The 9 Best Budget Wheelchairs

Editor's Notes

August 09, 2019:

Just because you don't have a lot of money doesn't mean you can't get yourself a high-quality wheelchair. Every model on this list costs a couple of hundred dollars or less, though you may go slightly over that depending on the configuration and add-ons you choose.

If you prefer your independence, and have the ability, a self-propelled wheelchair, such as the Invacare Trex, Roscoe Medical Onyx K4, Medline K4, Drive Medical Blue Streak, Drive Medical Silver Sport 2, and Drive Medical Cruiser III, is the best choice. They allow you to go nearly everywhere the ground is smooth enough, and provide you with a bit of exercise at the same time, something that everyone can benefit from. Of these, the Roscoe Medical Onyx K4 probably represents the best value, since it features rear anti-tippers, and has an angle- and height-adjustable seat, which are things most others in this price range don't. If you need to keep your legs elevated, however, you will have to look options like the Invacare Trex, Medline K4, or any of the Drive Medical models.

If you aren't going to be propelling yourself, then your helper will probably appreciate you buying a transfer chair instead, since they are lighter. This makes them both easier to push and maneuver. Of the three transfer chairs on our list, the Medline Mobility Ultralight weighs the least, coming in at just 14 pounds. However, the Medline MDS808 is the only one with handbrakes, so if you often travel over ground that has a slight upward or downward slope, it may be the better choice.

While we think users will find these models to be comfortable, you may still want to consider buying a wheelchair cushion to help prevent pressure sores from forming.