Written by Amanda Marten, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Safely getting where you need to go: it’s something many people take for granted. According to the World Health Organization, over 65 million people worldwide require a wheelchair. Many of those users need a special wheelchair designed to accommodate more weight.
Bariatric wheelchairs, or more commonly known as heavy duty wheelchairs, are specialized chairs that have a reinforced frame to support more weight. Most heavy duty wheelchairs are electrically powered, which gives users more mobility and autonomy. There are many heavy duty power wheelchairs on the market, all with varying features and designs. Here are some of our top picks!
Everyone has different wants and needs for their ideal wheelchair. Before purchasing a heavy duty power wheelchair, there are many features you need to consider. Let’s review some of these features below.
All heavy duty power wheelchairs are designed to accommodate more weight than standard wheelchairs. Most heavy duty power wheelchairs support between 300-450 lbs. Their average weight capacity is about 350 lbs. Some specialized heavy duty electric wheelchairs support up to 700 lbs. The heavy duty power wheelchairs in this article have a weight capacity between 300-450 lbs.
Heavy duty power wheelchairs have different product weights. Some are lightweight, which weigh about 65-70 lbs, and others a heavier can weigh up to 300 lbs. Heavy duty power wheelchairs weigh more that standard wheelchair of their more robust frame. Typically, companies do not include the battery weight when they show the product weight. So when reviewing the product weight, check to see if the weight includes the battery weight or not.
One of the key considerations for electric power wheelchairs is their drive range. The drive range is how far you can travel before needing to charge the wheelchair’s battery. Most heavy duty power wheelchairs can drive between 10 to 20 miles before they need to be charged. This can vary, depending on the driving terrain and their weight. The lifetime of a power wheelchair battery is about one to two years before it needs to be replaced.
Heavy duty wheelchairs have a greater seat with than standard wheelchairs. Their seat widths range from 17 to 25 inches. So, check the seat width options before purchasing your heavy duty power wheelchair. You might want a smaller or larger seat!
Power wheelchairs have the smallest turning radius of any wheelchair. They can make a turn in about 20 inches of space or a complete 180 degree turn in 40 inches of space. If your wheelchair is going to be used for more indoor activities than outdoors, consider the wheelchair with the smaller turning radius for easier manuverability.
Always check the product’s warranty before purchasing a power wheelchair. Most products warranties’ last about five years. Since power wheelchairs generally have more components, than standard wheelchairs, the warranties can greatly differ. So, review the warranty in detail before purchasing. If you have any questions about the warranty, call the warranty company and ask.
Now, let’s review our top heavy duty power wheelchair picks.
Earning the #8 spot and the “best on a budget” power wheelchair is the EW-M31 Electric Power Wheelchair by EWheels. This versatile chair is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It can travel up to 15.2 miles on one charge, has a relatively high max speed of 4 mph, and has 10” robust anti-tip tires with good traction, making it a great option for those who like to go out in nature. For indoor use, the chair has a 31-inch turn radius and a compact design.
The chair can support up to 300 lbs and has a rear-wheel drive design for user comfort and stability. For added safety, the chair has electro-mechanical brakes. Finally, many of the chair’s features are adjustable, including the seat, armrests, and footplate.
Our best “all terrain” heavy duty power wheelchair and #7 on our list is the Geo Cruiser Elite EX Heavy-Duty Power Wheelchair by Pathway Mobility. Weighing just 65 lbs, this lightweight power wheelchair has an exceptional number of features for its weight. It has a 4-position backrest, adjustable footrests, and large 10” tires for outdoor travel. It also has a high max speed at 5 mph, and a high per-charge travel distance at 15 miles per charge.
It can accommodate up to 350 lbs and is known for being stable over many types of terrain, including gravel, dirt and snow due to its unique high suspension system. It also folds up easily for on-the-go use.
The Vision Super Heavy-Duty Power Wheelchair by Merits is a great option for those who need a little extra space in the chair. The model comes in six different seat sizes that range from 20” up to 24” in width. There are also multiple types of seats available depending on your unique needs, including standard pan seats, swivel seats, and a fully-adjustable rehab seat.
It also has an impressive array of other features, including a 450 lbs weight capacity, a high max speed of 5 mph, one of the most narrow turning radiuses on the list at 20.7”, and the ability to travel up to 20 miles on one charge.
Our fifth-ranked wheelchair and the best option for those looking for elevating legrests is the Golden Compass HD Power Chair by Golden Technologies. Elevating the legs is a good way to manage positional discomfort that wheelchair users can experience from sitting for long periods of time. The leg rests also aren’t the only adjustable part of this chair; it also has 5 seat heights, adjustable armrests and an adjustable headrest.
This heavy duty power wheelchair also has a high weight capacity of 450 lbs, a robust mid-wheel drive design with 6 tires, a rechargeable battery that supports 12 miles per charge, and a maximum speed of 4 mph. With a narrow turning radius of 20”, it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
If you’re looking for the best battery life, consider our 4th pick, the Jazzy 600 ES Power Wheelchair by Pride Mobility. This wheelchair has the longest battery life of any heavy duty power wheelchair on our list at 24.8 miles per charge! This gives users more flexibility and autonomy, and is great for longer outdoor outings.
The chair is also exceptionally stable due to the mid-wheel drive design with 6 wheels, including 2 large wheels with great traction. It supports up to 300 lbs and has a max speed of 4 mph, but a small turning radius, making it an ideal candidate for individuals looking for an indoor/outdoor hybrid model.
