What are the Types of Wheelchairs?

What are the Types of Wheelchairs?

When you think about types of wheelchairs, you usually think about classic manual push wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs such as the famous Hoveround. You might not think about the other varieties of wheelchairs available that have different functions. It comes to mind when you or a loved one needs a wheelchair, making your decision on which to purchase more difficult. Believe it or not, in the world of mobility aids, wheelchairs have a large footprint. With advancements in modern medical science, it’s only a matter of time before we see a powered aquatic wheelchair. In the meantime, let’s take some time to explore the different types of wheelchairs available today. 

Manual

Manual wheelchairs are the basic and most commonly seen wheelchairs. They usually fold in from the sides and the back wheels are larger than the front wheels. They have handles at the top of the backrest for maneuvering the chair around. They also contain handrails on the rims of the rear wheels for user maneuvering. A manual brake is used to lock the back wheels of the wheelchair. Some models have a foot switch that activates a brake from underneath the chair. Manual wheelchairs usually weigh between 15-60 lbs. and can cost as low as $100. Depending on the make and model of the wheelchair, the weight capacity can vary and hold at least 200 lbs. Bariatric wheelchairs are available and hold a much higher weight limit, with some models able to hold over 600 lbs. The seats and armrests are usually made of vinyl or nylon material. Manual wheelchairs serve as the template on which other wheelchairs are based.

Types of Wheelchairs - Manual Wheelchair

Electric

Electric wheelchairs, also called power chairs and power wheelchairs, are becoming increasingly popular. When compared to manual wheelchairs, they offer improved comfort and convenience. Due to their electric components, electric wheelchairs do tend to weigh more than manual wheelchairs making them harder to transport without a van or a lift. Luckily, some brands of electric wheelchairs are foldable and lightweight, making them portable and ideal for traveling. Electric wheelchairs are more expensive, but a good lightweight electric power chair can be found for around $2,000.00. Similar to manual wheelchairs, electric models have one set of wheels larger than the others. Depending on the model, the front wheels may be larger than the rear wheels instead of the common opposite. Electric wheelchairs are battery-operated and maneuvered using a joystick mounted to the armrest of the users choosing. Batteries can usually be charged by plugging the charger directly into the battery or into the joystick. Electric wheelchairs also have a manual ouch feature that allows you to disengage the brakes when the chair is off and push it manually.

EasyGo Electric Wheelchair

Standing

Thanks to advancements in medical science and technology, standing wheelchairs are becoming more accessible to those who need them. Standing wheelchairs are perfect for those who suffer from limited mobility functions due to cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and various head and spinal ailments. They usually use hydraulic lifting mechanisms to raise the chair into a standing position. Standing wheelchairs have all the necessary harnesses and seatbelts needed to hold the user in place when in a standing position. They can be manually operated with some models equipped with a manual mechanism used to manually raise the chair to a standing position. Some manual standing wheelchairs can be on the lighter side, as little as 100 lbs. Other models that use hydraulic and electric systems tend to be heavier and can weigh at least 200 lbs. Similar to other wheelchairs, the choice of manual or electric has a big impact on the price. Standing wheelchairs vary in price, but generally, they start around $10,000.00. It may seem pricey, but it is well worth it for anyone who needs a standing wheelchair to meet their mobility needs.

Wheelchair Types - Standing Wheelchair

Reclining

Reclining wheelchairs are worth mentioning as they are requested quite a bit. After all, if you need to rely on a wheelchair for mobility, it would be nice to have a reclining feature. Reclining wheelchairs are ideal for those who rely heavily on their wheelchairs for mobility. Sitting for long periods of time can put strain and pressure on your buttocks, hips, lower back, and tailbone which can affect your legs and upper back as well. Reclining wheelchairs allow the rider to recline and take pressure and weight off their hips and buttocks allowing them to relax and stretch. These wheelchairs are used more by the geriatric community who have to sit in their wheelchairs for long periods of time. Reclining wheelchairs are not to be confused with tilting wheelchairs; tilting wheelchairs tilt back but do not change your body posture. Since most reclining wheelchairs are not electric, they can be found for relatively cheap with some models priced as low as $300.00. Depending on the model, reclining wheelchairs can fold and can be as light as 40 lbs. with weight limits of up to 400 lbs.

