When you are in the market for your first manual wheelchair, or maybe a new one, there are so many models and brands on the market that things may get somewhat confusing. Wheelchairs provide increased mobility for both full-time users and people who may have suffered a short time injury. They allow people to carry out daily tasks under temporary or long-term reduced mobility issues. This review will highlight the best of the best manual wheelchairs in an effort to provide you with the information you need to make your buying decision a little easier.
- Medline Excel Extra-Wide Bariatric
- Drive Medical Silver Sport 2
- Drive Medical Blue Streak
- Medline Lightweight MDS806565E K4
- Drive Medical Cruiser III
- Hi-Fortune Magnesium
Best Manual Wheelchair – Top Picks for 2022:
| Medline Excel Extra-Wide Bariatric | Drive Medical Silver Sport 2 | Drive Medical Blue Streak | Medline Lightweight | Drive Medical Cruiser III | Hi-Fortune Magnesium | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  |
|
| Weight Capacity | 500 lbs | 350 lbs | 250 lbs | 300 lbs | 300 lbs | 220 lbs |
| Seat Dimensions | 24" Wide x 18" Deep | 16" depth x 20" width x 19.5" height | 16" depth x 20" wide | 20" depth x 20" width | 16" depth x 22" width x 16" height | 17.5" width |
| Dimensions | 32.5 x 33.5 x 36.5 inches | 37 x 33.5 x 13 inches | 42 x 26 x 36 inches | 34.75 x 12.5 x 32.5 inches | 36.5 x 32.5 x 12 inches | 35 x 13.4 x 28 inches |
| Item Weight | 60 lbs | 45 lbs | 41 lbs | 33 lbs | 39 lbs | 21 lbs |
| Price | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon |
A manual wheelchair must be moved, or propelled, by the user’s own power. Anyone who has mobility issues can benefit from a manual wheelchair. These wheelchairs are simpler in design and require a lot less maintenance than their electric-powered cousins. But not all manual wheelchairs are the same. There are standard models, heavy-duty models, sports wheelchairs, lightweight wheelchairs, and so on. Ultimately, your buying decision will come down to the way in which you will use the wheelchair, and of course your budget.
Medline Excel Extra-Wide Bariatric Wheelchair
Designed to support up to 500 pounds, the Medline Excel is a good choice for taller or larger users. This chair weighs in at 60 pounds, so more strength is required to propel the chair or load and unload it when it is being transported. The frame is chrome-plated carbon steel that is both rust resistant and chip resistant.
The Excel has padded navy seating and black mag wheels. It comes in three seat widths: 20, 22, or 24-inches. The leg rests incline, which is not a standard option on most wheelchairs. The arms and legs fold out f the way so that the chair can be used a tables and counters without having to transfer the user to a different chair. The rear wheels are a large 24-inches making movement easier for the user.
Pros
- Carbon steel frame for added strength and support
- Weight capacity is 500 lbs.
- Comfortable for taller users (6’ or taller)
Cons
- Better indoor than out
- Heavy, weighing 60 lbs
- Just over 32-inches wide
Drive Medical Silver Sport 2 Wheelchair
The Silver Sport 2 is easy to use and requires very little in the way of maintenance. When closed for transport, it measures only 12.5 inches in width, so it takes up very little space. It comes with urethane wheels that will not leave marks on your floors. The 8-inch front casters can be mounted in three positions.
The adjustable armrests are padded for extra comfort. The leg rests will swing out of the way for easier entry or exit. The wheelchair is rated for between 250 and 350 pounds and there are three seat widths available, 16, 18, or 20-inches. There is also a storage pocket on the backrest and a push-to-lock braking feature.
Pros
- Easy to fold up and transport
- Urethane tires will not mark up flooring
- Powder-coated steel frame for looks and durability
- Padded vinyl upholstery
Cons
- Leg rests are too short for taller people
- Armrest locks are not reliable
Drive Medical Blue Streak Wheelchair
The Blue Streak is a low maintenance wheelchair with great durability and practical design. Because it is lightweight and has large wheels, the chair easy to maneuver in tight spaces with less user effort. It operates very smoothly when crossing uneven surfaces and bumps, making it more comfortable for outside use.
