Although I was given a transit wheelchair through NHS Wheelchair Services (click here to read all about that experience), I still found myself stuck at home. I did not want to keep asking friends to push me, and without a chair I could operate myself, I felt trapped.
I started searching online for a foldable electric wheelchair that would suit my needs. Everything I found was either too bulky, too heavy, or had a low weight limit that just would not work for me.
I contacted NHS Wheelchair Services again, but they told me I would need to go back to my GP for a full reassessment to even be considered for a powerchair. After speaking to a few people, it became clear that NHS options were not really the type or style I needed. So, I decided to find my own foldable electric wheelchair instead.
Photos from my recent trip to Paris in my KWK D09 Wheelchair
Why I Love My Foldable Electric Wheelchair
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Fits into any car boot with no extra equipment needed (as long as the person you’re with can lift it)
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Flight safe with airline-approved battery options
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Long battery life that easily handles a full day out
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It can handle uneven pavement
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Maintenance is simple and quick to do yourself
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Super comfortable for longer outings
- I’ve been able to travel the world in it!
Honestly, there are no downsides for me. If anything, I just wish I had found this style of foldable electric wheelchair sooner.
Wheelchair Adaptations
These types of foldable electric wheelchairs are quite simple in design. If you need specialist adaptations like headrests, elevating leg rests, or custom seating, you would be better off going through NHS Wheelchair Services, where they can fully customise chairs for you.
This post is mainly for people who already know that a foldable electric wheelchair is the best choice for them and who want to find an affordable option.
Shopping Foldable Electric Wheelchairs
Heavy Duty Foldable Electric Wheelchairs (Over 25 Stone Capacity)
Here are some of the best heavy-duty foldable electric wheelchair options I found, especially for higher weight limits:
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KWK D09 Folding Powerchair
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Max User Weight: 28 stone (180 kg)
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Price: £2,145
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Buy from: Sheffield Mobility
- This is my current chair that I bought from Sheffield Mobility, luckily they’re not far from me and they happen to have the cheapest price online.
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MX-MAX Multi Terrain
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Max User Weight: 28 stone (180 kg)
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Price: £1,399
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Buy from: Mobility Extra
- I can’t see anything that would make this be able to handle terrain better but the price is appealing, just don’t think you can actually off road in it.
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Freedom Chair A08L / DE08L
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Max User Weight: 25 stone (160 kg)
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Price: £2,290–£2,799
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Buy from: e-goes Mobility
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MobilityPlus+ Ultra-Light RangerXL
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Max User Weight: 25 stone (160 kg)
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Price: £839.99
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Buy from: MobilityPlus+
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I’ve sent lots of people to MobilityPlus+ to buy their smaller weight limit chair because it’s a great price, so it’s amazing to see them offer a higher weight limit chair for a similar price!
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Etech Freedom Pro ST
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Max User Weight: 25 stone (160 kg)
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Price: £845.50
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Buy from: Etech Mobility
- Another really affordable price.
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My chair is the KWK D09 XL version from Sheffield mobility, pictured below.
Mid-Range Folding Electric Wheelchairs (Under 19 Stone Capacity)
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MobilityPlus+ Ultra-Light Instant Folding Electric Wheelchair
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Max User Weight: 19 stone (120 kg)
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Price: £769.99
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Buy from: MobilityPlus+
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I have recommended this chair to lots of people based on the price and they’re all very happy with it.
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Pride i-Go Folding Powerchair
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Max User Weight: 18 stone (114 kg)
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Price: £1,450
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Buy from: Amazon UK
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Foldalite Folding Electric Wheelchair
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Max User Weight: 18 stone (114 kg)
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Price: £895.95
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Buy from: Mobility Smart
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WHILL Model C Powerchair
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Max User Weight: 18 stone (114 kg)
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Price: £3,995
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Buy from: Wheelfreedom
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Again, prices can vary a lot, so it is worth shopping around before committing, I don’t update this post regularly so please do your own research on prices to ensure you get the best price possible.
Remember, seat width is really important when you are plus size or have a chronic pain condition. Ideally, you will want something 20 to 22 inches wide for better comfort and support. The KWK D09 XL version comes widened as standard. Some other models can be widened slightly with washers, but always check with the seller and speak to your local mobility shop too.
Why You Should Get to Know Your Local Mobility Shop
One of the best things you can do when shopping for a foldable electric wheelchair is to make friends with your local mobility shop. Go and try chairs out in person, test how they feel, and if possible, hire one for the day to really get a sense of whether it suits you. Even if you do not end up buying directly from them because you find a better deal online, always ask if they are still able to service the chair for you.
Regular servicing is really important for any wheelchair to stay reliable and safe. Learning to do basic maintenance at home, like tightening screws and checking fittings, is just as important too. Wheelchairs work hard for us every day, so looking after them properly makes a massive difference.
Things to Look Out For When Buying a Foldable Electric Wheelchair
Before you buy a foldable electric wheelchair, there are a few really important things you should check:
Weight Limit
Always check the maximum user weight. Some chairs look great but have surprisingly low limits. If you are plus size or want extra durability, go for a higher weight limit chair that fits your needs comfortably.
Seat Width
This is just as important as the weight limit. A too-narrow seat will not only be uncomfortable but can also cause extra pain if you have a chronic illness or mobility issues. Ideally, you’ll want at least a 20 to 22 inches wide if you are plus size or want more space.
Battery Life
Different chairs have very different battery ranges. Some only manage a few miles while others can handle a full day out easily. Always check the battery specs if you are planning longer days, trips out, or travel. Some models even offer extra batteries if you need them.
If you know any foldable electric wheelchairs that you’d recommend then feel free to leave them below. Even though I’ve put this post together, still feel free to ask me anything and pop me a message on Instagram!