What is the Best Lightweight Folding Electric Wheelchair?

The best lightweight folding electric wheelchair is the Jazzy Passport from Pride Mobility. Weighing in at just under 60 lbs, this high-quality mobility device has a 250-pound weight capacity, a maximum speed of 3.6 miles per hour, and a turning radius of just 24.25 inches. The Jazzy Passport features a one-piece, fold-down aluminum frame, a travel-safe lithium-ion battery and extra-large drive wheels that can traverse uneven surfaces with ease. 

Other lightweight folding electric wheelchairs to consider include the EZ Lite Cruiser Standard which weighs about 15 pounds less than the Jazzy Passport. Drive Medical also makes two folding electric power chairs, including the Cirrus Plus EC with large 12.5-inch drive wheels and an extended 15-mile range. 

Why the Jazzy Passport Is Our Top Pick for the Best Lightweight Folding Electric Wheelchair

The Jazzy Passport is a user-friendly folding electric wheelchair powered by either a 10.4 or 18 ampere hour lithium-ion battery that’s approved for transport on most commercial airlines. This FDA class II medical device is made by Pride Mobility, a large multinational company headquartered in Pennsylvania. Pride Mobility products are sold and serviced throughout North America, Europe, Australia and China, making it easy for Jazzy Passport owners to find a factory-authorized service center while traveling. 

Unlike many other folding power chairs, the Jazzy Passport folds down in one piece, so there’s no risk of losing parts during transport. The lightweight aluminum frame is finished with a black clear coat, and the matching black seat, under-seat storage pouch and back seat pocket are easy to keep clean. 

While some travel and transport wheelchairs have compact drive wheels, the front-wheel-drive Jazzy Passport is equipped with 11.25-inch drive wheels that can safely navigate uneven surfaces such as cobblestone walkways. 

Pride Mobility offers several optional accessories for the Jazzy Passport, including:

• Cup, cell phone and walker holders
• Oxygen tank holders
• Weather covers
• USB chargers
• Swing-away joystick controllers
• Customized seats with U.S. military patches

Best Lightweight Folding Electric Wheelchair – Runner-Ups

While we choose the Jazzy Passport as the best all-around folding electric wheelchair, there are some other models users may want to consider. These include the ultralight EZ Lite Cruiser, and the Drive Medical Cirrus Plus EC, a value-priced folding power chair that can accommodate users weighing up to 300 pounds. 

Here’s how the Jazzy Passport compares to other lightweight folding electric wheelchairs:

What to Consider When Choosing a Lightweight Folding Electric Wheelchair

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best lightweight electric folding electric wheelchair for yourself or a loved one. Here are some tips to help you select the best device for your needs:

• How much does the user weigh? Weight limits for power chairs vary between models and manufacturers. 
• Will the electric wheelchair be transported on an airplane? If so, be sure to select a device powered by airline-approved lithium-ion batteries. 
• If the wheelchair needs to fit inside a vehicle, what’s the maximum folded size the vehicle can accommodate?

Will the wheelchair be used inside, outside, or in a variety of environments? Mobility devices with smaller drive wheels are usually lighter, but they can’t traverse uneven surfaces.