Wheelchairs are more than just pieces of mobility equipment. For differently-abled people, their wheelchair is an extension of their body, providing them with the freedom and independence to go where they want to, whenever they want to. Choosing a suitable wheelchair is not a decision you make lightly because it will become a daily part of your life, so it has to be the best choice for you.
There are a growing number of wheelchair manufacturers making what seems like an endless variety of wheelchairs in every size and shape that cost a pretty penny, making it harder and harder to find the one that fits your needs. This confusion gives rise to the question, which wheelchair manufacturers make the best wheelchairs?
To help answer these questions, we have studied the industry and narrowed it down to compile this list of the leading brands of wheelchairs. Read on to learn more. Invacare
The Company
Headquartered in Elyria, Ohio, Invacare traces its roots back to 1885, when it started making wheelchairs. Over a century later, this company has grown into a billion-dollar medical care giant, manufacturing and distributing its products to over eighty countries worldwide. Here, they have made it their mission to make life’s experiences possible with its extensive catalog of equipment, including wheelchairs, mobility scooters, rollators, lift chairs, and cranes.
With its “yes, you can” tagline, Invacare operates with the highest level of attention to sustainability and inclusivity to create a positive work environment for its employees. Its mission to improve lives continues with its community outreach partnering with non-profit organizations like the Free Wheelchair Mission to provide wheelchairs to impoverished nations around the world.
Invacare’s customer-centric approach keeps the development of its wheelchairs solely on the mobility needs of its customers. This dedication drives the design of new innovative solutions to improve performance, endurance, reliability, functionality, and, most importantly, safety.
The Wheelchairs
Invacare has an extensive collection of wheelchairs that cater to every lifestyle. Its Tracer model series is the industry standard for manual wheelchairs, with various models designed to address your mobility needs. The Tracer EX2 36 lbs. Wheelchair is an affordable choice with a carbon steel frame, ideal for anyone looking for a comfortable, durable, low-maintenance manual wheelchair.
They have more heavy-duty options that offer the same durability and comfort, such as the Tracer IV Wheelchair (standard) and the Tracer IV Wheelchair (custom), which can hold up to 350 lbs. and 450 lbs., respectively.
For more customizable experiences, the 9000 SL Custom Wheelchair, 9000 XT Manual Wheelchair, and 9000XT Recliner Wheelchair are well suited as they can be manufactured to your specific body type. You have multiple options for numerous features such as seat sizes, seat heights, back heights, frame finishes, and upholstery colors just to name a few.
Weighing just over 30 pounds, these wheelchairs are as portable as they are stylish. There is even a heavy-duty version, the 9000 Topaz Heavy Duty Wheelchair, with all the same customizable features for customers who need more support for their weight.
Those with a more active lifestyle can find an Invacare wheelchair that can give them all the maneuverability they need. Their Top End line is made from aluminum frames that keep durability the number one priority.
The Top End Crossfire All Terrain Wheelchair is a monster truck of wheelchairs with its massive 8-inch casters and 25-inch knobby tires, giving you all the traction you need. The adjustable Top End Pro BB Basketball Wheelchair and Top End Pro Tennis Wheelchair are for aspiring athletes who want quick adjustments and high performance.
Golden Technologies
The Company
This US-based family-owned company has been in business since 1985, starting with retail furniture and manufacturing electric mobility equipment. Its inventory includes compact and full-sized power wheelchairs, luxury mobility scooters, and a variety of power lift recliners. Founded on the promise to build it right the first time, Golden Technologies takes great pride in its superior craftsmanship and highly detailed safety checklist that each product goes through before shipping to its customers.
From its Pennsylvania facility, the focus is on using the finest raw textiles and materials with the best possible components that last so that customers can get a lifetime of comfort, convenience, and durability. Even though it takes a great deal of meticulous care, this company still offers warranties that lead the industry in after-purchase maintenance and repair. They don’t skimp on anything here, and this hyperfocus has made Golden Technologies one of the leading brands in power wheelchairs.
The Wheelchairs
Golden Technologies power wheelchairs are made to provide customers with all the maneuverability, support, and durability possible with just the push of a joystick. Its Golden LiteRider Envy is one of the lightest, most portable electric wheelchairs available currently. It can be taken apart in a couple of minutes and fit into nearly every car. With a max weight capacity of 300 lbs., a max speed of 3.5 mph, and a driving range of 15.5 miles, the Literider Envy is the perfect choice for the differently abled person on the go.
