Best Electric Wheelchairs for Indoor Use
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One of the main problems faced by electric wheelchair users is that these mobility aids can often be cumbersome. If you’re looking for an electric wheelchair for use indoors in places like school, the home, shopping malls, restaurants and others, you’ll need something lightweight, maneuverable, and as compact as possible. All of this is required without compromising function. Here’s our guide on the best electric wheelchairs for indoor use.
Indoor Electric Wheelchairs Comparison Chart
Pride Jazzy Select Electric Wheelchair | Whill Ci 2 Electric Wheelchair | Hover Model X Travel Power Chair | Golden LiteRider Envy Electric Wheelchair | Merits Vision Sport Power Wheelchair | |
 |  |  |  |  | |
Weight Capacity | 300 lbs | 300 lbs | 220 lbs | 300 lbs | 300 lbs |
Dimensions (W x L) | 23.74" x 44.00" | 22.00" x 39.00" | 25.5" x 30" | 22.50" x 36.00" | 24.00" x 34.00" |
Seat Size (W x D) | 16" – 20" x 16" – 20" | 16" – 20" x 16", 18" | 18" x 16" | 17", 20" x 16", 18" | 18", 20" x 18", 20" |
Foldable/Disassembles? | Foldable | Disassembles | Foldable | Disassembles | No |
Max Speed | 4.30 mph | 5 mph | 5 mph | 3.50 mph | 5 mph |
Driving Range | 19.4 miles | 11 miles | 8, 13 miles | 15.50 miles | 18 miles |
Turning Radius | 22.5" | 29.9" | 31.5" | 28.5" | 20" |
Max Incline Angle | 6º | 10º | 12º | 6º | 6º |
Drive System | Mid wheel drive | Rear wheel drive | Rear wheel drive | Rear wheel drive | Mid wheel drive |
Product Weight | 145 lbs | 120 lbs | 35.5 lbs | 123 lbs | 184 lbs |
Price |
What Makes the Perfect Indoor Electric Wheelchair?
When choosing an indoor electric wheelchair, there are a few important things to consider. A good electric wheelchair for indoor use will have a small turning radius to make it easier to move in tight spaces and will also be more compact as well as having options to make it more portable such as being foldable. Let’s explore these features in more detail.
Small Turning Radius
The turning radius of your wheelchair tells you how much space it requires to turn on the spot. Those with a mid-wheel drive are capable of making much smaller turns, so are generally thought to be the best option for indoor use. But we’ll cover this in more detail in the next section.
Your wheelchair should have a turning radius of the average electric wheelchair is between 20 and 35 inches. Of course, the smaller the better when it comes to being indoors. You should be able to move freely in places like shops, restaurants and around the home without any problems.
Mid-Wheel Drive
As we touched on in the previous section, mid-wheel drive wheelchairs generally have a much smaller turning radius which helps you to navigate tighter spaces when using your wheelchair indoors.
These wheelchairs have smaller, usually castor wheels at the front and back, with the larger wheels that control the chair located in the middle, directly under the user. However, while working the user’s center of gravity is ideal for making tight turns, it doesn’t work quite as well when moving over rough or uneven terrain, so these wheelchairs might not be as suitable for outdoor use owing to a lack of stability.
You can also get front and rear-wheel drive wheelchairs. Front-wheel drive chairs are excellent for both indoor and outdoor use, however, since they are known to fishtail when used at speed, they’re typically a little slower. If you want something a little faster and more stable for outdoor use, then a rear-wheel drive chair would be the best choice.
Compact Size
It’s no good having a tight turning radius if the wheelchair is bulky, which is why it’s important to look for a wheelchair that’s as compact as possible without interfering with your comfort.
You’ll need to look at the width of the wheelchair to ensure that it will fit through the doorways in your home. Normally, doors are between 30 and 34 inches wide, but this can vary, so be sure to take measurements before making a purchase. You should go for a wheelchair that gives you a good amount of clearance on either side, so you don’t have to worry about getting perfectly lined up just to use a door.
A more compact wheelchair will not only allow you to get through narrow corridors and doorways, but will also make being in smaller rooms like the kitchen or bathroom less of a challenge.
Foldable/Disassembles
You might not need to use your wheelchair all the time, or you may need to transport or store it. In this case, you’ll want to make sure that the wheelchair is as lightweight as possible. This will make it much easier to lift into your car, but it’s also a good idea to look for an electric wheelchair that will fold or come apart.
When looking at these features, it’s essential to check how easily the wheelchair disassembles/assembles. The last thing you want is something overly time-consuming or complicated.
Flip-Up Armrests
Your armrests are an important feature of your electric wheelchair where comfort is concerned. However, there may be times that they get in the way, especially in an indoor setting. The best electric wheelchairs for indoor use will have armrests that can be flipped up or adjusted so that you can move them out of the way when necessary.
We would also recommend looking for armrests that will comfortably fit underneath a desk or at the very least, allow you to get as close as possible. This also applies to things like tables and countertops; the armrests should not get in the way and hinder what you can do.
