Airfold Lightweight Carbon Fibre Electric Wheelchair

Drive AirFold Carbon Fibre Powerchair – Lightweight Folding Electric Wheelchair

The Drive AirFold Powerchair is an exceptionally lightweight carbon fibre folding electric wheelchair designed for users who want powered mobility without the weight and bulk associated with a conventional powerchair.

Constructed from premium black-flecked carbon fibre, the AirFold combines strength, durability and corrosion resistance with an impressively low carry weight of just 15.85 kg without the battery. With the battery fitted, Drive states a weight of approximately 17.6 kg, making the AirFold particularly well suited to travel, days out and transportation by car.

A fast and straightforward folding mechanism allows the powerchair to collapse into a compact package measuring approximately 79 x 57 x 32 cm, while an integrated grab handle and supplied protective travel bag make handling and storage even easier.

Lightweight Carbon Fibre Construction

The standout feature of the Drive AirFold is its premium carbon fibre frame.

Carbon fibre provides an excellent combination of strength and low weight while also being resistant to corrosion. Drive uses the material to create a slim, modern frame that weighs considerably less than many traditional aluminium or steel powerchairs.

The Airfold weights just 15.85 kg without its battery, with the removable battery adding approximately 1.7 kg. This reduced weight can make a significant difference for families and carers who regularly need to load a powerchair into a vehicle.

Fast and Simple Folding

The AirFold has been designed to fold and unfold quickly using a straightforward manual folding action.

Once folded, the chair measures approximately:

• 79 cm long
• 57 cm wide
• 32 cm high

Its compact folded dimensions make the AirFold easier to store at home or transport in a suitable vehicle. Drive also promotes the powerchair for transportation by car, train and aeroplane, subject to individual transport-provider requirements.

Integrated Grab Handle for Easier Transportation

A convenient under-seat grab handle is incorporated into the AirFold. This provides a dedicated point for handling the folded powerchair and allows it to be pulled along in a trolley-style manner rather than always having to carry its full weight.

A protective black two-handled storage bag is supplied as standard. This helps protect the carbon fibre frame against scuffs during storage and transportation while providing additional handles for manoeuvring the folded chair.

Lithium Battery for Travel

The AirFold is powered by a removable 24V 12Ah lithium battery weighing approximately 1.7 kg.

The battery can be removed easily and supports both on-board and off-board charging, giving users greater flexibility when charging at home or while travelling. The removable lightweight lithium battery is airline friendly, making the AirFold particularly attractive to users looking for a folding powerchair for holidays and air travel.

Individual airlines have their own requirements for mobility equipment and lithium batteries, so customers should always contact their airline before travelling.

Designed for Out & About

Despite its focus on low weight and portability, the AirFold is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Its slim overall width of approximately 57 cm helps make the chair manoeuvrable around the home, shops and other indoor environments, while large 8.5-inch rear wheels provide practical everyday performance.

Solid puncture-proof tyres also eliminate the inconvenience of conventional pneumatic tyre punctures.

Intelligent Joystick Controller

The AirFold is operated using an intuitive joystick controller designed to keep the main driving functions within easy reach.

The controller incorporates:

• Speed setting display
• Battery charge display
• Speed increase and decrease controls
• Horn
• On/off button
• Directional joystick

A USB charging port is also incorporated, allowing compatible small electronic devices to be charged while using the powerchair.

Optional Attendant Control Bracket

For users who may occasionally require assistance from a carer or family member, an Attendant Control Bracket is available separately. This provides additional flexibility where independent driving may not always be appropriate or possible and move the joystick to the rear push handles

Comfortable Everyday Seating

The AirFold incorporates several comfort features despite its lightweight construction. A removable and washable seat cushion makes routine cleaning straightforward, while the aerated backrest is designed to improve comfort and ventilation.

The chair also incorporates a reinforced seat panel to provide additional user support. The seating dimensions include a 44 cm seat width and 42 cm seat depth, with a 46 cm high backrest.

Flip-Up Armrests for Easier Transfers

Both armrests can be flipped upwards. This can make lateral transfers easier by removing the armrest from between the wheelchair and the transfer surface. It also enables the user to position themselves closer to tables and desks without the armrest getting in the way.

A lap belt is included for additional security, while adjustable rear Velcro leg straps are available on request.

Practical Under-Seat Storage

An easily accessible under-seat storage compartment provides space for everyday personal items and valuables. This is particularly useful when travelling or spending the day away from home, reducing the need to attach a separate wheelchair bag for smaller essentials.

