Sadly, in the US alone, roughly 3 million kids under 15 years old need to use a wheelchair. This is around 1% of the population.
These children might need wheelchairs for various reasons, like an accident that limits mobility, a post-surgical requirement, or a disability that necessitates an assistive device.
In all these cases, they should only use safe, reliable, comfortable, and easy-to-use wheelchairs.
In this article, we reviewed the five best pediatric wheelchairs for kids. In addition, we included a detailed guide on how to choose the right one for your child!
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| Image | Title | Prime | Check |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | Lightweight Folding Children's Wheelchair Driving Medical, Cerebral Palsy Children's Wheelchair Car Multi-Functional Disabled Children's Full Reclining Flat-Bed Wheelchair Stroller, with Dining Table | Prime | Check Amazon Price |
 | CIRCLE SPECIALTY, Ziggo 16” Seat Width Pediatric Wheelchair for Kids & Children, Lightweight, Manual Folding Wheelchair w/Safety Belt, Swing-Away Foot Support w/Straps, Desk Length Arm Rests | PrimeEligible | Check Amazon Price |
 | Wallaby Pediatric Folding Wheelchair | PrimeEligible | Check Amazon Price |
 | yuwell Ultra Lightweight Transport Wheelchair for The Elderly and Children,15 lbs | Prime | Check Amazon Price |
 | Drive Medical Blue Streak Ultra-Lightweight Wheelchair With Flip-Backs Arms & Swing-Away Footrests | PrimeEligible | Check Amazon Price |
What is a Pediatric Wheelchair?
Pediatric wheelchairs are a subcategory of the generic adult wheelchairs designed for younger children. They’re characterized by their smaller sizes, adaptability to a growing child, and lighter weights.
Additionally, the controls, safety, and ergonomics in pediatric wheelchairs are a bit different from the grown-up variety. This is to accommodate the different needs and lifestyles of young children.
What to Look for Before Buying the Best Pediatric Wheelchair?
Wheelchairs are often required urgently after an injury, medical intervention, or other similarly time-sensitive need. They’re also rather costly, and so it’s important to try and get the correct one from the get-go.
Here are some points to consider before purchasing a pediatric wheelchair!
Proper Fit
The right wheelchair should be measured to match the size, height, and weight of the user. Any discrepancies, whether excesses or deficiencies, make the wheelchair quite painful to use.
For example, if the seat is too wide, it wouldn’t provide the necessary support. And if it’s too narrow, it would be annoying and uncomfortable.
In both cases, it would affect the user’s posture and comfort level.
It’s recommended to take the user’s measurements prior to buying a wheelchair in order to find the right match.
Portability
Wheelchairs often need to be stored or carried in the trunk of a car. Thus, it’s preferable to get a lightweight foldable wheelchair that would be easy to carry around.
Size and General Design
A compact-sized wheelchair is often better for indoor use, even when the house isn’t fully adapted for handicapped usage.
It can be steered around furniture, through narrow corridors, and into tight bathrooms. It’s also much easier to fit in front of a desk or a table.
Weight Capacity
Every wheelchair is designed with a specific weight capacity. This depends on the design, strength of the frame, and the material used in its manufacturing.
Choosing a high-weight capacity that’s well above the user’s weight is important. That’s to ensure that the chair is sturdy enough to carry the user. Also, that should extend the wheelchair’s longevity.
Safety and Comfort
The safety of a child with an injury, disability, or decreased mobility is absolutely important. That’s why it’s paramount to check the availability of a pelvic belt, padding, and brakes, in addition to ensuring that the front and rear wheels are stable and sturdy.
5 Best Pediatric Wheelchairs For Kids Reviewed
This carefully prepared list contains a variety of wheelchairs models that cover almost all types of usage. They differ in their specs, features, and prices. But they all share the same prime quality standards!
1) Circle Specialty, Ziggo 16″ Seat Width Pediatric Wheelchair
- PRACTICAL DESIGN WITH EYE-CATCHING COLORS: Circle Specialty brings you the Ziggo lightweight wheelchair designed for kids and young adults. With a foldable design that makes it easy to carry and store, an ultra-lightweight body and eye-catching colors, the Ziggo wheelchair delivers on all fronts.
- SMART FEATURES FOR EVERY-DAY CONVENIENCE: The Ziggo wheelchair comes packed with quality-of-life enhancing features: A secure pelvic belt buckle and flip-back, padded desk-length armrests. Our height adjustable footrests sport a swing- away design for added practicality along with calf straps for additional support and comfort.