Non-Marking Tires
Nobody wants marks all over the floor in their home, but some wheelchairs can leave tire prints on the flooring. This is why it’s a good idea to look for wheelchairs that have non-marking tires. It’ll keep the floor looking great without leaving you with the worry of having to clear up any marks on surfaces such as the carpet.
Other Factors to Consider When Buying an Indoor Power Chair
The things that we have discussed above are very specific to indoor electric wheelchairs. However, there are some other, more general things that we would recommend thinking about before settling on the right wheelchair for you.
Range
For most people, the electric wheelchair will be used outdoors at some point, even if your main intention is to use it inside. For this reason, it’s essential to look at the range of the wheelchair to make sure it won’t give up on you when you’re out and about.
Normal ranges for power wheelchairs can be anywhere between five and twenty miles. However, just because your wheelchair boasts a 20-mile range, that doesn’t mean that it will perform that well every time. The range can be affected by the weight of the user, as well as any bags that are being carried on the chair, as well as things like terrain type and the quality of the battery.
Speed
Usually, electric wheelchairs will travel up to around 4 mph; that’s about an average walking speed which is great for keeping pace with family and friends. However, there are plenty of variations on this, and choosing the right speed will depend on how you’ll use the chair. If you spend most of the time inside, then you won’t have as much need for speed as a user who gets outdoors a lot more.
Much like range, the speed of your wheelchair may be affected by weight and terrain, so it’s important to factor this in. Some of the fastest wheelchairs are those with rear-wheel drive that could go over and above 8 mph and are great for outdoor use.
Controls
If you’re going to get the most out of your electric wheelchair, you need to make sure that you are easily able to control it. One of the most important things to think about is how easy the controls are to operate, and this is even more essential for those with limited dexterity.
There are various types of controls that are suitable for different users. For example, those who struggle with strength or dexterity issues may find a tablet control to be far easier than something like a joystick. There are even chin and head controls for users who have very limited or no use of the upper limbs.
That said, while a standard joystick is ideal for people with good strength and dexterity, there are several adaptations to this design to aid with things like grip.
There are even some electric wheelchairs that have a pre-programmable feature allowing you to set the speed. These have switches for direction and can be very useful for people who struggle to use a joystick.
Seating
You may need to spend a long time in your wheelchair so it is vital that you are comfortable. Looking at the seating and what features it has can go a long way in telling you what to expect in terms of comfort.
It’s a good idea to work with an occupational therapist when choosing the right type of seating. The correct cushioning should be used to prevent the user from sliding or even falling out of the chair, and this will also help to prevent pressure sores. Good cushioning will also help to better align the posture and prevent problems with pain or discomfort.
There are several other seating features to consider, such as whether the chair reclines, which can be beneficial for changing the angle of the back. Tilt in space wheelchairs allow the user to adjust the orientation without adjusting the angle of the back.
Weight Capacity
You should never attempt to use a wheelchair that is not compatible with your weight. This is a very sensitive issue for a lot of people but putting too much weight onto a wheelchair that isn’t designed to hold it can be incredibly dangerous.
There are wheelchairs designed for bariatric users which have a higher weight capacity. This will vary between manufacturers, but generally speaking, they will hold between 500 and 1000lbs. Regular wheelchairs typically have a weight capacity of around 300lbs.
Best Indoor Electric Wheelchairs
There are a lot of excellent electric wheelchairs for indoor use on the market. However, choosing between them requires a lot of research, so we have done the hard work for you. Here are our reviews of the cream of the crop!
1. Pride Jazzy Select Electric Wheelchair
Best Indoor Wheelchair with Smallest Turning Radius – Pride Jazzy Select Electric Wheelchair
The Pride Jazzy Select is a nifty little electric wheelchair that is ideal for indoor use thanks to a minuscule 22.5 inch turning radius. If that wasn’t enough, it’s also just 23.74 inches at its widest point, so it’ll make light work of getting through any doorway.
If you’re concerned about comfort then this wheelchair won’t let you down. It comes with a high back seat giving you excellent postural support as well as the ability to recline and swivel the seat. The seat is also well-padded and covered in a wipeable material to keep your chair hygienic and clean.
While the Pride Jazzy Select does take two people to assemble, once finished, it’s a very stable piece of equipment that’ll work well both indoors and outdoors. With mid-wheel drive, you get good stability on level terrain, and there’s an excellent suspension system to add to your comfort.
Key Specs:
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Dimensions (W x L): 23.74″ x 44.00″
- Max speed: 4.30 mph
- Driving range: 19.4 miles
- Turning radius: 22.5″
- Max incline angle: 6º
- Drive system: mid-wheel drive
- Product weight: 145 lbs
Pros
Cons
2. Whill Ci 2 Electric Wheelchair
Best High-Spec Electric Wheelchair – Whill Ci 2 Electric Wheelchair
When you look at the Whill Ci 2, it’s hard to believe you’re looking at a powered wheelchair because, aesthetically speaking, this more closely resembles a scooter. However, it’s got all the features you would expect from a good indoor electric wheelchair which is why it’s one of our favorites.
