Choosing the Best Lightweight Electric Power Wheelchair in 2023

Power wheelchairs are a great way to enjoy more activities, especially if you're looking for a wheelchair that is easy to use.

We at Sinovehicles are dedicated to helping individuals regain their independence and lead the life they desire. Since 2000, we have provided Complex Rehab Technology around the globe. We are here to help you choose the right solution for your situation.

This guide will help you learn more about lightweight power wheelchairs and what we like best!

Regular Power Wheelchairs Vs Lightweight Power Wheelchairs First, we would like to give you a bit of information about the main difference between regular power wheelchairs and lightweight power wheelchairs. This is insurance coverage.

Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage is one of the most significant differences between regular and lightweight power wheelchairs.

Do you wonder if Medicare covers your power wheelchair? It all depends on what type of power wheelchair you are looking for. It's unlikely that you'll be approved by your insurance for a lightweight wheelchair or portable wheelchair if you're searching for one.

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, coverage for power mobility devices requires that an item be:

Eligible for a defined Medicare benefit category

If the procedure is reasonable and necessary to diagnose or treat an illness, injury, or improve the function of a malformed member of the body or if it's needed for a diagnosis or treatment.

Power wheelchairs that are lightweight and portable don't always meet the needs of people with permanent disabilities. Someone looking for coverage on a power wheelchair that is medically necessary.

Power wheelchairs aren't just cool-looking and convenient to use. They must also meet the regulatory requirements of the CMS. These requirements are known as Pricing, data analysis, and coding (PDAC). Insurance coverage is not available for power wheelchairs without PDAC codes.

Most lightweight power wheelchairs don't meet the second criteria, which is that an item must be reasonable and needed.

Power wheelchairs that are lightweight and compact were not designed to be used daily or for long periods. They could cause health problems if they are misused.

A power wheelchair can only be covered if it is used in your own home. The lightweight power wheelchairs that are so portable were designed to be used outdoors.

If you are looking to purchase a power wheelchair for outdoor use, you will not be covered by Medicare if it is not deemed "reasonable". Outdoor use isn't covered by Medicare. Since commercial payers generally follow Medicare coverage guidelines, you will find that all health plans require "in-home" use.

This is not true if you have a medical plan. Medi-Cal plans cannot deny coverage to beneficiaries because they will only use their power wheelchair outdoors. This does not mean that outdoor use will be covered in every case. Medi-Cal can deny coverage if it doesn't agree with the doctor that outdoor use is medically necessary. To avoid denial of coverage, you should work with a supplier of wheelchairs who understands the Medicare and MediCal coverage rules and insurance types.

Do you need help finding a power wheelchair with insurance coverage?

Call our team of experts in rehab today. Contact our team of rehab experts today.

Weight

The main difference between lightweight and regular power wheelchairs is that the latter weighs less. Some of the lightest wheelchairs only weigh 14 kg. Regular power wheelchairs, on the other hand can weigh up to 90kgs.

A lightweight power wheelchair has a lower weight restriction than regular electric wheelchairs and bariatric wheelchairs. For example, a light power chair typically has a maximum weight of 114 to 136 kgs while a bariatric wheelchair can support up to 273kgs.

Portable

Many lightweight power wheelchairs can be folded up to fit into most cars without any additional mobility equipment.

You need a large vehicle that has a ramp to fit a regular power wheelchair into it. Power wheelchairs are too large to fold into standard vehicles and too heavy to lift up and down from a vehicle.

Comfort

For the sake of being lightweight and portable, some power wheelchairs are made with aluminum instead of steel. Aluminum is used to keep them lightweight.

Some lightweight power wheelchairs will not have the same cushiony couch feeling as high-end wheelchairs. Take the XFGW30-104, for example. It looks like a recliner-on-wheels! All that padding makes the chair heavier and will make it difficult to fold.

It's not that lightweight power wheelchairs don't feel comfortable. You'll notice the difference as you look through power wheelchair options.

How To Choose The Best Lightweight Power Wheelchair

What you want in a power wheelchair will determine what's best for you. Here are some criteria to consider when evaluating lightweight power wheelchairs:

Total Weight Some lightweight power wheelchairs still weigh around 30 kg. This could be heavy depending on who is lifting it into and out of the car. The lightest wheelchair weighs around 15 kg. This is not too heavy for most people to lift.

How easily it folds - Check that the power wheelchair fits in your vehicle.

Turning Radius- A small turning radius will allow you to navigate around tight corners and in smaller spaces. A turning radius of 20" or less is ideal.

Comfort -- Make sure that the lightweight power chair you select has all the comfort features you require. Do you, for example, need a large seat? How about a strong back support for example? What about armrests that are cushioned?

Weight Limit Some lightweight power wheelchairs are lighter than regular power wheelchairs. Some weight limits are capped at 109kgs. You'll have to choose a power wheelchair with a weight capacity over 136kgs if you want a wheelchair that can accommodate a heavier person.

Durability -- Lightweight wheelchairs require lighter materials. This can make them less durable. Read reviews to see what users say about durability.

