SeniorsMobility is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Drive Cruiser III Wheelchair Review (2023): Excellent Leg Support & Stability

By jwilder

Drive Cruiser III Wheelchair

Wheelchairs are used by millions of people in the United States, and there are hundreds of different models to choose from.

The Cruiser III, from Drive Medical, is one option that seniors should keep in mind. It’s versatile, easy to maneuver, and includes excellent leg support and stability.

Read our Drive Cruiser III wheelchair review to learn more about how this manual wheelchair may be able to improve your quality of life!

Review of: Drive Cruiser III Wheelchair

Drive Medical Cruiser III Light Weight Wheelchair with Various Flip Back Arm Styles and Front Rigging Options, Flip Back Removable Full Arms/Elevating Leg Rests, Black, 18 Inch

Please click image for more info

What We Like:

  • Removable armrests
  • Thick, padded leg supports
  • Comfortable seat 
  • Easy maneuverability
  • High weight capacity

What We Don’t Like:

  • Wheels may break with rough use
  • 28 inches wide, may not fit through some doorways

Our Conclusion: The Drive Cruiser III is one of the best and most affordable wheelchair options with padded leg rests. People who need extra leg support and stabilization will appreciate the comfort and security the chair offers, all without breaking the bank. 

Features of Drive Cruiser III Wheelchair

Drive Medical Cruiser III Light Weight Wheelchair with Various Flip Back Arm Styles and Front Rigging Options, Flip Back Removable Full Arms/Elevating Leg Rests, Black, 18 Inch

Removable Flip-Back Arms

For seniors and other wheelchair users who need to be lifted into and out of the chair, this is a hugely beneficial feature. The armrests can be flipped backward or removed altogether, giving your caretaker the access they need to safely lift the user in and out of the chair. This increased access makes it more comfortable for both parties and lowers the risk of an accident.

Accidents in wheelchairs typically happen in two scenarios: on unlevel, rough terrain, or entering/exiting the wheelchair. Being able to be securely placed into or taken out of the chair allows seniors with severe mobility limitations to use their wheelchairs.

Padded Leg Supports

Have you had a surgery or recent injury that is your reason for needing a wheelchair? Or, do you have a permanent disability or physical limitation that requires more intensive leg support than a basic wheelchair footbed provides? The padded, durable leg supports on the Cruiser III will be a breath of fresh air! They are adjustable and removable, so you can use them on either one or both legs. They provide solid cushion and stability for your calves, stabilizing the entire leg.

Adjustable Seat Height

The Cruiser III has a dual-axle body that allows you to adjust the seat height to a hemi level. Hemi-level wheelchairs are slightly lower than traditional manual wheelchairs; this allows users to propel themselves in the wheelchair using their feet. This is a good option for people who have more severe limitations in their arms or torso than their legs.

Adjustable seats are also helpful for users who are more petite; whereas a senior shorter than 5’2” might feel much too small for a standard height, but a hemi-level wheelchair feels just right. The Drive Cruiser III is perfect for seniors of any height, and users who need to propel themselves with their feet rather than their hands!

Foldable and Portable

This is a common feature in manual wheelchairs, but a beneficial one nonetheless. The Drive Cruiser III folds up and locks in place, becoming only 12 inches wide. This makes it great for transportation and storage. You can toss the wheelchair in the trunk of a car, on an airplane, or the aisle of a bus, without getting in people’s way.

Being able to fold up your wheelchair is also ideal when you’re indoors. If you’re sitting at a restaurant table, seated in a movie theater or church pew, or at a doctor’s office, it helps to be able to tuck your wheelchair out of the way. No more dealing with a clunky wheelchair sitting in everyone else’s footpath, just enjoying your time out and about!

Customizable

It’s no secret that the backrest of a wheelchair isn’t always the most comfortable piece of the device. The backrest on the Cruiser III is high-quality and made of breathable fabric, but that won’t be enough to satisfy every user. People with neck and spine issues might need more support; heavier users, too, may need a bit more padding to sit comfortably. Any senior who spends more time in their wheelchair than out of it knows that comfort and posture are key to wheelchair health.

The Drive Cruiser III allows for seniors to replace the backrest or upgrade it with different inserts. This can transform the wheelchair from a standard, comfortable wheelchair to one that is almost a pleasure to use despite limited mobility! If you have more serious needs in a wheelchair, it may be worthwhile to upgrade this affordable wheelchair rather than purchase one that costs several hundred dollars more!

Additionally, this wheelchair and accommodate several attachments that will upgrade its safety, comfort, and convenience. These attachments can range from neck supports to anti-tip wheels, and from cupholders to cane hooks. Being able to attach accessories to your wheelchair makes using it that much better for your quality of life!

Easy to Push and Turn

The wheels on the Cruiser III are made of composite plastic rather than aluminum or steel. This helps you out by keeping the total weight low and making it easier to propel yourself. Wheelchairs are great, but they can potentially strain and injure your arm muscles if they’re too hard to push. Having lightweight, 24-inch drive wheels lets you push yourself around for longer periods without getting as tired!

