Standard Power Chairs
Standard Powerchair
The powerchair has been an innovative invention and has done wonders for those with very limited mobility. The powerchair allows users to go almost anywhere and for longer. It has brought freedom to so many people. The standard powerchair is one of the most common types of powerchairs, as they can accommodate most users.
The standard powerchair is a wheelchair that is a motorized wheelchair. It doesn't require any man power, whether from a caregiver pushing or from the user using their arms. Powerchairs are particularly great for those who lack strength in both their lower body and upper body. The powerchair gives more people the freedom to move than even the manual wheelchair.
Features of the Standard Powerchair
The features of the standard powerchair bring you safety, comfort, and independence. These features are what makes the standard powerchair stand out and why you should consider upgrading to a standard power wheelchair.
Full-Size Frame
Standard powerchairs have a full-size frame. This is for stability and comfort. Travel powerchairs are smaller; standard powerchairs are the next size up but are a better choice for an everyday mobility powerchair. A full-size frame is balanced, durable, and reliable.
Mid-Range Speed and Range
The powerchair battery range lasts long enough for all-day use. The powerchair battery range is generally 10-20 miles per charge (model dependent), which is long enough for an everyday mobility powerchair. Most standard powerchairs have a top speed of 4-5 mph. Walking speed is between 2.5-4mph, so the powerchair's top speed is a little faster, but slow enough to be in control.
Turning Radius
The powerchair turning radius is tight enough to maneuver around doorways, hallways, and in smaller spaces. Most powerchair turning radius is between 20″–25″, making it perfect for everyday use.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of a standard powerchair is high enough for most users. The typical weight capacity of a standard power wheelchair is within the range of up to 300–350 lbs (model varying). When calculating the weight capacity, please remember to keep in mind that it includes any accessories and items you may need to carry on the powerchair.
Joystick Control
A joystick controlled powerchair is what has really been innovative to those who have limited upper body strength. Standard powerchairs are controlled by a joystick on the armrest, making it easy to move forward, backward, brake, and to make turns with just the use of your hand. With a joystick controlled powerchair, you gain more freedom back, as you don't need to be pushed by your caregiver.
Battery-Powered Dual Motors
Standard power wheelchairs are equipped with two powerful electric motors (one for each drive wheel), to provide strong, consistent performance on flat terrain and moderate slopes.
Drive Options
Depending on what your needs are, the standard powerchair has drive options: rear-wheel, mid-wheel, or front-wheel drive.
Rear-wheel: A rear-wheel drive power wheelchair is when the drive motors are in the back. A rear-wheel drive power wheelchair is best for outdoors, as the back drive motors provide the best traction and stability, particularly on uneven terrain.
Mid-Wheel: A mid-wheel drive powerchair is when the drive motors are in the center. The mid-wheel drive powerchair is best for indoor use. The mid-wheel drive powerchair has the tightest turning radius; the chair would just rotate on its axis if you controlled it directly to the left or right.
Front-Wheel: A front-wheel drive power wheelchair is when the drive motors are in the front. The front-wheel drive power wheelchair is best if you're a person who needs a chair that will be used as an indoor / outdoor power wheelchair. The front-wheel drive power wheelchair is great for uneven terrain and gentle curb climbing, offers a smooth ride, and has stable traction going uphill.
Safety and Visibility
Safety is of the utmost importance. With safety and visibility features such as anti-tip wheels, seat belts, and reflective or LED lighting, it helps ensure that users remain safe.
Optional Customizations
Many standard powerchairs have the option to customize the chair. Available upgrades may include suspension systems, power elevating seats, swing-away joysticks, and higher-capacity batteries, allowing the chair to adapt to each user's needs.
Comfort
Since standard powerchairs are a power wheelchair for everyday use, they need to be comfortable. They come with padded seating for enhanced comfort, captain-style seats to get on or off the chair easier, and adjustable armrests, headrests, and seat widths. This makes it easy for you to accommodate everything to your body size and comfort.
Seat Widths
One major concern people have is the seat widths of the powerchair. Since it is a power wheelchair for everyday use, you want to make sure the seat fits you well. An oversized seat will leave you lacking support, as a seat too small will make you feel unbalanced and uncomfortable.
16" seat power wheelchair: The 16" seat width is the smallest, fits very small adults or teens. The typical weight of these users is up to 150 lbs.
18" seat power wheelchair: The 18" seat power wheelchair is for those who have a smaller to average build and weighs between 150 - 250 lbs.
20" seat power wheelchair: The 20" seat power wheelchair is made for average to larger framed users who weigh 175 - 350 lbs.
