Distance ranges for power wheelchairs: a comprehensive guide
If you’re looking to buy an electric wheelchair, one of the questions you’ll probably ask is: how far will it
go? It’s an important question to ask, too, because it will determine whether the electric wheelchair models you’re considering will be fit for purpose for you.
In this article, we’ll explain what the distance range is for all types of power wheelchair, what factors affect the range, and how you can get the greatest distance possible out of an electric wheelchair.
What distance can an electric wheelchair travel?
This distance a power wheelchair can drive on its battery charge varies according to the different types of electric wheelchair and their intended use. It also varies between specific models. However, typical distance ranges for the different types of powered wheelchair are as follows:
- Lightweight folding power wheelchairs – 10 miles
- Bespoke all-day use powerchairs – 20 miles
- All terrain power wheelchairs – 20 miles
Here’s a quick reference guide to the maximum distance range of all of our electric wheelchairs range:
|
14 miles |
|
|
15 miles |
|
|
14 miles (20Ah battery) or 18 miles (25Ah battery) |
|
|
8.1 miles (8.7Ah battery) or 9.3 miles (10.5Ah battery) |
|
|
IPX4 |
|
|
7.2 miles – can house 2 batteries to double the range |
|
|
9 miles – can house 2 batteries to double the range |
|
|
9 miles – can house 3 batteries to treble the range |
|
|
9 miles – can house 3 batteries to treble the range |
|
|
12.4 miles – can house 3 batteries to treble the range |
|
|
9 miles – can house 2 batteries to double the range |
|
|
13.8 miles |
|
|
19.4 miles |
|
|
16 miles |
|
|
21.7 miles (60Ah battery) or 29.2 miles (73Ah battery) |
|
|
15.9 miles (40Ah battery) or 20.3 miles (55Ah battery) |
|
|
21.7 miles (53Ah battery) or 27.9 miles (63Ah battery) |
|
|
21.7 miles (53Ah battery) or 27.9 miles (63Ah battery) |
|
|
17 miles |
What does the maximum range of an electric wheelchair mean?
If you’re looking at specifications of electric wheelchairs like those above, you’ll notice the range will be quoted as the ‘maximum range’. This refers to the theoretical distance range of the electric wheelchair which, in the UK, should be measured by the manufacturer according to ISO 7176-4:2008. This measurement is based on fully charged batteries, flat terrain, and often uses an average user weight.
In reality, an electric wheelchair can be used in a variety of ways and scenarios, which means you might not actually achieve the stated maximum range. Let’s explain this in more detail.
What factors affect the distance range of a power wheelchair?
1. Battery size
The bigger the battery capacity, the further the distance your electric wheelchair can travel. For example, a 10Ah battery typically gives a range of around 8-10 miles, whereas a 50Ah battery typically gives a range of 18-20 miles.
2. Battery charge and condition
The charge state and condition of your batteries has a significant impact on the range of a power wheelchair. While it may be obvious that a fully charged battery will go further than a partially charged one, the underlying condition of the battery is just as important and often overlooked.
Factors which affect battery health include whether they’ve been charged in accordance with manufacturer instructions. The age of the battery also has an impact, as it will become less effective as it gets older.
3. Electrical functions
If you use additional or optional power functions on your power wheelchair, such as seat lift/recline/tilt or a heated seat, these will also use up battery power and reduce the distance range.
4. Prevailing temperature
Cold weather will reduce the capacity of an electric wheelchair’s batteries. In typical UK winter conditions with light frost, the battery capacity will be reduced by around 25%. This can reduce further with even colder conditions.
5. Terrain
Inclines and uneven terrain, such as hills, fields and cobble streets, consume more energy from the battery than flat surfaces, such as shop floors and pavements, which can reduce the range of an electric wheelchair significantly.
6. Speed and driving style
Higher driving speeds will usually use more battery, resulting in a reduced range compared to driving at lower speeds. Likewise, if your journey involves a lot of starting and stopping, this is likely to reduce how far you’ll be able to travel.
7. Tyres
Not having the appropriate type of tyres for the terrain can reduce the range of an electric wheelchair. If your power wheelchair has pneumatic tyres, the tyre pressure also has an impact on its distance range. If your tyre pressure is low, you’ll experience reduced range as the batteries will be working harder.
8. Weight of user
Put simply, the more weight your power wheelchair is carrying, the shorter the distance it will travel on its battery charge. This isn’t necessarily limited to your weight, as carrying heavy loads, such as shopping, on your electric wheelchair also has an impact.
You should also note that, while the range of some electric wheelchairs are tested based on the maximum user weight, many manufacturers use an average weight for testing.
5 top tips for optimising the distance range of an electric wheelchair
1. Keep your power wheelchair clean and well-maintained to maximise performance.
2. Follow manufacturer instructions for battery care, storage and charging. Usually, this means charging it at least once a week so it never becomes empty.
3. Prepare for journeys ahead of time so you’ve a) got a full charge and b) you don’t have to race to get there!
4. Where possible, have a spare battery.
5. Minimise the belongings you carry with you.
Related articles
Bespoke Powerchair vs Off-The-Shelf – Which is best for me?
What is the difference between a power wheelchair and an electric wheelchair?
How much do electric wheelchairs cost?
Get in touch
Got a question or want to send us a message? Let’s talk.