What Are the Lightest Wheelchairs?

Having a light weight wheelchair offers greater portability and convenience to the user and the companion. Go into any wheelchair authorized dealer and you will see a large number of wheel chairs that are advertised as light weight. Your usage and needs will determine which wheelchair type is correct for you.

• Rigid wheelchairs are commonly used by athletes. These chairs offer tremendous flexibilty and durability. The rigid chair has fewer moving parts than a traditional folding wheelchair. Rigid wheelchairs can be made to fit the individual. These chairs are maneuverable and good for everyday use. The average chair weights around 14.5 lbs.

• Folding wheelchairs are more traditional. There chairs are designed for the companion pushing the chair rather than the user. Folding chairs can also offer many features such as adjustable arm rests and adjustable back rests. Folding chairs typically will weight more than rigid chairs, running anywhere from 14.5 to 36 lbs.

• Titanium wheelchairs are offered on the market. Titanium chairs offer all the durability and options seen in rigid and folding chairs but weigh considerably less. A standard titanium rigid car will weigh 10 lbs. Titanium folding chairs can weigh as little as 16 lbs. but normally run in the 23 to 33-lb. range.