Tilt Wheelchair

Bariatric

Bariatric wheelchairs are made for those who suffer from obesity or conditions that make weight loss a challenge. They have wider seats and can support up to and sometimes exceed a weight of 700 lbs. Most manual bariatric wheelchairs you will find are foldable and operate no different than a standard manual wheelchair. They are considered heavy duty making them able to accommodate users of almost any size. This type of wheelchair typically has fewer options than other types. There are some bariatric power chairs available but they are not ideal for traveling and may not fit in a car, even if disassembled. If someone exceeds the weight capacity of a heavy-duty electric wheelchair but they need a powered mobility aid, a scooter may be a good option. Scooters can support higher weight capacities and provide the same type of powered mobility you would get in an electric wheelchair but in a bigger package. Sometimes, scooters need to be transported on a lift or in a van due to their weight and design and are not ideal for flying.

Bariatric Wheelchair

Athletic

Athletic wheelchairs are made specifically for handicapped athletes to take part in wheelchair sports. Wheelchair sports include basketball, softball, hockey, tennis, and soccer among many others. Athletic wheels are manually driven and are constructed differently than normal manual wheelchairs. Athletic wheelchairs have rear wheels angled differently to allow for more stability. Depending on the sport, these wheelchairs may have different parts to offer different types of protection and support for different sports. The front wheels on athletic wheelchairs are usually smaller for better agility. While not identified as an athletic wheelchair, specially made hand bikes, or handcycles, are another form of mobility aid for anyone who wants to take part in an active lifestyle. Hand bikes are driven by hand and are great for bike riding and racing. They offer speed and stability allowing the user to even go off-road. Since they are used for sports, athletic wheelchairs are usually lighter in weight and can usually be easily folded. There are many options for reliable athletic wheelchairs and you can find them starting at around $1,000.00.

Athletic Wheelchair

EasyGo Power Chairs

EasyGo power chairs offer lightweight and portable mobile freedom in a foldable and travel-friendly design. They weigh between 51-56 lbs. and fold in less than 30 seconds. EasyGo folds to the size of a small suitcase and can easily be loaded into the trunk of just about any vehicle. Depending on the model, they hold a max weight between 250-264 lbs. These battery-operated and joystick-controlled power chairs operate on lithium-ion batteries that are FAA approved and can go on the plane with you. When fully charged, EasyGo power chairs can drive up to 15 miles at 3.7 MPH. If you are looking for powered mobility that is foldable and truly portable, look no further than EasyGo Mobility.

Conclusion

With such a large variety of wheelchairs available, it is good to know the differences when the time comes to make your purchase. Knowing the difference in function per wheelchair is important. You want to make sure the wheelchair being purchased fits the user’s needs and supports the functions of the user. We hope this article helps you on your journey to purchasing the right wheelchair. Thank you for choosing EasyGo Mobility.

Power Chair vs Mobility Scooter: Which is Better?

Power Chair vs Mobility Scooter: Which is Better?

When you are on the search for a mobility aid, you might ask yourself, “Should I get a power chair or mobility scooter?”. Here at EasyGo Mobility, it is one of the most common questions that our clients ask us. The answer is not as straightforward as you might think. Power chairs, also known as electric wheelchairs, and mobility scooters can be very similar. But, they also have many differences as well. In this article, we will dive into the similarities and differences between power chairs and mobility scooters.

Overview

Power chairs and mobility scooters are both mobility aids that are battery-operated. They drive on at least three wheels that can be different sizes. Both power chairs and mobility scooters help give mobile independence back to their users. This allows their user to get back out into the world and enjoy life. Depending on the power chair or mobility scooter, they can be portable and suitable to use indoors and outdoors. Power chairs such as the EasyGo Power Chairs and scooters such as the Shoprider Echo Folding Scooter can be folded for easy storage and loading making them portable and ideal for traveling.

