The best wheelchairs with brakes in 2023

There are tons of wheelchairs on the market, each unique and helpful in their own way. Because wheelchairs vary so much from one to the next, it can be overwhelming to discover which wheelchair works best for your wants and needs. One main design component to consider is the inclusion of a brake.

Built-in brakes aren’t a feature on all wheelchairs, even though they are an incredibly helpful tool. When built into the handles, the companion hand brakes are useful for controlling speed when pushing a loved one on an incline/decline. Some models’ rear hand brake doubles as a mechanism to lock the wheels as well. For chairs designed for more independent use, a wheel break, at times referred to as a wheel lock, is located near the wheels to lock them in place. This is a handy feature to have when stopped on an uneven surface.

Follow along for a detailed review of our top picks for wheelchairs with brakes, and our tips for how to find the wheelchair that most appropriately fits your needs!

The Best Wheelchairs With Brakes

Our Best Wheelchairs With Brakes Guide

One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to wheelchairs, especially those that feature brakes. Let’s break down some important things to consider when debating which model is best for you or a loved one.

Transport Versus Traditional Wheelchair

Transport chairs and wheelchairs are completely different mobility devices, even though they might look quite similar at first glance. Transport chairs are unique from traditional wheelchairs because they are designed to only be pushed by a caregiver or loved one instead of the chair user pushing themselves. You can see the difference as transport chairs have significantly smaller rear wheels that users can’t reach. Most traditional wheelchair have handles for a caregiver to push, but might not have all the design features that are aimed at making the job easier for the one pushing, such as hand brakes or a lightweight frame designed for easy transport.

Type Of Brake

Many traditional wheelchairs will feature a brake located near the rear wheel that can simply be pushed to lock the wheels in place. This is ideal when stopped on uneven surfaces to prevent unwanted rolling.

With some transport chairs, an additional rear, or companion, hand brake will be featured near the handles. Depending on the model, this secondary brake will work similar to a bicycle hand brake–simply squeeze to slow down. This is very helpful for navigating chairs on a decline or incline. Some models’ companion break can also be used to lock the rear wheels in place, but not all, so be sure to check the product details closely.

Wheel Design

Obviously, the size of the rear tires will largely depend on if the chair is a transport or traditional wheelchair. Ideal wheel size is largely dependent on use cases, as larger tires can add bulk but also more stability.

Another focus should be on material and construction. If you can, look for flat-free tires. Flat-free wheels are what they sound like–they’re constructed to be puncture proof. Depending on the manufacturer this is achieved a variety of ways, but at the end of the day, all methods provide peace of mind that your tires will be durable.

Also be sure to consider the tread of the tire, and if it will be better suited for outdoor or indoor use. Ideally your tire will be able to handle both, but for those who plan to use their wheelchair primarily on carpet versus those who plan to use while out and about might want to consider different style tires.

Weight Capacity

Weight capacity is a very personal issue that varies from wheelchair user to wheelchair user. Before investing, be sure to check the maximum capacity. If close to the maximum, we would advise to look for a chair with a higher weight limit to ensure structural integrity.

Chair Size And Weight

Choosing the right sized wheelchair will ultimately depend on both the user and caregiver. Breakthroughs in technology has allowed for chairs to be structurally strong while still very lightweight, a definite bonus for transporting and pushing the chair. On the flip side, the more lightweight the chair, the less stable it will be to double as a walker, so if that is a feature you’re looking for, be sure to stick with a heavier model.

Also be sure to pay close attention to all product dimensions. You’ll want to ensure the seat is both wide and deep enough for the user, the back rest is tall enough to provide adequate support, the foot rests can be adjusted to proper height for comfort, and that the chair will fit through the doorways of your or your loved one’s home. Some of these factors can be adjusted after purchase, such as adding a cushion to elevate the user in the seat, but this is just another product to purchase and carry around.

Foldability

Each wheelchair provider has a slightly different approach to folding their product. Though most wheelchairs with brakes should have the option to fold, look into that in advance. A good wheelchair will do two things: fold easily and fold snugly. Don’t fall for a product that’s collapsible if it requires a ton of unnecessary pushing and shoving to get it to fold. Neither you nor your caregiver will want to put in that work if you don’t have to!

Additional Features

A wheelchair, by definition, is just a chair with wheels, but we all know there is much more to it than that. Besides the brake, consider which features will be most beneficial to you. Do you need removable arm rests to easily move yourself or loved one in and out of the chair, or will a more durable, permanent arm rests suit your needs? Do you need the foot rest to simply swing out of the way, or be completely removable? Will a simple seat design work for quick use here or there, or will a more cushioned chair be needed for longer use? Will an added storage bag add convenience or bulk? Ultimately these questions are up to you and your loved one or caregiver to decide, but they are important to answer.