~1.jpg&newwidth=80 "Jeanine Clancy")
Written by Jeanine Clancy, MEd, BSN, RN
When it comes to wheelchair companies, not all are created equal. Karman Wheelchairs has an impressive reputation for producing high-quality wheelchairs with luxury features. One study published in the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development found that full-time wheelchair users spend 10.6 hours per day in the chair. Since wheelchair users spend so much time sitting, it is essential to ensure the chair consists of high-quality materials that adequately support posture. Check out our top-ranked Karman wheelchair models below.
1. Best Lightweight: Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair S-Ergo 115
2. Best Ultralightweight: Ergo Flight Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair
3. Best Standard: LT-700NT Manual Wheelchair
4. Best Power: Tranzit Go Foldable Lightweight Power Wheelchair
5. Best Tilt in Space: VIP 515 Tilt In Space Lightweight Wheelchair
6. Best Heavy Duty: Extra Wide Heavy Duty Deluxe Bariatric Wheelchair
7. Best Transport: Ultra Lightweight Ergonomic Transport Chair S-ERGO 115
8. Best Standing: XO-505 Standing Wheelchair
9. Best Reclining: MVP-502 Series
10. Best Active: Ultra Lightweight Active Wheelchair S-Ergo ATX
This fact might seem obvious, but the most critical factor when considering a Karman wheelchair is how you will use the wheelchair. Karman produces wheelchairs for many specific purposes, including wheelchairs for transport, reclining, and activity. In addition, other wheelchairs are built with particular users in mind, such as chairs designed to help assist users from sitting to standing or chairs that are built for heavier individuals. So before you buy, make sure you consider whether the Karman model you’re considering has the features you need.
Karman’s wheelchairs come in a range of weights to accommodate different users’ needs. For example, transport wheelchairs weigh much less than standard chairs because they are designed to be easily transported. Manual wheelchairs and standard wheelchairs weigh between 30-36 lbs, lightweight chairs are 25-30 lbs, and ultralightweight chairs are usually below 25 lbs. Power wheelchairs typically weigh between 60-150 lbs.
This capacity refers to the amount of weight the wheelchair can safely support. Each Karman wheelchair model was designed to support a unique user weight. Keep an eye out for the weight capacity as you consider your specific weight requirements; some wheelchairs are specifically designed to carry more weight than others safely.
There are two primary types of front riggings on Karman wheelchairs. One is a swing-away footrest, where the right and left foot plates swing away from the center of the chair. The other is called an elevating footrest, one piece of hardware that simply moves up and down. In some models, additional support for the leg allows the user to keep the leg and feet at an incline if desired.
Last is the best chair on our list for wheelchair users who like to stay active: the Ultra Lightweight Active Wheelchair S-Ergo ATX. The lightweight aluminum frame is strong and can support up to 275 lbs but is easy to transport due to its low weight. The chair folds up for easy storage or travel. It also has Karman’s signature S-shaped frame for enhanced ergonomic support.
Other perks include a built-in tilt feature to relieve pressure and prevent pressure sores, availability in multiple colors and sizes and antibacterial upholstery. This chair is excellent for everyday use for individuals capable of self-propelling.
Our favorite reclining wheelchair is the MVP-502 Series. You might be wondering what the difference between “tilting” and “reclining” is: while tilting preserves the body's posture, reclining changes the body's posture by widening the angle between the torso and legs. Reclining chairs are best for those with typical back pain or other conditions that do not inhibit movement, such as paralysis. The V-seat design on this wheelchair can recline between 93 and 160 degrees.
Other features include aegis antibacterial upholstery, swing-away footrests with mounted calf supports, and a weight capacity of 250 pounds. One of the main perks is that this chair does not require a motor (uncommon for a wheelchair with this sophisticated reclining mobility feature!) and is only 36 lbs, making it great for travel.
If you need assistance with positional changes to help with mobility challenges, check out the best standing wheelchair on our list: the XO-505 Standing Wheelchair. This chair is unique with the capacity to raise and flatten to safely support a person through a unique range of motion while keeping the user strapped in. This feature can be beneficial for individuals who might otherwise require the assistance of a caregiver to stretch. In addition, it can safely support up to 300 lbs.
It also has excellent power chair features, including lasting 25 miles per charge, powered tilting and reclining for added comfort, a fast 2-4 hour charge time, and a small turning radius in tight indoor spaces.
Coming in 7th and the best transport wheelchair on our list is the Ultra Lightweight Ergonomic Transport Chair S-ERGO 115. The chair is lightweight at only 25 lbs, but it has many features, such as heavier chairs, including an ergonomic S-shaped cushion, 250 lb weight capacity, and shock-absorbing legs. The S cushion enhances comfort substantially by redistributing weight more evenly across the surface area. It can also prevent pressure sores, which can develop from sitting on hard surfaces for long periods!