The Golden Compass Sport Power Chair is large and in charge. With its articulating chassis and center-wheel drive platform, this bad boy can handle more uneven terrain while providing the same high-quality comfort. The adjustable footrests can be altered from 3 inches to 7 inches off the ground and rotated up to 35 degrees.
It has a max speed of 4.5 mph and a driving range of 24 miles so this electric wheelchair can take you far. For customers who need more support, the Golden Compass Heavy Duty Powerchair can handle up to 450 pounds with the same maximum speed and adjustable footrest features as its sports counterpart.
Karman Healthcare
The Company
With headquarters in sunny California, Karman has been working hard since 1994 to become the largest manufactures of wheelchairs, making an incredible hundred kinds, including ultralightweight, reclining, tilt in space, standing, bariatric, power, ergonomic, and so many more. Its manufacturing facilities are spread out around the globe in counties like the US, China, Thailand, and Taiwan, allowing them to distribute its medical care products in over 22 countries.
Karman values its customers above all else, promising to improve people’s lives by achieving excellence through mobility, not just by manufacturing at the highest quality and constantly developing more innovative features to address whatever its customers need. They also provide excellent customer service on time. This is all done while complying with all government standards because Karman also respects the environment and wants to reduce its carbon impact.
The Wheelchairs
Karman has several transport chairs made with aluminum or steel frames. These lightweight wheelchairs provide support while maintaining portability. The lightest is the Ultra-Light Transport Chair at just 19 pounds which can hold up to 250 pounds. Its full-length armrests and breathable flame retardant nylon upholstery make it comfortable and easy to clean.
Other ultralightweight options include the 12″ Rear Wheel Transport Chair at a mere 23 pounds and the Removable Arm Transport Chair that is just a few pounds heavier at 29 lbs. A more affordable option is the Steel Transport Wheelchair which offers the same portable with a steel frame but still keeps the weight down to just 23 pounds.
Karman manual wheelchairs are just as portable as the LT-980 Ultralight K4 Wheelchair (24 lbs.), 802-DY Lightweight Wheelchair (30 lbs.), and Lightweight Deluxe Wheelchair (34 lbs.). These foldable wheelchairs are compact, making them easy to store and transport while providing the same comfort and maneuverability Karman is known for.
For more support, the KN-920W Bariatric Wheelchair can handle a maximum capacity of 600 lbs. with its quality steel construction and double padded vinyl upholstery.
The ergonomic S-series provide the ideal S-shape to hug the spine, relieving pressure, increasing stability, and distributing weight. Lightweight, the S-115 Ergonomic Wheelchair (25 lbs.), S-105 Ergonomic Wheelchair (27 lbs.), and S-305 Ergonomic Wheelchair (29 lbs.) are perfect for reducing the risks of scoliosis and pressure sores.
To improve blood circulation, reduce the risk of osteoporosis, and promote bladder and kidney function, Karman manufactures stand-up wheelchairs, like the Power Assisted Stand-Up Manual Wheelchair and the Stand-Up Power Wheelchair. These fantastic machines put users in a standing position, previously impossible for individuals who use wheelchairs.
Pride Mobility
The Company
What started in 1986 with two families coming together to make lift chairs in Pennsylvania has grown into one of the leading brands of wheelchairs, with facilities worldwide from France to New Zealand, manufacturing an expansive line of electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and lift chairs.
The innovative minds at Pride Mobility also created Quantum Rehab, a division that designs and manufactures rehab technology that includes power bases, electronics, and seating that is integrated into all their mobility equipment. They also founded Synergy, cushions and backs with improved pressure management, and Stealth Products, the leading manufacturer of positioning components.
With a passion for excellent quality and diversity, Pride Mobility hires the best and the brightest to join its team. There is no prejudice here. Employees from all walks of life come together, regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, religion, mental or physical disability, Veteran status, or any other attribute protected by local, state, or federal law.
Pride Mobility also partners with a plethora of organizations such as the American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, Boy & Girls Club of NEPA, Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge, and the Commission on Economic Opportunity. This company actively enriches the community around it because it believes that giving to the community is essential to maintaining the highest quality of living for everyone.
