…and when to fold them. And when you do fold them, how big and heavy will they be?

A new generation of power wheelchairs is finding its way into our Resale/Rehome program. Different from earlier models because they are foldable and powered by lithium-ion batteries—much lighter and smaller than sealed lead acid batteries typical of previous generations of chairs—they are similar but vary in ways that influence their use.

Because we have several on hand, the comparisons might be useful. From left to right in the picture above are the Air Hawk (easy battery access, annoyingly does not stand up when folded), KD Smart Chair (lightest of these three, handy kickstand for standing up), and the Jazzy Passport (easy to roll around when folded, more robust wheels for better outdoor use).

All of these devices weigh 55-60 pounds and all have been discontinued, replaced in the market by evolutions of their basic design that leverage advanced materials like carbon fiber to achieve much lighter weights.

They are, however, still a good option for someone who needs an electric wheelchair that be transported by car, and are available for small percentages of their original retail price.