The Best Wheelchairs

Drive Medical Blue Streak Wheelchair

Take It for a Spin

This chair is made from premium materials to provide targeted support to pressure points throughout the day.

Best Overall

Find on Amazon

Drive Medical’s Blue Streak is an impressive collapsible device that gives you marvelous mobility whenever you need it. Proper wheelchairs need to excel at providing comfort, stability, and convenience, which are all attributes Drive Medical has in spades. It all starts with the delivered package, which comes pre-assembled save for the leg rests. Operation and navigation are made straightforward with solid, slip-proof handrims, and when you’ve accumulated too much speed, the responsive brakes will bring you to a halt with ease. Drive Medical’s generous legroom, padded seating, and formidable frame take the stress out of the setup process and keeps you moving forward.

Pros:

• The seat is 18″ wide and easy to clean spills
• No tools required for assembly
• Can be purchased heavily discounted through a healthcare provider

Cons:

• Unfolding can be difficult due to weight

Medline Wheelchair

Power Through Your Day

This chair's trouble-free wheels and articulated leg and armrests make navigation and transfer super straightforward.

Runner Up

Find on Amazon

When you want a little extra versatility in your wheelchair, Medline has you covered. This seat allows getting around and staying around to be simpler than ever with reinforced padding and features that won’t cause discomfort. Medline drops weight where it can, and while it’s only a couple pounds lighter than comparable sturdy chairs, removable arm and leg rests quickly prep the chair for more extended expeditions. When it’s time to relax, the dual-purpose leg rests can be reattached for swivel and elevation purposes, while the adjusting seat backing ensures a comfortable ride every time.

Pros:

• Three purchase options for seat width
• Nylon upholstery is scratch and stain-resistant
• Helpful customer support team

Cons:

• Uneven terrain can be annoying with no shock absorption

Drive Medical Steel Transport Wheelchair

On a Roll

When you find yourself lugging your wheelchair around more often than you sit in it, this option can lighten the load and speed up your journey.

Most Lightweight

Find on Amazon

When you need regular assistance, finding a maneuverable wheelchair is at the top of the priority list. This wheelchair by Drive Medical is incredibly comfortable but lightweight enough to haul into the car or up the stairs. Known as a transport chair as opposed to a wheelchair, this medical device cannot be operated independently, and as such, does not have self-propelling wheels or brakes. But the 8″ casters are much easier to push from behind and contain emergency brakes that keep the chair in place on a steep gradient. Drive Medical’s Steel Transport Chair folds down easily, providing support wherever you need to be for as long as you need to be there.

Pros:

• Locking buckles for the waist and legs add to the security.
• Great value for the price

Cons:

• It cannot be used as a walker due to the lack of handbrakes

Medline Lightweight Transport Wheelchair

Make Moves

This convenient device will help you keep on your feet when possible and travel swiftly when you need a rest.

Most Versatile

Find on Amazon

If you’re on the mend from an injury, Medline’s Transport Wheelchair provides a happy balance of maneuverability and affordability. If you’re under the supervision of a family member or health care professional, we think this chair is a go-to choice for getting around the house and on pavement outdoors. Unlike most transport chairs, Medline’s device features larger back wheels, adding to the chair’s overall balance and stability. Whether you’re walking yourself or paired with a physical therapist, Medline’s product encourages independent movement with smart design and superior control corners and inclines.

Pros:

• The upholstery prevents sweating
• It takes seconds to break down and store
• High-quality aluminum frame is rust-resistant

Cons:

• No padding on the leg rests included

Drive Medical Sport Reclining Wheelchair

The Mobile Comfort Lab

If your current unit isn't sufficiently sized, this chair will provide consistent upper back and neck support with generous seat width.

Best Reclining

Find on Amazon

The Sport Reclining Wheelchair is an incredible innovation by the mobility masters at Drive Medical it easy for everyone to enjoy the great outdoors. While most wheelchairs offer a relatively comfortable chair, metal frames are a bit rigid compared to our living room furniture. Drive Medical rises to the challenge with their hydraulic reclining system that folds completely flat without compensating or adjusting for balance. Luxury is the primary pull for this product, and we can’t get enough of the added creature comforts. The cushioned pillow adjusts to every angle, the anti-tipping tech ensures accident-free reclining, and best of all, the explosive mag wheels can glide across softer surfaces for all-terrain adventures.

Pros:

• Included storage pocket
• Armrests extend backward when reclining

Cons:

• Difficult to store in compact cars

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there wheelchair options for adverse terrain?

Wheelchairs are primarily suited for paved concrete or asphalt surfaces because of the narrow and treadless nature of standard wheelchair wheels that don’t have air. While offroad wheelchairs do exist, they can be prohibitively expensive because most are electric. Instead, we suggest trying out one of our recommended wheelchairs and purchasing inflatable, offroad tires instead. Back wheelchair wheels are only attached with an axel screw in most cases and can be swapped out for spares with ease.

What are some other wheelchair accessories that can come in handy on a daily basis?

Wheelchair accessories can quickly improve your quality of life without coming close to breaking the bank. One of the essential accessories to top off our list would be gloves for palm protection against blisters and debris. Next up, under-chair or armrest storage makes taking personal items with you simple and hassle-free. Lastly, if you find yourself in your chair for long stretches, more specialized attachments can prove useful. Trays, cupholders, and canopies can make office work or mealtime delightful when outdoors, while memory foam padding will keep your muscle loose and limber while you go about your day.