Choosing the right wheelchair to buy for a loved one or yourself can feel overwhelming.
The perfect wheelchair with the right balance of comfort and mobility can have a big impact on a senior’s quality of life. And there are a lot of options.
As needs change with age, it’s important to think about lifestyle, navigating the indoors and outdoors, travel, comfort, and ease of use.
At Conval-Aid, we’re committed to improving the everyday lives of seniors. We’ve carefully evaluated and selected the best wheelchair options from different categories. We hope this guide will help you to better understand the types of wheelchairs available in Canada.
Best Lightweight Wheelchairs
If you’re looking for light, easy-to-use, and easy to transport, a lightweight wheelchair might be the right option.
Pride Mobility Lightweight Power Chair
Pride Mobility’s Lightweight Wheelchair is built with lightweight carbon fibre. It’s simple and quick to pack, making it perfect for transit, travel, or daily commutes. Yet it still has terrain-dominating wheels, a front-end suspension system, a long-lasting battery, and a robust motor.
This lightweight wheelchair has exceptional maneuverability in tight spaces. It also brings a lot of comfort. Perfect for seniors looking for lightweight portability without sacrificing power or performance.
Quickie QX Folding Wheelchair
If you’re looking for a manual lightweight option, the Quickie QX is a standout. Built with aircraft-grade aluminum, this ultralight and foldable chair can effortlessly fit in any car. Its adjustable axle positions and center of gravity make it easy to customize.
And with premium cushioning and an ergonomic design, this chair is very comfortable even with extended use. Ideal for seniors on the go who need a comfortable, lightweight wheelchair that can fold and store in seconds.
Best Power Wheelchairs
Power wheelchairs give you the independence to move both indoors and outdoors, completely effortlessly. No handpower needed, all electric wheelchairs.
Quickie Q300 M Mini
The Quickie Q300 M Mini electric wheelchairs have an ultra-compact design and turning radius that makes moving indoors a snap. This electric wheelchair excels in tight spaces.
It’s also built with a premium suspension, powerful motor, all-terrain wheels, and comfortable seating so your ride is always smooth, even outdoors.
It also features intuitive controls and programmable driving profiles. Perfect for navigating smaller homes and still being able to enjoy the outdoors.
Quantum Q4 Power Wheelchair Base
The Quantum Q4 electric wheelchair has a reputation for high-end performance. Its powerful motor and advanced suspension system easily moves over challenging terrain. It’s also engineered to handle tight corners while being incredibly stable.
Seating and control options are very customizable. And with high-capacity batteries, it performs all day long. A great choice for active seniors that are always on the move.
Best Manual Wheelchairs
Manual wheelchairs are straightforward and cost-effective but still versatile and maneuverable. These standard wheelchairs are for seniors who have the strength to move themselves or consistent access to a caregiver.
Move Folding Wheelchair
The Move Aluminum Folding Wheelchair is incredibly agile. Built with premium aluminum alloy, it’s also one of the lightest wheelchairs on the market. Plus, with its adjustable backrest and seat, you’re in for comfort. Need to slip it into your car or bring it along on transit?
The Move standard wheelchair folds easily and comes with quick-release wheels that make travel a snap. With responsive handling and smooth-rolling wheels, this chair excels in both tight indoor spaces and over outdoor terrain. A versatile option for users with limited space who like to get out and about.
Quickie QXi Folding Wheelchair
The Quickie QXi Folding Wheelchair is a manual chair that’s low-maintenance and simple to use. It’s also comfortable with modern, ergonomic upholstery, reducing wheelchair user fatigue.
The center of gravity, seat height, camber, and back height can all be adjusted without tools to fit you perfectly in under a minute. And the lightweight, aluminum frame is built for durability, lasting an estimated 20 years.
For seniors looking for a reliable, daily manual wheelchair without a lot of complexity, this is our top choice.
Best Wheelchairs For Travelling
Traveling with a wheelchair can be a hassle, but not with these options.
Jazzy Passport Folding Power Wheelchair
The Jazzy Passport is a power wheelchair that folds to the size of a small suitcase. It easily fits into the trunk of most vehicles and even has an optional airline safe travel battery available.
Compact and lightweight, it still has a powerful motor, long-lasting battery, tight turning radius, and a specialty foam seat for comfort. It’s also easy to control with a powered joystick. The Passport is our choice for jetset seniors who love to travel but still want high performance and powered mobility.
Veloce Folding Wheelchair
For manual options, the Veloce Folding Wheelchair is light, agile, stable, and responsive. It also folds down for easy transport, fitting in with your active lifestyle perfectly.