Portability

While there are some similarities in portability between power chairs and mobility scooters, the differences in portability are what really sets them apart. You can find portable scooters that are foldable and ideal for traveling. However, the weight capacity of portable scooters tends to be on the lower side. Many people looking to buy a scooter are looking for one with a higher weight capacity. To support a higher weight capacity, a scooter must be either full-size or heavy-duty. This makes these types of scooters not as portable since they are bigger and heavier. Some full-size or heavy-duty scooters can be disassembled for traveling, but that is not always convenient or ideal. Plus, they can get pretty heavy and expensive.

If you are looking for a truly portable mobility aid, a power chair is your best option. While there are some power chairs that are heavy and use large seats and require disassembly for transport, there are also many lightweight, portable, foldable power chairs available. Some folding power chairs can hold up to 300 pounds and fold within just a few seconds. They can be light enough to lift and store in your vehicle. Lightweight foldable power chairs may be FAA-approved so they can be taken on a plane with you.

Elite Model Wheelchair

Comfort

If you’re going to be using a mobility aid to get around, you want to make sure you’re comfortable. Both scooters and power chairs offer a variety of different sizes and styles of seats. Some seats offer the option to adjust the armrests, the seat height, and the backrest for additional comfort and support. It is also important to have sufficient space between the armrests and from the seat to the footplate/footrest. Some scooters and power chairs come with headrests for additional comfort. 

Price

While generally close in price, scooters tend to be more expensive than most power chairs. This makes sense when you consider a few facts. Scooters are bigger and heavier and use large batteries. They have more features such as headlights and mirrors which add to the total cost of the scooter. Some scooters can be found for under $2,500.00. But, if you want a full-size or heavy-duty scooter that has a higher weight capacity and more features, it will probably cost over $2,500.00. On the other hand, while you may be able to find power chairs that are over $2,500.00, you can usually find a good power chair for under $2,500.00. Foldable and portable power chairs are usually around that amount and offer the mobility most people need. Some companies offer financing that splits your total payment into monthly payments which help make mobility aids more affordable.

Mobility Equipment

Convenience

You want your scooter or power chair to be convenient overall. Both power chairs and scooters are convenient in their own way. While power chairs can be used outdoors, they tend to be more convenient to use indoors as they are usually smaller all around and provide the same ease of mobility as a scooter. Scooters can also be used indoors, but they can be big making maneuvering indoors difficult sometimes. Outdoors however scooters perform very well and usually have a longer driving range than power chairs. Due to their durability, they can go over obstacles a bit easier than power chairs. Both are convenient to turn on using a key, a button, or a switch. In terms of portability, foldable power chairs are more convenient. As mentioned previously, foldable power chairs are lightweight and can be loaded in your trunk. While foldable scooters are available and share that feature, others need to be disassembled to transport. Some scooters need to be transported on vans or lifts.

EasyGo Power Chairs

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use, comfortable, foldable power chair, EasyGo power chairs will give you what you need. EasyGo power chairs are battery-operated, joystick-driven, foldable, and lightweight power chairs that fold in a few seconds and can be loaded in your trunk. Enjoy a comfortable ride on 10 or 12-inch wheels while driving a total distance of 15 miles at a comfortable 3.7 MPH. When it comes to comfort, portability, and convenience, EasyGo is the way to go. Call 1-833-709-3499 to learn about any promotions and learn more about one of America’s lightest and most affordable power chairs.

Conclusion

So which is better; a power chair or mobility scooter? The answer comes down to personal preference and personal needs. If you need something that is heavy-duty and will take you everywhere you need to go outdoors, a mobility scooter may be the way to go. If you need something more convenient and don’t need something with a high weight capacity that is ideal for indoors and outdoors, a power chair is a very considerable choice. We hope this article helps you better outweigh your options. Thank you for choosing EasyGo.

How to Clean Your Wheelchair

How to Clean Your Wheelchair

Upkeep of your electric wheelchair or power chair is very important. And, it’s a key to keeping it in good condition. We all know that maintenance such as tightening the screws and bolts if they start to loosen up as well as applying grease/oil to any moving parts that may need to stay lubricated is essential.

