Drive Medical Electric Wheelchair Review
We rank Drive Medical’s products among the best electric wheelchairs. This mobility aid company has a large selection of wheelchairs, including folding electric wheelchairs and models designed for indoor use. It offers chairs to suit most budgets and succeeds in offering durability and comfort, even with the lower-priced models.
Drive Medical is particularly respected for its long-term warranties on all electric wheelchair sales. The lifetime warranty covers the structural components of the chair, and a 6- to 14-month warranty covers other components, ensuring peace of mind that the company stands by the quality of its products.
Pros:
- Helpful website with user manuals and detailed model specs
- Foldable option for easy storing in a closet or transporting in a car
- Lower priced than other brands without compromising quality
Cons:
- Chairs are heavy (about 140 lbs with the battery in) and can be difficult to lift for transport
Overview of Drive Medical
Drive Medical manufactures powered and unpowered wheelchairs and other types of home medical equipment. The company was founded in 2000 and operates in the United States and Europe. It has a reputation for providing positive customer service and having one of the most generous warranties in the industry.
Electric Wheelchair Categories
Rear-wheel drive
Mid-wheel drive
Heavy duty
Warranty
Medicare Eligible
Financing Available
Price Range
About $1,500-$2,500
How much does a Drive Medical Electric Wheelchair Cost?
Drive Medical offers electric wheelchairs in the $1,500 to $2,500 range, depending on size, speed and features. Drive Medical’s folding electric wheelchairs are noteworthy for being some of the most affordable options on the market that offer easy-to-use controls and reasonably comfortable armrests and back rests. The cost effectiveness, however, is in part due to offering smaller seats than some competing manufacturers. Larger models and long-range wheelchairs manufactured by Drive Medical typically fall into the higher range of cost to consumers.
Full Review of Drive Medical’s Features
Drive Medical offers several different models of electric wheelchairs. These can be divided into two main lines: the Cirrus line offers lightweight folding chairs, and the Titan range offers larger, more luxurious chairs.
Drive Medical Cirrus Electric Wheelchairs
Cirrus electric wheelchairs are folding electric wheelchairs intended primarily for indoor use; however, they are suitable for short outdoor journeys. Reduced padding and a compact size make them lighter than the Titan range of models.
Specifications for the Drive Cirrus electric wheelchair include:
- Range: 15 miles on a full battery charge
- Speed: 4 mph
- Carrying Capacity: 300 lb
- Weight: 143 lb
- Seat Width: Up to 18 inches
- Tension-adjustable backrest
Drive Medical Titan Electric Wheelchairs
The Titan range is designed for elevated levels of comfort and durability. It’s suited to larger users and long-term use with features like wider seats, additional padding and a bigger battery, which allows users to travel further on a single charge.
These benefits reduce portability and increase the chair’s weight and size. The Titan is ideal for outdoor use, but riders may struggle to navigate in cramped indoor spaces.
Specifications for the Titan Powerchair include:
- Range: 19 miles on a full battery charge
- Speed: 4 mph
- Carrying Capacity: 300 lb
- Weight: 159 lb
- Seat Width: 18 inches
- Height-adjustable and reclining backrest
Who Should Consider Drive Medical Electric Wheelchairs?
Drive Medical offers a variety of different electric wheelchairs covering most use cases. The brand may be particularly appealing to those who are budget conscious, since smaller models are priced affordably. The Titan models are a popular choice with taller wheelchair users who may find the spacious seats more comfortable than compact models.
Seniors On a Budget
Seniors looking for an affordable wheelchair may find the Drive Medical Cirrus electric wheelchair a good option. This inexpensive wheelchair is well made, relatively comfortable and durable, and it has a battery that offers good range.
Taller Wheelchair Users
The Titan AXS has an adjustable “captain’s chair” design that makes it well suited to people who are taller or have larger frames. The chair can accommodate passengers weighing up to 300 lb and has a tall back and large armrests, making it comfortable for users to sit in for extended periods. Drive Medical makes several other Titan models, which are also spacious and designed with comfort in mind. If other brands are too cramped or small for you, consider the Drive Medical Titan range of electric wheelchairs.
