Best Full Sized Wheelchairs

Updated: Jul 17, 2022

A full-sized power chair can cost a bit more than a manual wheelchair, but the added ease of daily life and comfort with these chairs is worth every penny once you find the right one. Plus, these chairs can open up a new world of possibilities for seniors want to maintain their self-sufficiency. If you are looking for a new full-sized power chair, or are looking to upgrade from a manual chair, we’ve found some of the best options on the market right now for a variety of different needs.

How We Found The Best Full Sized Wheelchairs

8 Reviewers
38 Products Considered
12 Hours of Research
6 Products Reviewed
3 Top Picks

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Best Mid-Wheel Drive

Compact Mid-Wheel Drive Power Chair, Burgundy

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Features and Specifications

Pros

  • Battery range of 14 miles.

  • Two-motor mid-wheel drive.

  • Flip-back armrests.

  • Semi-reclining seat.

  • Anti-tip feature.

  • Can climb an 8-degree incline.

  • Highly-rated by users.

Cons

  • Minimal suspension for bumps.

The CTM Mobility Scooter Compact Mid-Wheel Power Chair is a decent value for a power chair at under $2,000. With thick treads on the mid-drive wheels, it offers an excellent sense of stability. The comfortable back has a reclining option, and the arms are simple to flip back and out of the way, which makes it easier for seniors to get in and out.

We like that it has a patented anti-tip wheel design that keeps you safely on course. We were also impressed with the extra-tight turning radius and how naturally it handles turning. The standard model comes with a Shark controller joystick, an adjustable headrest, a seat belt, and an adjustable footrest.

Overall, this is a fantastic option for older adults who particularly want a feeling of stability. The mid-wheel drive feels a bit smoother since it places your center of gravity over the drive wheels, which seniors with arthritis or other conditions will appreciate. We found this to be an excellent model for the price.

Our Verdict

We like the value, stability, and center of gravity on this mid-wheel drive power chair.

Best Compact

Merits Health Junior Compact Power Chair
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Features & Specs

  • Turning radius of 23 inches
  • Chair measures 33 x 25 x 24 inches.
  • Seat to floor measures 18 inches.
  • Seat measures 16 x 18 inches.
  • Weighs 135 pounds.
  • Weight capacity is 300 pounds.

Pros

  • Compact size

  • The seat is still standard size and comfortable.

  • Extremely maneuverable.

  • Programmable controller.

  • Battery range of 12.5 miles.

  • Top speed is up to 4.5 miles per hour.

  • Adjustable, flip-back armrests.

  • Two color options.

  • Can be disassembled.

Cons

  • Heavy for some individuals.

The Merits Health Junior Compact Power Chair is scaled-down to a compact size. However, it still has all of the typical functions you would expect in a full-sized electric wheelchair. We think this is an ideal chair for seniors who are frequently on the go. It has excellent reviews, thanks to its comfort and compact size.

Its small size is made even more convenient by the ability to disassemble the chair for portability. This power chair also has outstanding maneuverability, with a tight turning radius of only 23 inches. We found this model an excellent option for squeezing between close areas, down aisles, or along hallways. This chair’s portability and small, streamlined designed make it ideal for seniors who like to travel.

Our Verdict

The scaled-down size doesn’t stop this wheelchair from being comfortable and coming with features you’d expect.

Features & Specs

  • Mid-wheel drive.
  • Batteries: 22 NF.
  • Max incline of 6-degrees.
  • Chair measures 34 x 24 inches (backrests vary).
  • Seat measures 18 x 20 inches.
  • Seat to floor height max 20 inches.
  • Weighs 250 pounds.
  • Weight capacity is 300 pounds.

Pros

  • Turning radius of 19 inches.

  • Top speed of 5 miles per hour.

  • Excellent suspension.

  • High user ratings.

  • In-home repair service warranty.

  • Easy-access battery.

  • Six wheels on the ground.

  • Elevating, swing-away leg rests.

Cons

  • High price.

