The 17 best wheel chair brands
Pride, Quantum and Permobil lead our ranking of 17 wheel chair brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Wheel Chair brands, ranked
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1
Pride
Revo 2.0 power chair that separates into parts for boot-of-car transport, plus the Go-Chair scooter line.
Top products: Jazzy Carbon
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Quantum
Quantum Rehab's iLevel power bases offer tilt and seating adjustments for users with complex positioning needs.
Top products: iLevel Edge 3
Website: quantumfuel-t6svpvipuec.gorgias.help |Brands like Quantum
Popularity 8.2/10
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3
Permobil
Swedish-made power chairs with F3 and M5 bases, plus SmartDrive power-assist add-ons for manual chairs.
Top products: F3 Power Wheelchair· SmartDrive MX2
Website: permobil.com |Brands like Permobil
Popularity 7.7/10
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4
Invacare
Long-established maker of manual and power wheelchairs, with a large home-care range and parts supply.
Top products: Storm Tourque 3· Infinity· Pronto M50
Website: invacare.com |Brands like Invacare
Popularity 6.3/10
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5
Medline
Affordable aluminium transport chairs and folding manual models, popular with hospitals and care homes.
Top products: Ultralight Transport Wheelchair
Website: medline.com |Brands like Medline
Popularity 4.6/10
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6
Golden Technologies
Power chairs and lift recliners, including foldable travel models such as the Cricket GP302.
Website: goldentech.com |Brands like Golden Technologies
Popularity 3.9/10
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7
Karman
Ultralight manual wheelchairs with adjustable seating, plus sports, transit and children's options.
Top products: S-Ergo 115
Website: karmaninc.com |Brands like Karman
Popularity 3.4/10
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8
Merits
Home-care manual and power wheelchairs at moderate prices, with scooters and heavier-duty models available.
Website: meritsusa.com |Brands like Merits
Popularity 3.3/10
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9
Convaid
Paediatric and adult manual chairs with pushrim and seat-tilt options, built for ergonomic daily use.
Website: convaid.com |Brands like Convaid
Popularity 3.0/10
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10
Hoveround
Compact power chairs built for tight indoor spaces and extra agility, at mid-range prices.
Website: hoveround.com |Brands like Hoveround
Popularity 2.9/10
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11
Graham-Field
Lightweight manual wheelchairs and transport chairs, plus hospital equipment for clinical settings.
Website: grahamfield.com |Brands like Graham-Field
Popularity 2.9/10
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12
Sunrise Medical
Quickie-brand lightweight manual chairs and power bases, with adjustable frames for active users.
Website: sunrisemedical.ca |Brands like Sunrise Medical
Popularity 2.8/10
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13
Ki Mobility
Catalyst 5 manual frame with Ki's seating systems, often specified by clinicians fitting custom postural support.
Top products: Catalyst 5VX· Rogue Two
Website: kimobility.com |Brands like Ki Mobility
Popularity 2.7/10
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14
Shoprider
As the world advances every day, new and improved technologies make it easier for older people with mobility issues and other disabled individuals to lead an independent everyday life. Shoprider is one of the trusted names which takes part in...
Website: shoprider.com |Brands like Shoprider
Popularity 2.1/10
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15
ELENKER
Elenker's mobility solutions will let you live your life to the fullest during your recovery. The Elenker Walker easily beats traditional walkers due to ease of use and safety factors. With the help of their walkers, you become independent and...
Website: elenkerwalker.com |Brands like ELENKER
Popularity 1.6/10
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16
Rascal
Rascal is a clothing brand that offers dashing and trendy apparel and accessories for boys and men. It is a lifestyle brand owned by F2 freestylers Billy Wingrove and Jeremy Lynch. The company has a wide variety of clothes like...
Website: rascalclothing.com |Brands like Rascal
Popularity 1.6/10
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17
Carex
Carex has been serving its customers with self-care and medical products for over 35 years. They take great pride in their work of providing safe and secure health products to the people. They have a wide variety of products in...
Website: carex.com |Brands like Carex
Popularity 1.2/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quantum | quantumfuel-t6svpvipuec.gorgias.help | /QuantumTeleShopping | quantum.lk | @quantumteleshop | Quantum Fitness |
| Permobil | permobil.com | /permobil | – | – | PermobilCorporation |
| Invacare | invacare.com | – | – | – | – |
| Medline | medline.com | /MedlineIndustriesInc | – | @Medline | MedlineIndustries |
| Golden Technologies | goldentech.com | /GoldenTechnologies | goldentechnologiesusa | @goldentechusa | GoldenTechChannel |
| Karman | karmaninc.com | /karmanwheelchairs | – | @KarmanHC | karmanhealthcare |
| Merits | meritsusa.com | – | – | – | – |
| Convaid | convaid.com | /ConvaidR82Kids | – | @Convaid | Etac - US |
| Hoveround | hoveround.com | /Hoveround | – | @hoveround | HoveroundCorporation |
Wheelchair Buying Guide
If you or anyone you know requires a wheelchair, it's important to choose the right one. There are many different types of wheelchairs, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this wheelchair buying guide, we'll cover the various factors to consider before purchasing a wheelchair to ensure you make the best choice for your needs.
