Finding a good heavy-duty wheelchair is not as easy as buying a normal one. Luckily, we have come up with this guide to help you to find the right one very soon.
For most users, Medline MDS806900 Excel Extra-Wide Bariatric Wheelchair could be a good choice as it can hold up to 500 lbs and is built with high-quality material. However, if you want to save something more lightweight, the Nova one is likely to meet your needs.
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Best Heavy Duty Wheelchairs: Reviews
1. Medline MDS806900 Excel Extra-Wide Bariatric Manual Wheelchair – Best Overall
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This manual wheelchair from Medline is the best in terms of weight capacity and seat width.
For bariatric patients, it is essential to have a comfortable and wide seat. This chair features a 24″ seat and the upholstery is sturdy and soft to sit which helps to prevent soreness.
The detachable footrests and armrests add more comfy and the chrome frame is built to last.
The best part is that it has 500 lbs weight capacity which is great for anybody’s size. The fold-up design ensures you can place it in the trunk.
If you would like to pull the chair by yourself, this is a good option.
Pros
- 500 lbs weight capacity.
- 24″ extra-wide seat.
- Strong chrome frame.
- Removable footrest and armrest.
Cons
- The wheel lock is stiff.
- No seat belt.
2. NOVA Heavy Duty Bariatric Transport Chair – Lightweight Heavy Duty Wheelchair
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Although this transport wheelchair comes with a higher price tag, it is a good option for someone who is keen on comfort and safety.
Featuring a secondary wheel lock, hand brakes, anti-tippers, and safe belt, this chair makes you feel secure while sitting in it.
The big 12″ rear wheels allow the chair to maneuver on any terrain. We also like the pouch in the chair for you to put some personal items.
The chair is completely portable which can be folded into a very reasonable size that makes storing and transporting quite easy. The lightweight frame is a nice touch.
However, the weight capacity is 400 lbs which are less than the model we mentioned above.
Pros:
- The brakes of the wheelchair are very efficient.
- Weighs only 27 pounds.
- Can be folded to a reasonable size.
Cons:
- The footrest is not very stable.
3. Drive Medical BTR22-B Bariatric Heavy Duty Transport Wheelchair – Best Budget Option
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We would recommend this item for customers who are on a budget or don’t care much about these bells and whistles.
With a weight-bearing capacity of 450 pounds, this chair has a dual reinforced structure which makes it very sturdy and durable.
It has 22 inches area for the user to sit in. The nylon seat will not tear easily and provide the required support as well.
Even better, at the back of the wheelchair, there is a small pocket as well for carrying necessary items.
However, it doesn’t come with seat belts and the overall weight is 49lbs.
Pros:
- It has reinforced metal used which improves the safety.
- It comes at a reasonable price.
- It is lightweight and easily transportable.
- It is compatible with all heights.
Cons:
- The brakes are not very efficient.
- No seat belt.
- The seat height is not adjustable.
4. Drive Medical Bariatric Transport Chair – Best Transport Option
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This wheelchair comes in a dandy color combination of red and black. Its weight-bearing capacity is 450 pounds which is usually enough for most people.
When folded, its width is 12″ and when opened its total width is 30″. The seat width is 22″ and the upholstery is sturdy to bear the weight.
As for safety, it comes with a seat belt, the wheel locks and anti-tippers also help to prevent accidents.
It only weighs 33 pounds which is why it is easy to transport as well.
Pros:
- It comes with a seat belt which increases the overall safety.
- It has footrests added which can be swung away as well.
- The armrests are padded.
- It comes with a lifetime warranty.
Cons:
- The dimensions are not compatible with short people.
5. Sentire Med Forza FCX Deluxe Foldable Power Wheelchair – Best High End
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This electric wheelchair is very expensive but gives the user the best and most comfortable mobility experience. It is not only very comfortable but is also very easy to use and store.
With a compact and lightweight design, its total folding time is 5 seconds. It can fit in small places like trunks of small cars.
It is made with aluminum alloy and that is why it is very durable. The footrest is permanent and cannot be removed or tilted. It is equipped with two motors both with a capacity of 250 watts.
The best part is the shock absorbers that are added to the wheelchair to keep the user safe.
