Best Power Wheelchairs With Elevating Seats of 2025
October 13, 20227 min read
Anyone who makes use of a wheelchair to move around will benefit from a wheelchair seat lift. Well, what is a wheelchair seat lift you might ask. A seat lift is an enhancement to your wheelchair designed to give you vertical mobility. Basically, allowing your wheelchair to elevate.
If you’ve ever needed to reach a higher shelf in your kitchen or some item on the top shelf while shopping, you will see the value of a wheelchair seat lift. The seat lift basically makes you taller, which is very useful in many situations.
Besides providing access to things higher up, these seat lifts also allow you to engage in conversations on an eye-to-eye level, rather than having to look up to someone who standing while you are seated.
Types Of Wheelchair Seat Lifts
There are 3 types of seat lifts. They all elevate you higher, they just do it in different ways. Let’s take a look at the various options:
Single Post Lifts
These types of wheelchair seat lifts are the most common type available. This type of seat lift is built around the seat itself, supported on a rod that rotates. It is basically a pillar that moves up or down at the touch of a button. The rod spins with the help of an electric motor, raising the wheelchair.
It is a very simple solution with the only drawback is the elevation is limited to a 5-8-inches. This type of seat lift also slightly reduces the battery space, as the seat lift and the battery contend for the same space.
Thus, these types of seats generally use smaller batteries, which in turn limits the driving range.
Scissor Lifts
Scissor lifts are very different from single post lifts as they have a four-corner mounting system, connected to both the seat and the base of the chair. This provides much more stability from the front to the back as well as from side to side.
Due to its stability, scissor lifts have higher elevation, as high as 12-13-inches. They also have a higher weight capacity and are perfect for people who are heavier.
Another advantage of this type of seat lift is that this mounting strategy make better use of full-sized batteries, which in turn provide a better driving range. A scissor seat lift is a good choice if you are looking for elevation plus tilt and recline.
Cantilever Lifts
Cantilever lifts have one thing in common with scissor lifts. They also mount on top of the base, allowing for the use of full-sized batteries. They can support a lift height of approximately 12-inches.
The big difference between the cantilever system and the scissor lift is that apart from providing a vertical lift, a cantilever system also moves forward up to approximately 4.5-inches as it elevates.
This combination of forward and upward movement is very beneficial as it allows the user to rise up and, for instance, check a mailbox that is just out of reach.
1. Merits P301 Gemini Heavy Duty Elevated Electric Wheelchair
The P301 Gemini is a high-performance electric wheelchair that can be upgraded to include an elevating seat, which raises the seat up to 10 inches. It has a weight capacity of 450 pounds; but note
the weight capacity is reduced to 350 pounds when using the elevating seat option.
The seat is 22x22-inches in size and can tilt back, fold down and rotate to the side. The armrests can also be moved outward for greater seating space.
The Gemini P301 is powered by 50Ah batteries with enough power to provide a driving range of 20 miles per single charge. The battery can easily be charged by connecting to the joystick. It also automatically shuts off once full charge is reached.
This Merits power chair has a top speed of 5 mph, a turning radius of 21-inches, ground clearance of 4-inches and a climbing gradient of 10-degrees.
Pros:
Power elevating seat feature at no extra cost.
Low seat height of 18 inches for unmatched stability.
Impressive 21-inch turning radius for adaptability.
Backed by Merits Health Products' unbeatable warranty guarantee.
Tight turning radius for easy navigation in tight spaces.
Ample ground clearance and climbing gradient for overcoming obstacles with ease.
Cons:
No locked storage space for valuables.
No option for overhead canopy.
Not designed to drive long distances over rough terrain.
Merits P327 Key Specifications
Weight Capacity: 350 lbs.
Max Speed: 5 mph
Range: Up to 20 miles
Ground Clearance: 4"
Seat Width: 20"
2. Merits Vision Super P327 Power Wheelchair With Elevating Seat
Most Merits Health mid-wheel drive powerchairs are sturdy and can accommodate a large amount of weight. The P327 Vision Super is no exception. This powerchair is a heavy-duty with a reinforced frame and powerful inline motors. It has a weight capacity of 450 pounds and is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
It also comes with the power-elevating seat option, which can raise the chair by 10-inches. However, this option is only available for the 20-inch-wide seat. Making use of the elevating seat reduces the weight capacity to 400 pounds.
The captain’s seat is available in 20, 22 and 24-inch widths and can recline. The armrests on this unit can also extend outward for more seating space. The P327 has a very tight turning radius of 20-inches.
It is also equipped with front and rear suspension and large 12-inch pneumatic tires. The P327 has a top speed of 5 mph, a driving range of 15-20 miles per single charge, ground clearance of 2.2-inches and a climbing gradient of 8-degrees.
Pros:
Dual power system: easily switch between front-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive
Power elevating seat: raise the seat by 5 inches at the push of a button
Low seat height of 18 inches for stability
Tight 21-inch turning radius for easy maneuverability
Comes with an unbeatable warranty guarantee from a trusted brand in the industry
Can handle obstacles with its generous ground clearance and climbing gradient capabilities.