But, a big part of upkeep that gets overlooked is cleaning your wheelchair. Believe it or not, your power chair needs to be cleaned regularly. Keeping your power chair clean can help extend the life of the chair and its components. And, it also keeps it looking nice and presentable. Especially if you’re taking it outdoors. Here are a few important tips and tricks so you can learn how to clean your wheelchair.

IMPORTANT NOTE – Please make sure your electric wheelchair/power chair is OFF before any cleaning takes place. It may be best to turn off the chair and fully remove the battery prior to cleaning to avoid potential electric shock, unintended movement of the chair, and damage to the electrical components of the chair. 

The Chair Itself – Cushions, Backrest, and Armrests

Similar to the seat cushions of your car or couch, your seat cushion and backrest should be cleaned regularly. This can prevent odor and will keep the cushion fresh and clean. It also can prevent dirt and bacteria from building up that can slowly eat away at the material. And, even wear down the fabric faster. Some cushions have a removable cover that you can throw into your washing machine. 

For models that don’t allow that, you’ll have to wipe it or scrub it clean with a damp cloth or per the care instructions that came with your power chair. Some power chairs that use rubber or vinyl seats must be cleaned using a damp cloth. Since the cushions are not machine washable, it is usually best to spray the cushion with some sort of scented fabric spray that fights off odors. And keeps the cushion smelling good. With that said, it is not recommended to spray a scented fabric spray on vinyl and rubber seats as the ingredients may cause damage to the material. The armrests are usually able to be wiped clean using a damp cloth.

Wheelchair Cushion

Wheels

Keeping the wheels clean is simple. Since the wheels on power chairs can get wet, you can clean them with warm water and light detergent. Like light dish soap, like Dawn. You can also clean the wheels with wipes that you would use to clean the surfaces in your car’s interior. With that said, be mindful of the ingredients in the cleaning products you use as some ingredients may be too harsh for certain materials. Some people prefer to wipe down their wheels with a damp cloth and nothing more. 

You can scrub the thread of the wheels with a soft or medium bristle brush. Like a household cleaning brush, a toothbrush, or even a paintbrush depending on how stiff the bristles are. Since wheels for power chairs are either flat-free rubber or pneumatic air-filled tires, we do not recommend using anything with metal bristles. Using metal bristles on solid rubber tires can cause scratches and damage to the wheels. Using metal bristles on pneumatic tires can puncture the wheel, which will cause it to go flat. If you plan to drive your chair right after cleaning your wheelchair wheels, we highly recommend ensuring the wheels are dry to prevent any sort of slipping. Use extreme caution when washing the wheels that are attached to the motor as the motor cannot get wet. We’ll talk more about motors later.

Frame

The frame of power chairs is easy to clean considering they are usually made of some kind of metal. Power chair frames are usually made of aluminum or magnesium or another type of metal. You should be able to simply wipe the frame clean with a damp cloth if it gets dirty. It is also recommended to dry the frame using a dry towel or cloth after cleaning it to prevent any discoloration. Or, in some cases, rust. Similar to the rest of the chair, try to avoid using any harsh chemicals when cleaning your wheelchair frame, as harsh chemicals can strip the finish off of the frame. If there is anything stuck to the frame that needs to be scrubbed off, such as mud, it is recommended to use a soft-bristled brush with light dish soap and warm water. Again, do not use any sort of metal bristles or strong harsh cleaners to scrub the frame as it will result in damage.

Elite Model Wheelchair

Controls / Joystick and Motor

Joysticks are easy to clean. You can usually just wipe them down. However, joysticks and the control panels are usually made with or covered in a soft rubber material that can be damaged by harsh chemicals. Joysticks and control panels should never be washed in water. This is because of the electrical components of the power chair. Therefore, it should never get soaked or submerged. The charging port, which is sometimes located on the joystick, will be damaged if it gets wet. And, this will prevent the chair from charging with that port. Keep all water away from the charging port or keep the rubber cover on it. If the charging port needs to be cleaned, compressed air is the best thing to use. 

The motor is one of the most important parts of any electric wheelchair or power chair. Because of this, it should be cleaned with extreme caution. Make sure no part of the motor gets wet. Otherwise, the chair will no longer work. Use extreme caution when you clean the wheels attached to the motors. Ensure no water gets in them. The easiest and best way to clean any debris from the inside of the motor is to spray it with compressed air. If there is too much debris within the motor to properly clean it, it is recommended that you contact the manufacturer or company from which you purchased your power chair for further guidance.

