Looking to purchase a folding powered wheelchair?Â
We’ve put together this buyer’s guide, to help answer the most important questions around foldable powerchairs and whether they’re the right choice for you and your needs.
What is a Folding Powered Wheelchair?
A folding power wheelchair is exactly what the name suggests. It is a type of electric wheelchair that can fold down into a more compact size for storage or transport.
Unlike traditional powered wheelchairs, which are often large and heavy, folding models are designed with portability in mind.
This makes them especially popular with people who travel regularly or want something easier to manage at home.
What Should You Look for in a Folding Powerchair?
If you’ve done some research on folding powerchairs – you’ll have seen that there’s loads of options to choose from.
A few things worth considering include:
Weight
Some folding powerchairs are much lighter than others. If lifting the chair into a car matters for example, knowing the weight of the chair will be important.
Battery Range
Think about how far you normally travel in a day. The battery range will vary between different models.
Comfort
If you’re planning to use the chair regularly – then it goes without saying but comfort matters! Look to see if the chair offers extra seating support, cushioning and armrest positioning.
Folding Speed
Some chairs fold in seconds, while others take a little more effort. If you travel frequently, a quick folding chair can make life a lot easier.
Storage Space
It’s always worth checking the folded dimensions to make sure it’ll fit in your car boot space, or home storage.
Reliability
If you’re spending good money on a foldable powerchair, we think it’s important to choose a trusted brand with a good reputation in the mobility industry.
Spare Parts
In addition to the above, proven manufacturers will usually have better spare parts availability for components such as batteries, tyres and joysticks etc.
Can Folding Powerchairs Be Taken on Public Transport?
Buses and Trains
Folding powerchairs are more than suitable to either use or take onto buses and trains.
Their lighter weight can also help when using ramps or boarding assistance.
For regular commuters or people who rely on public transport, this can make daily travel far less stressful.
Air Travel
Many folding powerchairs are airline friendly, but it is always important to check battery regulations before flying.
Most modern travel powerchairs use lithium batteries. Airlines often allow these, but there are limits on battery size and rules around how they are stored during the flight.
The good news is that many manufacturers now design chairs with removable batteries to make flying simpler.
Always contact the airline before travelling though to confirm.
Are They Sturdy Enough for Pavements and Kerbs?
This is one of the most common questions people ask, and it is a fair concern.
Because folding powerchairs are lighter and more compact, we find that some people worry they may feel unstable outdoors. In reality, many modern models are far stronger than people expect.
Most quality folding powerchairs are designed for everyday use. That includes pavements, dropped kerbs, shopping centres, town centres and uneven surfaces you may come across during normal travel.
Everyday Pavement Use
For normal pavement use, most folding powerchairs will perform very well.
They are able to handle small kerbs, slight inclines and uneven paths comfortably.Â
If your daily routine includes trips to the shops, cafés, parks or appointments, a folding chair is usually more than capable.
Harsh Kerbs and Poor Road Surfaces
Bad kerbs and poorly maintained pavements can be a bit more challenging.
That said, choosing the right model makes a huge difference. Better quality chairs offer stronger frames, better balance and improved traction outdoors.
If you regularly travel around on older streets, or poorly maintained surfaces, it is worth discussing your needs with a specialist before choosing a powerchair.
Are Folding Powerchairs Suitable for Rough Terrain?
Grass, Gravel and Parks
Many folding powerchairs will be capable of traversing short grass, compact gravel paths and park routes.
So if you’re taking the dog outside for a walk – you shouldn’t experience any issues.
However, we would always exercise caution. For example, softer ground can become more difficult, especially after rain.
Mud, Hills and Off-Road Routes
If you regularly use woodland trails, muddy paths or steep countryside routes, a folding powerchair may not be the best option.
Their smaller wheels and lightweight frames are not designed for demanding off-road conditions.
Generally speaking, a folding powerchair is designed for day-to-day living rather than extreme outdoor use – in which case we would recommend taking a look at off road powered wheelchairs.
How Easy Are They to Fold and Put Away?
One of the biggest selling points of a folding power wheelchair is how simple it is to store and transport.
You’ll be pleased to hear that most modern folding powerchairs are designed to fold down quickly in just a few simple steps. If you get the chance to try one in person, we’d always recommend testing both the folding mechanism and the overall weight to make sure you feel comfortable handling the chair yourself.Â
Keeping it safely stored somewhere is usually much easier too. A folded powerchair can often fit into cupboards, hallways or smaller spaces where a larger chair would struggle.
Are There Any Disadvantages?
Folding power wheelchairs offer plenty of benefits, but they are not perfect for every situation.
- Stability: Folding powerchairs tend to have smaller wheels, lighter frames and less powerful motors. This can affect performance on rough ground, steep hills or uneven outdoor surfaces.
- Battery Range: Battery range can sometimes be a limitation with folding power wheelchairs, especially on lighter travel-focused models.
- Comfort: The folding design can limit adjustments to seating position, backrest angle and overall ergonomic support.
- Lower Weight Capacity: Folding frames often support less weight than rigid powerchairs, which may make them less suitable for heavier users.
Our Best Pick
If you are considering buying a folding power wheelchair, the Quickie Q50 R Carbon is well worth looking at.
It combines lightweight carbon fibre construction with the practical features many people want for everyday use. The chair folds down quickly, making it easier to transport and store, while still offering a comfortable and reliable ride.
It features an additional battery slot that allows you to bring an (optional) second battery along for the ride too, doubling your range to up to 24 km.
For everyday journeys, shopping trips, holidays and social outings, we believe it offers a great balance between convenience and performance.