Lifting a heavy power chair into a car trunk is a worry for a lot of families.

If you are looking for lightweight folding power wheelchair reviews, you are in the right place.

Below you will find a comparison of how much each folding power wheelchair weighs, how each one folds, the pros and cons of each model, features to consider, tips for choosing, safety and maintenance advice, using one outdoors, and who should not use one.

Power wheelchairs help many people with limited mobility get around on their own. See our guide to mobility aids for more.

But, the problem with power chairs is they are typically bulky and heavy and are designed to be used only in the home. Most people aren’t able to transport them because of this. So they don’t get the benefit of using them in the community. 

Here’s the answer to that problem, though! Lightweight, portable wheelchairs that fold up for travel! These products offer portability and ease of use, making access to the outside world more manageable.

Lightweight Folding Power Wheelchair Reviews

Researching portable power wheelchairs before purchasing them is essential for those seeking a safe, comfortable, and reliable mobility solution. If you want to see one up close, we also looked at the VOCIC portable power wheelchair, which folds down for easy travel.

With so many models and features available, it isn’t easy to know where to start. Here is what to look for when buying a power chair.

Below are reviews of some of the best lightweight folding power wheelchairs on the market so that you can make the best choice for yourself or a loved one.

Lightweight Foldable Electric Wheelchair

The VERPAL 32 lb Lightweight Electric Wheelchair is a foldable power chair built for people who want to get around on their own and still be able to load it into a car.

The frame weighs 32 pounds, and that figure does not include the battery. The battery is FAA-compliant (151Wh, 6Ah), which matters if you plan to fly with it.

It folds in about 3 seconds, and the light frame makes lifting it into a car trunk simple.

Steering is done with a 360° rotating joystick and a 6-button keypad. That keeps the controls straightforward, so you can go where you want without waiting on someone else.

The frame is aluminum alloy and holds up to 220 pounds. A 360W dual motor handles inclines up to 12°, and the chair is meant for grass, gravel and uneven ground as well as indoors. It has a 16.5-inch seat and a range of 12.5 miles.

The trade-offs: the 220-pound capacity is lower than some heavier chairs offer, so check that number against your own weight first. Because the 32 pounds leaves out the battery, the total you lift will be a little more. And 12° is a moderate incline, so very steep hills are not what this chair is for.

Video Demonstration

33 lbs. Lightweight Featherweight Powerchair | 1800Wheelchair

How to Fold the Featherweight

The Featherweight is designed to fold and load into a vehicle easily. And it takes just three simple steps:

1. Remove the leg rests,
2. Fold down the backrests using the simple levers,
3. Lift the handle in the middle of the seat to fold the chair.

Once the chair is folded, you can quickly load it into a vehicle or van trunk. The lightweight design makes it easy to lift and carry when necessary.

With a convenient design and easy foldability, this power wheelchair is an excellent choice for those who need to transport their wheelchair regularly.

Paiseec Lightweight Electric Wheelchair

The Paiseec Q3 is one of the lightest chairs in this comparison. It weighs only 32 pounds, so lifting it into a car trunk is a much smaller job than with most power chairs.

It has a 500W brushless motor. That means a quicker response, a smoother ride and quieter operation than a standard power wheelchair.

It also has a small turning radius, which helps in tight spots like bedrooms and hallways. That makes it a good fit for daily use around the house.

For distance, the dual-battery setup gives up to 22 miles of range. One battery is a spare you swap in when the first runs down.

The lithium battery is airline and ship-approved, so the chair is a reasonable choice for vacations and trips.

One trade-off: the 22-mile figure depends on buying the dual-battery setup. With a single battery you will not go as far, so plan your day around that.

A chair this light is also built for getting around and traveling. If you want a heavily cushioned seat for sitting in all day, look at one of the larger chairs in this list.

How to Fold the Air Hawk

The Air Hawk Portable Electric Wheelchair is designed with portability and convenience in mind.

While the process isn’t particularly arduous, it is more cumbersome than some of the others I have reviewed because it requires removing more parts. Here are the steps necessary.

1. Disconnect and remove the joystick
2. Disconnect and remove the chair batteries
3. Engage the wheel locks 
4. Flip up the seat cushion and pull the release lever under the rear of the seat
5. Fold the chair by grabbing and pulling up the footrest 

WHILL Model F Power Chair

The Whill Model F is a lightweight folding power chair with Bluetooth app access and a loading weight of 53 pounds.