Type of Wheelchair
The first factor to consider is what type of wheelchair will best suit your needs. There are two main types of wheelchairs:
- Manual Wheelchairs: These are propelled by the user or another person pushing the wheelchair's wheels. They're typically less expensive and more lightweight than power wheelchairs, making them a good option for people who have good upper body strength or someone who will be pushing them.
- Power Wheelchairs: These wheelchairs are electrically powered, allowing the user to move without assistance. They're more expensive than manual wheelchairs but offer increased independence and mobility.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of the wheelchair are important factors to consider, as they can impact the user's comfort and mobility. A wheelchair that's too small or too large can cause discomfort, while a wheelchair that's too heavy for the user to maneuver can be difficult to use.
When choosing a wheelchair, it's important to consider your height, weight, and any other mobility limitations you may have. A wheelchair that's the right size and weight for you will be more comfortable to use and allow for greater mobility.
Seat Width and Depth
The seat width and depth of a wheelchair are important factors to consider, as they impact the user's comfort and posture. A seat that's too narrow or too shallow can cause discomfort, while a seat that's too wide or too deep can cause the user to slide around.
When choosing a wheelchair, it's important to consider your body size and any other mobility limitations you may have. A wheelchair with the proper seat width and depth will provide greater support and comfort, as well as help maintain proper posture.
Wheel Size
The size of the wheelchair's wheels is another important factor to consider. Large wheels are better for outdoor use and provide greater stability and control, while small wheels are better for indoor use and offer greater maneuverability.
When selecting a wheelchair, consider where it will primarily be used. If you'll be using it primarily indoors, smaller wheels may be a better choice. If you'll be using it outdoors, larger wheels will provide greater stability and control.
Armrests and Footrests
The armrests and footrests of a wheelchair are important considerations. Armrests provide support and stability, while footrests offer comfort and a place to rest the feet.
When choosing a wheelchair, consider your height and any other mobility limitations you may have. Armrests that are too high or too low can cause discomfort and armrests that are too wide or too narrow can impact mobility. Similarly, footrests that are too high or too low can cause discomfort, while footrests that are too short or too long can impede mobility.
Cushioning
The cushioning of a wheelchair is another important consideration, as it impacts the user's comfort and support. Cushioning can help prevent pressure ulcers and other skin injuries, as well as reduce discomfort caused by sitting for extended periods of time.
When choosing a wheelchair cushion, consider your weight and any other mobility limitations you may have. A cushion that's too firm or too soft can cause discomfort, while a cushion that's too small can provide inadequate support.
Brakes
The brakes of a wheelchair are important for safety and control, especially when going downhill or on uneven terrain. There are two types of wheelchair brakes:
- Push-Button Brakes: These brakes are located on the handles of the wheelchair and require the user to push down to engage or release. They're easy to use and require little effort, making them a good choice for people with limited upper body strength.
- Scissor Brakes: These brakes are located on the wheels of the wheelchair and require the user to push down on the pedal to engage or release. They provide greater braking power than push-button brakes but require more effort to engage and release.
Accessories
There are many accessories available for wheelchairs, such as cup holders, storage bags, and wheelchair ramps. When selecting accessories, consider what will be most useful for your needs and lifestyle.
Some accessories may require retrofitting or modification of the wheelchair, so make sure to consult with a professional before making any changes to your wheelchair.
Cost
The cost of a wheelchair is an important factor to consider, as they can be expensive. Manual wheelchairs are generally less expensive than power wheelchairs, but both can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
When selecting a wheelchair, consider your budget and any insurance coverage you may have. Medicaid and Medicare may cover some or all of the cost of a wheelchair for eligible individuals.
Conclusion
Choosing the right wheelchair is an important decision that can impact your comfort, mobility, and independence. When selecting a wheelchair, consider the factors discussed in this wheelchair buying guide, such as type of wheelchair, size and weight, seat width and depth, wheel size, armrests and footrests, cushioning, brakes, accessories, and cost. By carefully considering these factors and consulting with a professional, you can find the perfect wheelchair to meet your needs.