We think so highly of this chair that we ranked it as our #1 Transport Chair for 2022! Want to see how it stacks up to the competition? Read more about our Top 7 Transport Wheelchairs.
The chair also has a foldable seat and backrest, making travel or storage even more accessible. Finally, it has Karman’s unique antibacterial upholstery, and it even includes a pouch on the upholstery behind the backrest.
The best heavy-duty chair on our list is the Extra Wide Heavy Duty Deluxe Bariatric Wheelchair. Heavy-duty wheelchairs are specifically designed to carry more weight than others. While most standard wheelchairs can only accommodate up to 250 lbs, this chair can hold up to 300 lbs - 600 lbs (depending on which model you choose). In addition, its frame is made with high-quality steel for extra support.
It also has an adjustable seat, double padding in the upholstery for extra comfort, and detachable armrests and swing-away footrests to simplify storage. The footrests also have added looping for increased security while riding in the chair. This option is perfect for any wheelchair user who needs extra weight support and is looking for a reliable, everyday option.
Our fifth pick and the only wheelchair on our list that allows users to tilt back is the VIP 515 Tilt In Space Lightweight Wheelchair. The tilt-back feature is unique because it performs several functions at once. It relieves pressure, promotes good blood flow, helps prevent pressure ulcers that can develop when users sit for too long, and provide essential comfort. It’s ideal for individuals who need to relieve pressure from the spine, such as anyone recovering from a traumatic injury or those with muscular diseases. In addition, a recent study found that this tilt mechanism enhances both muscle and skin perfusion.
Our Experts at Rehabmart ranked the VIP 515 wheelchair in another article, Best Lightweight Folding Wheelchairs for Traveling, as the #1 pick for the best tilt in space chair. Without the front riggings, this chair only weighs 33 pounds! In comparison, similar tilt in space wheelchairs weighs around 80 pounds. Tilt in space wheelchairs will always have a full back, making them heavier than standard wheelchairs. The VIP 515 is the lightest tilt in space you will find, making it convenient to pack up and take with you.
This chair also has several other great features: it folds easily, so it’s great for those who travel, it can be self-propelled or used as a transport chair, and it has Karman’s unique antibacterial upholstery. It is also available in multiple sizes and colors.
The best power chair on our list is the Tranzit Go Foldable Lightweight Power Wheelchair. This lightweight chair is electrically powered, so it’s ideal for wheelchair users who are not capable of self-propelling. For a power wheelchair, it is exceptionally light, weighing in at only 62 lbs with lithium batteries. It also folds easily for more accessible travel or storage. With this power wheelchair, there is no need for a specialized carrying hitch; simply fold and go! Despite its lightweight, travel-friendly design, it is well-padded, and customer reviews indicate it is incredibly comfortable.
One of the major perks of having this power wheelchair is its dual outdoor/indoor use. The chair can sustain a charge for up to 12 miles, ideal for outdoor outings over rough terrain. It can also travel up to 3.75 miles per hour.
The best standard wheelchair on our list is the LT-700NT Manual Wheelchair. This option is a great all-around wheelchair for a user who needs a durable, well-made wheelchair that is designed for everyday use and comfort. The chair conveniently comes in 3 seat widths, each able to support 250 lbs. The seat is also height-adjustable to accommodate even more users. In addition, the chair weighs 36 lbs without riggings, and it folds up, so you can still use it for travel when needed!
Another Rehabmart Expert ranked this wheelchair in a similar article, Top Rated Manual Wheelchairs, as the #1 choice for a home-use manual wheelchair. The chairs in that article are manual and designed to be used at one location (e.g., home or clinical). They are workhorse wheelchairs but not the best for traveling.
More great features of the LT-700NT Manual Wheelchair are its seat and back are padded and covered with slick nylon upholstery, which is breathable and doesn’t trap body heat. In addition, the chair has a classic push-to-lock braking system that is easy for users to operate independently, so assistance from caregivers isn’t necessary. Finally, the wheelchair has the option of swing-away footrests or elevating leg rests.
Our second overall choice and the best Ultra Lightweight chair is the Ergo Flight Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair. At only 19.8 lbs, this chair is one of the lightest wheelchairs on the market, but it can still support the same weight threshold as many manual wheelchairs (250 lbs). In addition, it easily folds up for frequent travel, and the swing-away footrests are easily detachable to make transport even simpler.
Like many Karman wheelchairs, the Ergo Flight is featured in another article, Best Lightweight Folding Wheelchairs for Traveling. The wheelchairs in that article are all manual and specially designed to be portable. The Ergo Flight is ranked as the best ultralightweight! Imagine all the adventures that await.