The Wheelchairs
Pride Mobility is Best known for its Jazzy series of Power wheelchairs with a distinct style and shape. The Jazzy Passport Power Chair is a traveler’s dream at just 54 lbs., ample storage space, and easy folding. For a portable option with a little more juice, the Portable Jazzy Elite ES is the way to go. This power wheelchair has a tight turning radius that doesn’t compromise stability. Its highback seat, large footplate, and flip-up armrests provide premium comfort. Comparatively lightweight for a power wheelchair at just 69 lbs., this indoor/outdoor mobility ride can hold up to 300 lbs., with a max speed of 4 mph and a driving range of 13.5 miles.
The Jazzy Elite 14 gives you the style, comfort, and maneuverability with additional outdoor tractions, thanks to its robust design, front-wheel drive, and 14-inch knobby tires. The Pride Jazzy 600 ES offers similar comfort in a more compact build that increases the driving range to 17 miles. For a heavy-duty option, the Jazzy 614HD Bariatric Power Chair is ideal, with a max capacity of 450 lbs.
The latest addition to the Jazzy line is the Jazzy Air 2 Power Wheelchair. Its modern, sleek design and enhanced safety features can elevate you 12 inches in only 11 seconds, taking you a level above the rest.
Combined with its Active-Trac suspension, Mid-Wheel 6 technology, and electro-mechanical brakes, the Jazzy Air provides maximum stability and performance in elevated and non-elevated positions.
Sunrise Medical
The Company
Based in the UK, Sunrise Medical has been manufacturing medical care products since 1983. Its catalog includes manual wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, motorized scooters, mechanized bikes, positioning systems, and daily living supports.
Its decades-long dedication has made them a global brand with offices in eight counties, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, China, Mexico, and the United States. With manufacturing facilities across the globe in ten countries, Sunrise Medical distributes its high-performance products to over 130 countries. It employs over 2000 associates making it one of the most recognizable brands in the industry.
This UK-based mission to innovate better products today, so you can enjoy a better tomorrow constantly pushes its research and development teams to engineer better transport aids with more comfort, smoother rides, and better frame designs.
Sunrise Medical credits the feedback from its customers as the most valuable input to its design operation. To enhance its customers’ shopping experience, it has developed applications on its website to help customers’ decision-making.
Its 3D visualizer allows its half a million customers to customize its latest models from the comfort of their homes. There is also the industry’s first augmented reality (AR) app that allows customers to set wheelchair options and test them in real environments.
Sunrise Medical’s commitment to a better tomorrow doesn’t just stop at its mobility aids; it extends to the people and environment around it. It is committed to the Modern Slavery Act 2015, which prohibits any form of human trafficking, ensuring there is no form in any part of its supply chain or business. It pledges to ethically source all the raw materials, components, and services.
Sunrise Medical also takes its responsibility to reduce its impact on the environment seriously. Its UK manufacturing site is ISO 14001:2015 certified, with an environmental management system operating to reduce waste and its carbon footprint.
The Wheelchairs
Sunrise Medical’s Quickie Wheelchair line is known for its high-performance quality, high-tech features, and customization. Its award-winning Quickie Nitrum Rigid Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair its wheels ahead of the rest. It is made in California and is flexible and solid, built around your body and needs. Designed for the maximum drive from minimum effort, it helps reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
The ultralight weight and durable Quickie Qri Lightweight Wheelchair and Quickie 2 Foldable Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair are sturdy aluminum framed manual wheelchairs made for easy drive and transport with over 20 different frame color options making either a stylish addition to your travels. The Quickie QXI Wheelchair provides the same propulsion power with even more adjustment options, such as seat height, back height, center of gravity, and camber.
The Zippie Pediatric line is any parent’s dream, with wheelchairs that grow with your child, such as the Zippie GS Wheelchair, thanks to its one-of-a-kind patented Built-in Growth System. This allows for adjustments along various parts that can increase the size and height of components. This means parents don’t have to go out and buy a new wheelchair every time their child grows an inch or two. Its light wheels make it easier for small hands to propel and maneuver.
Zippie Iris Pediatric Wheelchair is designed to keep children secure and comfortable while giving parents the functionality they need to manage their child’s daily activities thanks to its rotating and tilting technology. It also has a patented XLOCK folding cross brace that provides rigidity yet allows it to be folded, making it easy to pack up and transport. It offers a host of accessories to caregivers, such as push-button locks, height adjusters, and stroller angle handles adjusters.
The Zippie GS Wheelchair is the chief tilt-in-space wheelchair for children. Its Foot Release Tilt Actuator is designed so no messy cables get tangled up as the seat tilts back. It has both rigid and folding options, depending on each family’s needs.