The technology that has allowed for the development and improvement of lightweight folding electric wheelchairs has reached a sufficiently high level now that they rank among the most significant aids for people with mobility issues. Thanks to more efficient design, improvements in the manufacturing process and increased demand the average cost of a folding electric wheelchair has reduced from over £3000 to between £1500 and £2000. This has helped make the product more accessible.

This article looks at some of the reasons that the folding electric wheelchair can change the lives of many people for the better.

Storage space saver

Due to their compact nature folding electric wheelchairs are can be squeezed into really small spaces compared to their non-folding counterparts. For those who adhere to the tidy house, tidy mind construct the fact that the chair can slot into a corner or cupboard is a real plus, not to mention the fact that it doesn’t risk becoming a trip hazard.

Making travel easier

The slim profile of a folded electric wheelchair makes it perfectly shaped for fitting into most car boots. This, compared to the bulky nature of a regular sized wheelchair is a massive advantage. It also helps enormously when it comes to putting the wheelchair in and lifting it out of the car, helping to avoid strains and injury. The versatility and convenience that the folding electric wheelchair affords in this regard is very hard to ignore – helping to open up a world of new opportunities for the user. Folding electric wheelchairs also open up a massive array of new opportunities when it comes to holidaying, making the whole travel process a lot smoother.

Upper body strength not required

Granted, this is the case with any electric wheelchair, but it needs mentioning. With all folding electric wheelchairs the user needs simply to control it with one single joystick, bypassing the need for upper body strength, which can be a considerable factor for many with mobility issues.

Great manoeuvrability in tight spaces

Folding electric wheelchairs are blessed with very small turning circles – they vary but 1m is a good example – meaning users have access to a far greater variety of locations, such as small shops with tighter isles, more places inside the home and down any narrow pathways and alleys. This is one advantage of a folding electric wheelchair over both an electric scooter and a standard wheelchair.

The battery

Undoubtedly the most frequently asked question by those considering the purchase of an electric wheelchair revolves around the battery life. Folding electric wheelchairs benefit from exceptional battery life considering the nature of their use. You can get anywhere between 5 and 25 miles on a single charge, depending on the terrain and model. It may not seem a huge distance, but considering that most users will not travel over large distances it is more than enough. Battery performance is a field that is constantly improving, with new lithium ion batteries charging quickly and lasting longer.