The WHILL Model F Folding Power Wheelchair has a total weight of only 59 lbs, with the battery included, and 53 pounds without.

It has a maximum speed of 3.7 mph and a range of up to 12 miles per charge, allowing users to go wherever they want.

It also features a lot of adjustments to provide a more comfortable fit: adjustable armrests, back angle, arm height, and arm width, as well as an adjustable joystick.

If you like the idea of a mobility chair you can customize to fit your life, I also wrote about the Vela Independence Mobility Chair.

The upholstery is also adjustable and designed for comfort and support. The chair is designed with safety in mind, featuring a secure locking mechanism and anti-tip wheels.

In many ways, the Whill F Model has many of the same features as the other chairs. Still, there is one option that makes this power wheelchair stand out from the others: an app with Bluetooth connectivity.

The Whill app works as a remote control allowing users to lock and unlock this “Smart Chair” for security and control the chair’s speed settings.

Caregivers can also drive the chair from the app if the patient or handicapped user needs assistance navigating obstacles.

Folding the Whill F

The WHILL Model F is easy to fold and load in a vehicle. It folds in half in less than 3 seconds and can be stored in the trunk or the back of an SUV with minimal effort. The chair also has an integrated handle for easy transport. 

1. Press down on the release on the back of the chair with your foot.
2. Pull back on the armrests.
3. Collapse the chair by pulling up on the back of the seat.

Vive Health Foldable Power Wheelchair

The Vive Health Folding Power Wheelchair is the least expensive folding portable power chair I recommend. But it is heavy at 95 pounds with the batteries. Do not lift it alone. Plan on two people, or a ramp or lift.

The Vive Health Folding Power Wheelchair is a highly maneuverable electric wheelchair that is easy to drive.

It has a powerful motor and sizeable rear wheels that allow for a smooth and comfortable ride over rough terrain. The long battery life gives you a range of 12 miles between charging.

The wheelchair weighs 95 lb, including the batteries, heavier than many of the others I have reviewed here. The batteries are 30 pounds, but they aren’t designed to be removed every time the chair is folded.

The maximum weight capacity is 220 pounds, which isn’t a lot. Because the chair is heavier and has a smaller weight capacity, this wheelchair is best for smaller people who have help loading it.

Vive is also known for its excellent customer service.

How to Fold the Vive Folding Power Wheelchair

The Vive Health Folding Power Wheelchair has an easy-fold design, powerful motors, and a large rear wheel. It is heavy at 95 pounds with batteries, so do not lift it alone. Plan on two people, or a ramp or lift. Here’s the process:

1. Flip the footplates up, swing them out, and remove them from the chair.
2. Flip down the back of the wheelchair using the levers on the back canes.
3. Pull the seat upholstery up in the middle to fold the chair.

Automatic Reclining Electric Wheelchair

The Automatic Reclining Foldable Electric Wheelchair suits someone who spends long stretches in the chair and wants to change position without help.

The backrest reclines from 90° to 150° with a remote, and the footrest adjusts too. That makes it easier to sit upright for a meal and lean back for a rest. It also has a high backrest and a headrest.

The seat and backrest cushion are made of thick, breathable mesh, which is meant to relieve pressure and give firm support.

Under the seat is a 500W motor, and the chair supports up to 330 pounds. It has anti-tip rear wheels, solid 8-inch front wheels, and 12-inch pneumatic rear wheels for traction. It climbs slopes up to 12°, and it is built for light rain, gravel, grass and city sidewalks.

The 12Ah lithium battery gives a range of up to 15 miles. The chair folds, and it is listed as airline approved, which matters if you plan to fly with it.

Who it is not for: a chair with reclining parts and a motor is heavier to lift than a basic folding chair. If you need to load it into a car by yourself, think that through first. Pneumatic rear tires are air-filled, so they can go flat like a bicycle tire.

Folding the Cirrus

The Drive Medical Cirrus Plus folds in half and can be stored in a trunk or the back of an SUV. But it is larger and heavier than the others, so most people will need help loading it. Here’s the process:

1. Swing the footrests back against the frame or remove them
2. Remove the batteries from the tray (28 pounds each, so get help lifting them and bend your knees)
3. Pull the seat upholstery up from the middle to fold

Features to Consider When Shopping for a Folding Electric Wheelchair

Shopping for and buying a power wheelchair is not something you do every day. So, here is what to look for when buying a power chair:

Total Wheelchair Weight vs. Loading Weight

Because some wheelchair manufacturers aren’t always clear about what is included in their stated weights, read the description carefully.

