Power Chair vs. Manual Wheelchair?

From Don Ryan, RN, CCM, CLCP
Wheelchair users are often faced with the choice to purchase a power wheelchair or a manual wheelchair.
Why Power?
  • Greater Independence and confidence - A second person is not needed to push
  • Ability to traverse a variety of surfaces - like beaches, wooded areas and inclines
  • Self operated manual wheelchair users can become fatigued
  • Studies indicate people with power chairs are more social
  • Advances in battery technology include lighter weights and longer life


A power chair should strongly be considered when assessing mobility options. Ask your Health Care Professional for a Power Wheelchair readiness assesment. Then let Adaptive Specialties help you find the RIGHT model for you. One model we recommend is the Sunfire EC Power Wheelchair by Drive Medical .



Drive's Cobalt X23 Travel Power Wheelchair is strudy and powerful.
Cobalt X23 Rear Wheel Drive Travel Power Wheelchair
MSRP: $5,295.00
Our Price: $1,399.00
You Save: $3,896.00 (74 %)
Cobalt X23 Rear Wheel Drive Travel Power Wheelchair
A perfect addition to your scooter or power chair, a drink holder for hot or cold beverages.
Drink Holder for Scooters and Power Chairs
MSRP: $30.00
Our Price: $19.00
You Save: $11.00 (37 %)
Drink Holder for Scooters and Power Chairs
Sunfire General Rear Wheel Drive Powered Wheelchair is designed for a comfortable ride with passenger wieght capacity up to 400 pounds.
Drive Sunfire General HD Bariatric Rear Wheel Drive Powered Wheelchair
MSRP: $5,400.00
Our Price: $3,299.00
You Save: $2,101.00 (39 %)
Drive Sunfire General HD Bariatric Rear Wheel Drive Powered Wheelchair
 The Image EC Mid Wheel Drive power wheelchair with 18
Image EC Mid Wheel Drive 18 inch seat by Drive
MSRP: $3,559.40
Our Price: $2,799.00
You Save: $760.40 (21 %)
Image EC Mid Wheel Drive 18 inch seat by Drive
 The Image EC Mid Wheel Drive power wheelchair with 18
Image EC Mid Wheel Drive 20 inch seat by Drive
MSRP: $3,608.40
Our Price: $2,899.00
You Save: $709.40 (20 %)
Image EC Mid Wheel Drive 20 inch seat by Drive
Sun Shade for Scooter By Drive Medical SF8050
Sun Shade for Scooter By Drive Medical SF8050
MSRP: $233.74
Our Price: $139.98
You Save: $93.76 (40 %)
Sun Shade for Scooter By Drive Medical SF8050
Sunfire EC Power Wheelchair By Drive Medical
Sunfire EC Power 18 Inch Wheelchair By Drive Medical
MSRP: $3,117.40
Our Price: $2,599.00
You Save: $518.40 (17 %)
Sunfire EC Power 18 Inch Wheelchair By Drive Medical
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Sunfire EC Power Wheelchair By Drive Medical
Sunfire EC Power Wheelchair By Drive Medical- 20 inch seat
MSRP: $3,637.40
Our Price: $2,699.00
You Save: $938.40 (26 %)
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Sunfire EC Power Wheelchair By Drive Medical- 20 inch seat
Sunfire General Rear Wheel Drive Powered Wheelchair SP-3C-BL701
Sunfire General Bariatric Rear Wheel Drive 22" Powered Wheelchair
MSRP: $5,800.00
Our Price: From $2,048.00 to $2,068.00
Sunfire General Bariatric Rear Wheel Drive 22" Powered Wheelchair
Sunfire General Bariatric Rear Wheel Drive Heavy Duty Powered Wheelchair is designed for a comfortable ride with passenger wieght capacity up to 400 pounds with a 22 inch wide seat.
Cirrus Plus Folding Power Wheelchair with Footrest and Batteries - CPN16FBA
Cirrus Plus 16 inch Folding Power Wheelchair with Footrest + Batteries
MSRP: $4,209.00
Our Price: $1,650.00
You Save: $2,559.00 (61 %)
Cirrus Plus 16 inch Folding Power Wheelchair with Footrest + Batteries
Cirrus Plus Folding Power Wheelchair with Footrest and Batteries - CPN18FBA
Cirrus Plus 18 inch Folding Power Wheelchair w Footrest + Batteries
MSRP: $4,209.00
Our Price: $1,650.00
You Save: $2,559.00 (61 %)
Cirrus Plus 18 inch Folding Power Wheelchair w Footrest + Batteries
Cirrus Plus Folding Power Wheelchair with Footrest and Batteries - CPN20FBA
Cirrus Plus 20 inch Folding Power Wheelchair w batteries + footrest
MSRP: $5,490.00
Our Price: $1,799.00
You Save: $3,691.00 (67 %)
Cirrus Plus 20 inch Folding Power Wheelchair w batteries + footrest
Cirrus Plus Folding Power Wheelchair with Footrest and Batteries - CPN22FBA
Cirrus Plus 22 inch Folding Power Wheelchair with Footrest + Batteries
MSRP: $5,600.00
Our Price: $2,100.00
You Save: $3,500.00 (63 %)
Cirrus Plus 22 inch Folding Power Wheelchair with Footrest + Batteries
Power Mobility Scooter Oxygen Cylinder Caddy By Drive Medical
Power Mobility Scooter Oxygen Cylinder Caddy By Drive Medical
MSRP: $91.00
Our Price: $88.98
You Save: $2.02 (2 %)
Power Mobility Scooter Oxygen Cylinder Caddy By Drive Medical
Power Mobility Scooter Oxygen Cylinder Caddy By Drive Medical
Skin Protection Gel
Skin Protection Gel "E" 3" Wheelchair Seat Cushion By Drive Medical
MSRP: $137.77
Our Price: $98.98
You Save: $38.79 (28 %)
Skin Protection Gel "E" 3" Wheelchair Seat Cushion By Drive Medical
Skin Protection Gel "E" 3" Wheelchair Seat Cushion By Drive Medical
Sling Seat Wheelchair Alarm System By Drive Medical
Sling Seat Wheelchair Alarm System By Drive Medical
MSRP: $189.77
Our Price: $128.98
You Save: $60.79 (32 %)
Sling Seat Wheelchair Alarm System By Drive Medical
Sling Seat Wheelchair Alarm System By Drive Medical
Sunfire Gladiator Very HD Power Wheelchair SG-3CRD-852, weight capacity 500 lbs, Mid-wheel technology for easy maneuverability, 14
Sunfire Gladiator Very HD Power Wheelchair
MSRP: $16,380.00
Our Price: $11,000.00
You Save: $5,380.00 (33 %)
Sunfire Gladiator Very HD Power Wheelchair