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Written by Jeanine Clancy, MEd, BSN, RN
I recently learned that according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, almost 12% of the US population uses a wheelchair. And if you’ve ever used a wheelchair, then you know firsthand that not all wheelchairs are created equal; choosing the right chair for your specific needs can make all the difference! In addition to providing mobility, I’ve found some wheelchairs can reduce common problems, like pressure sores. I also know that there are special features like ergonomic seats, adjustability, heavy-duty designs, and easy-to-clean upholstery.
Our list features our top 7 best manual wheelchairs. These chairs typically weigh about 35 pounds and are designed for indoor use.
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers 80% of the cost of wheelchairs as part of Durable Medical Equipment (DME) as long as you meet certain conditions and you demonstrate that you can safely use the wheelchair or have someone to accompany you to safely use the chair.
In general, the expected lifetime of a manual wheelchair is between 3-5 years. Wheelchairs that are used daily may need to be replaced more frequently.
There is wide variability in standard wheelchair costs. The wheelchair models on our list range from $160 to just over $1100, but the majority of manual wheelchairs on the market range from $100 to $500.
Manual wheelchairs generally weigh about 35+ lbs, although there is some variability between models. Other categories are “lightweight wheelchairs,” which weigh around 30 lbs, and “ultra-lightweight,” which weigh less than 30 lbs.
Manual wheelchairs can usually support between 200-300 lbs, with 250 being about the average weight capacity. Any wheelchair accommodating over 300 lbs is generally considered a bariatric wheelchair and should be purchased and researched with bariatric wheelchair considerations in mind.
Bariatric wheelchairs usually come in wider seat widths (20”+) and have higher weight capacities (300+ lbs). Bariatric wheelchairs are often referred to as “heavy duty” wheelchairs, and most have reinforced cross braces to accommodate extra weight.
Most standard wheelchairs are 18” or 20” in width. Standard wheelchair widths fall into 3 categories: narrow, which is 17 inches or below; standard, which is 18 or 20 inches; and wide, which is 22 inches or wider.
Standard wheelchairs typically have upholstery made from either nylon or vinyl. Here are the various considerations I’ve compiled for you to keep in mind.
In my experience: Nylon is commonly used in homecare settings because it is less expensive compared to vinyl. It is also more breathable because the material is naturally more porous. It therefore takes longer for nylon to reach maximum temperature due to the wheelchair user’s body heat. However, nylon is more difficult to clean - the porous nature of the material absorbs liquids more easily. This could mean more frequent cleanings or upholstery replacement, both of which can be time-consuming and pricey.
I’ve found that Vinyl is a popular option for healthcare settings since it is easier to clean between patients. Although this material is a slightly more expensive option, it is used on many standard wheelchair models. It is less breathable since it is naturally less porous compared to nylon. As a result, it tends to be warmer and can cause patients to perspire more easily. However, it is easy to clean and is generally more durable over time.
Standard wheelchair arm lengths generally come in two measurements: Full-length arms or desk-length arms. Both styles are available in fixed or adjustable heights, depending on the wheelchair model.
Desk-length arms are about 4" shorter in length than full-length arms. They get their name “desk length” because their shorter arm length allows the chair to be pulled up close to a desk or a table.
Full-length arms extend from the back of the frame to the front. We’ve found that they offer more support in a seated position or while getting up and out of the chair. They also more easily support arm-mounted wheelchair trays.
We know all standard wheelchairs have a specific weight capacity, which is the maximum amount of weight the chair can support without compromising the safety of the wheelchair user. The standard wheelchairs we’ve listed in this article fall within the 200-300 lbs weight capacity range.
There are slight weight variations among various models, but in our experience, most weigh about 35 lbs. Some specialty wheelchairs are specifically designed to be “lightweight,” for example, transport chairs that are meant for users who travel frequently are often lighter and therefore easier to transport. Standard wheelchairs, however, are designed to be sturdier and more dependable.
There are two types of footrests included in most standard wheelchairs: the “swing away” or the “elevating” styles.
Swing-away footrests are the most common on standard wheelchairs. This style includes a latch that allows each footrest to “swing” out to each side when a user is sitting or standing. Some are detachable, while others can simply be placed out of the way during transfers.
Elevating leg rests on manual wheelchairs allows the user to rest the leg on an incline. This is especially important for users who may need to immobilize a knee joint or raise their feet following an injury. Most elevating leg rests function independently so that one leg can be raised at a time.
Our 7th pick is the Manual Wheelchair with Removable Padded Desk Arms by McKesson. This is a great all-around standard wheelchair that comes in five-seat widths and weight limits ranging from 250 lbs to 450 lbs. It is on the heavier side, starting at 40 lbs. You get a lot of perks for the weight, though: this chair features a sturdy steel construction and is treated with a silver or chrome finish that increases strength and stability.
There are also several adjustable features we love: the wheelchair has padded desk armrests that can be removed depending on the wheelchair user’s activities, and the legs are adjustable to accommodate different lengths. The upholstery is made from easy-to-clean embossed vinyl.
If you are searching for a wheelchair with a higher weight capacity, check out our similar article Best Heavy-Duty Wheelchairs.
Coming in at #6 on our list is the Guardian K1 Folding Manual Wheelchair by Medline. We’ve found that this is a great option for anyone looking for a simple wheelchair to use while recovering from an injury or other short-term mobility issues. It is easy to maneuver, is available in 3 widths, and folds for easy transport or storage. This product is often used in care facilities, hospitals, and assisted living communities due to its simplicity and reliability. It also offers users the choice between swing-away or elevating leg rests, depending on their specific rehabilitative needs.