- COMFORTABLE DAILY USE: Our pediatric wheelchair features a highly comfy nylon upholstery with a smart back pocket where you can store items for your every-day needs. The upholstery remains breathable and is soft to the touch, making it a perfect choice for daily use.
- OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES: Catering to your positioning needs and preferences, Circle Specialty offers a variety of accessories designed to increase comfort, promote posture, support and improve mobility. Installation is simple and easy to remove or add as your needs change. Accessories include a padded trunk harness with adjustable straps, height, depth and angle adjustable headrest, seat cushions anti-tippers and height, length and angle-adjustable swing-away elevating legrests with padded calf pad
- CREATED TO LAST: Ensuring its longevity, the high-end welds keep the steel frame intact and will offer a secure, safe, and dependable means of transportation for a long time to come. The back wheels sport a quick-release feature along with premium, treaded PU tires while the front wheels boast a sturdy PVC construction.
Circle Specialty has been a pioneer in making pediatric assistive devices, with a long record of success and renovation.
The Ziggo wheelchair is among their finest products, especially with its increased versatility, safety, and generally high performance.
It’s a chair that covers the daily needs of teens and young adults, whether around the house, in a park, or out in the street. It’s loaded with practical features that cater to the user’s comfort.
Additionally, it’s quite easy to handle, giving the child a full opportunity for mobility and autonomy. The accessories and add-ons cover almost all the medical requirements of users.
Lifting, tilting, and supporting features are proven to alleviate pain and promote healing.
Features
- Ultra-lightweight frame
- Foldable for easy storage
- Easy maneuverability in tight spaces
- Secure buckle for safety
- Padded armrests and calf straps provide extra comfort
- Armrests and footrests open up for increased accessibility
- Desk-length armrests allow normal usage of counters
- Height-adjustable footrests give optimal leg support
- Smart back pocket for easy storage of belongings
- Upholstery made from a breathable soft material
- Full set of add-ons and accessories for posture support and safety
- Sturdy steel frame and durable front tires
- Quick-release back wheels
- It comes in visually appealing colors
What We Like
The best feature of the Ziggy wheelchair is its maneuverability and full accessibility almost everywhere. The perfect combination of compact size, flexible steering, and properly designed components makes it the perfect assistant to a child with limited mobility.
This wheelchair can easily pass through narrow corridors, tight spaces, and even go inside small bathrooms.
The desk-length armrests allow it to approach any table or counter without any problems. And of course, it can be used as a desk chair.
Safety is absolutely important when it comes to children. And this wheelchair has all the essentials, from the seat belt, extra padded chest harness, and angle adjusted headrest, to the sturdy steel frame.
These features also contribute to the child’s comfort and posture support.
What We Don’t Like
Users’ experiences with this wheelchair are mostly positive. The few snags that happen are related to shipping glitches, but the customer service is usually prompt and responsive.
A rare issue happens with locking the leg attachment in place, as some users found that it takes a bit of time to lock it into the right place. However, this is more of a fluke than a recurrent situation.
Conclusion
This wheelchair is quite popular among children, young adults, and petite women. It’s spacious within reason, offers support in all the right places, and works great in tight spaces.
In addition, it folds easily, it’s made in visually attractive optics, and comes at a great price.
2) Lightweight Folding Children’s Wheelchair Driving Medical
- The wheelchair has a sturdy steel frame for durability. The seat and backrest are made of soft, custom PVC material to ensure a comfortable fit.
- The back of the hand can be non-slip, detachable, safe to use and save space. The soft armrests rest comfortably. Ideal for travel, you can let your child lie down.
- Folding and portable can be placed behind the car, saving space, boarding and portable, gift wheel travel bag, convenient, shock absorber bracket contains shock absorber spring, rear self-braking, safe and reliable.
- Suitable for postoperative rehabilitation, elderly, adults, pregnant women, adolescents, leg discomfort, disabled, patients, autumn wounds, osteoporosis patients.
- If you are not satisfied, please contact us and we will provide you with 24-hour service.
This is a high-end wheelchair that’s well-suited for children or teens who have either been through surgery or are recovering from an injury.
It has rich padding, a shock-absorber system, flexible positioning, and various safety features.
Features
- Adjustable positioning
- Durable steel frame
- Rich padding and upholstery
- Detachable hand rests
- Portable and easy to carry around
- Travel-friendly
- Shock-absorbers
What We Like
This is a top-quality wheelchair that can be extended into a reclining or lying position. It’s made for comfort, and that’s quite evident in features like the thick padding of the seat and backrest.
