Best Manual Wheelchairs of 2019

Invacare Tracer EX2 Wheelchair

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The Tracer EX2 by Invacare offers a high quality and dependable solution for your mobility needs. Removable footrests or elevating legrests can be easily attached for additional comfort. It is easily collapsible by pulling up on the blue vinyl seat. When folded it has a width of 13 inches, so it can fit in the trunk of most standard vehicles. The Tracer EX2 is available with seat widths of 16, 18, and 20 inches and has a weight capacity of 250 pounds.

Customer feedback:

  • Great value.
  • Sturdy but lightweight.
  • Easy to maneuver.
  • Quick to assemble.
  • Seat becomes hot when in the sun.
  • Uncomfortable seat.
Quick Tip: When ordering from Amazon you may be purchasing from a third party seller which may have a different return policy.

Medline Lightweight Manual Wheelchair

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Another similar option for a manual wheelchair is the Medline Lightweight Wheelchair which has a weight of 33 pounds excluding the legrests. It is also available with seat widths of 16, 18, and 20 inches with a slightly higher weight capacity of 300 pounds. The seats are made of a breathable nylon upholstery which some users may find more comfortable than vinyl seats. The desk length arm rests can be removed or flipped back for added convenience and comfort.

What is the difference between legrests and footrests?
A legrest has a cushioned calf pad that supports the calf area of the users legs. Footrests do not have a calf pad. Therefore, legrests are typically preferred for added comfort, especially if the user will be sitting in their wheelchair for long stretches of time.

Customer feedback

  • The foldaway armrests make it easy to get in and out of the wheelchair.
  • Easy to assemble.
  • Can get through most standard doors.
  • Poor traction on wheels.

Nova Lightweight Wheelchair

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Nova is a popular durable medical equipment brand in California that provides high quality and well designed products at an affordable but higher price point. It is a lightweight wheelchair with a weight of just 32 pounds for the 16 inch seat and 33 pounds for the 20 inch seat. Instead of removable armrests, this model has flip back armrests to provide additional arm room when needed.

There are three seat sizes available:

  • 16 Inch Seat – Model # 7160L
  • 18 Inch Seat – Model # 7180L
  • 20 Inch Seat – Model # 7200L

Karman Lightweight Wheelchair, LT-800T

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Karman is another well-known wheelchair brand that provides standard wheelchairs at a low price point. This model (LT-800T) comes with standard adjustable height footrests with heel loops and supports up to 250 pounds. The padded armrests are fixed and permanent so they can not swing away like the Nova wheelchairs. Like the other wheelchairs on this list, the Karman Lightweight Wheelchair easily folds into a compact size for storage or loading into a car.

Customer feedback:

  • Too heavy for someone with difficulty lifting objects.
  • Very easy to assemble.
  • Easy to fold.
  • Easy to push.
  • Could use better traction on the wheels.

Drive Medical Blue Streak Wheelchair

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Drive makes the popular Blue Streak wheelchair, an inexpensive manual wheelchair with elevating legrests or swingaway footrests.

Features

  • Nylon seat is light weight and easy to clean.
  • Pocket in back of the chair.
  • Weight capacity: 250 pounds.

Customer Feedback

  • It comes assembled in the box.
  • Affordable price.
  • The flip back armrests are very convenient.
  • Easy to maneuver.

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