Cleaning your EasyGo

EasyGo power chairs are among the easiest power chairs to clean. The joystick is removable and you can wipe it clean with a damp cloth. The charging port located at the bottom of the joystick has a rubber cap that you can use when the chair is not charging. Especially when you are cleaning the joystick. If there is any debris in the charging port, use compressed air to clean it out. The frame of the EasyGo power chair can be wiped clean using a damp cloth and should be wiped dry to avoid water stains or discoloration. Wheels should be wiped clean or scrubbed using a small cleaning brush with warm water and light dish soap. If the rear wheels require scrubbing with water and soap, ensure the motor does not get wet or cover the motors to prevent any water from getting in. EasyGo power chairs also have a removable seat and backrest cover that are machine washable. The cover for the seat cushion can be removed from the cushion and is also machine washable. Because of this, EasyGo power chairs are very simple to keep clean and in good shape!

Conclusion

Electric wheelchairs are a big investment so you want to ensure you get the most out of your purchase. Keeping your wheelchair clean is just as important as all other maintenance. It will help extend the life of your chair and its components and will keep your chair looking good. It will also help with the performance of your chair. We hope these tips help you clean your wheelchair. Thank you for choosing EasyGo Mobility.

6 Tips for Driving an Electric Wheelchair

6 Tips for Driving an Electric Wheelchair

When you receive a new electric wheelchair or power chair, the first thing you want to do is get in and go. You want to test out your new set of wheels and enjoy your restored mobile independence. As you ride your electric wheelchair, you will get accustomed to how it drives. Like, how it handles turns, and overall, how it maneuvers. There are many things to take into consideration when riding around in your new electric wheelchair. With some customer feedback and research, EasyGo Mobility has put together a list of 6 tips for driving an electric wheelchair.

1. General Considerations

The speed, turning radius, width, and length of your electric wheelchair should always be taken into consideration. These factors come into play when coming to a full stop or trying to complete any turns. We’ll get into these soon. 

Similar to driving a car, you should be checking all your blind spots. Especially the ground and your lower surroundings. Make sure you’re looking behind you before you back up. If you have a horn or indicator, use it. Even if no one is behind you, there may be somebody around the corner you don’t see who has no idea you’re about to back up. So, your horn is a great tool.

If you need to get up from your chair, fold up your footplate. This will allow you enough room in front of you to safely stand and move away from and around your chair. Also, ensure you have enough room around you if you need to fold or unfold your chair. Having a general idea of safety and driving will take you and your wheelchair a long way!

 

Driving an Electric Wheelchair

2. Consider the Length and Width of your Wheelchair

You can sometimes forget how long and wide your electric wheelchair is. While most electric wheelchairs have no issues going through standard doorways, it is still good to consider your angle when coming through a doorway. Make sure you are straight to avoid bumping. And, don’t get too close to the doorframe or you could end up bumping and hurting your hand.

Try to avoid making any turns until you have made sure the full length of your chair is through the doorway. And that there are no obstacles in your way. You also want to be aware of the width as you drive down narrow hallways. Knowing the length also helps when backing up.

As mentioned previously, it’s a good idea to look behind you as you back up. This will ensure you don’t back into anything or anyone. Overall, take the width and length of your electric wheelchair into consideration. And, make sure you have sufficient room to move all around your wheelchair. It can take some practice before you are spacially aware of your wheelchair’s size. So, don’t get discouraged if you have a few bumps along the way.

3. Understand Your Turning Radius

You must also consider your turning radius. Depending on the model of the wheelchair you have, the turning radius will be different. And, is just as important as anything else on this list. The turning radius defines how much space you need to make a turn. When turning in your chair, it is necessary to ensure there is sufficient room for your wheels, handles, armrests, footplate, basket, or anything that you have sticking out of your wheelchair. If you do not have enough room to turn, simply reverse and don’t go forward unless you know there is sufficient room and your path is clear of obstacles.