Specifications of Drive Cruiser III Wheelchair

Drive Medical Cruiser III Light Weight Wheelchair with Various Flip Back Arm Styles and Front Rigging Options, Flip Back Removable Full Arms/Elevating Leg Rests, Black, 18 Inch

drive cruiser iii wheelchair

Height

35 inches

Length (with riggings)

42 inches

Width of Wheelchair

12 inches (closed), 28 inches (open)

Product Weight

38 pounds

Seat Depth

16 – 18 inches

Seat Height

17.5 – 19.5 inches

Weight Limit

350 pounds

Backrest Height (seat to top)

16 inches

Armrest Size

8 inches high (from seat), 14 inches long

Rear Wheels

24 inches high, 1 inch wide

Video Overview of Drive Lightweight Cruiser III Wheelchair

Pros and Cons of Drive Cruiser III Wheelchair

PROS

  • Removable armrests make it easy for caregivers to safely lift wheelchair users in and out
  • Thick, padded leg supports help stabilize seniors with more serious physical limitations
  • Using a manual wheelchair can improve respiratory health
  • Comfortable seat and upgradable backrest
  • Easy maneuverability thanks to wide wheelbase and lightweight wheels
  • High weight capacity, can support 350 pounds

CONS

  • Wheels may break with rough use
  • 28 inches wide, may not fit through some doorways

Who the Drive Cruiser III is Best For?

This is an excellent wheelchair for rehabilitation and recovery. It has the padded leg rests needed to keep you supported and, most importantly, still after a surgery or accident. It’s an affordable choice for short-term use and comfortable enough to sit in for hours at a time. Plus, it’s easy to upgrade the chair to more fully suit your needs with back inserts, cupholders, and more! For any senior who needs to use a wheelchair for a few weeks or even months as they recover, the Cruiser III is a wonderful and affordable option!

This wheelchair is also a great choice as a backup for seniors who typically use a motorized mobility aid. Electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters are great, but they don’t work everywhere. Some places are too narrow or crowded for your electric wheelchair to fit, so it’s good to have a backup on hand. Similarly, having a backup wheelchair is a huge relief if there are any battery failures or mechanical issues with your electric wheelchair; you don’t have to worry about being stranded if you have a backup!

For long-term, permanent use of a manual wheelchair, the Cruiser III is passable but perhaps not ideal. You can make upgrades to the chair so that it can be used all day, every day, but as it comes in the box it isn’t ideal for sitting in 10+ hours each day. It will work, but you may become more uncomfortable over time. If you need a permanent wheelchair, it’s best to either upgrade the Cruiser III with attachments or look for a more high-end model!

Helpful Links for The Drive Cruiser III

Top Competitor Product: Invacare Tracer SX5

Invacare Tracer SX5 Wheelchair, with Desk Length Arms and T94HAP Elevating Legrests with Padded Calf Pads, 18" Seat Width, TRSX58FBP / T94HAP

This scooter offers many of the same advantages as the Drive Bobcat but has a bit more juice. It can travel 16 miles on a single charge and has a top speed of 5 MPH. If you plan to use your mobility scooter to travel a few miles from home to run errands, you’ll enjoy the quicker trips.

It features a similar swivel seat, the same weight capacity, and thick tires that can also handle light-medium grass. One advantage it has is a bright LED headlight that makes it safe for seniors with low vision and those who want to ride at night. The Bobcat is missing that feature, and although you can attach headlights to it, it should be a standard across all scooters!

On the downside, you’ll have to spend a bit more money to get this scooter than you would for the Bobcat. But, if you consider the upgraded range and speed, this might be worth it for you! Additionally, it has a higher deck, making it difficult for seniors with limited leg movement to use.

Pros

  • Very comfortable seat and backrest
  • Multiple options for seat width and footrests
  • Desk-lengths armrests make it easy to sit at tables

Cons

  • More expensive than other manual wheelchairs
  • Lower weight capacity (250-300 pounds max depending on seat width option)

Murray Jammal’s Drive Cruiser III Wheelchair Review

Conclusion

For seniors who need a permanent wheelchair, the Cruiser III is easy to push and upgradable with different attachments and extra padding. If you’re looking for a versatile and affordable wheelchair, put the Cruiser III from Drive Medical at the top of your list!

Drive Medical Cruiser III Light Weight Wheelchair with Various Flip Back Arm Styles and Front Rigging Options, Flip Back Removable Full Arms/Elevating Leg Rests, Black, 18 Inch

Drive Cruiser III Wheelchair (Click image for more info)

Related articles…

Drive Blue Streak Wheelchair Review

Drive Blue Streak Wheelchair Review (2022): Affordable + Lightweight + Versatile

Nova Lightweight Transport Chair Review

Nova Lightweight Transport Chair Review (2022): A Versatile Transport Chair Good for Indoors & Outdoors

Wheelchair Rentals Near Me

Wheelchair Rentals Near Me (2022): Complete Guide to Renting Wheelchairs, Vans, Ramps & More

Drive Wheelchair Reviews

Drive Wheelchair Reviews (2022): 8 Best Drive Wheelchairs for Every Need

Drive Cruiser III Wheelchair

Drive Cruiser III Wheelchair Review (2022): Excellent Leg Support & Stability

Drive Medical Silver Sport 1 Wheelchair Review

Drive Medical Silver Sport 1 Wheelchair Review (2022): Compact + Great for Travel

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top