Theme parks are usually a day of fun, laughter, and making good memories, but if you have mobility issues, theme parks can be challenging and turn a fun day out to a hassle. Before you head to the theme park, let’s look at the different types of wheelchairs and power chairs and which is specifically the best wheelchair for theme parks.
Manual Vs Power Wheelchairs
When looking for the best wheelchair for theme parks, there are a couple of main points to consider, one of them is ease of use and power for all-day use. Which wheelchair is better for theme parks - manual or power wheelchairs?
Manual Wheelchairs: Manual wheelchairs, though lighter in weight and easy to transport, can take more work in the theme park. If you plan on using your own man-power to move the wheelchair, keep in mind that you more than likely will be wheeling all day. If it’s someone else who is pushing you, they may get tired. If it’s hot and sunny out, it might feel more challenging to be moving the manual wheelchair all day in the heat.
Power Wheelchairs:It might be a little more work to transport your power wheelchair to the theme park, depending on your wheelchair lift, but it may be worth it. The power wheelchair can be used all day without anyone getting tired or overheated. The power wheelchair does all the work, is easy to maneuver, and is easy to use. Many people opt for the power wheelchair when going to a theme park.
Benefits Of A Power Wheelchair
When it comes to the best wheelchair for theme parks, there are many great benefits of a power wheelchair. The power wheelchair can make your theme park adventure so much more enjoyable.
- Energy Conservation: One of the benefits of a power wheelchair is conserving energy. As stated above, there’s no or very little energy used to move the power wheelchair, versus a manual wheelchair that’s powered by manpower. With the power wheelchair, you’re able to use your energy on more fun activities than just getting yourself around the park.
- Comfort: A day at a theme park usually means you’re out all day. Another great benefit of a power wheelchair is comfort. Power wheelchairs have cushioned seats, arm rests, and some even have head rests.
- Increased Independence: This one benefits everyone; increased independence. In a power wheelchair, you’re free to move however without any assistance. That means everyone can conserve their energy and have a good time, independently.
- Accessibility to Attractions: Theme parks are made for accessibility, so another one of the benefits of a power wheelchair is accessibility. Many power wheelchairs have tight turning radiuses, meaning it’s easy to maneuver around in tight spaces. Power wheelchair users often have access to designated viewing areas, ride entrances, and shortened wait lines or return time systems for certain attractions.
- Storage Space: This is a benefit many people don’t think of, but the storage space is pretty handy at the theme park. You’re able to carry around snacks, water, souvenirs, or medical supplies without needing to carry them by hand. Many power chairs have storage compartments, which is perfect for a day at the theme park.
- Safety on Uneven Terrain: Theme parks can have various terrains, including ramps, inclines, or cobblestone-style paths. Power wheelchairs offer better stability and easier handling on these surfaces than some manual chairs or scooters.
- Full-Day Enjoyment: But the best benefits of a power wheelchair is the full-day enjoyment. With long, lasting battery life, the power wheelchair is capable of a full day use at the theme park. The power wheelchair allows you to fully enjoy the day without feeling tired, overworked, or in pain. Your day at the theme park is meant to be filled with laughter, fun, and great memories, and the power wheelchair gives the freedom to do just that!
Best Wheelchair for Theme Parks
There are many different types of power wheelchairs, so which is the best wheelchair for theme park? The power wheelchairs will vary between portability and weight, maneuverability, and battery life - which may affect your theme park trip. The best wheelchair for theme parks will be the one that fits your needs the best!
Portable Power Wheelchair
The portable power wheelchair, also known as a foldable wheelchair, is one of the best wheelchairs for theme park use. The portable wheelchair is more compact and lightweight. It’s also easy to use, comfortable, and can be used all day. Many of the portable power wheelchairs have handles, so if the battery happens to be low, you can still be pushed around. The portable power wheelchair is easy to pack and unpack from the car. Portable power wheelchairs are more adaptable to a variety of spaces and less likely to require advanced coordination with the park for access. If you’re a person who enjoys riding the rides, the portable power chair is an easier device to get to the ride and for the staff to have your portable power chair ready for you when the ride ends. The downside to the portable power wheelchair is that it doesn’t offer the same storage space as some of the other power wheelchairs.
