Lightweight Wheelchairs

Lightweight wheelchairs have frames made of lighter materials such as aluminum, titanium, or chrome. Originally developed for racing and wheelchair sports, these chairs have become increasingly popular as daily use chairs. Many active wheelchair users prefer the sportier look of the lightweights compared with the more plain-looking everyday chair.

Lighter chairs can also be easier to transport. They offer independence of movement with minimum effort for persons with good upper body mobility. It should be noted, however, that heavy or obese persons may be unable to use these types of chairs because the lighter weight of the frame results in a reduced user capacity as compared to standard everyday chairs.

Lightweight chairs typically weigh less than 30 pounds without legrests and/or wheels. Some models have folding frames, some have rigid frames, and a few offer a choice of frame styles.

Source: AbleData: ABLEDATA Publication