The armrests are removable for times that you want to sit at a table or desk. There are calf straps to help secure legs and the chair has a push-to-lock braking system. It will hold up to 250 pounds and when folded up for transport it takes up only 12.5 inches of space. The upholstered, 20-inch wide seat is covered with padded nylon, which is more breathable than vinyl materials, making the chair more comfortable.
Pros
- Comfortable padded nylon seat
- Easy to fold up and transport
- Adjustable leg rests
- Low cost
Cons
- Wheels are a harder rubber and can have less traction
- Smaller front wheels than average
- Users complain about product durability
Medline Lightweight MDS806565E K4 Wheelchair
This is a lightweight model (only 33 lbs. without the leg rests) that easily folds up for transport. The arm rests can be moved out of the way by flipping them back so that the chair can be used at a table or a desk. The leg and footrests are adjustable for a comfortable customized fit and both can be removed completely if so desired. The back height is also adjustable. It has a dual axle with latex, flat-free tires that never need air. Premium welded steel construction makes this wheelchair very durable.
It has push-to-lock brakes and is upholstered in durable nylon. The frame is covered by a lifetime warranty. Most users find that this wheelchair is better suited to indoor use, on non-carpeted floors.
Pros
- Light weight – 33 lbs.
- Weight capacity 300 lbs.
- Flat-free tires
- Nylon upholstery
- Removable leg rests
Cons
- No easy access to hand brakes for caregivers/pushers
- No shock absorption when used on bumpy terrain
- Small-sized armrests
Drive Medical Cruiser III Wheelchair
The Cruiser III is both economical and durable. The wheelchair’s frame is constructed of lightweight carbon steel and the wheels have sealed bearings that make for a smoother ride. The tires are solid rubber that may require periodic cleaning to maintain good traction.
The Cruiser has flip back armrests and swing away footrests for easy entry and exit. A tilt handle allows you to set the brakes. The seat and armrests are padded nylon that is both comfortable and easy to clean. The maximum weight capacity of the Cruiser III is 350 pounds.
Pros
- Lightweight carbon steel frame
- Sealed wheel bearings for a smoother ride
- Flip back armrests with swing away footrests
- Padded nylon material
- Weight capacity 350 lbs.
Cons
- Tires require regular cleaning for good traction
- Difficult to fold with the footrests attached
- Weighs just under 40 lbs.
Hi-Fortune Magnesium Wheelchair
With a lightweight magnesium frame, you can expect good durability from this Hi-Fortune wheelchair. With its quick-release hinge, it folds easily and quickly and fits into its storage bag, making it an ideal chair to travel with. It weighs only 21 pounds. The red-colored seat and backrest are distinctive and appealing.
The chair has 22-inch rear wheels and has casters on the back to keep it from tipping over when climbing over curbs or other obstacles. There are dual hand brakes on the push handles that aid caregivers who assist in pushing the chair. The armrests are padded for comfort and the footrest swing out of the way for easy entry and exit. It comes with a 1-year frame and component warranty.
Pros
- Anti-tipping casters
- Swing away leg rests
- Rear hand brakes
- Travel bag included
- 1-year frame and component warranty
Cons
- Only supports weights up to 220 lbs.
- Seat cushion held on with Velcro
- Harder to maneuver through narrower doorways
Important Manual Wheelchair Features
Weight of the chair: The overall weight affects the strength needed to propel the chair and the ease of storing or transporting it. Smaller people may struggle with chairs weighing more than 25 pounds.
Comfort: Is the chair going to be used only for mobility or are you going to be in it for hours at a time. If the seat and armrests aren’t padded, comfort could be adversely affected.
Seat width and depth: It is never good to feel like you are crammed into the chair. The standard width is 18 inches. If you need more width (consider heavier winter clothing), look for seat options that exceed this standard width. Seat depth should allow for 3 inches from the seat edge to the back of the user’s knees.
Support: Along with comfort is chair support. Do you require upper body support? Are there options like safety belts and headrests? For people who need to spend longer periods of time in their chairs, will the back recline, or tilt back, for added comfort? Will the chair support the weight of the user?
Durability: The wheelchair needs to perform under different conditions so it needs to hold up under daily wear and user weight pressure. Select quality design and materials to ensure long-lasting, comfortable use.
Cost: Manual wheelchair prices can range from $100 to $500. What you will need to spend will be determined by how long the use of the chair will be required and what accessories come with the chair, like a custom seat or special wheels for better outdoor use.