How Does A Folding Electric Wheelchair Work?
Electric wheelchairs came as a welcome relief for people with mobility impairments seeking a quick and convenient way to get around. These chairs are beloved for their enhanced mobility, unparalleled comfort, and remarkable ease of use.
So popular are electric wheelchairs that they’re currently on the verge of phasing out their manual counterparts. According to recent estimates, the global electric wheelchair market size stood at USD 4.49 billion in 2024 and was projected to record a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.3% from 2025 to 2030.
However, electric wheelchairs aren’t made equal. The chairs vary across different parameters, including portability and ease of storage.
Folding electric wheelchairs are particularly outstanding for their ease of storage and transportation. Read below as we provide insights into folding electric wheelchairs, with a focus on their operational mechanism.
What Are Folding Electric Wheelchairs And Why Are They Trending?
To understand folding electric wheelchairs, it’s best to start by defining what electric wheelchairs are.
Electric wheelchairs are a type of motorized wheelchair designed for individuals with impaired mobility due to a physical disability, medical condition, or accident-related injuries.
Electric wheelchairs differ from their traditional manual cousins in terms of the amount of physical strength needed to operate them.
Unlike manual wheelchairs that require considerable strength to move and steer, electric wheelchairs move by means of a motorized system. They also include a control panel, from which users can manipulate various metrics like speed and direction.
Now, folding electric wheelchairs are a special type of motorized wheelchairs designed with a collapsible design.
A folding electric wheelchair features an X-shaped cross brace, which enables the chair to fold up from underneath the seat. You can collapse the wheelchair for easy storage when not in use or to allow for convenient transportation in your vehicle’s trunk.
The demand for folding electric wheelchairs has surged tremendously in the recent past as more people with mobility discover the convenience these chairs provide.
Besides their ease of storage and transportation, most folding electric wheelchairs sport a sleek and compact design. As such, they’re exceptionally easy to maneuver through crowded spaces and sharp corners.
Depending on the construction material, folding electric wheelchairs can also be incredibly lightweight.
What Are The Basic Components Of Folding Electric Wheelchairs?
Frame construction is the primary distinguishing feature between folding electric wheelchairs and regular wheelchairs.
As mentioned, folding electric wheelchairs have cross-brace frames. The chairs collapse at their X-axes, allowing for easy storage or transportation.
For enhanced convenience, most folding electric wheelchair frames feature lightweight but durable materials like carbon fiber and aluminum.
Other essential parts of folding electric wheelchairs include;
- Wheels and Tires
The wheels and tires are responsible for a folding electric wheelchair’s mobility.
The rear wheels are typically larger and motorized, whereas the front ones are smaller and used primarily for steering.
Folding electric wheelchair tires may be solid, foam-filled, or pneumatic. You can pick an option that strikes a fine balance between comfort and durability.
- Battery and Electric Motor
The battery is the primary power source for a folding electric wheelchair. It stores electrical energy and discharges it to the motor and any other electrical systems, such as lights.
Lithium-ion batteries remain the gold standard for folding electric wheelchair batteries, thanks to their longevity.
Most folding electric wheelchairs come with two brushless DC motors, one for each rear wheel. The motors convert electrical energy from the battery into the mechanical energy required to propel the wheelchair forward.
- Control Panel
One key point of distinction between folding electric wheelchairs and their manual counterparts is the incorporation of a control system.
The system typically includes a joystick used to manipulate the wheelchair as desired. You can steer the vehicle in the right direction, adjust its speed, and even prompt it using voice commands.
How Do Folding Electric Wheelchairs Work?
Folding electric wheelchairs utilize two different mechanisms, namely manual-folding and automatic folding.
As the name implies, manual-folding requires you to manually collapse and unfold the wheelchair.
On the other hand, automatic folding relies on the wheelchair’s motor and sensor systems to automatically fold and unfold the chair. All it takes is a simple press of the button.
Since enhanced convenience is one of your main reasons for investing in a folding electric wheelchair, it’s best to pick chairs with automatic folding mechanisms. But despite the option you go for, the folding process typically unfolds as follows;
- Release locks and levers
While in operation, folding electric wheelchairs typically have several locks and levers engaged. You’ll need to disengage them before proceeding to the next steps.
- Collapse the frame
A folding wheelchair’s frame collapses around its X-axis. Pay attention to unusual sounds while the frame folds, suggesting mechanical issues with the chair’s construction.
- Secure the wheelchair
After collapsing your folding electric wheelchair, tie down the frame to prevent it from unfolding.
- Detach removable parts
Detach the wheelchair’s leg, armrests, and seat if necessary. Such can be stored separately.
Wrap Up
Folding electric wheelchairs are a worthy investment for anyone with mobility impairment. These chairs combine the enhanced functionality of motorized wheelchairs with the portability and compactness of their collapsible mechanisms.
With a folding electric wheelchair, you don’t have to sacrifice your most critical mobility aid while planning a long-haul trip or vacation. The chair’s foldable design is also a space-saving feature, making it convenient in smaller apartments.