The material is also breathable and soft, so it’s quite easy on the skin.
Among the great features of this wheelchair is the shock absorber system. The frame and wheels are designed to minimize any excessive movement to the chair user.
This is especially important for postoperative patients or injured children.
This wheelchair is suitable for traveling, as it can be adjusted in various sitting or reclining positions. Also, it’s fully portable, lightweight, and foldable.
Plus, it comes with a travel bag with wheels, so carrying it along shouldn’t be a problem.
What We Don’t Like
Some of the components aren’t too sturdy and might fall apart after some time. Calling customer support often helps in resolving the matter.
Also, the instructions need to be a bit more clear. Some users face difficulty folding the chair the first time, but they get used to it afterward.
Conclusion
This wheelchair doesn’t just cover the day-to-day usage of disabled or recovering children. It’s also perfect for supporting patients who shouldn’t move much—particularly patients who are in a lot of pain.
The shock absorbers, padding, and supports alleviate their discomfort as much as possible.
3) Wallaby Pediatric Folding Wheelchair
- Height adjustable push handles to perfectly fit the care-giver
- Pelvic belt for added positioning support; Flip Back Armrests allows for easier transfers
- 22 Rear wheels with 6 front casters. Seat to Floor Height: 19 inch, Backrest Height: 14 inch, Armrest Height: 7 inch
- Anti-Tippers prevents tipping backwards; Push to lock wheel locks. Weight Capacity: 150 Pounds, Seat Dimensions: 14 inch W x 14 inch D
- Standard Transit Tie Down Brackets; WC19 Compliant when used with item WB 8021 for users between 50 and 80 lbs.; Headrest extension for added head support primarily for safety during transport
The Wallaby is a good-quality wheelchair that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg while providing all the essentials and more.
It’s a versatile chair suitable for a broad range of health issues limiting a child’s mobility.
Features
- Foldable and sturdy frame
- Pelvic belt for support and safety
- The push handles are height-adjustable
- Anti-tippers to prevent backward instability
- Armrests flip back for full accessibility
- Headrest extension for extra neck and head support
What We Like
This chair has the right balance of being affordable, comfortable, and practical. A child can handle it without a problem. It’s not too large for indoor use and sturdy enough for outdoor transport.
The anti-tipping mechanism is a good feature that enhances the safety of the child while taking a stroll. This isn’t the only safety aspect of this chair, as there’s also the pelvic belt to keep the child from any forward thrusts.
What We Don’t Like
The seat and backrest aren’t very comfortable, so some parents resort to adding cushions for extra padding.
Also, the chair leans a bit on the heavy side. Thus, some users might have a problem with moving it around or gaining some speed in the streets.
Conclusion
This is a moderately priced wheelchair with plenty of practical features. It’s designed to support children with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses that limit their mobility.
The chair’s simplicity allows the children to use it on their own, which lets them feel a degree of independence and freedom to explore.
And if a parent is pushing the chair, the design is also thoughtful, as the handles’ height is adjustable for optimal use.
4) yuwell Portable Folding Travelling Wheelchair, Ultra Lightweight Transport Wheelchair
- Aluminium alloy lightweight frame is waterproof, corrosion resistant and durable
- Superior maneuverability in narrow indoor layouts
- With hand brake for easy control and safer.
- Transport Chair Super-Light Folding with Carry Bag
- NOTE: The wheelchair size is more suitable for body sizes up to 165 pounds.
The Yuwell wheelchair is a specialized travel chair. It’s designed for all the times when a child needs an extra lightweight, fully portable, and easily maneuverable transport.
As for the price tag, it’s moderately priced compared to similar items.
Features
- Travel friendly
- Waterproof aluminum alloy frame
- Lightweight, foldable, and fully portable
- Compact design and high maneuverability
- Handbrakes facilitate movement control
- Comes with a carry bag
What We Like
Traveling light isn’t too easy with a typical wheelchair, but the Yuwell changes that idea completely. It’s made from aluminum alloy, and its minimalist design keeps it lean and lightweight.
It can easily fold and be placed in a carry bag if needed.
The compact size of this wheelchair, and the wheel dimensions, make its steering a breeze. It can pass through tight spots, narrow corridors, and crowded surroundings.
What We Don’t Like
It has only basic padding, which might not be suitable for postoperative or injured cases. Also, it’s a bit lacking in support, so it’s more suitable for users who can rely on themselves.
