Powered wheelchairs, or electric wheelchairs, have created a positive change in the lives of people that require a wheelchair to maintain their independent lifestyles. With these modern innovations they are able to complete everyday tasks and enjoy everyday pleasures that had been lost to them due to the various health conditions that had limited their mobility. The purpose of this review is to clear the air surrounding which powered wheelchair features are absolutely necessary and also answer some of your questions concerning powered wheelchairs.
- Sentire Med Deluxe
- Porto Mobility Ranger
- Innuovo Intelligent Lightweight
- Porto Mobility 2021
- ELENKER Electric Wheelchair
- BEYOUR Walker
Best Powered Wheelchair for Outdoor Use – Top Picks for 2022:
| Sentire Med Deluxe | Porto Mobility Ranger | Innuovo Intelligent Lightweight | Porto Mobility 2021 | ELENKER Electric Wheelchair | BEYOUR Walker | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  |
|
| Weight Capacity | 360 lbs | 400 lbs | 265 lbs | 265 lbs | 280 lbs | 260 lbs |
| Range | 20 Miles | 20 Miles | 12.5 Miles | 20 Miles | 9.3 Miles | 9.3 Miles |
| Battery size | 10 Ah | 12 Ah | 13.2 Ah | 12 Ah | 6 Ah | 6 Ah |
| Seat Dimensions | 24" Width x 21" Height | 18.9" Width | 16.5" Width x 16" Depth x 19.7" Height | 17" Width | No data | 14.9'' Width |
| Dimensions | 40 x 24 x 38 inches | 31 x 24 x 37 inches | 32 x 25.9 x 16 inches | 40" x 24" x 34" inches | 36.6" x 22.8" x 35.4" inches | 36.6" x 22.8" x 35.4" inches |
| Item Weight | 67 lbs | 50 lbs | 50 lbs | 47 lbs | 41 lbs | 41 lbs |
| Price | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon |
Important Features of Powered Wheelchairs
Drive Wheel Configurations: All wheelchairs have at least four wheels, some have six. Power from the chair’s motor will only be applied to two of the wheels. Mid-wheel drive versions tend to be the best for a tighter turning radius, front and rear wheel drive chairs offer the smoothest rides and are better suited for use outdoors.
Drive Controls: There are several options when it comes to drive controls. These include:
- Conventional Joysticks – this option has a gimbal knob, an off/on switch, and a speed control.
- Compact Joysticks – Usually these will be mounted on a swing-away mount and are positioned at chin level for people with limited hand and arm use. The joystick can be utilized by the operator using their chin to activate the control.
- Head Control – the gimbal is mounted behind the head and can be controlled by the turning of the operator’s head.
- Finger/Touchpad Control – Either of these controls are operated by finger movement on a touchpad or a control box. A small finger movement is all that is required to operate the chair.
Turning Radius: The average turning radius is between 20” and 35”. Smaller is better and things like drive wheel size and footrest configuration can affect the turning radius.
Battery Capacity: The battery’s capacity is always expressed in amps per hour. An example of this is a battery with 30 amps of power will operate for three to nine hours on a single charge when it runs at 10 amps. You can expect your wheelchair’s battery to last longer tan just those few hours due to the fact that you will probably not operate it non-stop for that many hours in a row.
Sentire Med Deluxe Electric Wheelchair
The Sentire Med Deluxe is an easily foldable wheelchair that is approved for airplane travel by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It weighs 67 pounds when loaded with the two batteries that are included. It offers a fold-up design and also features padded folding armrests and footrests.
It has 5 inches of ground clearance, an aluminum alloy frame for rugged durability, has a widewheel base for stability when used over rough terrain, and 4 suspension springs that will cushion the chair’s ride. The included lithium-ion batteries (2) provide plenty of power and a 20 mile range. Even though the chair has a widewheel base, it has a good turning radius for maneuvering through tight spaces.
This Sentire model comes with a fast charger, a cup and cane holder, a side storage bag, and a travel cover. The joystick controller can be positioned for either right or left hand control.
Pros
- Padded armrests and footrests
- Easily folded for transport
- Comes with 2 TSA-approved batteries
- FDA registered
Cons
- Expensive
- Not great customer support
Porto Mobility Ranger Discovery Wheelchair
Equipped with two 300 watt motors, this chair will provide you all the power that you hope for in a powered wheelchair. It has slide in dual batteries and comes with a charger that can be used without the batteries being installed in the chair. The batteries are lithium-ion (24V 10 amp), airline approved, and can cover 20 miles without recharging.
