What makes a good Folding Electric Wheelchair?

Common Misconceptions on Anti-tip Wheels and Suspension

Choosing a folding electric wheelchair is a big decision—it’s not just about mobility, but about independence, confidence, and everyday comfort. With so many models and features on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. At LITH-TECH, we’ve spent years helping thousands of customers find the perfect chair, and we’ve seen firsthand how common misconceptions can lead to the wrong choice. That’s why this guide cuts through the noise.

When it comes to choosing the right electric wheelchair, there’s a lot of misleading information out there. Many companies push features that don’t actually enhance performance or comfort, leaving customers confused and sometimes stuck with a chair that doesn’t meet their needs. In this guide, we’ll break down some of the biggest misconceptions about electric wheelchairs and explain what really matters when selecting the perfect model.

1. The Truth About Anti-Tip Wheels

One of the most common questions we get is whether our multi-terrain or smart chair range includes anti-tip wheels. The answer is no, and there’s a very good reason for that.

Anti-tip wheels reduce ground clearance significantly—often to just a couple of centimetres. This can be a major problem when navigating kerbs, potholes, and uneven surfaces. A well-designed multi-terrain wheelchair doesn’t need anti-tip wheels because:

• It has even weight distribution, and the centre of gravity should be over the front half of the rear wheel to prevent tipping.
• Larger rear wheels provide better balance and control.
• You can reverse up kerbs easily without obstruction, and reduced ground clearance.
• The overall weight of the chair plus the user should make it almost impossible to tip.

For example, imagine trying to cross a dropped kerb that has a slight lip—something that’s no problem for a well-balanced chair. But with anti-tip wheels in the way, the rear of the chair can catch, forcing the user to awkwardly reposition or even requiring help. This defeats the purpose of having an independent mobility aid.

Many budget electric wheelchairs (priced between £700 and £1,500) include anti-tip wheels simply because they don’t have the trust in the chair design and the structural integrity to remain stable on their own. If you see a multi-terrain chair with anti-tip wheels, it’s a red flag—it likely means the manufacturer isn’t confident in the chair’s weight distribution and stability.

2. Suspension – Is It Necessary?

A common misconception in the mobility industry is that suspension improves ride quality. In reality, for 99% of folding electric wheelchairs, suspension does very little if anything at all. Most models that claim to have front and rear suspension are simply using small springs with barely any travel.

Here’s the truth:

• Suspension in lightweight folding chairs is often just for show and doesn’t meaningfully improve comfort one bit.
• The quality of your wheels, tyres, and cushioning has a much bigger impact on ride smoothness.
• On flat surfaces like shopping centres or pavements, suspension can actually make the chair harder to manoeuvre.
• Having front suspension actually makes taking curbs forward harder.

If you’ve ever ridden over a rough pavement on a basic chair with “suspension,” you’ll know it still feels bumpy. That’s because real comfort comes from high-quality tyres, not gimmicky springs.

The only real exception is active suspension, found in our Smart Chair Pro and Compact Plus models. These have meaningful movement that can slightly improve comfort on rough terrain. But for everyday use, a good set of rubber tyres is far more important.

3. Wheel Size & Motor Power – Finding the Right Balance

Many people assume that bigger motors and wheels always mean better performance. But it’s all about balance.

A smaller motor and wheel setup can significantly reduce weight. For example:

• A standard small-wheel motor weighs around 3.5kg.
• A larger motor and wheel can weigh 6kg – 7kg.
• The difference between two wheels alone can add 12kg to the chair’s total weight.

For instance, if you’re an active person who travels a lot and often lifts the chair in and out of a car, a lightweight setup with 180W motors is ideal. But if you’re a heavier user or regularly go off-road, you’ll need the torque and durability of a 250W motor system.

A lightweight chair (like our carbon fibre model) uses 180W motors because anything stronger would be too powerful and potentially dangerous. Conversely, our smart chairs require 250W motors for the best performance. The key is pairing the right motor with the right chair for optimal safety and usability.

Our heavy-duty Titan uses a huge 350W motor as it needs to work harder.

4. Tyre Material & Durability

The material and design of your wheelchair’s tyres are crucial for longevity and safety. We only use solid rubber tyres because they are:

• More durable than foam or air-filled tyres.
• Puncture-proof, so you won’t have to worry about flats.
• Better at absorbing shock, providing a smoother ride.
• Much harder wearing, so lasts much longer.
• More gripper.

Think of it like bike tyres: air-filled tyres might feel soft initially, but they’re prone to punctures and require frequent maintenance. Solid rubber, by contrast, is like a good quality running shoe—built to absorb impact and last for years.

Most people never need to replace their rear wheels, and front wheels typically last several years under regular use.

5. The Importance of Expert Advice

The biggest mistake wheelchair buyers make is trying to figure everything out on their own. The market is full of spec sheets and jargon that can easily lead to confusion. This is why talking to a specialist is essential.

At LITH-TECH, we have:

• The UK’s largest range of folding electric wheelchairs (14 in total).
• The most add-ons, spare parts, and custom modifications available.
• A proven track record of fitting 99% of customers with the right chair.

One of our customers, John from Surrey, had tried three different chairs from other companies before finding us. After a quick phone consultation, we matched him with a Smart Chair Pro, and he told us it was the first time he felt truly confident navigating his local park.

Whether you need a phone consultation or an in-person demo, we ensure you get a wheelchair tailored to your needs. Avoid the trap of buying cheap or relying on a local mobility shop with limited knowledge. If you invest in the right chair, it will give you the freedom you deserve.

Want to see the differences in action? Watch our full video here.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best electric wheelchair doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on quality over gimmicks, avoiding misleading spec sheets, and consulting a true specialist, you can find the perfect chair that meets your needs.

Even if you’re just starting your search or have questions about specific features, we’re happy to help—no pressure, no obligation. Just honest, expert advice tailored to you.

If you’re in the market for a reliable, high-quality folding electric wheelchair, contact us today for expert advice.
Check out our products at: https://lith-tech.com/shop/
Email us today at: [email protected]
Call us today on: 01252 214052

Frequently Asked Questions

Are folding electric wheelchairs safe on rough terrain?
Yes—but only high-quality models designed with proper weight distribution and large wheels. Avoid chairs that rely on anti-tip wheels or weak frames.

Do I need suspension on my wheelchair?
Not necessarily. Most folding electric wheelchairs don’t benefit from basic suspension. Tyre quality and chair design matter far more.

What’s the average lifespan of solid rubber tyres?
Rear tyres can last the lifetime of the chair. Front tyres typically last several years, depending on usage.

Why do some electric wheelchairs include anti-tip wheels?
Usually because the chair is poorly balanced or cheaply made. Anti-tip wheels compensate for bad design, but they limit performance.