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Medline Wheelchair Reviews (2023): 5 Best Medline Wheelchairs for Every Need

By Maurice

Medline Wheelchair Reviews

Our Top Recommendations

1

Budget Friendly

Medline Transport Wheelchair

Medline Lightweight Transport Wheelchair with Handbrakes, Folding Transport Chair for Adults, 12 inch Wheels, Red

2

Soft & Comfortable

Medline Lightweight Wheelchair

Medline - MDS806550E Lightweight & User-Friendly Wheelchair With Flip-Back, Desk-Length Arms & Elevating Leg Rests for Extra Comfort, Gray, 18" Seat

3

Stow-in-go Clips

Medline Ultralight Chair

Medline Ultralight Transport Wheelchair with 19” Wide Seat, Folding Transport Chair with Permanent Desk-Length Arms, Red Frame

If you’re in the market for a new wheelchair, you’ve probably come across Medline Industries.

This brand manufactures many of the highest rated wheelchairs available online today, and for good reason. Medline is a big company that was founded in the United States over forty years ago and they continue to demonstrate their quality through a bevy of well reviewed products.

But with dozens of wheelchairs, it can be difficult to sift through all of the noise in order to find the best Medline wheelchairs. That’s why we’ve done the work for you! We’ve done the research and picked out the five best models for every need in our Medline wheelchair reviews guide.

At a Glance: Top Medline Wheelchair

Image

Name

Length

Width

Height

Weight Best For Header
Medline Lightweight Transport Wheelchair with Handbrakes, Folding Transport Chair for Adults has 12 inch Wheels, Red

Medline Transport Wheelchair

26″

12″

31″

23.5 lbs

Lighter & Compact

Medline Lightweight & User-Friendly Wheelchair With Flip-Back, Desk-Length Arms & Elevating Leg Rests for Extra Comfort, Gray, 18 Seat

Medline Lightweight  Wheelchair

31.5″

25.5″

36.5″

33 lbs

Smooth-rolling Mag wheels

Medline Ultralight Transport Wheelchair with 19” Wide Seat, Folding Transport Chair with Permanent Desk-Length Arms, Red Frame

Medline Ultralight Transport  Chair

34″

23.25″

34″

15 lbs

Travel & Storage

Medline Excel Extra-Wide Bariatric Wheelchair, 24 Wide Seat, Desk-Length Removable Arms, Swing Away Footrests, Chrome Frame

Medline Excel Wheelchair

32.5″

33.5″

36.5″

60 lbs

Rust & chip resistant

Medline Strong and Sturdy Wheelchair with Desk-Length Arms and Swing-Away Leg Rests for Easy Transfers, 18” Seat

Medline Strong & Sturdy Chair

31″

26.5″

36.5″

40 lbs

Comfortable & durable ride

Medline Wheelchair Reviews: 5 Top Medline Wheelchairs on the Market

Medline Transport Chair

Medline Lightweight Transport Wheelchair with Handbrakes, Folding Transport Chair for Adults, 2 inch Wheels, Red

Medline Transport Wheelchair

Length

26″

Width

12″

Height

31″

Weight

23.5 lbs

Medline has a large array of transport chairs available for sale through their vendors. They have multiple options including aluminum or steel frames, oversized wheels, and more. For our purposes, we have chosen the lightweight aluminum transport chair that features the oversized 12” wheels. This chair combines the best features of light yet durable transport chairs into one desirable package.

Features:

  • Large rear wheels

Many transport chairs have wheels that are only 8” or 10” in size for the rear set. The Medline Transport Chair offers their model with rear wheels that are a full 12” in diameter. This extra size allows the chair to have a smoother ride and be able to handle the occasional bump or obstacle without too much trouble. Smaller wheels lead to rougher and more jarring rides which can make your time in a transport wheelchair that much worse.

  • Light frame

This chair only weighs 22lbs which is quite light for a transport chair with chunky wheels. Many other transport wheelchairs run closer to 30lbs and regular wheelchairs can be even heavier than that. The light frame allows this chair to glide more easily, store better and is easier to transport when you need it to go somewhere.

  • Powerful safety brakes

Safety is a critically important part of any medical equipment. The brakes on the Medline Transport Chair are some of the best in the business. Having a wheelchair roll away during use, especially a transport wheelchair, can be extremely scary. That is why Medline invested in upgrading the brakes so that can hardly happen.

Pros

  • Lightweight and easy to push
  • Large rear tires
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Aluminum frame weaker than steel
  • Annoying footrests

Who is it best for?

The Medline Transport Chair is best for anyone who needs an affordable transport wheelchair for regular but not constant use. This chair does best in short bursts or for people who do not need to spend all day in it. In small intervals, it is a comfortable, easy to use, and a sleek wheelchair that will fit most transport chair needs.

