What Lightweight Electric Wheelchair Features Improve Travel Efficiency

For users who regularly travels by air, train, car or even cruise ship, any inefficiency is a stressor. A heavy chair will cost a lot in terms of baggage charges. A large frame implies having to deal with rental vehicles. Limited range of battery implies the need to be constantly charged. The right lightweight electric wheelchair will change traveling into a hassle-free, predictable experience. We produce carbon fiber, aluminum, magnesium, and steel powered wheelchairs and folding mobility scooters at Ningbo Baichen Medical Devices Co., Ltd. There are four features that enhance travel efficiency directly as discussed below.

Ultra-Light Frame Material (Carbon Fiber or Aluminum)

Frame weight is the most important characteristic that matters in terms of travel efficiency. Each kilogram saved is less to lift, load and manoeuvre. The heavy steel wheelchairs (30-45 kg) take two or a powered lift to get into a vehicle, which is not convenient when used by a single individual.

Our carbon fiber powered wheelchair is 60% lighter than steel ones, with the weight of up to 12-15 kg without batteries. It can be picked up in a car trunk by one person, up a flight of stairs by one person or through a busy airport terminal by one person. Our aluminum power wheelchair is a cheaper lightweight (usually 20-30 kg) yet manageable by most caregivers or active users. To be as portable as possible, our automatic folding mobility scooter folds down with a touch of a button, leaving the folded size to just fit in the trunk of a small car or onboard a passenger plane (on approved models).

Quick-Release or Lithium Batteries for Airline Compliance

Efficiency in traveling is reliant on avoiding time wastage in security and boarding the aircraft. Airlines are subject to the IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations, which restrict the size of batteries and involve some handling processes.

Our electric wheelchairs weigh less than 15 kg and have a lithium battery that is IATA compliant (less than 300 watt-hours). Most of these models have quick release battery packs, which can be changed in a few seconds to carry on (mandated by the majority of airlines). This is in lieu of having to wait before your chair is disassembled by ground crew at the check in counter. To international users, a second battery (within permissible weight) will increase your range twice, without any additional mass to the chair. Both of our carbon fiber models and aluminum models have this feature.

Compact Folding or Quick-Disassembly Design

A folding/disassembling wheelchair is time and energy saving each time you enter a car, taxi or train. Stiff, straight frames demand a special vehicle lift or a huge SUV.

The carbon fiber power wheelchair has a simple folding frame and can be rolled up to less than 20-40 cm wide, small enough to fit behind the front seat of a car, or in the trunk of a taxi. Our folding mobility scooter goes a step further, having a remote control the scooter is able to fold and unfold in less than 15 seconds. Our aluminum and magnesium power wheelchairs have quick disassembly features in which the seat, battery and wheels can be removed easily (no tools required) in case the user wants a rigid frame (which can be a better energy transfer and climbing) than a flex frame. This modularity enables the chair to be fitted in a car of reduced size or in an airline bag.

Long Battery Range with Fast Charging

The efficiency of travel is not only about weight but also about distance that you can cover without having to stop and recharge. A chair that has a 15 km range might be alright when doing local errands but exasperating during a whole day out sightseeing or on a transitory flight.

Our carbon fiber and aluminum power wheelchair models are equipped with high capacity lithium batteries, which provide 25-40 km/charge, or a full day of travel without having to search the street to find an outlet. Quick charging (3-5 hours to full) indicates that you can recharge during a lengthy lunch or between flights. In the case of our 4-wheel mobility scooter we have different options on the battery to 50km+ range to make it a multi-day tour. Each of our travel oriented models has a standard battery gauge (LED) in them, making you aware of your remaining range at all times.

Conclusion

The efficiency of traveling boils down to four features namely ultra-light frame (carbon fiber or aluminum), airline compliant quick release lithium batteries, compact folding or disassembly design and long battery range and fast charging. At Ningbo Baichen Medical Devices Co., Ltd. we produce all four types of wheelchairs in our 20,000 m² plant. Call us today to discover the lightweight electric wheelchair that will make your next journey hassle free.