Standard Power Wheelchairs
If you already have a standard power wheelchair, that power chair can give you a fun day at the theme park. Standard power wheelchairs are reliable and if it’s a chair you’ve been in awhile, you’ll be the most comfortable with it since you already know how it drives. Standard power chairs are able to maneuver around the crowds and has a battery that will last all day.
Heavy Duty Power Wheelchair
If you are a heavier user or plan on using your power wheelchair more, the heavy duty power wheelchair may be the better choice. The heavy duty power wheelchair has a weight capacity of 450 lbs - 600 lbs (depending on the model). The heavy duty power wheelchair has a longer battery life, so if you plan on using your power wheelchair throughout the day and maybe after hours, the heavy duty power wheelchair can be a great option.
Cost of Power Wheelchairs
If you’re going to a theme park, you might be spending a good amount of money, with that, you might be wondering what the cost of power wheelchairs are. The cost of power wheelchairs will vary depending on the model, size, and features.
Low-Cost Power Wheelchairs: The cost of the basic power chairs typically range from $1,000 to $2,000. They offer essential functionalities suitable for users with minimal requirements.
Mid-Range Power Wheelchairs: Priced between $2,001 and $5,000, these power wheelchairs often provide enhanced features, improved durability, and greater comfort.
High-End Power Wheelchairs: These advanced models start at around $5,000 and can exceed $20,000. They incorporate cutting-edge technology, superior materials, and customizable options to meet specific user needs.
The cost of power wheelchairs from scooterdirect.com ranges between $750 to a little over $5,000 (as of this blog’s posting date). The cost of the folding power wheelchairs are on the cheaper end, as heavy duty power wheelchairs are priced higher. If you are still worried about the cost of power wheelchairs, Scooter Direct offers financing options to help give you low monthly payment options instead of having to pay all up front. Scooter Direct also offers the lowest price guaranteed, free shipping, and is an authorized dealer.
Power Wheelchair for Sale
Here are some of the more popular power wheelchairs for sale that are favored at theme parks. If you need help finding the perfect power wheelchair for sale, you can reach out to Scooter Direct and we’ll help you find exactly what you need.
Pride Jazzy Air 2
The Pride Jazzy Air 2 is a power wheelchair for sale that is an excellent choice for theme parks. The Pride Jazzy Air 2 has several adjustable features such as the armrests, headrest, back recliner seat, and even elevation. This power wheelchair is able to elevate up to 12 inches! With a weight capacity of 300 lbs, turning radius of 24.25", and a top speed of 4 mph, the Pride Jazzy Air 2 is a great option for the theme park.
Zip'r Transport Lite Folding Electric Wheelchair
This power wheelchair for sale is our cheapest model, but it’s also a great choice for theme parks. It’s lightweight and foldable, so it’s easy to transport and use. With a weight capacity of 220 lbs, turning radius 22.4”, and a driving range of 12.4 miles, the Zip'r Transport Lite Folding Electric Wheelchair is a good choice. If the battery doesn’t last as long as you need it to, this power wheelchair has the handles so you can still be pushed around.
Golden Ally Pro
The Golden Ally Pro is nice and compact, so it’s also easy to transport. The seat is padded and made for all day comfort and has a decent amount of storage space underneath the seat. With a weight limit of 330 lbs and a driving range of 13 miles, this power wheelchair for sale can last all day.
Planning For Your Power Wheelchair for the Theme Park
Something important is planning for your power wheelchair for the theme park. Keep in mind that not all theme parks are the same, so some theme parks may have sizing and speed rules for power wheelchairs. Just so you’re not caught off guard, it’s always best to check the website of the theme park to see if they have any rules and then to make sure your power wheelchair meets those requirements. Make plans on how to get the proper accommodations while at the theme parks (like if you will need any extra help from the theme park staff members). It’s also a great idea to make plans if your power wheelchair needs charging or if the battery is low. If you’re planning on going to a theme park where there’s inclement weather, (it rains a lot in Florida!) make a plan if it starts to rain, as it’s not a good idea to let your power wheelchair sit in heavy rains. The better you plan, the more you can enjoy your day at the theme park.