Stairs often seem like the ultimate impassable barrier for people who are unable to walk. They’re reliant on slopes and elevators to enter raised buildings, limiting their freedom and independence.
Thankfully, modern, advanced stair climbing wheelchair opens a door of possibilities to wheelchair users. From climbing outdoor staircases to getting over the raised step outside a shop’s entrance, wheelchair users can move freely. Plus, such wheelchairs have impressive self-balancing technology, limiting any safety risks.
Considering a stair climbing wheelchair? Here are the leading options:
Most Advanced Stair Climbing Wheelchair
- Scewo Stair Climbing Wheelchair
- Mobius Stair Climbing Wheelchair
- XSTO X7 Stair Climbing Wheelchair
- Caterwill GTS5 Stair Climbing Wheelchair
- The Bighorn 4 x 4 Stair Climbing Wheelchair
1. Scewo Stair Climbing Wheelchair
The Scewo Bro wheelchair is one of the world’s most advanced options for people with disabilities. Capable of climbing stairs, navigating uneven ground, and increasing a user’s height to reach high-up items, it’s an all-around ingenious design.
Key Features:
- Price. Available from 32,850 Swiss Francs/Euro excl. VAT.
- Range. 25-35 km
- Speed. 10 km/h
- Battery. Lithium ION
- Battery Capacity. 20 Ah or option 30 Ah
- Max. Allowable Weight. 120 kg
- Weight. 162 kg (incl. battery)
- Foldability. Yes
- Terrain. All-terrain, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Other Features. Also includes a joystick for easy control, excellent torso stability, and the ability to raise the user off the ground.
Company Information:
- Scewo is a newer stair-climbing wheelchair manufacturer.
- Developed the Scewo BRO in 2019.
- The Scewo BRO has won numerous awards, including the Swiss MedTech Award 2021.
- Every chair comes with a product warranty.
- Scewo provides excellent customer service support.
- Customer service includes assistance with maintenance and repairs.
2. Mobius Stair Climbing Wheelchair
Developed with 6 different modes – including stair mode, standard mode, and balance mode – this chair can handle all of the challenges of everyday life. It’s a masterclass in wheelchair innovation.
Key Features:
- Price: ~$30,000
- Range: 28-35 km (depending on mode)
- Speed: 10.9 km/hr
- Battery: Lithium ION
- Battery Capacity: Not listed
- Max Allowable Weight: 136 kg
- Weight: 80.7 kg
- Foldability: No
- Terrain: All-terrain (different modes allow users to manage a variety of terrains)
- Other Features: Remote control, seat lift, recline mode, comfortable backrest and armrests. Specialised docking system when travelling.
Company Information:
- Mobius Mobility introduced its first iBOT in 2001.
- The product launched just two years later.
- The company has pioneered increasingly advanced innovations since then.
- Mobius Mobility is renowned for high-quality wheelchairs.
- Their latest wheelchair, the iBOT PMD, was first released in 2019.
- The iBOT PMD reflects their values of continual innovation and customer-centric product design.
- The iBOT PMD features advanced stair-climbing capabilities, off-road navigation, and a unique balancing system.
- Mobius Mobility focuses on enhancing user independence and mobility through cutting-edge technology.
- The company offers comprehensive customer support, including training and maintenance services.
3. XSTO X7 Stair Climbing Wheelchair
Containing the most advanced technologies in a compact design, the X7 All-Terrain Mobility Robot is XSTO Mobility’s solution to most stairs and rugged terrains. XSTO Mobility is an industry leader in developing and manufacturing innovative power chairs and stair climbing wheelchairs, stair climbers for wheelchairs.
Key Features:
- Price: Contact Sales
- Range: 15 km
- Speed: 6 km/h
- Battery: Lithium-ion Battery (25.6V 15.6Ah)
- Drive Range: Up to 11 miles
- Max Allowable Weight: 115 kg
- Weight: 80 kg
- Foldability: Yes
- Terrain: All-terrain
- Other Features: Automatic unmanned driving system, safety assist driving system, self-balancing seat position, and automatic obstacle avoidance.
Company Information:
- XSTO Mobility was founded in 2014 as an advanced wheelchair manufacturer.
- The company focuses on innovation and sleek design.
- Its collection of mobility robots has won numerous awards.
- Based in China, XSTO emphasizes three core values: accessibility first, continual innovation, and customer service.
- All products come with a warranty.
- XSTO’s excellent customer service team provides support and answers questions.
- The company invests heavily in research and development to ensure their products meet the latest technological standards.
