Elevating power wheelchairs are equipped with powered seat lift mechanisms, allowing users to raise or lower their seating height for better accessibility to counters, shelves, and social interactions. These types of wheelchair chairs improve users' experience by making it easier to engage with surroundings at different heights.
In this guide, we’ll review the three best-elevating power wheelchairs for 2025: the Merits Dualer, Pride Jazzy Air 2, and Merits Vision Sport. We’ll cover key features, specifications, pros and cons, a comparison table, average costs, benefits, and ideal users to help you find the best elevating wheelchair for your needs.
#1 Merits Dualer
Compact Elevating Seat with Tight Maneuverability
Price: $3,149
The Merits Dualer Elevating Power Chair provides a compact design with a 5-inch seat lift, allowing users to reach higher objects and maintain eye-level engagement. This chair features a 22-inch base height that elevates up to 27 inches, making it easy to access countertops and tall surfaces. The RWD and FWD wheel position rotates the chair 180 degrees and secures it into place before starting to drive.
Its small footprint and tight turning radius allow users to navigate tight indoor spaces, making it a great choice for home and office use. The swivel seat enhances ease of entry and exit, improving overall convenience.
Key Features:
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Seat Lift: Elevates 5 inches (22” to 27” seat height)
- Turning Radius: 21 inches
- Top Speed: 5 mph
- Driving Range: Up to 18 miles per charge
- Portability: Compact design for tight spaces
- Additional Feature: Swivel seat for easy access
✅ Pros:
✔ Tight turning radius for indoor maneuverability
✔ Swivel seat for easy transfers
✔ 5-inch seat elevation for improved accessibility
✔ Compact size, ideal for small spaces
✔ Long battery range (up to 18 miles)
❌ Cons:
✖ Lower seat elevation compared to other models
#2 Pride Jazzy Air 2
Fast 12” Elevation for Social Interaction
Price: $4,254
The Pride Jazzy Air 2 is a highly advanced elevating power wheelchair that can raise the seat by 12 inches in just 11 seconds. Unlike other models, it allows users to drive at up to 4 mph while elevated, making it perfect for face-to-face social interactions and active engagement.
This model offers multiple customization options, including different seat sizes, joystick mounting positions, footrest adjustments, and battery upgrades. It is also available in 10 different colors to match personal preferences.
Key Features:
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Seat Lift: Elevates 12 inches in 11 seconds
- Top Speed: 4 mph while elevated
- Driving Range: Up to 19.2 miles per charge
- Turning Radius: 22.5 inches
- Customization: 10 different color options, seat size variations
- Portability: Mid-wheel drive for improved stability
✅ Pros:
✔ Fast seat elevation (12 inches in 11 seconds)
✔ Can drive at 4 mph while elevated
✔ Customizable seat sizes, joystick mounts, and footrests
✔ Available in 10 different colors
✔ Long battery range (up to 19.2 miles per charge)
❌ Cons:
✖ Higher price compared to othger models
✖ Large turning radius
✖ Not ideal for rough terrain due to mid-wheel drive
#3 Merits Vision Sport
Budget-Friendly with Elevation Option
Price: $2,637
The Merits Vision Sport is a mid-wheel drive power chair with a power elevating seat option, making it an affordable entry-level elevating wheelchair. It raises the seat by 7.5 inches at the touch of a button. The Vision Sport also features a 20-inch turning radius, full suspension for a smooth ride, and a top speed of 5 mph.
This model is designed for indoor and outdoor use, with 18” or 20” seat options to accommodate different user needs. It offers a balance between performance and affordability, making it a great choice for users who need elevation without a high price tag.
Key Features:
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Seat Lift: Elevates the seat. to 7.5 inches
- Top Speed: 5 mph
- Driving Range: Up to 18 miles per charge
- Turning Radius: 20 inches
- Seat Size Options: 18” or 20”
- Suspension: Full suspension for a smoother ride
✅ Pros:
✔ Affordable compared to other elevating models
✔ Full suspension for a comfortable ride
✔ Compact turning radius (20 inches)
✔ Available in two seat width options
✔ Good battery range (up to 18 miles per charge)
❌ Cons:
✖ Seat elevation is an optional add-on, not standard
✖ Less customizable than high-end models
Comparison Table
| Feature | Merits Dualer | Pride Jazzy Air 2 | Merits Vision Sport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs | 300 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Seat Lift | 5 inches (22” to 27”) | 12 inches in 11 seconds | 7.5 inches |
| Top Speed | 5 mph | 4 mph while elevated | 5 mph |
| Driving Range | Up to 18 miles | Up to 19.2 miles | Up to 18 miles |
| Turning Radius | 21 inches | 22.5 inches | 20 inches |
| Suspension | No | No | Full suspension |
| Customization | Swivel seat | 10 colors, seat options | 2 seat sizes |
| Price | $3,149 | $4,254 | $2,637 |
Average Cost
Elevating power wheelchairs typically range from $2,500 to $5,000, depending on the seat elevation height, speed, and additional customization options.
Benefits
- Improved accessibility to counters, shelves, and social interactions
- Increased independence in daily activities
- Better visibility and interaction with standing individuals
- Customizable features for a personalized experience
Ideal Users
- Individuals needing an adjustable seat height for daily tasks
- Users who require increased mobility at different heights
- People looking for a balance between affordability and functionality
Conclusion
Elevating power wheelchairs provide greater independence, comfort, and accessibility. The Merits Dualer is an excellent choice for tight spaces and compact maneuverability, while the Pride Jazzy Air 2 is ideal for users who want a fast, high-lifting seat with customization options. The Merits Vision Sport offers a budget-friendly alternative with solid performance.