  • Very heavy.

The Pride Jazzy 600 ES Chair boasts a compact design and a tight 20.5-inch turning radius. This makes it ideal for navigating tight spaces indoors. The Jazzy 600 ES also has an ATX suspension system for a smoother ride over bumps like the threshold between carpeted and tiled rooms.

It can handle a 7.5-degree incline, which is just over the standard. It isn’t the highest slope of any model out there, but it works well for seniors who primarily need it for inside use.

The battery box is conveniently positioned with easy access to the batteries from the front of the chair—an excellent feature for older adults who live alone or semi-independently. What we love in particular that this chair comes with free in-home service for the first year.

Our Verdict

The maneuverability and in-home service of this chair make it our favorite for indoors.

Features & Specs

  • Seat to floor height max inches.
  • Seat size customizable, 16 to 20 inches.
  • Chair measures 24 x 34 (height varies depending on seat style)
  • Weighs 250 pounds.
  • Weight capacity of 300 pounds.

Pros

  • Turn radius of 19 inches

  • The seat can lower to help reach items from the floor.

  • Flip-back armrests.

  • Three seat options.

  • Elevating, swing-away leg rests.

  • Can run 19 miles on full charge.

  • Top speed of 5 miles per hour.

Cons

  • Quite heavy.

The Sunrise/Quickie Pulse 5 comes with an adjustable captain’s seat (also with the option of a high back or reclining back) for maximum comfort. The seat can also be lowered to 16 inches. This isn’t always a standard feature, and it’s a big bonus in making it easier for users to reach things off the floor.

The Pulse 5 is a compact mid-wheel drive option that is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use because of its ability to maneuver over the low bumps of a sidewalk. It can go as fast as a solid jogging speed of 5 miles per hour. What we love best of all is the incredible nimbleness of this power chair with its 19-degree turn radius.

With quality treads on the mid-wheels and different seat size options, you’re able to get a smaller-sized powered chair that is sturdy, and customizable to you. With a narrower seat than most, you can maneuver in small spaces with the exceptional compact turning radius. Seniors who want a versatile chair that can handle indoor and outdoor terrain will find what they’re looking for in this option.

Our Verdict

With a turn radius of 19-degrees and a seat that lowers for easy reaching, this is an excellent option for nimble movement.

Features & Specs

  • Turning radius is 24.5 inches.
  • The seat is customizable (16 to 20 inches).
  • Seat to floor measures 21.5 inches.
  • Chair measures 34.75 x 22.75 (height varies depending on seat style).
  • Battery lasts 13 miles.
  • Weighs 167.5 pounds.
  • Weight capacity is 300 pounds.

Pros

  • Affordable power chair.

  • Three seat options.

  • Runs up to 4 miles per hour.

  • Adjustable, flip-back armrests.

  • Runs 13 miles on full charge.

  • Guards to protect from bumps and scratches.

  • Customizable seat size.

Cons

  • Some disliked the ease of use.

  • Heavy.

The Pride Jazzy Sport 2 is an incredible value at well under $2,000. Considering the fact that some power wheelchairs cost well over $3,000, this is an excellent value for budget-conscious seniors, and we like that it still comes with the essential features you would expect.

This model has front-wheel drive. We found it to be stable and sturdy, and it also responds quickly to direction changes. It has Jazzy Armour® specially designed guards to help protect against daily wear. The standard model is equipped with a comfortable, high-back captain’s seat that both swivels and reclines.

It also has height adjustable, flip-up armrests to make transferring easier. The joystick can be mounted on either side depending on your preference. The sturdy, thick-tread wheels make this usable for both indoors and outdoors around town.

Our Verdict

We love that you still get the standard features and a quality speed out of this more affordable chair.

Features & Specs

  • Turning radius is 21 inches.
  • Seat measures 16 x 18 inches.
  • Seat to floor height is 22 to 27 inches.
  • Overall measures 38 x 24 inches.
  • Can run 10 miles on a battery
  • Chair weighs 189 pounds.
  • Weight capacity is 300 pounds.