Its turning radius is only 32 inches and with just one finger the joystick allows you to travel in all directions. There is a neutral position so that a caregiver can assist with the chair’s movement if needed. There is a built-in USB port for charging a Smartphone while on the go.
The Ranger Discovery includes a travel cover, a charger, a tool kit, and a convenient storage bag. Maybe its only real downside is the joystick positioning that can keep you from getting too close to a table or desk.
Pros
- Supports up to 400 lbs.
- Folding light weight aluminum frame
- Dual batteries have a 20 mile range
- Airline approved
Cons
- Top speed is a little slow
- Bouncy ride on rough terrain
- Joystick position makes it difficult to get close to a table
Innuovo Intelligent Lightweight Foldable Electric Wheelchair
When in comes to a sturdy lightweight electric wheelchair, it’s hard to beat this Innuovo model. Weighing only 50 pounds, it can be folded up for travel in 3 seconds. It is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum for durability.
In has a 360° joystick that can be controlled with one finger and an electric magnetic braking system. The cushioned seat is thick (7.5 cm) and comfortable for longer times in the chair and will prevent bedsores and other negative health issues from prolonged use.
The Innuovo Intelligent has good climbing ability due to its 500 watts of power from its dual motors. It is very maneuverable and turns in a small circle. If you have trouble exiting the chair in the front, you can lift either armrest to exit to the side.
Pros
- Super lightweight
- Swing-away footrests
- FDA approved
- Quick stopping power
Cons
- Slow top speed
- Joystick must be removed before folding the chair
- Beeps in reverse like a piece of heavy equipment – can be annoying
Porto Mobility 2021 Weatherproof Wheelchair
Nominated as the world’s lightest foldable wheelchair, the Ranger 2021 weighs only 43 pounds (without batteries). It folds to suitcase size with very little effort and fits easily into the trunk of a car.
The joystick control can be mounted on either side of the chair for right or left-handed operators. With a flip of a switch the Ranger 2021 will go into freewheel mode, which allows the chair to be pushed as if it is a manual chair. This is nice when a caregiver wants to assist the rider.
The seat is not the most comfortable and is only 18.5 inches wide. Another thing that can be annoying with this chair is that it beeps like a piece of heavy equipment when going in reverse.
Pros
- Light eight – only 43 lbs. (without batteries)
- Weight capacity 396 lbs.
- Great USA based customer support
- Easy to unpack and fold into position
Cons
- Narrow 18.5 inch seat width
- Beeps continuously when going backward
- Comes with only one battery
ELENKER Electric Wheelchair
With a sturdy aluminum frame, the ELENKER wheelchair can be folded up for transport in about 10 seconds. It has a weight capacity of 280 pounds and weighs only 41 pounds. The chair’s motors provide a powerful ride that is very quiet. It turns in a very short radius, making it more maneuverable than other bulkier wheelchairs on the market.
The ride is not as smooth as it could be, the chair tends to buck and bounce its way over obstacles, no doubt due to its super-light construction. There are anti-tippers to keep the chair from tipping over, but they could have been mounted a little lower to reduce the rocking motion.
This chair is great for kids, younger people, and smaller-framed adults.
Pros
- Super light weight
- Small turning radius
- Quality PU tires
Cons
- Bouncy, rocky ride when traveling over rough terrain
- Low ground clearance
BEYOUR Walker Electric Wheelchair
This is a lightweight electric wheelchair that is easy to fold and transport. It is air travel approved and at the flip of a switch can be used as a powered or manually operated chair. Click here for our best manual wheelchairs guide.
It has a high-quality lithium battery that will go about 10 miles before needing to be recharged. It has a smaller turning radius making this chair very maneuverable in tight spaces. If you stop on a slope, the braking system will remain in a braking state and not roll backwards.
Pros
- Small footprint is good for operating in small spaces
- Motors mounted inside the rear wheels, no spinning shafts
- Joystick has speed settings
Cons
- Requires a little force to fold and unfold
- Not good over rough terrain
- Operating on carpeting slows the chair considerably
- Noisy reverse beeper that cannot be bypassed
- No indicator for charge remaining in the battery
Conclusion
If mobility is an issue for you or someone you love, without a doubt the greatest benefit of owning an electric wheelchair is independence. An electric wheelchair will provide you with the freedom to travel easier and continue doing the things you love to do, without necessarily having to rely on someone else. It is recommended that you always “try it before you buy it”. You won’t use it if it’s not comfortable or easy to maneuver.