Cons:
No locked storage space for valuables.
No option for overhead canopy.
Not designed to drive long distances over rough terrain.
Merits P327 Key Specifications
Top Speed: 5 mph
Range: 20 miles
Weight Capacity: 450 lbs. (400 lbs. with seat elevator)
Unit Weight: 273 lbs.
Turning Radius: 20.0" inches
3. Merits Health P312 Dualer Elevating Seat Power Chair
Introducing the Merits Health P312 - the ultimate dual powerchair. With just a simple switch, transform this chair from front-wheel-drive to rear-wheel-drive in under a minute. Experience unmatched stability with its low seat height of 18 inches.
But that's not all - this Merits power wheelchair model comes with an incredible feature: a power elevating seat. And guess what? It's absolutely free. With just the push of a button, raise the chair by 5 inches to a height of 27 inches. Plus, it boasts a remarkable 21-inch turning radius, making it one of the most adaptable electric wheelchairs available today.
Rest assured knowing that Merits Health Products is a trusted name in the industry and backs their products with an unbeatable warranty guarantee. Equipped with two 12V U1 batteries, 10-inch drive wheels, and 8-inch caster wheels, the P312 delivers both power and maneuverability.
Speed through life at up to 5 mph with its impressive top speed. Navigate tight spaces effortlessly with its tight 21-inch turning radius. Overcome obstacles with ease thanks to its generous ground clearance of 2 inches. And with a driving range of 18 miles per single charge and a climbing gradient of 12 degrees, there are no limits to where you can go.
Upgrade your mobility experience with the Merits Health P312 - the powerchair that offers innovation, reliability, and freedom all in one package.
Pros:
Dual power chair with front-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive options with just a simple switch.
Low seat height of 18 inches and power elevating seat that raises the chair by 5 inches to a height of 27 inches.
Free power elevating seat feature included.
21-inch turning radius for optimal maneuverability.
Equipped with two 12V U1 batteries, 10-inch drive wheels, and 8-inch caster wheels for power and stability.
Top speed of 5 mph, driving range of 18 miles per charge, and climbing gradient of 12 degrees for limitless mobility.
Backed by an unbeatable warranty guarantee from a trusted name in the industry - Merits Health Products.
Cons:
No locked storage space for valuables.
No option for overhead canopy.
Not designed to drive long distances over rough terrain.
P312 KEY SPECIFICATIONS:
Top Speed: 5 mph
Range: 18 miles
Weight Capacity: 300 lbs.
Unit Weight: 189 lbs.
Turning Radius: 21" inches
4. Pride Jazzy Air 2 Power Elevating Chair JZAIR2
Introducing the Jazzy Air 2: The Ultimate Power Wheelchair with Elevating Seat by Pride Mobility. Experience the new and improved version of the original Jazzy Air, designed to elevate your mobility.
With its extraordinary power elevating seat, the Jazzy Air 2 can raise a remarkable 12 inches in just 11 seconds. That's 2 inches higher than its predecessor! But what sets this chair apart is its ability to smoothly adjust the seat height even while you're on the move.
Say goodbye to struggling to reach shelves or straining your neck to have a conversation. With the Jazzy Air 2, you can effortlessly elevate yourself while traveling towards your destination. Stay present and engage with others on a face-to-face level.
Not only does the Jazzy Air 2 boast innovative technology, but it also showcases an elegant design that will turn heads. Made by Pride Mobility, a trusted leader in the mobility industry, this power wheelchair comes with an exceptional warranty.
Upgrade your mobility experience with the Pride Jazzy Air 2 and enjoy newfound freedom and convenience like never before.
Pros:
Revolutionary dual power chair with front-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive options
Easy switch between drive modes in under 1 minute
Power elevating seat for added accessibility and convenience
Low seat height of 18 inches for stability and comfort
Trustworthy and established brand, backed by unbeatable warranty guarantee
Cons:
No option for overhead canopy.
Not designed for driving over rough terrain.
No locked storage container for valuables.
JAZZY AIR 2 KEY SPECIFICATIONS:
Top Speed: 4.00 mph
Battery Charge Distance: 19.20 miles
Seat Widths: 16"/18"/20"/22"
Ground Clearance: 1.00"
Turning Radius: 20.75"
Financing Option
Are there financing options available?
Yes, most of the mobility scooters in our online store are eligible for financing through our partnership with Klarna, which offers 0% interest rates and great terms for those who qualify! This makes it easy and affordable to get the mobility device that you need to stay independent and connected as you age or deal with a disability.
Whether you need help covering the cost of your initial purchase or simply want to make monthly payments, mobility scooters are accessible for most budgets.
So, if you're looking for an electric scooter or wheelchair that can help you maintain your independence, be sure to explore the financing options available for each model. At the top of each product page, you’ll find a financing button. Simply click on it to learn more and prequalify!
To talk to our friendly team of experts, simply call: 800-498-2560