Best Heavy-Duty Electric Wheelchairs

Seniors who want a durable electric wheelchair may consider a Zip’r Mobility electric wheelchair. Ranked as the best heavy-duty electric wheelchair by the senior care specialists at Caring.com, these sturdy mobility devices have aluminum and steel frames and support users ranging from 220-300 pounds.

Pros:

  • Good selection of heavy-duty electric wheelchairs
  • Prices for heavy-duty electric wheelchairs are relatively lower than other brands
  • Free shipping for orders within the continental U.S.
  • Solid construction and materials for durability and reliability

Cons:

  • Not Medicare-approved
  • Limited inventory of electric wheelchairs

Overview of Zip’r Mobility

Founded in 2004, Zip’r Mobility Solutions Corp. is a powered mobility equipment company that manufactures a range of mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs and accessories. Zip’r is based in North Bend, Washington, and all Zip’r Mobility devices are FDA-registered as Class II Medical Devices.

Type

Heavy-duty, elevating seat

Heavy-duty

Motorized electric wheelchair

Max Speed

4.90 mph

4.90 mph

4.0 mph

Max Weight

300 pounds

300 pounds

300 pounds

Max Range (per Charge)

15 miles

15 miles

15 miles

Turning Radius

22.4 inches

22.4 inches

20 inches

Ground Clearance

2 inches

2 inches

3 inches (mid frame), 1 inches (anti-tip wheels)

Battery Charger

Off-board charger, 5amp

Off-board charger, 5amp

Off-board charger, 5amp

Price

$2,199

$1,899

$1,599

How Much Does a Zip’r Mobility Electric Wheelchair Cost?

Zip’r Mobility electric wheelchairs range in price from $849.99 for the Zip’r Transport Lite folding electric wheelchair, and go up to $2,199.99 for the Zip’r Mantis SE, an electric wheelchair with a powered adjustable seat. All Zip’r Mobility electric wheelchairs purchased through an authorized dealer or directly through Zip’r are backed by a three-year limited warranty on the frame, and a one-year limited warranty on all drivetrain components.

Zip’r Mobility sells a number of accessories for its electric wheelchairs. Pricing for Zip’r electric wheelchair accessories starts at $20 for an armrest-mounted storage pouch and goes up to $190 for a replacement battery.

Full Review of Zip’r Mobility’s Electric Wheelchair’s Features

Zip’r Mobility makes five electric wheelchairs — two folding devices, and three heavy-duty, six-wheel devices.

Zip'r Transport Lite

Zip'r Transport Pro

Zip'r PC Power

Zip'r Mantis

Zip'r Mantis SE

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$849.99

$1,499.99

$1,599.99

$1,899.99

$2,199.99

Style

Aluminum-frame folding power chair

Aluminum-frame folding power chair

Steel-framed heavy-duty electric wheelchair

Steel-framed heavy-duty electric wheelchair

Steel-framed heavy-duty electric wheelchair

User Weight Limit

220 pounds

265 pounds

300 pounds

300 pounds

300 pounds

Device Weight

89 pounds

59.5 pounds

160 pounds

189 pounds

189 pounds

Maximum Speed

3.73 mph

3.73 mph

4.0 mph

4.9 mph

4.9 mph

Maximum Range

12.4 miles

9.3 miles

15 miles

15 miles

15 miles

Turning Radius

20 inches

20 inches

20 inches

22.4 inches

22.4 inches

Zip’r Transport Lite Folding Electric Wheelchair

The Zip’r Transport Lite is a low-cost folding electric wheelchair designed for adults weighing up to 220 pounds. When folded, the Transport Lite is just 16.5 inches wide, making it easy to fit in most passenger vehicles.

This small aluminum-frame travel power chair weighs 89 pounds and is TSA-approved for air travel. The chair is equipped with attendant handles for use as a manual wheelchair, while the joystick controls makes it easy to use as a self-propelled electric wheelchair.

  • $849.99
  • Accommodates adults weighing up to 220 pounds
  • Weighs 89 pounds
  • Folded width is just 16.5 inches
  • Joystick control can be mounted on either armrest
  • USB charging port for mobile phones
  • A maximum range of 12.4 miles
  • A maximum speed of 3.73 mph
  • Ground clearance of 4 inches
  • The seat measures 17.7 inches wide by 16 inches long
  • Four flat-free tires
  • 5 amp off-board charger
  • Powered by a 24-volt DC motor

Zip’r Transport Pro Folding Electric Wheelchair

The Zip’r Transport Pro is a heavy-duty folding electric wheelchair designed for adults weighing up to 265 pounds. It can travel up to 9.3 miles per charge, and it has a maximum speed of 3.73 mph.

The lightweight folding aluminum frame folds down to just 15 inches wide, making it ideal for those who need a durable wheelchair that can be transported in most passenger vehicles without the need for a ramp or lift. When unfolded, the device measures 40 inches wide by 43 inches tall.

  • $1,499.99
  • Accommodates adults weighing up to 265 pounds
  • Maximum speed of 3.73 mph
  • 17″ wide comfort seat
  • Overall width of 24.4 inches
  • 6 inches of ground clearance
  • Adjustable armrests
  • Joystick control can be mounted on either armrest
  • TSA approved for airline travel
  • Four flat-free tires plus two solid anti-tip wheels
  • 5 amp off-board charger
  • 24-volt DC motor

Zip’r PC Power Electric Wheelchair

The Zip’r PC power electric wheelchair is a budget-friendly heavy-duty power chair that accommodates users weighing up to 300 pounds, and traveling up to 15 miles per charge. It’s designed for easy navigation in tight areas with its best-in-class 20 inch turning radius, while the six flat-free tires deliver a smooth, stable ride on most surfaces.

