If you love getting out and about, whether it’s for errands or for fun days exploring, a travel wheelchair can help you maintain your independence. When selecting the best travel wheelchair, comfort and mobility should be at the forefront of your decision.
With so many models on the market, it can be hard to know which wheelchairs offer the right comfort and features for your mobility needs. At Easy Living Mobility, we’re here to help you find the perfect lightweight travel wheelchair, and in this blog, we’ll take you through our top picks.
What are the most important features for travel wheelchairs?
If comfort and mobility are at the forefront of your mobility needs, then there are several factors to keep in mind when selecting the right travel wheelchair for you.
Weight and lifting
Weight is an essential factor when choosing a travel wheelchair, as the weight of a chair determines how portable it is. Wheelchairs that maximise mobility need to be lightweight and easy enough to lift, fold or disassemble for storage. Whether it’s with assistance or by yourself, a travel wheelchair should be light enough to lift a few feet off the ground, or break down into parts that can do the same, in order to reach the height of a car boot.
Some wheelchairs can be as light as 7kg, but electric or powered wheelchairs may be heavier. It’s important to always check the total weight of a chair so you can ensure safe and appropriate lifting and avoid strain.
Folding or disassembly
Travel wheelchairs are made for portability, but deciding on whether to invest in a folding or disassembly wheelchair comes down to your mobility and comfort needs. Folding wheelchairs are great for collapsing fast, making them brilliant for public transport like buses, trains and taxis where speed is essential for efficient travel.
If you need a lighter option, dismantling wheelchairs can be separated into smaller, more manageable pieces, which can be great if you’re looking for independence and are travelling without any assistance to lift your chair. These models, however, do take slightly more time to assemble and disassemble.
Ergonomics and support
To maximise comfort, support and ergonomic features are essential, especially when spending long periods sitting. Seats should be padded to offer cushioning and prevent soreness, and upholstery should be breathable to prevent overheating. The best travel wheelchairs for comfort should also have ergonomic back support that helps maintain correct posture and reduce fatigue.
Maneuverability
One major aspect that defines the mobility of a wheelchair is its manoeuvrability. Your chair needs to be compact enough to carry out tight turns inside indoor areas like your home with narrow hallways or aisles, like in supermarkets. For outdoor travel, large rear wheels will help increase stability on uneven surfaces, whilst suspension systems keep you comfortable on uneven pavements and allow you to avoid obstacles.
iCarbon Folding Electric Wheelchair
This premium travel wheelchair is ideal for those who want powerful mobility solutions for regular travelling. The iCarbon has a hefty pricetag but is well worth the investment, with a lightweight carbon frame and one-hand folding at the touch of a button. Storage and transport are a breeze with this model, and the twin 250W motors allow for smooth sailing on both indoor and outdoor surfaces.
If you want a high-end wheelchair for regular travel that stops you from feeling limited when exploring outdoors, this is the wheelchair for you.
Vala Aluminium Electric Folding Wheelchair
This Vala wheelchair is a sleek and sophisticated lightweight travel wheelchair that focuses on performance without sacrificing comfort. The aluminium frame keeps this chair light for easy manoeuvring whilst also being durable for daily use. Weight 14.8kg, this wheelchair removes any excess features that weigh you down, allowing for maximum performance.
This lightweight folding powerchair balances portability with extreme power, offering a total output of 500w thanks to the innovative Japanese motors. Whether you’re off on a city trip or carrying out daily errands, you can travel knowing you’re fully powered for a day of activity.
MicroMover Transit Wheelchair
If you’re looking for a lightweight option for easy lifting and transporting, this MicroMover is a fantastic option and is one of the lightest travel wheelchairs on the market. Weighing just 7kg, this model is a fantastic, ultra-compact, everyday-use wheelchair.
Ideal for daily activities like shopping trips, city outings and general errands, the MicroMover can fit easily into your car boot or onto public transport, helping to maximise independent travel.
Although this model is less suited to off-road or longer expeditions, this wheelchair is surprisingly impressive, with durable padding, comfort and manoeuvrable wheels, all on a lightweight frame. If simple and reliable is what you’re searching for in a travel wheelchair, this is your best bet.
Axion Transit Wheelchair
For the ideal balance of practicality and affordability, this Axion model delivers. With a lightweight folding frame and ergonomic seating, you can ensure comfort for extended periods of sitting and benefit from posture support.
With 15-inch sold rear wheels and attendant brakes, you’ll have maximum manoeuvring over a range of surfaces both indoors and outdoors, letting you carry out daily tasks with ease.
If you’re searching for a durable and reliable lightweight folding wheelchair, the Axion wheelchair proves that budget-friendly options can still be superior for mobility and comfort.
Aura Transit Wheelchair
If your busy lifestyle often sees you sacrificing comfort, this Aura Transit offers effortless comfort in a versatile wheelchair. Designed to make travel stress-free and simple, the strong aluminium frame offers a solid foundation for supporting up to 120kg of weight whilst maintaining a lightweight design for easy folding.
One of the standout features of this model is the anti-microbial upholstery, designed to reduce bacteria and keep you clean and comfortable in a range of settings from clinical appointments to outdoor expeditions.
FAQs
What is a travel wheelchair?
A travel wheelchair is a portable chair that’s designed specially to make travel easier and more accessible. Many of these wheelchairs fold or disassemble into manageable pieces to allow for easy storage in car boots, making them brilliant for daily errands, holidays and family outings.
Can you take a travel wheelchair on a plane?
As long as your travel wheelchair isn't powered by lithium batteries, you should be able to easily travel on planes and across multiple airlines. It’s always important to check the rules and regulations of your flight provider, but for the most part, modern airlines have taken measures to be more inclusive to wheelchair users.
Safety and style with premium travel wheelchairs from Easy Living Mobility
Whether you’re looking for a travel wheelchair for adventures overseas or everyday errands, we know that each one of our customers at Easy Living Mobility has a unique set of needs. That’s why our experts are trained to help you choose the right wheelchair for your lifestyle.
With over 20 years in the industry, we know which models and features can offer you the best support, and all of our mobility aids, from mobility scooters to active use wheelchairs, have been specially selected for their superior quality and comfort.
Looking for a custom-built option? Get in touch today, and we’ll help select bespoke powerchairs that give you maximum freedom.