The upholstery also has Karman’s unique anti-bacterial shield to prevent the build-up of bacteria over time. The chair comes in a couple of sizes for extra customizability, and it has a built-in attendant brake system. For its size, this little chair is packed with impressive features.
Our #1 pick and the best lightweight wheelchair is the Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair S-Ergo 115. This chair is only 25 lbs, making it ideal for travel, although it can support 250 lbs. It’s also easy to fold and transport for use on the go.
In addition to being featured on the Dr. Phil show, the S-Ergo 115 landed the top spot in our other article Best Lightweight Folding Wheelchairs for Traveling. That popular article highlights our absolute best manual wheelchairs that are designed with portability in mind. In addition, the S-Ergo 115 ranked #1 as the “Best All-Around” wheelchair in that article. There is so much to love about this chair!
The upholstery features Karman’s unique antimicrobial shield, making it less likely to harbor bacteria over time with prolonged use. In addition, the chair has a supportive design featuring a special S-shaped seat that Karman designed explicitly for enhanced ergonomic support. The S-shape seat distributes weight more evenly across the chair, prevents forward slippage, relieves pressure, and increases comfort.
Another major perk is that this wheelchair can be self-propelled or used as a transport chair (propelled by a caregiver). Other chair features include contoured hand-rim grips, side panels that prevent clothing from slipping into the wheels, and multiple wheel size options. This added versatility means you can use this chair at home and on the go! It also features sleek, swing-away footrests, a convenient backrest pouch, and contoured hand rests. So if you are looking for a lightweight, supportive, affordable, versatile chair, this is the one for you.
Karman is among the most reputable companies for high-quality medical equipment. Karman has been producing medical equipment since 1994, and the company has consistently been associated with manufacturing and distributing top-tier wheelchairs. Over time, their product base has expanded to include walkers, rollators, scooters, oxygen regulators, and bathroom safety products.
If you are mobility-impaired, investing in the right wheelchair is one of the most important investments you could make. A chair designed to accommodate your needs and lifestyle can make all the difference in your quality of life. Since Karman has many wheelchairs, their customers can invest in chairs that suit their unique lifestyle and needs. We believe that Karman wheelchairs are worth the purchase price for all these reasons.
Karman wheelchairs are reliable and highly rated. Their consistently stellar product reviews indicate that the company has a broad base of happy customers with its products. Buying from a reputable company has its perks: you know you’re investing in a quality product that will last longer than a cheaper model from a newer company.
The S-Shape seating system is another feature that sets Karman apart. The design is unique to Karman products. Chairs with the S-shape design more evenly distribute a person’s weight across the chair, which prevents pain due to sitting for long periods, prevents forward slippage, relieves pressure, promotes good posture, and increases user comfort if seated for long periods.
Another feature unique to Karman is the AEGIS microbe shield, an antimicrobial fabric enhancement that makes the fabric's surface less likely to harbor bacteria. The treatment contains a special coating that kills bacteria, mold, fungus, and other allergens on contact without using any harsh chemicals. This feature also resists odors and does not rub off on the skin. Many fabrics used on the upholstery for wheelchairs are repositories for foul odor and potentially harmful bacteria, which can contribute to skin infections; this feature helps avoid these issues. In addition, the VA released a statement for wheelchair users that infection control is significant to consider in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a study, it is crucial to evaluate the musculoskeletal effects of posture and invest in an ergonomically supportive system that supports good posture. Good posture is associated with reduced pain. The best ergonomic wheelchair provides extra support for the spine and posture. Karman’s S-shaped seat is among the most ergonomically supportive wheelchair seats on the market. We like the S-Ergo 115 model, which features the S-shaped technology and is uniquely designed to relieve pressure, reduce slipping, and improve posture.
Luxury wheelchairs are wheelchairs uniquely well-designed that are made with high-quality materials. As a result, the luxury wheelchair is at the top of the market. While they may be more expensive, they are usually more efficient, durable, comfortable, and stylish. Karman is one of the leading brands producing luxury wheelchairs.
Karman has been a reliable company producing quality medical equipment since 1994. Since having the right wheelchair can dramatically affect your quality of life, it’s essential to make sure you trust the wheelchair investment. Karman wheelchairs reflect the company’s deep appreciation for wheelchair users’ needs. Karman is also committed to keeping up with the rising demand for high-quality medical products. According to a study published in the Journal of Aging Research, the coming decade will require more wheelchairs due to the increasing aging population.
Based on our product analysis, Karman’s S-Ergo 115 wheelchair is our favorite. It has an ergonomically-supportive S-curve design and antibacterial shield on the upholstery, both unique features to Karman. It’s also lightweight at only 25 lbs, making it ideal for travel or frequent trips around town.
We appreciate you taking the time to read about our top picks for the Best Karman wheelchairs! For more information about Karman’s wheelchairs and other medical devices, take some time to check out Karman’s 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.