The sleek and minimalist design turns heads, and with a transport weight capacity of only 11 lbs, it’s one of the lightest folding wheelchairs in the world.
Its cutting edge carbon fiber technology makes it strong and durable. It’s also fully adjustable for a personalized fit, while also having the comfort and stability of a rigid chair. A great choice for users who want a manual chair that performs and is very easy to travel with.
Types of Wheelchairs
Just as there are different users with distinct mobility needs, there are different types of wheelchairs to help support them. Understanding these categories can help narrow down the options to the right fit for you or your loved one.
Manual Wheelchairs
Manual wheelchairs are the traditional, hand-powered chairs moved by pushing the large wheels on either side. These are usually lighter, have a simpler design, and are more affordable than motor-powered ones.
Power Wheelchairs
Power wheelchairs have electric motors and rechargeable batteries that drive the chair. They often use joystick control, and can include advanced features like tilt, recline, and elevation functions.
Transport Wheelchairs
Transport wheelchairs are very light and designed to help caregivers. These chairs have smaller wheels and need someone to push them. They’re great for medical appointments and shopping trips.
Travel Wheelchairs
Travel wheelchairs are easy to take apart or fold into an easy to carry and store sized package. They’re also very lightweight, and meant to fit in the trunks of cars or on airplanes.
Recliner Wheelchairs
Recliner wheelchairs are designed for seniors who spend long hours in the chair. They have adjustable backrests that can shift from an upright to a near-flat position, which is sometimes needed for medical care or comfort.
Sports Wheelchairs
Sports wheelchairs are lightweight and agile, designed for active wheelchair users involved in athletic activities. These chairs have reinforced frames, angled wheels for quick turning, and anti-tip devices that keep them stable.
Buying vs. Renting Wheelchairs
Deciding whether to buy or rent a wheelchair depends on your needs and budget.
Buying a wheelchair usually makes more sense financially if it’s going to be used long-term. You’re also able to customize one you buy however you want.
If you only need one for the short term, or if you’d like to try a few models out before committing, renting is a great option.
Conval-Aid offers both buying and renting options. We’re here to make sure you find the right solution for you.
How Long Do Wheelchairs Last?
How long a wheelchair lasts will depend on the model, how much it’s used, how it’s used, and how well it’s taken care of.
Manual wheelchairs generally last around 5 years, while power wheelchairs can last 5 to 10 years with proper care.
Regular maintenance, such as cleaning, tire checks, and battery replacements, will make a chair last longer.
How To Buy The Right Size Wheelchair
It’s important to get a wheelchair that fits correctly. A properly sized wheelchair will give the wheelchair user better posture, reduce the chance of pressure sores, and make getting around easier.
Start by measuring the seat width, which should fit the user’s hips comfortably, plus an extra inch or two at the widest part of the user’s hips or thighs to allow for movement without creating unnecessary gaps.
Seat depth is measured from the back of the user’s buttocks to the back of their knees, with an inch subtracted to give enough room for leg support and circulation.
For height, the user’s feet should rest flat on the ground or footrests, depending on their preferences and needs. If the chair will be used at a desk or table, make sure the armrests and height accommodate these settings.
Similarly, the backrest height should support the user’s back without restricting shoulder movement, especially for wheelchair users who use their arms to propel themselves.
Lastly, adjust the length and positioning of footrests or leg supports, which should be comfortable without straining the legs.
For the best fit, a professional will have you try out several models in person and do a personal adjustment.
Things To Consider
When choosing a wheelchair, think about some of the more important factors.
Weight
Lightweight models are easier to lift, transport, and move around in. They can be better for seniors who travel frequently or need to navigate tight spaces. Heavy duty wheelchairs will have better stability and balance, and will tend to be sturdier.
Brakes
Look for brakes that are easy to engage and release, especially for seniors or caregivers who may have limited hand strength.
Storage
Folding or compact designs will allow your wheelchair to fit into car trunks, closets, or other small spaces. If portability is important to you, choose a lightweight one.
Accessories
Think about what options would make your life easier. Padded seats, cup holders, adjustable armrests, storage pouches are examples of add-ons that can make a chair more enjoyable to use.
Battery Life
For power wheelchairs, a long-lasting battery will let you stay out and about all day long without worrying. A dependable battery that lasts as long as you need should be a priority.
About Conval-Aid
As always, we invite you to book an appointment with one of our wheelchair specialists to answer your questions and help you make the right decision.
Every situation and every person is unique. Each client represents a specific set of challenges that we are always excited to explore.
It’s our job to help guide you through the process of selecting the right equipment for your situation. Book an appointment today!