Trusted Powerchair Brands
Your electric wheelchair is more than just a wheelchair; it's an investment to your independence, mobility, and freedom, so you want to stick to something that is reliable and durable. With trusted brands such as Pride Mobility, Golden Technologies, Merits, or Zipr, you're getting a trusted brand that has the reputation of being trusted to get you where you need to go, every time.
Pride Mobility: Pride Mobility is one of the top manufacturers of mobility solutions, including powerchairs and mobility scooters. Pride Mobility offers many different makes and models, to offer a solution to a wide variety of mobility needs.
Golden Technologies: Golden Technologies is known for being the leader of innovative designs. Golden Tech also offers many different models and makes, and many of their products offer higher tech solutions.
Merits: Merits is known for function, reliability, compliance, and support. Though Merits also offers a wide range of mobility aid products, they are usually aimed more towards functionality rather than luxury and extras.
Zipr: If you're looking for a reliable powerchair but something that's more budget-friendly, Zipr is the manufacturer you'll want to consider.
The Best Standard Powerchair
The best standard powerchair is the one that fits your needs the best. You'll need to consider things such as your lifestyle, where you plan on using your powerchair, the weight capacity, your body size, and the accessories you want. Here are some of our customer favorite powerchairs.
Indoor Powerchair
If you plan on using your powerchair primarily indoors, the Pride Jazzy 600 ES is an excellent choice. As a center-drive powerchair, it has a tight turning radius of 20.5", making it a great wheelchair for home use. With its compact design, it easily fits through doorways and navigates well throughout the home. This wheelchair for home use even has casters on front and rear to prevent wheel hang-ups.
Indoor / Outdoor Power Wheelchair
If you're one who enjoys both the indoors and the outdoors, the Pride Jazzy Air 2 is a customer favorite. It's a mid-wheel powerchair and is excellent for maneuverability, yet robust enough to take on typical outdoor surfaces (not extreme off-road, but everyday outdoor use). This particular indoor / outdoor power wheelchair has a good suspension system and strong motors. One feature users love about the Pride Jazzy Air 2 is that the seat can elevate to other people's eye level. That means you now can engage people face-to-face, rather than you looking up to others.
Outdoor Power Wheelchair
If you are an outdoor-lover, a good standard electric wheelchair for the outdoors would be Merits P310 Regal Compact RWD Powerchair. This electric wheelchair is rear-drive, meaning it gets better traction. It's a good choice for steep hills or rough terrain, making it an excellent choice for the outdoors.
Where to Purchase A Standard Powerchair
When purchasing a standard powerchair, customers can trust Scooter Direct for expertise, quality, and service that go beyond other retailers. Scooter Direct offers one of the largest selections of powerchairs, giving buyers the flexibility to find the right fit for their lifestyle. As an authorized dealer, Scooter Direct ensures every powerchair comes with manufacturer-backed warranties. Unlike big-box stores or generic marketplaces, Scooter Direct specializes solely in mobility and accessibility products, meaning our team truly understands powerchair specifications, seating comfort, and mobility needs.
Standard Powerchair FAQ
What's the difference between a standard powerchair and a portable or travel powerchair?
A standard powerchair offers a larger frame, more comfortable seating, and stronger motors than a travel model. It's built for everyday use both indoors and outdoors, while portable powerchairs are lightweight and foldable for easy transport. If you plan to use your chair most of the time at home or in your neighborhood, a standard model provides better comfort, range, and stability.
How long does a powerchair battery last on a single charge?
Most standard powerchairs provide 10–20 miles of travel per charge, depending on battery size, user weight, terrain, and driving speed. For everyday use around the home or short community trips, you can typically go a full day or two between charges. It's best to charge the batteries overnight after each day's use to maintain optimal performance.
Can a standard powerchair be used on grass or gravel?
Yes. Many standard powerchairs handle short grass, firm dirt, and packed gravel well, especially models with mid-wheel or rear-wheel drive and larger tires. However, they aren't designed for off-road trails or loose sand.
Do I need a ramp or lift to transport my powerchair?
While standard powerchairs don't fold, they can be transported using a vehicle lift or ramp. Scooter Direct offers a wide range of scooter and powerchair lifts for SUVs, vans, and sedans.
Can I adjust the joystick position?
Yes! Most standard powerchairs allow you to mount the joystick on either armrest and adjust its angle or position for comfort. Some models even offer swing-away joystick mounts, allowing you to move the control aside when pulling up to a desk or table.
What kind of maintenance do powerchairs need?
Powerchairs are relatively low-maintenance. Routine care includes checking tire pressure, keeping the batteries charged, and cleaning the frame regularly. Scooter Direct recommends a quick annual inspection to ensure motors, wiring, and seating remain in top shape. Replacement batteries and parts are also available through their store.