What are the Best Electric Powered Wheelchairs for Outdoors?

By Published On: 30 June 2021

Have you ever considered adventuring off the beaten path in your electric power wheelchair? Choosing a mobility aid fit for this purpose is no easy feat. The landscape in the UK is changing all the time, including new roads and routes, different pavement widths and many more. So, you’ll need a multi-terrain powered wheelchair that is fit for any kinds of challenging and unusual terrains. 

Here at LITH-TECH, we have a wide variety of wheelchairs suited for different purposes, whether you’re feeling adventurous and want to take your mobility aid to explore the countryside, or you prefer a casual ride to the local park. 

But what should you consider when choosing a wheelchair for the outdoors?

WHY CHOOSE A POWERED WHEELCHAIR FOR THE OUTDOORS?

Powered wheelchairs use battery power to run and make the perfect choice for outdoor exploration. Rather than a carer or friend having to push you up steeper inclines, or struggle over the weight of a frame or inconvenient design, an electric powered wheelchair can do it all, giving you more freedom to do what you want.

Man on wheelchair outside in field

Photo from Facebook

FINDING A WHEELCHAIR RIGHT FOR YOUR PURPOSE

If you’re purchasing your first wheelchair, or simply upgrading from a previous model, then there’s some key things to consider.

WHERE WILL YOU BE MAINLY USING YOUR ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR?

Before taking your power wheelchair out, consider the following:

  • The terrain 
  • The camber of roads and pavements
  • Curb height, including the ability to find dropped curbs
  • Common places you will be visiting, and the level of difficulty in accessing them 

WHAT KIND OF WHEELCHAIR USER ARE YOU?

If you’re an independent user, or if you’re capable of traveling without the assistance of a carer, then you may consider choosing a powered wheelchair that can handle all sorts of terrains. You can enjoy greater freedom from an electric wheelchair that offers the user a reliable performance, especially if the terrain becomes uneven or more challenging. 

LITH-TECH’s Smart Chair or the Smart Chair X, for example, are not only capable of travelling worldwide (thanks to its compliance with air travel), but it can navigate tougher environments. The sturdy frame and puncture-proof tyres can manoeuvre bumps, inclines, or other irregularities, making for a comfortable ride. 

If you need assistance when you’re using your electric wheelchair, it would be an idea to consider which chairs are easiest to be pushed in freewheel mode by a family member or carer. Alternatively on certain chairs you can add a carer assist pack too. This will give the user more freedom to get out and about even if they are not capable of controlling the chairs themselves. The carer packs work best on larger rear wheeled chairs such as LITH-TECH’s smart chair range.  

WHICH WHEELCHAIR IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Now that you’ve considered where you might travel to, and what kinds of terrains you might navigate, it’s time to consider what wheelchair you’d like to use. 

A LIGHTWEIGHT OPTION – AN ALL-ROUNDER 

Built using a blend of aerospace titanium and aluminium, LITH-TECH’s Smart Chair 1 is light yet strong. This makes for a great lightweight option for those looking for an all-rounder, especially if you add our larger upgraded front wheels to it (which is a must).

Its sturdy frame with larger, puncture-proof tyres means this wheelchair is great for outdoor uses as well as in. And if you’re somebody who likes to travel further afield, then Smart Chair 1 is a great option for plane travel too. If you travel with a carer or family member, the light frame makes it easier to fold and stow away for that person.

With an impressive hill climb and great battery range, this chair is perfect for exploring far-flung places without any range anxiety. 

Key points to remember:

  • Suitable in light rain but keep the joystick covered
  • Aeroplane safe on every airline worldwide
  • 26kg chair weight including batteries, 23kg without the batteries

A SMART OPTION – FOR MULTIPLE OR MORE CHALLENGING TERRAIN TYPES 

The LITH-TECH SMART CHAIR X is an industry-leading wheelchair, and one of the finest when it comes to innovation, charge, design and capabilities. 

With incredible ground clearance, electromagnetic braking for instant-stopping (even on an incline) and big puncture-proof tyres, this powerchair can handle most terrains. 

We can customise almost every aspect of the Smart Chair X before it leaves our warehouse, meaning no matter your height, size, or requirements, we cater to the user. 

Key points to remember:

  • Best and most capable folding wheelchair on the market 
  • High ground clearance 
  • Strong and lightweight frame 
  • Plane safe worldwide

A MULTI-PURPOSE RECLINER – FOR EASE AND COMFORT

LITH-TECH’s Smart Chair Recliner is a great choice for a wheelchair user looking for a chair with multi-terrain abilities and increased comfort options. With the ability to switch from an upright, cushioned seated position to a reclined one, this chair provides both flexibility and comfort.

The Smart Recliner performs well on cobbles, grass, pathways, and similar rugged surfaces, making this the perfect wheelchair for those exploring on days out to National Trust properties, for example.

Although this wheelchair is suitable for those looking for that everyday comfort, the Smart Chair Recliner is also plane safe, meaning if someone does want to venture further, it provides that flexibility.

Key points to remember:
• Best reclining folding electric wheelchair on the market
• Reclining seat from upright to 30 degrees to give you the perfect seating position
• Plane safe worldwide

If you aren’t sure where to begin when choosing your folding electric wheelchair and would like some guidance, we’re always on hand to help here at LITH-TECH. We’ll discuss your needs before helping you choose the right wheelchair and accessories for you, so you can be sure your chair will provide you with the freedom you deserve.

Our range of powered wheelchairs are revolutionising the market, as they’re light, easy to use and empower the user. With a broad selection available, we’ll help find the right chair for you. Get in touch today.

Share this article

Related posts

  • LITH-TECH’S PLAN FOR 2023

    https://lith-tech.com/ So we are now in the year 2023, and […]

  • Godshill-Model-Village-Wheelchair-Accessible
    Best Wheelchair Accessible Day Trips in Hampshire

    Hampshire is full of fantastic places to explore, many of which are wheelchair accessible. Discover LITH-TECH’s top picks today.

  • Wheelchair user in airport
    Best Accessible Airlines for Disabled Passengers

    Discover which UK airlines do most for mobility needs with LITH-TECH. We cover the help you can get while flying with each major UK airline. Read today.