Wheelchairs refer to chairs designed specifically to have wheels, providing mobility for those who suffer from impaired movements. One of the most common types of this mobility solution introduced to potential users is the standard or manual wheelchair. This specific type operates with the occupant self-propelling it. A caregiver may also push it from the back.
Standard wheelchairs today are innovative as aside from being available in either foldable or rigid formats, users can also usually customize them based on their individual requirements. These wheelchairs also carry with them some modern advancements in terms of their materials and overall construction, thereby boosting their durability while keeping them lightweight.
With that, expect the wheelchairs to be portable in case you would like to travel. Aside from the standard or manual wheelchairs, you can also pick from lightweight and ultra-lightweight wheelchairs. If you choose the lightweight wheelchair then be aware that it often weighs around 29 to 34 lbs. and is capable of covering the different lifestyle options and conditional requirements of its potential users.
The ultra-lightweight one, on the other hand, is a great choice if you wish to take a hold of a wheelchair, which is not only lightweight but is also highly durable and foldable. You may also come across the transport foldable wheelchair, which boasts of its lightweight and portable frame as well as its weight that is only around 18 to 29 lbs. Most transport foldable wheelchairs also come with fixed armrests, side panels, and swing-leg rests.
Other options that you have are the tilt and the reclining wheelchairs. If you are on a budget, then rest assured that it is easy to access the best wheelchairs under $400 with a high level of quality from various manufacturers.
Product Review: Best Wheelchairs Under $400 – Medline Premium Ultra-lightweight Wheelchair
Company: Amazon
Who Would Buy This: Those dealing with injuries, ailments, or mobility issues caused by accidents that convene them to use mobility solutions who wish to find the best wheelchairs under $400 to help them move again with ease
- Flip-back, desk-length arms make it easy to sit at a table. Removable elevating leg rests enhance comfort, Gross weight 50.551 pounds
- Nylon upholstery is breathable and comfortable
- Premium welds ensure durability. Detachable footrest. Latex free
- Smooth-rolling mag wheels with low-maintenance flat-free tires | Foot-powered movement with 2” seat-height adjustments (hemi-height)
- 350 lbs. weight capacity | 31.5-lb. product weight, without leg rests | Seat dimensions are 22 x 18 inches
Pros:
Maximum comfort guaranteed – One thing I really appreciate about the best wheelchairs under $400 is that they have several attractive features that provide comfort to users, and that is what this specific Medline Premium Ultra-weight Wheelchair promises. One impressive and comfortable feature that you can see in this wheelchair is the adjustable seat. Such adjustability makes you pick the most suitable size by matching the seat’s width to your weight and size. Since it suits you, I am sure that you will experience comfort sitting on it.
I am also glad that it makes use of nylon upholstery as it is more breathable and lightweight in comparison to vinyl. It is a convenient material as it is not that challenging to clean. It has removable desk-style arms, too that you can flip back with ease to boost your convenience. It also has padded armrests as well as an elevating leg rest, which is helpful in easing discomfort while preventing swelling.
Built for ease of transport – If going outdoors is what you love to do then I can assure you that you do not have to stop yourself from doing that in case you got your mobility impaired. It is because investing in this ultra-lightweight mobility wheelchair from Medline lets you take hold of a solution for your hampered mobility that can bring you to different places.
It has a compact and lightweight design, which proves just how easy it is to take it with you on your next trips. I am happy with its easy to fold nature, too. The wheelchair even takes pride in its take-anywhere design, which also features quick-release wheels, promoting further ease of transportation. Another plus is that it is designed in a way that it can travel almost all surfaces.
Features large rear wheels – What is good about the inclusion of large rear wheels in this mobility aid is that it guarantees ease of traction. It can provide the right traction regardless of the surface it is traversing. I can say that the use of such wheels makes the chair even more stable. Removing these wheels is also easy because of its quick-release mechanism.
Cons:
A bit difficult to use when entering doorways – I noticed that this is mainly due to the wide seat of this mobility wheelchairs. Still, I do not experience any problem using it in the most accessible places.