The most important thing to know about the weight is how much the piece that you will be lifting and loading into the car weighs after removing accessories, batteries, etc.

Weight Capacity

Weight capacity is the maximum weight the chair can safely hold, which is an essential consideration for the user.

If the user is too heavy for the chair, it could cause safety issues, so make sure the chair’s weight capacity is at least 10 to 15% greater than the user’s weight.

Folding Ability and Portability

Many folding electric wheelchairs are designed to fold for easy storage and transportation. Still, some are more difficult to fold than others. Look for a chair that folds easily and quickly so the user can get on the road without any hassles.

Make sure you or a caretaker can assemble and reassemble the chair as needed. And, also, make sure you understand these instructions and can repeat them easily.

Maximum Drive Range Per Charge

The range is the maximum distance the wheelchair can travel on a single charge. The rechargeable battery range must be long enough to cover the user’s daily needs.

Running out of battery power is inconvenient and can be dangerous. Look for a model with a battery range greater than 10 miles.

Speed

The speed of the chair is essential for both safety and convenience. Look for a model with adjustable speeds so the user can set it to their comfort level.

Also, ensure the top speed is appropriate for the user’s needs. A higher rate is recommended if the chair is used in an urban environment with multiple street crossings.

Adjustability

Many electric wheelchairs have adjustable features like armrests, leg rests, and upholstery tension. So, choose a model with adjustable components to help the user get a comfortable and secure fit.

Available Seat Sizes

Look up the width and depth of the seating surface and compare that to the user of the wheelchair. Have the person using the electric wheelchair sit in a firm chair like a dining chair and measure them.

Measure across their hips (the seat width) and from the back of their rear end to the back of their knee (the seat depth). Make sure the user’s measurements do not exceed the seat width.. 

Overall Chair Width

Measure the doorways that the chair needs to go through and ensure the power wheelchair will fit. I suggest a chair width of at least 2″ narrower than the smallest doorway to allow room for navigating and turning.

Foot Supports

Make sure the folding motorized chair you choose has proper foot support. I recommend swing away leg rests with footrests that also fold up. That way, the user can move the leg and footrests out of the way to get in and out of it more easily.

It is also good if the length of the leg rests is adjustable so that they fit the wheelchair rider. A flip-up footboard is acceptable too.

Joystick Location

Ensure the joystick mounts to either the chair’s right or left side. It is also beneficial if it adjusts in and out to match the arm length of the user.

Important Accessories

• Seatbelts are essential for user safety by reducing the chance of falling out.
• Adjustable upholstery allows the tightness of the back or seat upholstery to be adjusted for the user’s comfort.
• Cushions improve comfort, especially for those seated in a chair for long periods.
• Seat baskets allow you to carry essentials with you.

Why Would You Want a Folding Power Wheelchair?

Power wheelchairs help many people with limited mobility get around on their own. A folding model adds the convenience of a lightweight, portable design.

It allows the user to transport the wheelchair easily and store it when not in use. They can take it with them in the community for shopping, eating out, attending church, or even going on vacations, airplanes, or cruise ships with the family.

The ugly secret behind having insurance pay for your power wheelchair is that they aren’t likely to consider your limited mobility needs in the community. They are only concerned about your use of the chair in the home to care for yourself.

 Most power chairs insurance will pay for are heavy and only travel well with specialty vans or powered vehicle lifts.

A lightweight fold-up electric wheelchair is a lighter chair that folds to a compact size, making them ideal for local travel in a car because they fit easily in the trunk. Even air travel becomes possible and more accessible with a wheelchair that folds.

Tips for Choosing the Best Folding Electric Wheelchair For Your Needs

Because you are likely paying for your portable power chair with your own money, here are some tips for getting the right product for your particular needs:

1. What’s Your Budget?

Take into account what you can afford to spend. There are many different models available, and you want to get the best quality for the price you can afford. Some companies offer payment plans to help you get your desired product if you are on a tight budget.

2. What Are Your Mobility Needs?

How often will you use the wheelchair? If you use it frequently, you may want a more durable, heavier model with a longer battery life and range. However, occasional users may not need the best battery life and most extended range.

3. Where Will You Use It?

Different types of electric wheelchairs are designed to handle different kinds of terrain. For example, some models are designed for indoor use, while others are designed for outdoor use.