Wheelchair

4. Your Weight

Your weight also plays a factor in driving your chair. Depending on your electric wheelchair and regardless of the weight capacity, your weight can still affect the performance of your power chair. Your weight can affect how quickly the chair accelerates, the top speed, how quickly it reaches its top speed, and most importantly, how quickly it comes to a full stop once the brake engages. Weight also accelerates how fast wear and tear can occur. While you may be within weight capacity for your wheelchair, your weight could be putting additional strain on the motors shortening their life expectancy.

The same goes for the battery. If the battery needs to work harder to accommodate additional weight on the chair, it will lose power a little faster requiring it to be charged sooner. The tread on your wheels can also be affected by your weight. This is because extra weight will cause the tires to turn harder on the ground wearing them down more quickly. Ensure you keep your weight at capacity or less than the capacity supported by your wheelchair to ensure it lasts as long as possible. 

5. Brakes and Stopping Distance

Despite the stopping distance reported by the manufacturer, you should do your testing on the brakes. Find a safe spot where you can test out the brakes and stopping distance of your chair. This helps give you a good idea of how soon to let go of your joystick to allow sufficient time and space for a safe stop. Use a stopwatch and tape measure or ruler to measure how long it takes, both in time and distance, for your chair to stop. Do this at all speeds. If you feel are going too fast to stop before hitting something, you should try putting your chair into reverse. This stops the motor from accelerating the chair forward and can help stop your chair faster.

Climb Radius

6. Speed

The last tip for driving an electric wheelchair is to understand your speed. It is usually best to change the speed to your preference and depending on where you will be driving your chair. You may find that a lower speed works better indoors. Going at a lower speed indoors avoids obstacles and ensures you get around your home safely. It helps when entering a room or making a turn. Higher speeds are usually best outdoors or in larger areas where you have more room to move with fewer obstacles. As long as your ground clearance will allow it, higher speeds outdoors will also get you over small obstacles such as little cracks and bumps.

As previously mentioned, testing your speed also gives you a chance to test the brakes. See how long it takes to come to a full stop when you let go of the joystick and the brake engages. Doing this at all speeds will give you a great idea of when to stop wherever you are. 

Driving an EasyGo

EasyGo power chairs live up to the “Easy” in the name. Not only do they fold and unfold in under 30 seconds, but they also come fully assembled and ready to go right out of the box. They are lightweight enough to lift and load into your vehicle and have been reported by customers as being one of the easiest and most convenient power chairs to use. EasyGo power chairs are just over 2 ft wide, making them compact enough to easily drive through standard doorways. With a tight turning radius of 28.3 inches, EasyGo power chairs turn smoothly and effortlessly. They also have a horn button on the joystick panel that allows you to let everyone know you are coming through. Once the brake is engaged by letting go of the joystick, EasyGo power chairs come to a full stop within 39 inches or less of when you let go. EasyGo power chairs can travel up to 15 miles on a single battery charge at speeds up to 3.7 MPH, which is a little faster than it sounds. The Standard model power chair weighs 51 lbs. including the battery and holds a max weight of 250 lbs. The bestselling Elite model power chair weighs 56 lbs. with the battery and holds a max weight of 264 lbs. Driving an EasyGo power chair truly is easy.

Conclusion

Driving an electric wheelchair involves more than just getting in and going. There are many factors to consider in how to safely drive your electric wheelchair. Considering and being mindful of these factors as you drive will ensure safe trips with no accidents. Make sure you check all your surroundings, let people know that you are coming through, and ensure you are traveling at a safe speed where a sudden stop will not be a problem. We hope these tips help you become a better electric wheelchair driver. We wish you all safe driving and thank you for choosing EasyGo Mobility.

The 8 Most Reputable Wheelchair Companies

The 8 Most Reputable Wheelchair Companies

Whether you are looking for your first or your 5th wheelchair, you want to ensure you are looking for the most reputable wheelchair companies. With so many different options online, it can be difficult to find companies that have truthful reviews and high-quality products. This is exactly why we have put together this list of the 8 most reputable wheelchair companies, in hopes of helping you choose the best companies to trust with your mobility.

 

In no particular order.