Value for Money
Anyone searching for the best wheelchairs under $400 wants to ensure that they get real value for the amount they paid, and that is what this Medline mobility solution will never fail to deliver. Built to be easy to transport, I am sure anyone with hampered mobility will see it as a reliable aid for them. It also uses large rear wheels for stability and for ease of traversing various terrains. It is also one of the most comfortable wheelchairs you can find within the price range.
Product Review: Best Wheelchairs Under $400 – Hi-Fortune 21-lb. Lightweight Medical Wheelchair
Company: Amazon via seller MegaV+ (Feedback Rating: 97%)
Who Would Buy This: Built for those who believe that the best wheelchairs under $400 are the ultimate solution for their need to have a means of transit from one location to another in case their mobility is compromised due to an ailment, an injury, or any other issue
- One of the lightest wheelchairs you can buy! Strong magnesium alloy frame provides stability while remaining lightweight. Great for all kinds of travel, it can be easily checked on the airplane and loaded aboard in the cargo compartment
- Swing-away leg rests and adjustable arm rests allow user to sit closer to tables and desks while the footrests can be completely removed if needed
- Folds down to a small 32 x 13 x 28 inch space, easily fitting in most vehicles or storage. No tools and virtually no assembly required. Simply attach the footrests and back safety rollers and you are done
- Durable and light weight nylon upholstery looks great and is easy to clean. Built in seat belt for additional safety
- Seat width is 18”. Total assembled weight is 21lbs. Before ordering, please check your door width to ensure to ensure wheelchair will fit through home doors. Includes a 1 year frame and components warranty against defects
Pros:
Easy to use and manage – I am really one hundred percent satisfied with the easy to use and manage nature of this transport wheelchair to the point that I view it as one of the best wheelchairs under $400. One reason behind the ease of use and manageability of this wheelchair is the fact that it is one of the lightest mobility solutions you can get your hands on. It could be due to the strong and stable yet lightweight magnesium alloy frame integrated to it.
Due to its lightness and manageability, I realized how easy it is to bring it with me when traveling. I can easily check it on the plane or load it in a cargo compartment. In addition, it is foldable, letting it reach a small and compact size once folded. The folded version of this wheelchair can easily fit the majority of storage spaces as well as vehicles. Its user-friendly nature can also be due to the fact that it does not require complex assembly or installation.
Gives potential users full control – I think that this transport wheelchair is also a strong contender in the mobility solutions industry because of its ability to give users full and complete control. One way for users to control it is to make use of the chair’s adjustable armrests. With these armrests, sitting close to desks and tables is possible. You can also completely remove the footrest if necessary.
Another way for you to gain control over the wheelchair is to use the swing-away leg rests in quickly transferring from and to a seated position. I also love the quick-release function of its drive wheels as it also promotes ease in traveling and storing the wheelchair.
Completely safe – I am also impressed with the ability of this wheelchair to prioritize the safety of its users through a couple of protective features. For one, it has dual-integrated hand brakes, giving users of the chair a more reliable and consistent control. It also boasts of its built-in seatbelt designed to offer additional safety. With this seatbelt, it is safe even for those users who lack stability and are at risk of falling.
Cons:
Slightly uncomfortable when used during transport on a bus – Still, I am sure you will be one hundred percent satisfied with this transport wheelchair when bringing it in other means of transportation.
Value for Money
Investing in this particular choice for the best wheelchairs under $400 is a decision you will never regret as it definitely lets you obtain good value for your money. Among the many things that you will enjoy from this model include its ability to offer safety while keeping users in control. It is also easy to manage and use because aside from being foldable, it is lightweight and compact, too.
Product Review: Best Wheelchairs Under $400 – Drive Medical Sentra Extra Heavy-duty Wheelchair
Company: Amazon via seller stores123 (Feedback Rating: 96%)
Who Would Buy This: Those with a mobility impairment who have the intention of finding the best wheelchairs under $400 to help them obtain some control over their movements as well as restore their independence
- Heavy Duty Wheelchairs
- Basic Assembly Required
- Bariatric
- Steel
Pros:
Heavy-duty and durable – One thing that continues to leave a good impression on me when using this specific wheelchair that falls within the category of the best wheelchairs under $400 is its proven durability and strength. This specific transport wheelchair is designed to be heavy-duty, which is the reason behind its ability to last long. It even boasts of its heavy-gauge, sturdy, and reinforced Naugahyde upholstery.