We’ve given the #5 spot on our list the REVO Dart Daily Living Manual Wheelchair by Troy Technologies. This is a great option for a wheelchair that doesn’t have the appearance of medical equipment. Its stylish design was built for easy indoor navigation and is ideal for users who need to maneuver around small spaces. We love the added flexibility and mobility of the chair's armrests that flip up to give the user more space to move. The back of the chair also has a unique ergonomic design that supports the lower back and promotes good posture. In addition, it has standard wheelchair features, such as a caregiver push handle, locking casters, and footrests.
The “best adjustable” option in our opinion is the Viper Plus GT Manual Wheelchair by Drive Medical. This chair is specifically designed to accommodate patients with limited mobility or who are recovering from injuries or surgery. It is the most accommodating chair on our list; the backrest, seat, and footplates are all easily adjustable. It is also the only chair on our list featuring an optional one-arm drive upgrade, which allows users to propel the chair with only one hand. We find that the one-arm drive is a great option for users who are recovering from a stroke, or if they have limited mobility in one arm. This chair is available in four sizes to accommodate a wider range of patients: it is available in 16, 18, 20, and 22-inch seat sizes. We love that it can also easily be folded for storage.
Coming up third on our list is the S-Ergo 125 Ergonomic Wheelchair by Karman Healthcare. In my experience, this manual wheelchair is top-of-the-line! It features a unique s-shape ergonomic seat, which evenly distributes pressure across the lower body, stabilizes the wheelchair user while sitting, and prevents the user from slipping forward, which can compromise posture. I think it is a great option for individuals who may need enhanced comfort, such as patients with severely limited mobility. Hospice patients may benefit from all the added supportive features this chair provides.
This chair also has breathable nylon upholstery that is flame-retardant and antibacterial for added safety. The anti-bacterial feature is unique and resists the build-up of microbes as an added health feature. We’ve found that this is important since sitting on these cushions all day typically creates a welcoming environment for bacterial build-up.
The S-Ergo 125 Wheelchair can be used for travel if needed, for example, to and from appointments, as it is only 25 lbs without footrests and folds up easily. It also has adjustable features, including armrests that flip back, and detachable, swing-away footrests.
Since lower mobility increases the chance of pressure sores, the memory foam cushions are designed to relieve pressure and evenly distribute weight to lower this risk.
Our runner-up and the best for hospital use is the Tracer EX2 Manual Wheelchair by Invacare. This manual wheelchair is a great all-around option for hospital use. It has all the best standard features we expect from a hospital-grade wheelchair, including:
We know vinyl is most popular in hospital settings due to its non-porous material, which makes it easier to clean between patients. This chair is available in 3 seat sizes, and available with desk-length or full-length arms, swing-away footrests, elevating leg rests, and anti-tippers. The wheelchair also folds easily for easy travel.
Our #1 pick and the best option for home use is the LT-700NT Manual Wheelchair by Karman Healthcare. We find that this manual wheelchair has all the features of the best wheelchairs on the market but also has an elegant, sleek design. It features nylon upholstery, which is most commonly used in home care settings. We know nylon is favored because it offers breathability and does not retain body heat. The downside to nylon is that it is porous and can absorb liquids.
This chair is easily foldable and has detachable armrests that are padded and desk-length to accommodate more seated activities. It is available with your choice of swing-away footrest or elevating legrest. The seat is adjustable and the chair comes in 3 seat widths to accommodate more users. Finally, we love that this chair features a push-to-lock brake system for increased safety. In our experience, this is the ultimate at-home chair because it doesn’t compromise on functionality, safety, or comfort.
|
Wheelchair Model |
Arm Length |
Upholstery |
Weight Capacity |
Product Weight |
|
#1 LT-700NT Manual Wheelchair |
Desk Length |
Nylon |
250 lbs |
36 lbs |
|
#2 Tracer EX2 Manual Wheelchair |
Desk or Full-Length |
Vinyl |
250 lbs |
36 lbs |
|
#3 S-Ergo 125 Ergonomic Wheelchair |
Desk Length |
Anti-Bacterial Fabric |
250 lbs |
25 lbs |
|
#4 Viper Plus GT Manual Wheelchair |
Adjustable Between Desk, Full, and Half |
Nylon |
300 or 350 lbs |
34 or 36 lbs |
|
#5 REVO Dart Daily Living Manual Wheelchair |
Desk Length |
Mesh Fabric |
300 lbs |
34 lbs |
|
#6 Guardian K1 Folding Manual Wheelchair |
Desk Length |
Nylon |
300 lbs |
28 lbs |
|
#7 Manual Wheelchair with Removable Padded Desk Arms |
Desk Length |
Vinyl |
250, 300, 350, or 450 lbs |
40 or 58 lbs |
I know that having a reliable manual wheelchair can make all the difference in a person’s quality of life. Since manual wheelchairs are most often used for long-term, indoor use, people generally spend more time in these chairs (compared to transport wheelchairs) and it’s especially important to consider investing in a model that you know will keep you safe and support your mobility needs.
We believe that our number 1 pick, the LT-700NT Manual Wheelchair by Karman Healthcare is the best overall combination of style and functionality, featuring padded, desk-length armrests, swing-away footrest, a padded and height-adjustable seat, push-to-lock wheel brake system, flame-retardant and padded nylon upholstery, and easy foldable design, all for an affordable price.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read about the top-rated manual wheelchairs! For more information about manual wheelchairs, take some time to check out our manual wheelchairs for sale, and be sure to visit Caregiver University for more information about products and caregiver resources!
Jeanine has been a nurse for twenty-seven years with an extensive background in perioperative services, school/community health, quality/education, and leadership/administrative roles. Jeanine creates high-quality health content and is a mom (to 4 fabulous kids), dog mom, and avid hiker.
