wheels and footrests is just 21 lbs, ensuring easy handling and maneuverability.
- 💯【SAFE & RELIABLE】Your safety is our top priority. Our wheelchair includes rear and hand brakes to make the rider's time safer and the assistant's job easier. The anti-tippers also enhance your safety, providing added stability and balance. Additionally, the chair includes a 1-year frame and components warranty against defects, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your purchase.
- Lightweight Folding Wheelchair: This portable wheelchair features a premium aluminum frame and weighs only 27.1 lbs, offering durability and ease of transport. Its compact folded size 30.31”x12.92”x28.34” makes it perfect for storage and travel, an excellent choice for seniors looking for a travel-friendly wheelchair
- Dual-Mode Wheelchair : With its flexible dual-mode design, this wheelchair allows for short-distance self-propelling or switching to manual mode, where assistance is needed. Perfect for daily use and mobility support in different scenarios
- Safe Dual Hand Brake System: Equipped with side brakes and rear hand brakes for precise and responsive stopping power, this wheelchair offers enhanced safety, especially on slopes or uneven terrain
- Spacious and Comfortable Wheelchair Seat: The 18.5-inch wide seat is made of breathable mesh and Oxford fabric, featuring a 2cm thick removable cushion for added comfort. It includes a leg strap for extra support, making it ideal for long-term use
- Durable Solid Tires & High Load Capacity: With 6-inch solid rubber front wheels and 20-inch solid polyurethane rear wheels, this wheelchair ensures excellent wear resistance and stability on various terrains. The reinforced aluminum frame supports up to 220 lbs, providing reliability and durability for users
Best Self Propelled Wheelchairs Buying Guide
Before choosing the best self propelled wheelchair you should consider following options:
1. Size: A self-propelled wheelchair is available in a variety of sizes, starting from small and ending with extra-large. If you are not sure of your size, you can get in touch with your doctor or a healthcare provider for guidance.
2. Weight capacity: Self-propelled wheelchairs can support different weight capacities. So make sure to buy a chair that can support your weight.
3. Durability: Self-propelled wheelchairs are expected to move smoothly on different types of surfaces. So make sure to buy a chair that is durable and can sustain the wear and tear of everyday use.
4. Features: Wheelchairs have different features. Some have more, while others have less. But make sure to buy one that has the right combination of features for your needs.
5. Cost: Wheelchairs are available in different price points. You can either buy a cheap wheelchair or one that is expensive.
But make sure to buy a chair that suits your budget.
6. Maintenance: Self-propelled wheelchairs should be easy to maintain. If they are not, they will be costly to operate. So make sure to buy a chair that is easy to maintain.
7. Mobility: Wheelchairs are available in different styles. You can either buy a heavy-duty chair or a lightweight one.
However, make sure to buy one that can support your movement and transport you easily.
8. Durability: Self-propelled wheelchairs are expected to move smoothly on different types of surfaces. So make sure to buy a chair that is durable and can sustain the wear and tear of everyday use.
9. Features: Wheelchairs have different features. Some have more, while others have less. But make sure to buy one that has the right combination of features for your needs.
10. Maintenance: Self-propelled wheelchairs should be easy to maintain. If they are not, they will be costly to operate. So make sure to buy a chair that is easy to maintain.
11. Mobility: Wheelchairs are available in different styles. You can either buy a heavy-duty chair or a lightweight one.
However, make sure to buy one that can support your movement and transport you easily.
12. Features: Wheelchairs have different features. Some have more, while others have less. But make sure to buy one that has the right combination of features for your needs.
13. Cost: Wheelchairs are available in different price points. You can either buy a cheap wheelchair or one that is expensive.
But make sure to buy a chair that suits your budget.
14. Durability: Self-propelled wheelchairs are expected to move smoothly on different types of surfaces. So make sure to buy a chair that is durable and can sustain the wear and tear of everyday use.
15. Mobility: Wheelchairs are available in different styles. You can either buy a heavy-duty chair or a lightweight one.
However, make sure to buy one that can support your movement and transport you easily.
16. Maintenance: Self-propelled wheelchairs should be easy to maintain. If they are not, they will be costly to operate. So make sure to buy a chair that is easy to maintain.
17. Cost: Wheelchairs are available in different price points. You can either buy a cheap wheelchair or one that is expensive.
But make sure to buy a chair that suits your budget.
18. Features:
What else you should know about self propelled wheelchairs
1. What are the benefits of using a self-propelled wheelchair?
The benefits of using a self-propelled wheelchair are that it can help people with mobility issues become more independent. Additionally, self-propelled wheelchairs can help people exercise their upper body and improve their cardiovascular health.
2. How does a self-propelled wheelchair work?
A self-propelled wheelchair is a wheelchair that can be propelled by the user without the need for someone else to push it.
3. What are the different features of self-propelled wheelchairs?
The different features of self-propelled wheelchairs include:
-The ability to move under one’s own power
-The ability to steer
-The ability to brake
-The ability to carry a passenger
4. How do I choose the right self-propelled wheelchair for me?
There are a few things to consider when choosing a self-propelled wheelchair:
-Your level of mobility: If you have some upper body strength and can propel yourself without too much difficulty, a manual wheelchair may be the right choice. If you have limited mobility or strength, an electric wheelchair may be a better option.
-Your budget: Self-propelled wheelchair can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Consider how much you are willing to spend on a wheelchair before making your decision.
-Your lifestyle: Consider how you will be using your wheelchair. If you plan on using it mainly for indoor use, a smaller, lightweight wheelchair may be a good choice. If you plan on using it for outdoor activities or long-distance travel, a heavier-duty wheelchair may be a better option.
5. How do I maintain my self-propelled wheelchair?
The best way to maintain your self-propelled wheelchair is to keep it clean and in good working order. Inspect it regularly for loose parts or damaged components, and make sure to keep the tires inflated to the proper pressure.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best self propelled wheelchairs. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best self propelled wheelchairs will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.