However, this chair only supports up to 360 lbs which is not enough for some users.
Pros:
- It is very durable and sturdy.
- The design is dandy and stylish.
- Can be easily carried around.
- Is very comfortable to sit on.
Cons:
- It is 9 times the price of a normal wheelchair.
- The weight capacity is only 360 lbs.
6. Drive Medical Sentra EC Heavy Duty Manual Wheelchair – Best With Leg Rests
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This is another manual wheelchair that has a lot to offer.
The frame is made with carbon steel which is rust and corrosion-resistant. The chair can be adjusted and also has a standard transition axle.
The wheels used are very durable and have extra traction which helps in keeping the user safe by preventing skidding and slipping. It has a maximum weight capacity of 450 lbs and a seat width of 22″.
What we love most is the padded footrest. This provides plenty of comfort for seniors or someone who lack lower limb strength. What’s more, it also features a padded armrest and adjustable footrest.
Pros:
- The transition axle makes transferring the patient very easy and convenient.
- The wheels and brakes of the chair don’t need any maintenance.
- Comfortable footrest included.
Cons:
- Sometimes the wheels get stuck while rolling.
7. Everest & Jennings Traveler HD Wheelchair – Best Heavy Duty Option
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Except for the Medline one we mentioned above, this is another chair with 500 lbs weight capacity.
For seniors who are looking for a truly strong item, this could be one of the best. Featuring 5/8″ diameter axles and a reinforced frame, this chair will hold your weight and make you feel secure while sitting in it.
The upholstery comes with a strong lining and is easy to maintain. The adjustable seat height ensure this chair could accommodate your needs.
Moreover, it includes padded footrests and leg rests, making it a comfortable wheelchair to buy.
Pros
- 500 lbs weight capacity.
- Strong carbon steel frame.
- Sturdy upholstery.
- Comfortable to sit in.
Cons
- The maneuverability is not good enough.
How to Choose The Right One?
The choice is yours but still, there are a few things that you need to consider while buying a bariatric wheelchair, these are:
Weight capacity:
It is very important for you to check the weight capacity. For people who are more than 300 lbs, buying a heavy-duty wheelchair is the right choice.
If you are overweight and you use a normal wheelchair, you are only putting yourself in danger.
Those wheelchairs are not made to carry very heavy weights which is why they can end up breaking and in return, you will end up injuring yourself.
Construction:
This is a very important feature that you need to look into while buying yourself a wheelchair.
Since you have to carry your wheelchair around, it should be lightweight, there is no other way to do this. Apart from being lightweight, it needs to be sturdy and durable.
Another thing that should be included in the construction is the portability of the wheelchair.
In regular chairs, aluminum and titanium are mostly used but for bariatric wheelchairs, stronger steel is used by balancing the weight and sturdiness.
Adjustability:
Different users will have different needs. That’s why adjustability is so important when it comes to wheelchairs. Make sure the seat height, armrest, footrest, and legrest are adjustable.
We still suggest you test it in the store before making any purchase.
Comfort:
As for something you will use daily, comfort is the propriety. The upholstery should be sturdy but still soft to sit on. A bad one will cause bedsores and make you feel pain.
The paddings in the armrest and leg rest are also crucial in adding comfort. The width and depth of the seat also allow you to feel confident and free.
Moreover, the wheelchair accessories could save you a lot of effort and time if you are likely to use them outdoor.
FAQ
What width of wheelchair seat do I need?
Measure the hip from one side to the other, then add 2″ to the measurement, that would be the width of the seat you need. The typical seat width of a heavy-duty wheelchair ranges from 22″-24″.
What is a Heavy-Duty/Bariatric Wheelchair?
These wheelchairs are built for people who are heavier in build. They often come with a wider seat, more weight capacity, and a stronger frame. The typical weight capacity is 400 lbs to 500 lbs. If you are heavier than 300 lbs, you need to opt for a bariatric wheelchair.
Conclusion:
Heavy-duty wheelchairs are a very useful innovation in the world of wheelchairs and have helped a lot of people since obesity is prevailing in the world nowadays.
Get a good one with enough weight capacity, good padding, and adjustability, your daily life will be changed!
