The frame material of an electric wheelchair is a key factor affecting its weight, durability, and user experience. Currently, mainstream materials on the market include carbon fiber, aluminum alloy, and steel frames, each with unique performance characteristics and application areas.

 

Carbon Fiber Electric Wheelchair: A High-End Lightweight Solution

Carbon fiber is gaining recognition in the electric wheelchair market due to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Its greatest advantage lies in its extreme lightweightness, with the entire frame typically weighing between 12 and 15 kg, greatly enhancing portability and transportation. Furthermore, the material offers excellent impact and corrosion resistance, making it particularly suitable for long-term use in humid and rainy areas.

Carbon fiber wheelchairs are currently positioned in the high-end market and are relatively expensive. They are particularly suitable for users who frequently travel across borders (such as by air), effectively reducing the burden of luggage. They are also suitable for medical institutions with high demands for equipment durability, particularly retirement communities in coastal areas or high-humidity areas.

Aluminum Alloy Electric Wheelchairs: A Market Leader with Balanced Performance

Aluminum alloy is currently the most widely used material for electric wheelchairs, achieving an excellent balance between weight, load-bearing capacity, and manufacturing cost. It is typically approximately 40% lighter than steel, weighing approximately 18–25 kg, and can be easily folded and stored in the trunk of an average car. This material offers reliable load-bearing properties, and combined with surface anti-oxidation treatment, it boasts a service life of over five years.

 

Aluminum alloy wheelchairs are affordable and popular with both home and institutional customers. They are commonly used in community care programs in Europe and the United States, facilitating easy transport by caregivers. They are also widely used for rental services in hotels and tourist attractions, offering easy maintenance and economical procurement costs. Models with enhanced rust-proofing are recommended for use in rainy or humid areas.

 

Steel Electric Wheelchairs: A Traditional and Economical Choice

Steel (primarily carbon steel) frames continue to hold a significant market share due to their sturdy structure and low cost. These products offer excellent shock absorption on bumpy roads. However, their significant weight, often exceeding 25 kg, often requires assistance when moving and carrying them. Surface rust prevention is particularly important, especially in humid climates, requiring regular maintenance to extend service life.

Steel wheelchairs are the most economical and are widely used in government procurement programs and developing markets. For example, in some Southeast Asian countries, public hospitals continue to choose this type of wheelchair due to its high component commonality and mature maintenance systems. Furthermore, fixed facilities such as nursing homes also tend to use steel wheelchairs because their initial investment cost can be over 35% lower than other materials.