What Are People Saying About Drive Medical Electric Wheelchairs?
Reviewers praise Drive Medical’s electric wheelchairs for being comfortable and offering a smooth ride both indoors and out. The Titan model is popular for its durability and its spacious and comfortable design. However, the styling of its chairs sometimes receives criticism. They’re designed to be comfortable and rugged but lacking in visually attractive design.
The Cirrus model is also praised for being stable and offering a smooth ride, especially considering it’s a relatively lightweight folding chair. However, reviewers criticize the handling, saying it has a turning radius that is much bigger than that of many rival lightweight wheelchairs. Overall, users are positive about the brand.
FAQs
The best lightweight electric wheelchair depends on a number of factors, including whether the chair is required for indoor or outdoor use, the size of the patient and budget. We feel chairs from Hoveround and Drive Medical are some of the best options for seniors who want a light, durable chair for an affordable price. These manufacturers offer chairs that are easy to use and have a small turning radius, allowing them to maneuver in cramped spaces. The chairs also offer impressive battery time and good speeds. It’s a good idea to test several chairs, especially if you expect to use the chair for several hours a day. This will help you find a chair that is comfortable for your body type and easy to operate. Click here for our full answer to this question.
Medicare covers electric wheelchairs in some circumstances. For a patient to qualify for electric wheelchairs, they must have mobility issues that cannot be resolved using walkers or canes. They should be able to get around indoors unaided but need assistance when outside of their homes. In addition, to qualify for powered wheelchairs instead of traditional mobility aids, they must lack the strength or mobility to move a standard wheelchair. In most cases, Medicare will cover only 80% of the cost of the wheelchair, and the senior will have to cover the remaining 20%. Medicaid may cover the entire cost of wheelchairs for those who qualify. Electric wheelchairs must be purchased from approved suppliers after a needs assessment has been performed. The eligibility requirements can be complex. Click here for our full answer to this question.
Several companies make lightweight folding electric wheelchairs. Drive Medical has an impressive selection of such chairs, including ones with large batteries to offer long range and speeds of 4+ miles per hour. Often with folding electric wheelchairs, the manufacturer sacrifices comfort in order to make a chair that is as light and compact as possible. Drive Medical offers chairs at several sizes, weights and price points to suit every use case and budget. Many of these chairs are suitable not just for short trips but also for longer-term use around the home. A senior who qualifies for help to purchase an electric wheelchair through Medicare or the VA may wish to test several chairs before making a decision, to ensure finding one that is comfortable and will fit comfortably in a vehicle. Click here for our full answer to this question.
The indoor electric wheelchairs made by Hoveround are a good choice for many seniors. These chairs offer a tight turning radius and are “round by design,” meaning they’re shaped in a way that makes them able to navigate tight corners and get through small spaces easily. Hoveround offers a comfortable chair with a carrying capacity of up to 300lbs and a reasonably long battery life. There are similar chairs available from manufacturers such as Quickie and Drive Medical. These other manufacturers use slightly different chair and back designs, so some seniors may find them to be more comfortable, especially if they’re spending a large portion of their day in a wheelchair or going on longer outdoor trips. Choosing a wheelchair can be a big decision, so it’s worth testing several options. Click here for our full answer to this question.
Several manufacturers offer wheelchairs at the sub-$2,000 price point. We feel Drive Medical is a contender for the best quality at the budget end of the spectrum, but other manufacturers such as Hoveround and Quickie also offer good low-priced options, including lightweight folding chairs and larger chairs designed to be comfortable for longer-term use indoors. Seniors who are buying a chair with the help of Medicare or Medicaid may be limited to the suppliers that are approved in their area. Medicare typically covers 80% of the cost of an electric wheelchair for eligible individuals, however, so seniors should be able to find suitable, affordable options.
Click here for our full answer to this question.