  • $1,599
  • Accommodates adults weighing up to 300 pounds
  • Available with either red or blue shrouds
  • Manual height-adjustable seat from 36 inches to 38 inches
  • 20-inch turning radius
  • Joystick control can be mounted on either armrest
  • Rear storage pouch
  • 15-mile range
  • A maximum speed of 4.0 mph
  • 40 inches long by 24 inches wide
  • Seat width of 19.5 inches
  • 3 inches of ground clearance at the frame
  • The overall weight device is 160 pounds; the heaviest piece is 77.7 pounds
  • 5 amp off-board charger
  • 24-volt DC motor

Zip’r Mantis Power Electric Wheelchair

The Zip’r Mantis power electric wheelchair is a sturdy indoor-outdoor mobility device that can accommodate adults weighing up to 300 pounds. It features six flat-free, non-marking tires, a comfortable 18 inch wide reclining seat and a range of up to 15 miles.

  • $1,899.99
  • Accommodates adults weighing up to 300 pounds
  • Maximum range of 15 miles
  • A maximum speed of 4.9 mph
  • 22.4-inch turning radius
  • Measures 42.3 inches long by 26 inches wide by 49-51 inches high
  • The seat is 19 inches wide by 20 inches long
  • Ground clearance of 2 inches
  • Weighs 189 pounds; heaviest piece is 101 pounds
  • Manual seat height adjustment
  • Reclining seat
  • Joystick control can be mounted on either armrest
  • 24-V DC motor
  • 5 amp off-board charger

Zip’r Mantis SE Electric Wheelchair with Power Adjustable Seat

The Zip’r Mantis SE is Zip’r Mobility’s top-of-the-line power wheelchair. This heavy-duty mobility device features a motorized height-adjustable seat that users can raise up to 6 inches with the armrest-mounted joystick control.

  • $2,199.99
  • Accommodates adults weighing up to 300 pounds
  • Top speed of 4.9 mph
  • A maximum range of 15 miles
  • Turning radius of 22.4 inches
  • Measures 42.3 inches long by 26 inches wide by 49-51 inches high
  • The seat is 19 inches wide by 20 inches deep
  • Choice of a red or blue shroud
  • The joystick controller can be mounted on either armrest
  • Power elevating seat can raise up to 6 inches for a floor-to-seat height range of 21.7 inches to 26.8 inches
  • 2 inches of ground clearance
  • Total weight of the device is 189 pounds; heaviest piece weighs 101 pounds
  • Six flat-free, non-marking tires
  • 24-V DC motor
  • 5 amp off-board charger

Who Should Consider Zip’r Mobility Electric Wheelchairs?

Seniors Who Need an Affordable Folding Electric Wheelchair

The Zip’r Transport Lite folding electric wheelchair is priced at $849.99 and it supports riders weighing up to 220 pounds, making it one of the most-affordable travel wheelchairs on the market today. For those who need a higher weight capacity, Zip’r Transport Pro accommodates users weighing up to 265 pounds.

Seniors Who Want a Robust, User-Friendly Electric Wheelchair

The Zip’r PC power electric wheelchair is a low-cost, user-friendly mobility device with a 20-inch turning radius and 15 mile range. It’s designed for users weighing up to 300 pounds, and the joystick-style control is safe and simple to use.

Seniors Who Prefer a Height-Adjustable Seat

Wheelchair users who want a mobility device equipped with a powered height-adjustable seat will appreciate the Zip’r Mantis SE. Priced at $2,199.99 and available with either red or blue shrouds, this low-cost electric wheelchair lets users elevate their seat up to 6 inches using the armrest-mounted joystick control.

What Are People Saying About Zip’r Mobility Electric Wheelchairs?

Overall, consumers who have purchased a Zip’r Mobility electric wheelchair are satisfied with their device, particularly given the relatively low price compared to other electric wheelchairs. One reviewer mentioned that their Zip’r power chair was very easy to drive, and that the tight turning radius made navigating narrow spaces a breeze.

Another Zip’r customer pointed out that purchasers need to be aware that their electric wheelchair would be delivered in two large, heavy boxes, and that assembly was required. While this customer said that they were impressed with the excellent packaging, they did find the assembly process tedious.

In general, Zip’r users said that they liked the low cost of their Zip’r electric wheelchair, and the performance and quality seemed to reflect what they paid for their device.

FAQ

Does Medicare Cover Electric Wheelchairs?

Powered mobility devices, including electric wheelchairs, are covered under Medicare Part B as part of the durable medical equipment benefits. Click here for our full answer to this question.

What Is the Most Affordable Electric Wheelchair?

The Jazzy Passport, a lightweight folding wheelchair made by Pride Mobility, ranks as one of the most affordable electric wheelchairs. The Jazzy Passport retails for $2,229, although some dealers may sell it for less. Click here for our full answer to this question.

What Is the Most Comfortable Electric Wheelchair?

With its high headrest, innovative springless suspension system and extended 450 pound weight capacity, the Golden Compass HD from Golden Technologies delivers exceptional user comfort while stationary or in motion. Click here for our full answer to this question.

What Is The Best Lightweight Electric Wheelchair?

The EZ Lite Cruiser Deluxe Regular is one of the best lightweight electric wheelchairs. This travel-friendly folding power chair has a top speed of 5 mph, and can support users weighing up to 280 pounds.. Click here for our full answer to this question.

What Is the Fastest Electric Wheelchair?

All Quickie Electric Wheelchairs have a maximum speed of 6.0 mph, making them some of the fastest electric wheelchairs on the market. By comparison, most other electric wheelchairs have maximum speeds ranging from 3.6 mph to 5.0 mph. Click here for our full answer to this question.