- XSTO Mobility’s products are known for their durability and ease of use, making them a popular choice among users.
- They offer a range of models to suit different needs, from lightweight travel chairs to heavy-duty models for more challenging environments.
4. Caterwill GTS5 Stair Climbing Wheelchair
The GTS5 power wheelchair from Caterwil is the latest addition to their range of devices aimed at assisting individuals with disabilities in living life to the fullest.
Ideal for both indoor and outdoor activities, the GTS5 makes navigating urban environments such as shops, cafes, restaurants, libraries, theaters, gyms, and stadiums much simpler.
By combining electric-drive technology with wheeled and track platforms, the wheelchair promotes maximum independence for users. Pneumatic wheels ensure comfortable road navigation, while the tracks system is utilized for overcoming stairs and other obstacles.
Key Features:
- Price: $15,045
- Range: 25 km
- Speed: 8 km/h
- Battery: Lithium ION
- Battery Capacity: 38 Ah
- Max Allowable Weight: 115 kg
- Weight: 98 kg (incl. batteries)
- Foldability: Yes
- Terrain: All-terrain
- Other Features: 4-track safety system, waterproof casing for electrics, electromagnetic brakes, and adjustable arm and head rests.
Company Information:
- Caterwill began in 2012 as a Russian company focused on creating an electric stair-climbing wheelchair.
- The company started production in 2016 after several years of innovation.
- In 2018, they won 1st place at the International Cybathlon Experience in Dusseldorf.
- Caterwill has since expanded worldwide, exporting to 20 countries.
- Every chair comes with either a 12- or 36-month warranty.
- The company manages regional customer service teams available via email or phone.
5. The Bighorn 4 x 4 Stair Climbing Wheelchair
The PW-4x4Q Bighorn Stair Climbing Wheelchair is an All-Terrain Recreational Vehicle with all-terrain capabilities and the Best Outdoor All Terrain Power Chair on the market loaded with a 4-Wheel Drive & Gyro system, the vehicle can handle rugged terrain such as steep slopes, snow, sandy beaches, muddy or bumpy roads, etc. With its unique gyro balance system, it can climb stairs with ease. It can be frustrating to face curbs and a few steps in daily life, and sometimes you just want to exercise your adventurous mind. Let PW-4x4Q help you to conquer places that you’re not able to get to!
Key Features:
- Price: $15,600
- Range: 28 km
- Speed: 7 km/h
- Battery: Lithium ION
- Battery Capacity: 70 Ah
- Max Allowable Weight: 150 kg
- Weight: 143 kg (incl. batteries)
- Foldability: No
- Terrain: All-terrain (relies on 4-wheel drive)
- Other Features: Electromagnetic braking, PG controller, LED display, gyro system for adjusting seat angle.
Company Information:
- Living Spinal isn’t just another wheelchair manufacturer; its main goal is to find a cure for paralysis.
- Founded by Andrew Hippert, who was paralyzed after breaking his neck.
- Products are designed to accommodate everyday challenges in a wheelchair, such as climbing steep hills or using a catheter.
- A portion of the money raised is donated to fund research into paralysis prevention and treatment.
- The company prioritizes excellent customer service, ensuring customers have access to support and assistance.
- Living Spinal includes a comprehensive warranty policy with its products.
- They also offer a wide range of adaptive equipment and accessories to enhance mobility and independence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Stair Climbing Wheelchairs Work?
Stair climbing wheelchairs use wheels for flat surfaces and a track system for stairs, enabling smooth travel over straight stairs with a self-balancing mechanism for safety. Some models, like the Bighorn, use a slower and more hazardous 4-wheel drive for stairs.
Are Stair Climbing Wheelchairs Safe?
Yes, when used correctly. They feature advanced safety elements like stability controls, secure harnesses, and braking systems. Users should undergo gradual training and avoid slopes steeper than recommended, such as the 45° limit for the X7 model.
Are Stair Climbing Wheelchairs Portable?
Portability varies. Some models are lightweight and foldable for easy car storage, while others with robust features are heavier and less portable. Heavier models usually have larger batteries and better stability but less portability.
Who Can Benefit From Using A Stair Climbing Wheelchair?
Ideal for those with mobility impairments who frequently encounter stairs, such as the elderly, disabled, or post-surgery individuals. They are especially beneficial in multi-story homes without elevators or where ramps are impractical.
How Much Does a Stair Climbing Wheelchair Cost?
Prices range from $3,000 for basic models to over $15,000 for advanced versions, with high-end models reaching $30,000, especially with customizable features. Additional costs for maintenance, training, and home modifications should also be considered.