The wheelchair has a left or right-handed joystick. However, while this is convenient for most users, it may not be suitable for people who have strength or dexterity problems. We also love that this one comes with a compatible smartphone app, so you can control the chair even when you’re not in it. Ideal for bringing it to you if you live alone.
This one has a weight capacity between 250 and 300lbs, but which you get will depend on the seat width you choose. The 16” width allows for a max weight of 250lbs, while the 20” seat boosts this to 300lbs.
You’ll get a whopping 11 miles per charge from the Whill Ci 2, and it’ll even scale obstacles up to two inches, so it’s perfect for taking out with you as well, especially considering how easy it is to take apart. The compact 29.92 turning radius allows for easy indoor navigation, so you get the best of both worlds.
Key Specs:
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Dimensions (W x L): 22.00″ x 39.00″
- Max speed: 5 mph
- Driving range: 11 miles
- Turning radius: 29.9″
- Max incline angle: 10º
- Drive system: rear-wheel drive
- Product weight: 120.00 lbs
Pros
Cons
3. Hover Model X Travel Power Chair
Best Lightweight Electric Wheelchair – Hover Model X Travel Power Chair
If you are looking for the most lightweight powered wheelchair in the world, then you’ve just found it! The Hover Model X weighs in at just a touch over 35lbs so is ideal for people who need something that is easy to transport and store.
But it doesn’t end there. This wheelchair is not only great for indoor use, but also ideal for getting out and about, thanks to the long 13 mile range. However, you should keep in mind that this is only when you upgrade the battery to the 12v option as opposed to the standard 6v which gives you an 8 mile range. It’s also great outdoors thanks to the 12 inch rear wheels that offer excellent stability.
We love that this chair is fully customizable. You can add a gel cushion, push handles, anti-tippers, and many other features to really make the chair your own. Of course, this does come with additional costs.
With a turning radius of just 31.5 inches and an overall width of 25.5 inches, this is a compact and easy-to-use wheelchair that won’t get you caught up in a tight space.
Key Specs:
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs
- Dimensions (W x L): 25.5″ x 30″
- Max speed: 5 mph
- Driving range: 8, 13 miles
- Turning radius: 31.5″
- Max incline angle: 12º
- Drive system: rear-wheel drive
- Product weight: 35.5 lbs
Pros
Cons
4. Golden LiteRider Envy Electric Wheelchair
Best Budget-Friendly Electric Wheelchair – Golden LiteRider Envy Electric Wheelchair
The Golden LiteRider proves that you can get a very efficient and reliable powered wheelchair for indoor use without breaking the bank. We won’t lie, it doesn’t have quite the number of features as some of the others on this list, but for occasional use or travel, it’s perfect.
It’s brilliant for using indoors thanks to the non-marking wheels as well as the small turning radius of 28.5 inches. This isn’t quite as compact as some, but it’s more than suitable for most tight spaces. What’s more, it’s only 22.5 inches wide, so you’ll have no problems in narrow corridors or doorways.
This wheelchair is also a good option for the outdoors and will let you get through your day without stopping, thanks to a 15.5-mile range. The only real downside is comfort is compromised since this wheelchair has a low back. That said, you can customize the chair with various types of cushions, including memory foam, so you can better get it to meet your needs.
Key Specs:
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Dimensions (W x L): 22.50″ x 36.00″
- Max speed: 3.50 mph
- Driving range: 15.50 miles
- Turning radius: 28.5″
- Max incline angle: 6º
- Drive system: rear-wheel drive
- Product weight: 123 lbs
Pros
Cons
5. Merits Vision Sport Power Wheelchair
Best Indoor Power Chair with Elevating Seat – Merits Vision Sport Power Wheelchair
We love the Merits Vision Sport Power Wheelchair which has a tiny 20-inch turning radius making it perfect for use in the home and in public buildings. What’s more, it’s only 24 inches at its widest point so you won’t find yourself stuck in tight spaces.
When moving around indoors, you’ll also find the flip-up armrests to be very convenient, and the mid-wheel drive makes it stable enough for use on most even surfaces.
Comfort is of the utmost importance, which is why we’re glad that the Merits Vision sport power wheelchair comes with a high back that part reclines, allowing you to get into a position that feels good. Plus, it boasts front and rear suspension for a very comfortable ride.
This wheelchair really does go the distance, travelling at up to 5 mph and as far as 18 miles on a single charge. If you need something that’ll get you out and about just as easily as it will get you around inside, this is the most versatile option. However, we should point out that at 184lbs, this is one of the heavier chairs on this list, so it’s not ideal for transporting.
Key Specs:
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Dimensions (W x L): 24.00″ x 34.00″
- Max speed: 5 mph
- Driving range: 18 miles
- Turning radius: 20″
- Max incline angle: 6º
- Drive system: mid-wheel drive
- Product weight: 184 lbs