Another excellent feature in this heavy-duty wheelchair that makes it even more long-lasting is its carbon steel frame. Such frame is not only stable but is also triple-coated with chrome, promoting an easy to maintain, attractive, and chip-proof finish. Expect this wheelchair to showcase its extra strength with its reinforced steel gussets that can be seen at all points that bear weight. In addition, the side frame, dual-cross bars, and caster journals are reinforced, adding more strength to this mobility solution.
Solid and stable wheels – I am greatly satisfied with the composite mag-style wheels integrated into this heavy-duty bariatric wheelchair. Such wheels are solid and stable while boasting of their chrome hand rims.
You can even see them complete with precision-sealed wheel bearings at the rear and front, thereby promoting long-lasting reliability and performance. The solid and stable nature of the wheels also makes it possible for this mobility wheelchair to handle users with a higher weight as it actually has up to 500-lb. weight capacity.
Prioritizes the comfort and security of users – I am also glad that this specific transport wheelchair prioritizes the comfort and security of its users. It is totally comfortable when used because of its well-padded armrests. Add to that the carry pocket that you can find on its backrest and you will experience utmost convenience because it gives you a specific space for your small belongings. I am pretty sure that you will also feel secure with its stability and strength as well as the built-in push-to-lock wheel locks.
Cons:
Quite heavy – It is heavier in comparison to other mobility wheelchairs, though but with the assistance of someone, managing it will still be a breeze. Built to last long, it can definitely do what it intends to do for a long time.
Value for Money
Of course, I can safely say that Drive Medical Sentra is one of the most reliable and the best wheelchairs under $400 that can offer pure value for its price. You will also be satisfied with the fact that it prioritizes the security and comfort of its users while showcasing the stability and protection offered by its wheels.
Product Review: Best Wheelchairs Under $400 – Medline 20-inch Wide Seat Reclining Wheelchair
Company: Amazon
Who Would Buy This: Those shopping for the best wheelchairs under $400 that are under the reclining type. It is particularly useful for those who need a reclining wheelchair because of certain medical conditions, like orthostatic hypotension and severe hip extension contracture.
- Seat Dimensions: 20 W x 17 D inches (51 x 43 cm). Positions:90 TO 140 Degree
- Arm Style: Desk Length Removable
- Leg Style: Detachable Elevating Legrest
- Material: Black Vinyl.Weight Capacity: 350 lbs / Weight without Legrests: 46 lbs
- Durable vinyl upholstery
Pros:
Provides ultimate support – If you are searching for the best wheelchairs under $400 capable of offering you adequate and full support then I highly advise checking out this Medline reclining wheelchair. It is a totally unique wheelchair, which is capable of providing the ultimate support needed by most of its users.
This chair is even built to be easy to recline from 90 degrees to 140 degrees, offering support and comfort whether you use it for the short and long term. Additional support and comfort can also be provided by its 22-inch full back as well as its 10-inch headrest support, which is designed to be removable.
Several built-in features promoting utmost comfort – Another reason why I really enjoy this mobility wheelchair from Medline is that it has a couple of features that are all designed to promote the comfort and convenience of users. Among these are the padded calf pads and the swing-away footrests that work in increasing your comfort level when the wheelchair is in a reclining position.
The reclining feature of this wheelchair is also comfortable because you can easily make adjustments to it with the aid of its quick-adjust handles. It also has removable desk-length arms constructed out of vinyl upholstery, which you can easily clean up. With the hemi-height adjustable axles of this wheelchair, raising and lowering the seat is also easy.
Can keep users safe – I also greatly appreciate the ability of this mobility transport wheelchair to keep users feel safe and protected. It is mainly because it has bicycle-style, loop-lock brakes designed to boost the safety and security of users. It even comes with anti-tippers that aid in keeping the wheelchair as stable and safe as possible.
Add to that the dual-sealed and easy to maintain precision bearings as well as urethane tires at the rear and you will surely enjoy this wheelchair’s ability to give you a smooth, stable, and safe ride whether you are indoors or outdoors.