Our favorite reclining chair is the Jazzy 614 HD Electric Wheelchair. This chair is great for reclining to redistribute weight, which can help prevent pressure sores and increase circulation. It also has adjustable armrests and footplate.The large, 14” wheels provide added support for any shifts in position from the wheelchair user.
This unique heavy duty power wheelchair also has among the highest maximum weight capacities on our list at 450 lbs, as well as a maximum speed of 4.25 mph, and a 14 mile-per-charge battery capacity.
Our favorite folding heavy duty power wheelchair is the EW-M45 Power Wheelchair by EWheels. Although this is the lightest product on our list at 59 lbs, it has the same weight capacity as many of our heavier heavy duty chairs. The unit folds up easily and is easily transported for travel or running errands.
This wheelchair also travels up to 15.5 miles on one charge and has washable seat cushions. The rear-wheel design offers exceptional stability and maneuverability, especially for outdoors.
Earning the top spot, and best all-around wheelchair, is the Jazzy Elite HD Power Wheelchair by Pride Mobility. This chair has a higher weight capacity of up to 450 lbs. It has 14 inch tires with anti-tip technology, making it suitable for rough, outdoor terrain.
This chair has a top speed of up to 4 miles per hour (mph) and has electric brakes for safety. It features an depth-adjustable backrest, which reclines and folds flat. It also has adjustable armrests more maximum comfort.
A: Bariatric wheelchairs are often referred to as heavy duty wheelchairs, and they are built stronger than your average wheelchair. Bariatric wheelchairs have weight capacities that usually range from 300-700 pounds, and they have wide seats of about 20-30 inches. They are made of steel, which causes them to weigh more than average wheelchairs.
The optimal heavy duty power wheelchair for you may be different from the right heavy duty power wheelchair for someone else; each wheelchair user has a unique set of needs and preferences. However, we think our #1 pick, the Jazzy Elite HD Power Wheelchair by Pride Mobility, is the best overall choice for safety, comfort, and speed. This heavy duty electrically-powered chair has durable, large tires for outdoor use, an adjustable armrest and backrest, and the ability to support up to 450 lbs.
Heavy duty power wheelchairs cost more than average wheelchairs because they have special features designed to be able to safely accommodate more weight. The models on our list fall between about $1800 to $5000, which is about the standard range for this type of wheelchair.
This might seem like a lot, but there are some considerations to keep in mind when you consider the financing for your new chair. According to medicare.gov, you may qualify for medicare coverage for a power wheelchair through Medicare Part B if you are not able to use a manual wheelchair and don’t qualify for a power-operated scooter. You will need a provider’s written order to demonstrate that this is a medical need along with proof of certain mobility-limiting conditions.
Although Rehabmart does not take insurance, we can provide you with an itemized receipt (upon request), which you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement from an insurance company that covers heavy duty power wheelchairs. Most insurance companies require that you meet some criteria to be eligible for coverage, so be sure to check your policy.
Finally, If you are not able to afford the full payment of an electric wheelchair upfront, Rehabmart offers a few payment options (for qualifying customers). One option is Affirm Financing, which gives customers the ability to make payments over 3-18 months when they make a purchase of $100-$17,500. Another is NewLane Finance, which offers commercial loans and flexible payment plans.
There are three types of electrically-powered wheelchairs: rear-wheel, front-wheel, and mid-wheel drive.
Rear-wheel drive: Rear-wheel power chairs have four wheels, including two large drive wheels in the rear of the unit and two smaller castor wheels in the front for stability and maneuverability. While these chairs tend to be comfortable and offer great shock absorption, there are fewer models with rear-wheel drive due to a larger turning radius and potential for the back tires getting stuck on obstacles.
Front-wheel drive: Front-wheel power chairs also have four wheels, but the two larger drive wheels are in the front, supported by two smaller castor wheels in the back. These models are much better at climbing over obstacles compared to rear-wheel drive models due to their robust front tires.
Mid-wheel drive: Mid-wheel power chairs have six wheels total, including two large drive wheels in the front and four smaller wheels at front and back for added support and fine-tuned maneuverability. While users feel more bumps on these models (since more surface area is touching the ground), they are much more stable due to the added wheels.
Power wheelchairs are built to last, and some may last as long as 5 years or more. However, the lifetime of your power wheelchair depends in large part on how you care for the unit. Things like ensuring you’re charging the chair each night, protecting the electrical components, replacing tires frequently, and ensuring you do routine general maintenance will all prolong the life of your power wheelchair.
Having the right heavy duty wheelchair can make a world of difference in your quality of life. You shouldn’t allow mobility challenges to hold you back! Heavy-duty power wheelchairs are great for exploring the outdoors and also for faster and more fine-tuned movements in indoor spaces.
We believe that our #1-ranked power wheelchair, the Jazzy Elite HD Power Wheelchair by Pride Mobility is the best overall choice. This heavy duty electrically-powered chair is exceptionally safe due to its strong frame and large tires for added traction. It also has adjustable armrest and backrests for added comfort and supports up to 450 lbs.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read about the Best Heavy Duty Power Wheelchairs! For more information about heavy duty power wheelchairs, take some time to check out our heavy duty power wheelchairs for sale and be sure to visit Caregiver University for more information about products and caregiver resources!
Amanda Marten, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Amanda is a certified family nurse practitioner and freelance health writer. With eight years of nursing experience, she has worked in a variety of specialties including urgent care, post-surgical, intensive care, and travel nursing. She is passionate about patient education and strives to make a positive impact on her patients’ well-being.
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