If you use the chair outdoors on unpaved surfaces, get a power wheelchair with larger wheels for a smoother ride. Smaller chairs with a small turning radius do better in tight places.

4. What Size Do You Need?

Make sure the wheelchair you get will fit. Most portable power chairs only have one size option.

Measure your hip width when seated and compare that to the seat width. You shouldn’t be cramped in the chair, which can be uncomfortable and cause pressure-related problems.

5. How Safe Is It?

Choose safety features such as safety belts, wheel locks, and brakes. 

6. What Accessories Do You Need?

How will you use the chair? For example, if you use the chair frequently, you may need a cup holder and a storage basket or bag.

An umbrella or sunshade is nice if you are outdoors in the sun. If you need a cane or walker, look for a cane or walker holder to carry those with you. If you use supplemental oxygen, you’ll need an oxygen tank holder.

7. What Do Actual Users Say?

It is always a good idea to read customer reviews before purchasing a folding electric wheelchair.

User reviews tell you how happy users are with their purchases and can help you decide if a particular model suits you. Also, look for comments about great customer service.

Safety Tips: Maximizing the Benefits of Lightweight Folding Power Chairs

While folding power chairs are simple to operate, there are a few things to keep in mind so that you stay safe while using them.

1. When loading the wheelchair into the car, secure it properly with a tie-down system if possible. An unsecured chair could injure vehicle occupants in the event of an accident.

2. Check that the batteries are correctly charged and the brakes are in good working order before each use.

3. When using the joystick controls to move the chair, keep your hands and feet clear of any moving parts.

4. If you need to go up or down an incline, use the joystick to slow down the chair to prevent it from tipping or slipping.

5. When you arrive at your destination, park the chair in safe parking areas and use the brakes to secure it.

6. Always check for obstacles that can cause the chair to tip or slip.

7. When folding the wheelchair, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure it is done correctly.

8. Store it in a secure, dry place and not exposed to extreme temperatures.

Maintenance Tips: Keep Your Lightweight Power Wheelchair in Tip-Top Shape

1. Check the Battery: Inspect the battery for any signs of corrosion, cracks, or loose terminals. Check the charge level and make sure it’s fully charged before use. 

2. Clean the Wheels: Wipe down the wheels with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. Check for loose or damaged spokes, and make sure the tires are inflated to the correct pressure.

3. Grease the Brakes: Lubricate the brakes regularly for smooth operation.

4. Inspect the Suspension: Inspect the suspension system for any signs of wear or damage. Tighten any loose bolts, and make sure all parts are secure.

5. Check the Controls: Ensure the joystick, buttons, and other control features are working correctly.

6. Clean the Upholstery: Wipe down the upholstery with a damp cloth to remove dirt and stains.

7. Check the Frame: Inspect the frame for signs of rust or corrosion. Tighten any loose bolts and check for any signs of damage.

Terrain Options: Using a Portable Power Chair Outdoors

Paved Roads: Most lightweight folding power wheelchairs can be used on paved roads, such as roads, sidewalks, and bike paths. When using a power wheelchair on a paved road, drive slowly and be aware of your surroundings.

Grassy Fields: Before driving your power wheelchair on grassy yards or terrain, ensure the ground is even and free of debris. Larger wheels are recommended for a smoother ride.

Gravel: Only some chairs will do well in gravel, especially loose gravel. When using a power wheelchair on gravel, driving slowly and being mindful of your speed is essential. Large tires with tread are important here too. Packed gravel is more straightforward to operate powerchairs on than loose gravel.

Wooden Paths: When using a power wheelchair on a wooden path, such as at a park or boardwalk at the beach, drive slowly and watch out for any uneven surfaces and loose or missing boards.

Mud or Sand: Some lightweight folding power wheelchairs are designed to be used on muddy or sandy terrain, but most aren’t. Only use your chair in these conditions if the manufacturer states it is safe.

Who Should Not Use a Folding Power Wheelchair

These chairs may not suit everyone. If someone has a condition that affects how they sit or hold their posture, ask their doctor or therapist before buying.

The problem is these chairs do not offer options for positioning support for people who cannot sit upright on their own. Mounting back support devices like lateral pads, custom contoured backs, etc., is complicated at best and could prevent the chairs from folding up.

Audio Article

Infographic: How to Choose a Lightweight Folding Power Wheelchair

I hope this guide to choosing a portable power wheelchair has been helpful. If so, I would appreciate you sharing this post on your favorite social media profiles!

Please let me know any additional questions you have in the comments below!