Cons:
Heavier than wheelchairs with 16-inch seat – Despite that issue, I still do not experience utmost difficulty handling this mobility wheelchair plus I am happy with its 20-inch seat because it is wide and comfortable.
Value for Money
When talking about value for money, this Medline Reclining Wheelchair is definitely a frontrunner, especially for those who intend to spot the best wheelchairs under $400. One of its ideal qualities is it is highly protective. Furthermore, it offers full support and comfort to its users, which makes it a sound investment.
Product Review: Best Wheelchairs Under $400 – Medline Excel Extra-wide Wheelchair
Company: Amazon
Who Would Buy This: Those who are eager to get themselves the best wheelchairs under $400 and use these as their assistive devices to enhance their personal mobility in case they have a disability, impaired mobility, injury, or illness, or have limited movements because of old age.
- Patient Safety and Mobility
- Wheelchair, Excel, 22" W, Rydal, Elf, Nave
- Made in: United States
Pros:
Equipped with an extra-wide and heavy-duty seat – The best wheelchairs under $400 are usually those with an extra-wide and heavy-duty seat, and that is what I was able to get from this Medline Excel wheelchair. In fact, I specifically enjoyed the 22-inch width of the seat, which is really wide enough, offering more room and comfort. It is also around 18 inches in depth, making it all the more comfortable.
Aside from the extra depth and width, the wheelchair is also designed in such a way that it suits all needs and requirements of users. It even has a 500-lb. capacity, thereby increasing the number of users that it can safely accommodate.
Long-lasting – Another nice quality I noticed in this extra-wide mobility wheelchair is that it is long-lasting and sturdy. I realized that it is long-lasting upon seeing its carbon steel frame, which is not only stable but also comes with chrome plating capable of resisting rust and chips.
I also think that the threaded seat screw inserts built into this mobility wheelchair also further enhance its durability because these lessen the risk of stripping that might be caused by changes in upholstery. The embossed upholstery used in this wheelchair is also tough and heavy-duty. It also boasts of its rugged and sturdy die-cast aluminum footplates.
Built with stability in mind – If you are looking for a transport wheelchair, which is stable and solid then I can say that this Medline wheelchair will never disappoint. It is stable as it features heavy-duty and rugged fork as well as welded fork stems designed to lessen the risk of wobbling.
The composite mag-style wheels are stable, too. Furthermore, it is secure because of the elevating leg rest, which is equipped with a stainless steel ratchet bar designed to lock it in place securely.
Cons:
Slightly bigger and heavier than the others – Even with these flaws, I am still glad that I was able to take advantage of this specific mobility solution because it is one of the most comfortable and stable wheelchairs I got the chance to use.
Value for Money
Due to the highly stable, secure, and long-lasting nature of Medline Excel Extra-wide Wheelchair, I can assure potential users that it is indeed worth its actual price. It is well-built and sturdy while providing an extra-wide seat for the comfort and convenience of anyone who uses it.
Conclusion
When it comes to selecting the best wheelchairs under $400, certain considerations that you have to keep in mind during the selection process include the back and seat dimensions, footrest type, armrest type and dimension, size of the wheels and tires, type and size of the front wheel casters, type of driving rim and wheels, as well as the type of leg rests.
In most cases, a standard and basic wheelchair comes with a couple of front caster wheels around 7 to 8 inches each and a couple of rear wheels around 24 inches each. The typical wheel used for the rear comes with wired spokes. However, take note that you can also find wheels using alternative materials, like alloy and plastic. Rear wheel tires also come in different types, the solid non-pneumatic, semi-pneumatic, and pneumatic.
Apart from the mentioned factors that are essential in your final buying decision, especially the wheels and tires, it is also crucial to make a buying decision after you considered your own needs. For instance, base your decision on the specific areas you will be using the chair frequently and occasionally. Also, determine the specific activities that you loved doing before your mobility got impaired so you will know exactly which among them you would love to do again even with your condition.
Another important consideration is the number of hours every day that you will spend on the wheelchair. Think about the specific slopes and surfaces that you will most likely expose the chair to. After thinking about all these factors, it is greatly possible for you to approach the whole process of selecting the best wheelchairs under $400 in a hassle-free manner.