What Is the Most Affordable Electric Wheelchair?

The most affordable electric wheelchairs are manufactured by Drive Medical. The range includes conventional Cirrus folding electric wheelchairs and Titan Powerchairs. Pricing starts at $1,804 for Cirrus models and $1,974 for Powerchairs. All wheelchairs carry a minimum load of 300 pounds, while heavy-duty bariatric models have a 450-pound load capacity. Seat widths are from 18 inches to 24 inches.

Other affordable electric wheelchair brands include Pride Mobility and Rolstoel. Although costing slightly more than comparative models from Drive Medical, both incorporate innovative design features to aid storage and mobility. It’s easy to disassemble Pride Mobility power chairs for transport, while Rolstoel wheelchairs utilize ultra-lightweight folding construction.

Why Drive Medical Is Our Top Pick for the Most Affordable Electric Wheelchair

Drive Medical’s moderately priced electric wheelchairs include rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive and mid-wheel drive models, and each is suited to different needs. Maximum speeds of Drive Medical electric wheelchairs are between 4 and 5 miles per hour, and many have a load-dependent range of 15 miles. Ground clearance is from 2.5 to 4 inches, facilitating use over rough pavement. Models feature robust construction and a limited lifetime warranty on all wheelchair frames.

Here’s how Drive Medical electric wheelchairs stack up against key competitors.

For more information about this product, read our full product review of Drive Medical electric wheelchairs.

Other Affordable Electric Wheelchairs

When looking for an affordable wheelchair, also consider Pride Mobility and Rolstoel, as their innovative features might be a good fit for your needs.

Pride Mobility Electric Power Chairs Are Best for Innovation

Pride Mobility pays attention to user-friendly features. The Go Chair uses a simple touch disassembly mechanism for easy storage and transport and offers a choice of seat widths and height adjustment to suit individual needs. The Jazzy Air uses a height-adjustable ram to elevate the seat by 12 inches for easy socializing and access to work surfaces.

To learn more, read our full product review of Pride Mobility electric wheelchairs. 

Rolstoel Electric Wheelchairs Are Best for Lightweight Construction

Rolstoel electric wheelchairs are among the lightest powered wheelchairs, thanks to the use of tough aluminum alloy for frames and support components. They fold flat without disassembly and take up less storage space than traditional folding wheelchairs. The hybrid manual electric model weighs only 34 pounds, while more conventional lightweight folding electric wheelchairs start at 50 pounds.

To learn more, read our full product review of Rolstoel electric wheelchairs.

What To Consider When Selecting an Electric Wheelchair

Important considerations should be user comfort and weight capacity. Always choose a wheelchair that’s the right size — not too large or small. For good maneuverability, choose a powerchair because these generally turn in their length. Larger wheels and good ground clearance help when negotiating rough terrain. Don’t forget to consider accessories like chargers, spare batteries, trays and mobility aids.