Pros

  • Rotating base enables a 180-degree direction switch.

  • Elevating seat option for reaching up high.

  • Can handle 12-degree incline.

  • Two seat options.

  • Top speed of 5 miles per hour.

  • The option of two colors.

  • Well-rated by users.

Cons

  • A bit pricey.

  • Heavy

The Merits Health Dualer Powerchair has a unique two-in-one power base that rotates for either front or rear-wheel drive. When you find yourself stuck in a spot where there just isn’t enough room to turn around, we love that you can rotate the seat in the opposite direction and drive back out.

Changing the drive wheel position is simple. You just rotate the chair 180 degrees, lock yourself into place, and drive. This chair can reach up to 5 miles per hour—a solid jogging pace. This allows you to move around quickly and efficiently.

Another thing we like about this model is the added reachability for high spots such as cabinets or upper shelves in the grocery store, which is a great bonus for seniors who live alone. The power elevating seat is a free option and adds another level of independence.

Our Verdict

This fantastic power chair allows you to completely change drive directions if you find yourself in a tight space and need to back out.

Most full-sized power chairs are more expensive than manual models. So, it’s vital you find one from a copmany that has excellent customer service and some sort of warranty option. Check whichever website you order through to see what their warranty options are so you can ensure you’re making a secure, long-term purchase.

Contact the seller if necessary to see what kind of service options they have for repairs. Maintenance on your full-sized chair is essential, so you’ll want to know the basic upkeep for it.

Insurance

Getting insurance for your chair is also a great idea. First, you’ll want to check on reviews for the quality of its construction and reliability. If the model seems like the perfect option for you but some users have reported faults and damage, the insurance will protect you from having to shell out more money for repairs. One additional aspect to consider if you’ve never had a power chair before is whether it can be pushed when the battery dies on you.

Drive Type

This is an important factor for seniors to consider because it significantly affects the way the chair feels when you ride in it. There are three types of drive platforms for full-sized power chairs: front wheel, mid-wheel, and rear-wheel. A front wheel or mid-wheel drive platform is often more maneuverable and therefore ideal for an indoor setting. Mid-wheel can be more stable, but having the drive wheels under you means you can have a bit more vibration through the chair.

Customizing

Spending more money on a full-sized chair also means you will tend to have more options available, such as customizable seat sizes. Generally, a narrow seat is ideal for seniors 120 pounds and under. An 18-inch seat is considered medium and perfect for people between 120 pounds and 300 pounds. A 20-inch or larger seat is designed for those 300 pounds and over.

Having certain comforts such as adjustable foot plates and armrests can also be crucial, especially for older adults who will be spending most of their time in their wheelchair and need versatility. Consider whether you will want to ride up to a desk or table for eating. In this case, you will want to choose desk-length armrests. Full-length armrests are longer and can add a bit of stability when moving out of your chair.
rests. Full-length armrests are longer and can add a bit of stability when moving out of your chair.

Lifestyle

Your daily needs or general lifestyle will be a significant factor in choosing the right chair for you. If you plan to travel with your full-size chair, a more compact or lighter-weight model with good battery life is ideal. If you mostly stay indoors and often find yourself in cramped spaces or hallways, something with a tight turning radius or rotating base would be more up your alley.

Take a good look at whether you want a tight turning radius, in which case you’ll want a front or mid-wheel drive chair. If you need a smaller footprint with your chair, something with only four wheels (not a mid-wheel drive) will probably be necessary. Because these chairs can cost a bit more than a manual wheelchair, check out all the features such as reclining backs, elevating footrests, and top speeds. Decide what your top priorities are and then find the best for your needs and your budget.

Many seniors will find that buying a full-sized electric wheelchair makes their lives easier and more independent. It reduces the need to have a caregiver around and can help you get where you need to go without getting fatigued. There are many different options to choose from, whether you want a chair for getting around the house, exploring outdoors, or even traveling the world.

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