Battery Life Some lightweight power chairs don't offer a long battery life because a smaller battery keeps the chair from becoming too heavy. If you are planning to travel a distance in your wheelchair, make sure that the battery range will be sufficient.

Top Lightweight Power Wheelchairs for 2023

XFGN18-208CP

The XFGN18 208CP is a lightweight folding electric wheelchair.

The power wheelchair can be used for travel, as it is compact enough to fit in an airplane. It has bag storage under the seat and an airline-approved lithium-ion travel battery.

Features of the XFGN18-208CP

Total Weight (without Batteries): 19.5 kg

Maximum weight: 120 kg

Turning radius: 24.25"

Folding? No

Folded Dimensions:340*605*730mm

Airplane approved? Is the lithium-ion travel batteries approved by airlines?

Maximum speed: <=4.5km/h

Range: up to 24km

Is your insurance coverage sufficient? No

The best choice for people who are looking for a lightweight, powerful power wheelchair that can be folded and come from a trusted supplier, but does not have insurance.

XFGN18-208AC

The Feather Power wheelchair has the distinction of being the lightest powered wheelchair on earth. The Feather Power wheelchair can be folded up to fit in any car, or even into a coat closet.

This chair's 35" turning circle is not as tight as some others. It makes up for it in weight and speed.

Features of the XFGN18-208AC:

Total Weight:16KGS

Maximum weight: 100 kg

Turning radius: 25"

Folding? Folding?

Folded Dimensions: 34*60*76.5cm

Is the plane approved? Yes. The battery can be removed.

Maximum speed: 5 mph

Range: 1 mile

Are you covered by insurance? Insurance?

The best choice for someone who wants the lightest power wheelchair possible and does not have insurance. This lightweight power chair's range and weight capacity aren't quite as high as some other models, but it could be perfect for someone who wants to go light.

XFGN15-209

This is one of the lightest wheelchairs available. It weighs only 29.3 pounds. It has a good range (15 mph), a weight capacity of 300 lbs, and is approved by airlines. It has a smaller turning radius and a higher weight capacity than Feather.

This electric wheelchair is made from carbon fiber and has a high level of durability. The XFGN15-209 Folding Power wheelchair can be folded up to fit in almost any vehicle.

Total Weight: 29.3 lbs.

Maximum weight:300 pounds

Turning radius: 31.5"

Folding Yes

Is the plane approved? No

Maximum speed: 5 mph

Range:15 miles per hour

Are you covered by insurance? Insurance?

Best for People who are looking for a lightweight, foldable power chair with a high weight capacity and a long range and do not have insurance.

XFGW25-203

Zhejiang Qianxi Vehicle Co.,Ltd. which an electric wheelchair manufacturer makes some of the highest-quality power wheelchairs. The XFGW25-203 is their light electric wheelchair, weighing in at 55% less than other power wheelchairs.

This power wheelchair has the best feature: it is one of lightest chairs to meet PDAC standards. It's therefore eligible for insurance coverage. It's the only wheelchair on this list to meet insurance requirements.

It's not easy to lift, even though it is one of Zhejiang Qianxi Vehicle Co.,Ltd. lighter electric wheelchairs. The electric wheelchair is considered light for the Zhejiang Qianxi Vehicle Co.,Ltd line and has a powerful performance.

The XFGW25-203 has the following features:

Total Weight:57.32 Lbs.

Maximum weight: 300 lbs.

Turning radius: 22"

Folding No

Does it fit on planes? Does it fit on airplanes?

Maximum speed: 5.1 mph

Range:Up To 21 Miles

Are you covered by insurance? YES!

The electric wheelchair is the best choice for users who are looking for performance and don't need their power chair to fold or be airline approved. The electric wheelchair meets insurance criteria because it is coded by DME PDAC.

What is the lightest power wheelchair?

Feather Mobility is a company that makes the lightest wheelchairs on the planet. The Feather Power wheelchair weighs 33 lbs.

The majority of lightweight power wheelchairs range in weight from 33-50 lbs. Regular power wheelchairs can weigh up to 200 lbs.

Where Can I Purchase a Lightweight Electric Wheelchair?

There are two options when it comes to buying a wheelchair with power:

Online

Although buying a lightweight powered wheelchair online is convenient you may not get the same attention or service that you would receive if you were to shop in person.

It's also difficult to get help if you run into problems with your power wheelchair or your order. Power wheelchairs need to be serviced at least every year for batteries and tires, and more frequently if they require extensive repairs like motors or electronics. It can be hard to find a company that will service equipment they did not sell.

Person

When you buy a power wheelchair in person, you will get personalized recommendations and one-on-one assistance. You'll also have a place where you can take it if something goes wrong.

Do you need help finding a lightweight power wheelchair?

We can assist you in selecting the right power wheelchair to suit your needs.

We will deliver your wheelchair to you, teach you how to operate it and ensure you are comfortable with your new chair.

Find out if you are eligible for a power wheelchair today, or contact us and we will set up a free consultation.