Folding Portable Lithium Powerchairs: Seeking Honest End-user Reviews

June 2, 2017 3:57 PM

There's a new kind of power wheelchair on the market, aimed at those of us who are not full time users. They're usually made of aluminum; weigh around 60lbs all told; they fold up like a stroller; and they're powered by lithium ion batteries. These chairs sell for around US$3000 delivered to the US. Direct-to-consumer sales is one way they keep costs down: I've not found a brick-and-mortar durable medical equipment supplier where I can even sit in one, much less test-drive it. So I asked Dr Google for some reviews and came up empty.

I've searched for honest reviews from end-users on the wheelchair-specific sites I know about:

• Wheelchair Junkie (which seems to be offline right now but is probably getting a Memorial Day tech upgrade)
• United Spinal's USA Tech Guide
• Reddit's Wheelchair Sub
• MS and Postpolio-specific bulletin boards.
• Patients Like Me boards

I did find a certified Assistive Tech Provider who works for a DME in WV-OH-KY area, who writes the Graying With Grace blog comparing two brands. But he's got Amazon links so I don't know how unbiased his recs are.

I think the initial producer was the Malaysian company Wheelchair88, who sell the Foldawheel. The EZ Lite Cruiser is available from the manufacturer as well as Amazon and some online DME companies. There are at least six other wheelchairs on this theme.

posted by Jesse the K to Shopping (4 answers total)

What area are you in? Sometimes there are durable medical equipment shops near larger hospitals. Otherwise, calling your local Center for Independent Living or perhaps other organizations that support people with limited mobility can be of help. I've also found facebook groups for muscular dystrophy (but probably also other groups, such as MS groups) to be helpful in keeping up to date with wheelchairs and other mobility and assistive devices.

I'm not personally a wheelchair or scooter user, but have had good experience with the TravelScoot, which is a three-wheel, lithium ion, foldable scooter. We've even been able to pack it on a plane by fitting it in a golf club case.
posted by gemutlichkeit at 7:18 PM on June 2, 2017

Response by poster: Yes, TravelScoots are awesome things -- I have several friends who use them.

*any* experience with these devices is most welcome, esp negative ones.
posted by Jesse the K at 10:40 AM on June 5, 2017

Also: Not a store per se, and I'm not sure if you are already aware of this, but the Abilities Expo happens in a number of major US cities (Chicago, Houston, Boston, San Mateo, DC Metro, Toronto, LA, and NY Metro) and will give you an opportunity to try out various wheelchairs and other mobility / assistive devices.
posted by gemutlichkeit at 3:16 PM on June 11, 2017

Response by poster: Thanks for the suggestions. I contacted all the exhibitors at the nearest (Chicago) and they won't be bringing any lightweights.
posted by Jesse the K at 7:09 PM on June 12, 2017