Key features

• Premium lightweight carbon fibre folding powerchair
• Carry weight of just 15.85 kg without battery
• Approximately 17.6 kg with battery fitted
• Strong, durable and corrosion-resistant carbon fibre construction
• Stylish black-flecked carbon fibre finish
• Fast and simple folding mechanism
• Compact folded dimensions
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
• Designed with travel and transportation in mind
• Removable lightweight lithium battery
• Airline-friendly battery design
• On-board and off-board charging
• 24V 12Ah lithium battery
• Battery weighs approximately 1.7 kg
• Intelligent joystick controller
• USB charging port for small devices
• Optional attendant control bracket
• Large 8.5-inch rear wheels
• Solid puncture-proof tyres
• Removable and washable seat cushion
• Aerated backrest for additional comfort
• Reinforced seat panel
• Flip-up armrests for easier lateral transfers
• Lap belt supplied
• Under-seat storage
• Integrated carrying/grab handle
• Protective black travel/storage bag supplied
• Can be pulled along trolley-style when folded
• Maximum user weight of 115 kg / 18 stone
• Maximum gradient of 6°

Specification

• Frame material: Carbon fibre
• Frame finish: Black flecked carbon fibre
• Overall height: 93 cm / 36.6"
• Overall width: 57 cm / 22.4"
• Overall length: 93 cm / 36.6"
• Folded height: 32 cm
• Folded width: 57 cm / 22.4"
• Folded length: 79 cm
• Seat height: 49 cm / 19.3"
• Seat width: 44 cm / 17.3"
• Seat depth: 42 cm / 16.5"
• Backrest height: 46 cm / 18.1"
• Backrest width: 46 cm / 18.1"
• Battery: 24V 12Ah lithium
• Number of batteries: 1
• Battery included: Yes
• Battery weight: 1.7 kg / 3.12 lb
• Charging: On-board or off-board
• Product weight: Approx. 15.9 kg excluding battery
• Carry weight: 15.85 kg
• Weight with battery: Approx. 17.6 kg
• Range up to 15km
• Maximum user weight: 115 kg / 18 stone
• Ground clearance: 7 cm / 2.75"
• Maximum gradient: 6°
• Turning radius: 120 cm
• Tyres: Solid puncture-proof
• Rear wheels: 8.5"

Ideal for Car Travel

At just 15.85 kg without its battery, the AirFold has been developed specifically with portability in mind.

The simple folding mechanism reduces the chair to approximately 79 x 57 x 32 cm, while the integrated grab handle provides a convenient handling point when placing it into or removing it from a suitable vehicle. Its supplied protective bag can help prevent scuffs and marks while the powerchair is being stored in a car boot.

As with any mobility product, users and carers should consider the weight of the chair and use appropriate lifting techniques when loading it into a vehicle.

An Excellent Powerchair for Holidays and Travel

The combination of a lightweight carbon fibre frame, compact folded dimensions and removable lithium battery makes the AirFold particularly well suited to travel.

For air travel, customers should contact their airline before departure to confirm its requirements for powered mobility equipment and lithium batteries.

AirFold vs Heavier Folding Powerchairs

The biggest advantage of the AirFold is its low weight.

Many folding electric wheelchairs use aluminium or steel frames, which can result in considerably higher lifting weights. The AirFold instead uses carbon fibre to provide a strong yet exceptionally lightweight structure.

• The AirFold weighs approximately 15.85 kg without its battery, compared with around 30 kg for Drive's AutoFold Powerchair.
• The trade-off is user capacity: the AirFold supports up to 115 kg / 18 stone, whereas the heavier AutoFold supports up to 150 kg.

For customers whose priority is minimum lifting weight and maximum portability, the AirFold is therefore likely to be the more attractive of the two.

Who Is the Drive AirFold Powerchair For?

The AirFold is designed for people who require powered mobility but place particular importance on portability and low transportation weight.

It may be particularly suitable for:

• Users who regularly transport their powerchair by car
• People looking for a lightweight folding electric wheelchair
• Users who find conventional folding powerchairs too heavy
• Customers wanting a carbon fibre powerchair
• People who travel regularly
• Holidaymakers requiring a compact powerchair
• Users who want a removable lithium battery
• Families and carers who regularly transport mobility equipment

Individual suitability will depend on the user's seating, postural, transfer and mobility requirements, so an appropriate assessment is recommended where necessary.

Why Choose the Drive AirFold Powerchair?

The Drive AirFold Carbon Fibre Powerchair offers an impressive combination of low weight, compact folding and powered mobility.

At just 15.85 kg without its battery, it is considerably easier to handle than many conventional folding electric wheelchairs. The carbon fibre frame provides strength without unnecessary weight, while the removable lithium battery and compact folding mechanism make it particularly attractive for travel.

Add practical features including an intelligent joystick, USB charging port, flip-up armrests, puncture-proof tyres, under-seat storage, washable cushion and supplied protective travel bag, and the AirFold provides a well-equipped mobility solution for users who prioritise portability.