What is a lightweight wheelchair ?

What makes a wheelchair lightweight ?

The weight categories

The term lightweight is used fairly broadly in the wheelchair market but in practice there are some broadly recognised weight bands. A standard steel wheelchair typically weighs between 15 and 22 kg. A lightweight wheelchair generally falls in the range of 8 to 15 kg. An ultra lightweight wheelchair comes in under 8 kg, and some of the lightest models on the market now weigh as little as 6.5 kg with wheels removed.

These distinctions matter in practice. The difference between lifting an 18 kg chair and a 10 kg chair every time you get in or out of a vehicle is not trivial, particularly over months and years of daily use.

Materials used

The weight reduction in modern lightweight wheelchairs is almost entirely down to the choice of frame material. Steel is the heaviest option and is now primarily used in basic or institutional chairs. Aluminium is the most common material for lightweight chairs and offers a strong balance of weight, durability and cost. Higher end lightweight chairs use titanium, which has excellent strength to weight properties, and some performance models use carbon fibre, which is the lightest option of all though considerably more expensive.

Most lightweight wheelchairs in the everyday market use aluminium alloy frames, which are strong enough for daily use, corrosion resistant and available at a price point that suits most budgets.

Types of lightweight wheelchair

Lightweight transit wheelchairs

A transit wheelchair is pushed by a carer or companion. It has smaller rear wheels and no hand rims, which keeps the overall weight and size down. Transit lightweight chairs are often the lightest models available and fold easily for car transport. They are particularly practical for day trips, hospital appointments and travel. In our experience these are the most popular choice for older adults or users who are primarily carer assisted.

Lightweight self propelled wheelchairs

A self propelled lightweight wheelchair has large 24 inch rear wheels with hand rims that allow the user to move independently. They are slightly heavier then transit models but still considerably lighter then standard chairs. For users with sufficient upper body strength, a lightweight self propelled chair preserves independence and keeps the user physically active. Quick release rear wheels are common on these models and allow the heaviest component to be separated for easier loading.

Folding lightweight wheelchairs

Most lightweight wheelchairs fold in the conventional cross brace pattern, collapsing sideways when the centre of the seat is lifted. Some models also have a fold down backrest which reduces the height of the folded chair significantly. A chair that folds compactly and has a low carry weight is considerably easier to manage in and out of vehicles and to store in small spaces.

Key benefits of choosing a lightweight wheelchair

Easier for carers

One of the clearest benefits of a lightweight wheelchair is the reduction in physical strain on the people who handle it daily. Lifting and loading a heavy chair repeatedly over time contributes to back and shoulder problems in carers. A chair that weighs 9 or 10 kg rather then 18 kg makes a meaningful difference to this.

Better for self propulsion

For users who self propel, a lighter chair requires less effort to get moving and to maintain over longer distances. Less effort means less fatigue and less cumulative strain on the shoulder joints. This matters both day to day and in the long term, as shoulder problems are well documented among manual wheelchair users and frame weight is a contributing factor.

More practical for travel and transport

Lightweight chairs fit more easily in to car boots, fold more quickly at the roadside and are simpler to manage on public transport. For users who travel regularly or who use their chair on day trips and holidays, a lower weight and compact folded size is a significant practical advantage.

VAT relief

Please bear in mind that if you have a long term physical impairment you are eligible to purchase a wheelchair at zero rated VAT, which represents a 20 percent saving on the purchase price. A simple self declaration to the supplier is all that is required and does not need to be supported by medical documentation. Its worth knowing about this before you buy.

What to look for when buying

The carry weight figure, which is the weight of the heaviest single component when the chair is broken down, is often more useful then the total weight of the chair. Quick release rear wheels on a self propelled model mean the heaviest part of the chair is separated for lifting, and knowing this figure tells you what one person will actually have to lift in practice.

Seat width is the other key measurement to get right. A seat too narrow will be uncomfortable and a seat too wide reduces stability. Most lightweight chairs are available in standard widths of 16, 17, 18 and 20 inches and its worth measuring the user seated before buying.

Solid tyres versus pneumatic tyres is also worth considering. Solid tyres require no maintenance and will never puncture, which makes them well suited to travel and everyday use. Pneumatic tyres give a slightly smoother ride on uneven surfaces but need to be checked and inflated regularly.