The best electric wheelchair is the one that fits the rider's weight and body, travels the way you do, and has enough range for a normal day. If you'll be loading it into a car or flying, a lightweight folding chair like the ComfyGO Phoenix is a strong pick. For all-day comfort, look at a full-size chair like the Shoprider 6Runner 10. Larger riders usually do best in a heavy duty chair like the FreeRider Apollo II.

For most seniors, a lightweight folding chair with a simple joystick and adjustable speed is the best fit. It's easy to drive and store, and you can get it into a car without a struggle. If a family member helps every day, a remote-control folding chair like the ComfyGO MAJESTIC IQ-8000 makes handling easier for them.

Of the chairs we carry, the ComfyGo X-Lite is the lightest at about 28 lbs without its battery (30 lbs with it). The ComfyGO Phoenix comes in at 29 lbs without batteries. It supports more weight (300 lbs vs. 220 lbs) and lists more range, so it's worth the extra pound for many people.

Pick a chair rated above 400 lbs, not right at it. Good options include the ComfyGO MAJESTIC 440 HD PLUS (440 lbs, folding), the Shoprider 6Runner 14 (450 lbs), the FreeRider Apollo II (470 lbs) and the Merits Atlantis (600 lbs). Check seat width too, and measure your doorways before you order.

Most of the electric wheelchairs we carry list about 7 to 25 miles per charge, and some reach up to 32 miles. Expect less in real life. Heavier riders, hills, cold weather and older batteries all cut into range, so buy more listed range than you think you'll need.

Yes, in most cases you can. FAA rules cap lithium-ion batteries for wheelchairs and mobility devices at 300 watt-hours, and spare batteries have to go in the cabin. Each airline adds its own rules on top of that, so call the airline before you book and have the chair's model and battery details in front of you.

Source: FAA PackSafe: Wheelchairs and Mobility Devices.

A power wheelchair is usually better for people who sit most of the day, and a scooter is usually better for people who can still walk short distances. Go with a power chair if you need joystick control or spend a lot of time in tight indoor spaces. A scooter makes sense if you can sit upright without support and mostly need help on longer trips. Our mobility scooter guide walks through the scooter types.

Mid-wheel drive chairs turn around their center, which makes them very maneuverable indoors, while rear-wheel drive chairs track straight and feel stable at higher speeds outside. Most folding travel chairs are rear-wheel drive with compact turning circles.

How long an electric wheelchair battery lasts depends mostly on the battery type, how often you charge it, and how far you run it down. To get the most life out of it, charge after every day of use, try not to drain it all the way, and store it somewhere that doesn't get too hot or too cold. Follow the charging instructions in your chair's manual.

Medicare may help pay for an electric wheelchair, but only when strict medical rules are met. Medicare Part B may help cover a power wheelchair when a doctor documents, after a face-to-face exam, that it's medically necessary for use in the home, and the chair comes from a Medicare-enrolled supplier. Rules and costs vary, so check with Medicare or your plan before you buy.

Learn more at Medicare.gov wheelchair and scooter coverage.