Conclusion
The Yuwell is perfect for transport, taking away most of the hassles of traveling with a heavy chair. It’s not the best option for day-to-day usage, though, whether that is indoors or outdoors.
5) Drive Medical Blue Streak Wheelchair
- Cutting-edge wheelchair design makes independent mobility enjoyable. Width open with 20 inch seat is 26 inch
- Detachable desk arms and premium swing-away leg rests provide customizable support. Seat-To-floor Height- 19.5 inches
- 18 padded nylon wheelchair seat ensures lasting comfort and is easy to clean.Care & Cleaning: Spot or Wipe Clean
- Durable tires feature push-to-lock functionality for safety. Comes with calf strap
- Overall Dimensions: 42(L) x 24(W) x 36(H); Closed Width: 12.5; Seat Dimensions: 16(D) x 18(W) x 19.5(H); Armrest Height: 8; Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
- Dimensions of the seat is 16x19x18 inches and the seat height is 18 inches
This is a large chair with a seat width of 20 inches and a weight capacity of around 250 pounds. It’s more suited for large-framed teens and young adults with mobility challenges.
It comes with all the fundamentals, but the biggest perk is the price! In terms of economy, it’s one of the most cost-effective models in this category.
This doesn’t mean that the quality is affected in any way.
Features
- Simple, easy-to-use design
- Detachable armrests
- Swing-away leg supports
- Calf strap for safety and comfort
- Care-giver friendly
What We Like
This wheelchair is pretty basic in its design. Everything is neither lacking nor over the top. It’s one of the few pediatric wheelchairs catering to larger-framed kids, teens, and adults.
Additionally, it’s affordable while providing satisfactory safety, dependability, and comfort levels.
What We Don’t Like
The pneumatic rear wheels are prone to flattening, but since their quality is pretty high, that rarely happens.
Conclusion
This wheelchair is great for day-to-day usage indoors and outdoors. Users might need skills to maneuver it around tight spaces or narrow passages, as it’s a bit large.
Pediatric Wheelchairs FAQs
What size is a child’s wheelchair?
A child’s wheelchair is sized according to height and weight. The seat width is also important, as it needs to be wide enough to support the child’s hips and thighs. Most children’s wheelchairs have adjustable seat heights and depths so that they can be customized to fit each individual child. The armrests should also be adjustable so that the child can comfortably position them. Finally, the footrests need to be the right size and shape to support the child’s feet and legs.
What type of wheelchair is good for the child indoors?
For indoor use, a lightweight wheelchair with good maneuverability is often ideal. This wheelchair is easy to push and maneuver around tight corners and small spaces. It is also important to consider the child’s comfort when choosing an indoor wheelchair. A padded seat and backrest can help prevent pressure sores, and adjustable armrests can support long periods of sitting.
What is a Type 3 wheelchair?
A Type 3 wheelchair is a power wheelchair specifically designed for outdoor use. These chairs are often equipped with larger wheels and a more powerful motor, which allows them to tackle rough terrain. Additionally, Type 3 wheelchairs typically have a higher weight capacity than other power chairs, making them ideal for larger users.
What is a Group 1 wheelchair?
A Group 1 wheelchair is a manual wheelchair designed for users with some upper body strength and who can propel themselves using their hands. These wheelchairs are also known as “self-propelled” or “transport” wheelchairs. Group 1 wheelchairs typically have 20″ wheels and weigh between 35 and 45 pounds. They are available in various sizes, widths, and heights to accommodate different users. Some models also come with features such as reclining backrests, leg rests, and tilt-in-space capabilities.
What is a Level 2 wheelchair?
Level 2 wheelchairs typically have a higher seat back, and a taller seat than a standard wheelchair and often have headrests and footrests. This extra support helps to keep the user’s head and feet in alignment, which can improve their posture and help to prevent pain. In addition, Level 2 wheelchairs often have larger wheels and stronger brakes, which makes them better suited for outdoor use.
Wrapping It Up
Selecting the right wheelchair might not be the easiest task in the world. However, you can rest assured that all the models listed in this review are great for kids.
The intended usage is definitely important too. Some of the wheelchairs listed are well-suited for travel, while others are designed for domestic use.
Also, some models are better for postoperative cases, and different ones for day-to-day usage.
For general usage, we recommend the Circle Specialty Ziggo Pediatric Wheelchair. It’s a foldable model that’s comfortable, safe, sturdy, and comes at a great price!