1. EasyGo Mobility

Our company, EasyGo Mobility is an industry leader in foldable and travel-friendly electric wheelchairs. EasyGo’s head office is located in Tonawanda, New York. Our CEO has been in the mobility aid business for over 17 years, where he realized there were a limited number of options of trustworthy and reputable companies on the market. Especially when you are looking at foldable electric wheelchairs. That’s how EasyGo was born! Currently, we have two different models of portable power chairs, the Elite and the Standard models. With the Elite being our best-selling model. Our wheelchairs are unique, due to their lightweight design, ability to fold into the size of a suitcase, and lithium-ion batteries making them safe to take onto an airplane. In addition, we offer a 3-year warranty on our wheelchairs.

EasyGo Folding Power Chair
Elite Folding Power Chair

2. Pride Mobility

Pride Mobility is one of the top powered mobility providers in the world, with over 25 years of experience. Their head office is in Beamsville, Ontario, Canada. They also do most of the manufacturing in the United States, which a lot of Americans enjoy. Pride Mobility offers a wide range of products, including lift chairs, scooters, and of course electric wheelchairs. Warranties range from 13 months to 5 years, depending on the part of the wheelchair and the model. Their most popular electric wheelchair model is the Pride Go Chair.

3. Golden Technologies

Next on our list of the most reputable wheelchair companies, we have Golden Technologies. Golden Technologies is well known for its compact electric wheelchairs like the Lite Rider Envy. Their headquarters is located in Old Forge, PA, and they started as a small family-owned and operated company that has bloomed into one of the largest and most reputable wheelchair companies in America.

4. Shoprider

If you have ever looked into purchasing an electric wheelchair, there is a good chance that you have heard of Shoprider. Shoprider is a leading manufacturer when it comes to large power wheelchairs. They do offer one wheelchair that is portable, the Smartie, but other than this model, most are very large although some may disassemble. If you’re curious about disassembling wheelchairs versus folding wheelchairs and which is better, check out this article. Shoprider’s headquarters is located in Torrance, CA. 

Most Reputable Wheelchair Companies

5. Drive Devilbiss

Drive Devilbiss, sometimes known as Drive Medical or just Drive, proclaims that they are leading the world with innovative healthcare solutions. They are another very popular brand in America. Drive provides a variety of medical equipment, including walkers, rollators, scooters, and power wheelchairs. Their most popular models of power wheelchairs are the Trident HD and Cirrus Plus HD. Again, these wheelchairs are pretty bulky so they may not be ideal if you want to put them in your vehicle. Their headquarters is located in Washington NY.

6. Sunrise Medical

Sunrise Medical is well-known for its mobility scooter brand, Fortress. Their wheelchairs are a little lesser known. They offer a variety of heavy-duty and tilting wheelchairs, which as you can imagine, cost a pretty penny. A lot of Americans that require tilting wheelchairs try to get coverage via insurance, disability programs, or finance them through payment plans. Their headquarters is located in Fresno, CA.

7. Hoveround

Next up on our list of the 8 most reputable wheelchair companies, we have Hoveround. Hoveround sells a variety of brands, including their very own Hoveround power wheelchair. Their brand of wheelchairs is more “medical” looking, with light grey seats, wheels, and parts of the frame. Hoveround offers wheelchairs with a variety of weight capacities. Their headquarters is located in Sarasota, Florida.

8. Invacare

Last but not least is Invacare. Invacare is a globally recognized brand specializing in a variety of medical equipment. Over the last few years, they have shifted their focus from mobility scooters to electric wheelchairs and other products. In fact, they discontinued all of their mobility scooters, which was quite shocking to their brand-loyal consumers. They offer three main wheelchairs. First, the AVIVA, a tilting wheelchair. The Storm Series is a bariatric wheelchair. And the TDX Series, which is a middle-of-the-line series. Their headquarters is located in Elyria, Ohio.

Staying Healthy As A Senior

Last Words

With so many wheelchair companies on the market, it can be very difficult to choose the most reputable wheelchair companies to trust. We hope that this list helps you narrow down your options. As always, if you have any questions about EasyGo Mobility, do not hesitate to reach out.

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