Medline Lightweight Wheelchair

Medline - MDS806550E Lightweight & User-Friendly Wheelchair With Flip-Back, Desk-Length Arms & Elevating Leg Rests for Extra Comfort, Gray, 18" Seat

Medline Lightweight  Wheelchair

Length

31.5″

Width

25.5″

Height

36.5″

Weight

33 lbs

The Medline Lightweight Wheelchair is an excellent self propelled wheelchair that checks every box that you want out of a chair. It is easy to use, has large smooth tires and is comfortable to ride in for long periods of time.

Features:

  • Large never-flat tires

This chair boasts super large 24” tires with never-flat technology. Not only does this give you a lot of forward motion, but it also prevents you from having to fiddle with low or flat tires before using your chair.

  • Elevated leg rests

The elevated leg rests are super comfortable and a definite upgrade over standard swivel footrests. They are large, can hold your leg up on their own and feature cushioning for your knee. This makes it great as a recovery wheelchair.

  • Comfortable seat

If you are going to be sitting in a wheelchair for long periods of time, it better be comfortable. Luckily, this chair is very comfy. With a great 18” wide seat and nylon upholstery, it keeps you cool, dry, and supported for long stretches.

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Affordable
  • High quality

Cons

  • Small armrests
  • Assembly required

Who is it best for?

Anyone in the market for a standard self propelled wheelchair needed for daily use over a limited period of time will love this chair. If you need to be in a wheelchair constantly for the foreseeable future you might want to invest more money in a permanent chair but for a recovery period, this chair will be perfect.

Medline Ultralight Transport Chair

Medline Ultralight Transport Wheelchair with 19” Wide Seat, Folding Transport Chair with Permanent Desk-Length Arms, Red Frame

Medline Ultralight Transport Chair

Length

34″

Width

23.25″

Height

34″

Weight

15 lbs

Sometimes a light transport chair is the best transport chair. What is better than a light transport chair? An ultralight. That is what you get with the Medline Ultralight Transport Chair, a super light and portable transport chair that still has all of the features and benefits that you have come to expect from standard transport chairs.

Features:

  • Light frame

The frame of the Ultralight Transport Chair is made from high grade aluminum which makes it super light but still sturdy. The frame allows this transport chair to only weigh 15lbs total. That is incredibly light and can be handled by just about anyone with ease.

  • 8” rear wheels

The elevated leg rests are super comfortable and a definite upgrade over standard swivel footrests. They are large, can hold your leg up on their own and feature cushioning for your knee. This makes it great as a recovery wheelchair.

  • Folds Easily

That 15lb total weight is only beneficial if the chair folds down easily, which it does. Chairs that are hard to disassemble or are gangly and large still pose an annoyance while trying to store them. However, this chair is both light and easy to store.

Pros

  • Only weighs 15lbs
  • Portable
  • 300lb capacity

Cons

  • Fixed armrests
  • Lots of joints

Who is it best for?

This chair would be great for anyone who has to take their chair along with them for extended periods of time. If you do not need to use a wheelchair all of the time but like to have it with you, this chair is so light it will not weigh you down if you need to bring it along.

Medline Excel Wheelchair

Medline MDS806900 Excel Extra-Wide Bariatric Wheelchair, 24" Wide Seat, Desk-Length Removable Arms, Swing Away Footrests, Chrome Frame

Medline Excel Wheelchair

Length

32.5″

Width

33.5″

Height

36.5″

Weight

60 lbs

The Medline Excel Wheelchair is a highly designed bariatric wheelchair made for people who cannot fit into smaller wheelchairs. With a large weight capacity and a strong frame, it can handle people of all ages and sizes. If you are someone who has struggled to find a bariatric wheelchair that is a great fit for you, you need to check out the details for the Medline Excel Wheelchair.

Features:

  • 500lb weight capacity

Most chairs have a capacity that tops out at 300lbs but the Excel has a much greater capacity at 500lbs. That is double that of standard wheelchairs. If you are someone who needs something a little bulkier and sturdier for your life, this chair has the capacity to keep you safe and secure.

  • Extra wide seating

Some chairs have the weight capacity you want but the seats are so small and restricting. That can make for an uncomfortable ride. The Medline Excel Wheelchair has a super large seat that is sure to be comfortable for just about anyone. It measures a full 24” wide and 18” deep. Wow!

  • Chrome plated steel frame

The durable steel frame is coated in stylish chrome plating which helps protect the wheelchair from daily wear while also giving it a sophisticated and modern look. Other wheelchairs do not feature such high visibility plating and it shows.

Pros

  • Great weight capacity
  • Fits almost anyone
  • Stylish and durable design

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Weak wheel welds

Who is it best for?

This chair is best for anyone who doesn’t feel like they fit in standard wheelchairs because of weight capacity issues or small uncomfortable seats. The Excel Wheelchair has plenty of room in the seat and plenty of capacity derived from the upgraded steel frame.

Medline Strong & Sturdy Chair

Medline Strong and Sturdy Wheelchair with Desk-Length Arms and Swing-Away Leg Rests for Easy Transfers, 18” Seat

Medline Strong & Sturdy Chair

Length

31″

Width

26.5″

Height

36.5″

Weight

40 lbs

The Medline Strong & Sturdy Chair, unsurprisingly, focuses on strength and durability as its key features. Other chairs aim for portability or comfort but those things can leave you with a chair that falls apart sooner than you would like. This chair has reinforced welds, a protective coating, and a strong steel frame to ensure that it will keep working day in and day out.

Features:

  • Removable desk arms

Some wheelchairs do not allow you to remove the arms. This can be super frustrating if you need to wheel up to a table or desk in order to do work or interact with someone. The removable arms allow you to get close enough to do what you need to do without having to be kept back by an artificial bumper attached to your wheelchair. This might seem like a minor feature but if you’ve used a wheelchair that does not allow you to do this, it can be extremely frustrating.

  • Hammertone finish

The hammertone finish on the steel frame does not only look great, but it also helps to protect your wheelchair from wear and tear. The Medline Strong and Sturdy Chair gets that name from features like this. Most other wheelchairs have basic painted steel or aluminum that is easily dented and scuffed over extended usage. With the hammertone finish, you get a great facelift and a built in protective shield for your equipment.

  • Steel frame

The Medline Strong and Sturdy Wheelchair features a super durable steel frame that is built for daily use. You do not have to worry about dinging or scratching this chair over extended periods of hard usage. It also has premium welds that keep all of the joints and weak spots on this chair strong for longer.

Pros

  • Durable frame
  • Affordable quality
  • Affordable quality

Cons

  • Unbalanced
  • Front wheel issues

Who is it best for?

This wheelchair is perfect for anyone who needs to be in it for longer periods of time or for someone who is a clumsy driver. There is no shame in that, these chairs can be cumbersome sometimes. This chair can hold up to basic bangs and bumps like other chairs can’t. It is still comfortable and breathable allowing you to ride around it for longer periods than other chairs without issue.

Medline FAQ & Buyer’s Guide

Who is Medline?

Medline Industries is a large multinational corporation that produces and distributes thousands of medical and healthcare products, including durable medical equipment, to locations all over the world. Medline Industries was founded in 1966 in Illinois and it is still a privately held American company. Their headquarters are located in Northfield, Illinois where the company was formed.

While other companies claim to be large and at the top of their respective field, Medline actually has the numbers to back up their claims. They are the largest privately held company specializing in medical equipment and supplies, including wheelchairs. There are no other similar companies that are larger than Medline while still remaining family owned. Medline is still held by the founding family despite their rapid expansion.

In 2018, Medline reached a new revenue benchmark by bringing in over $11 billion in sales. In fact, they were ranked as high as #21 on America’s largest privately held companies as compiled by Forbes. That puts it in the company of other well known companies such as WaWa and RaceTrac.

Recently, Medline has seen explosive rapid growth in sales and reach and that is due, in no small part, to the quality and success of its durable medical equipment lines.

Where are Medline products manufactured?

Medline began manufacturing its products in the United States. The founders of Medline were the sons of an American entrepreneur who prided himself on doing business in the United States. Medline continued that tradition by beginning their manufacturing journey in Illinois and continuing that to this day. As a global company, not every single thing Medline sells is going to be made in the United States but a good majority of their products are.

In fact, they continue to expand their manufacturing capacity in the United States. In 2012, Medline opened a new manufacturing facility in Georgia. This new facility is over 300,000 square feet in size and features ninety loading docks. This new facility continues to show Medline’s commitment to making and distributing its products in the United States.

Tips for buying your own Medline chair

Medline has a ton of wheelchair products and it can be easy to get overwhelmed. The first thing you are going to want to do is narrow down some of the options to a few that will fit you the best. This guide aims to help you do that.

Second, note that most Medline wheelchairs operate within a very similar price point. The vast majority of Medline wheelchairs can be found for $120 to $250 so if you see any wheelchairs that are less than that or more than that double check the features to make sure that something is not out of place. Medline wheelchairs are all very fairly priced so keep those numbers in mind when making a budget.

Lastly, do not rush into a purchase. If you have questions or concerns or want to compare Medline to other brands, do it. A wheelchair can be an important feature of your or a loved one’s life and you do not want to rush that decision and get into an uncomfortable situation.

How to Choose a Wheelchair?

Wrapping Up

Medline has some excellent products available today and they continue to lead the way in terms of quality and affordability. These wheelchairs are American made and American owned and that attention to detail shows through. If you are curious about Medline as a quality brand, these are five of the best wheelchairs they have to offer today.

There is a wheelchair on this list that will fit anyone’s lifestyle, whether you need a strong heavy use wheelchair or a basic transport chair for short jaunts Medline has you covered.

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