Vacuuming can be a daunting task, especially for disabled homeowners. The generic vacuum cleaners don’t make the job easier. Disabled and elderly people can benefit from using special vacuum cleaners that not only do the job but that don’t require the bending, lifting, and laboring that traditional vacuum cleaners require. However, does that mean there are vacuum cleaners out there with the label ‘for disabled and wheelchair users? No. Nonetheless, some vacuum cleaners have features that make it easier for disabled and elderly people to use them effectively. So what is the best vacuum cleaner for disabled and wheelchair users? Keep reading to find out.
Before we delve into the best vacuum cleaners, Let’s take a look at the main features to look out for when buying a vacuum cleaner for the disabled and those in wheelchairs.
How to Choose A vacuum cleaner for Disabled and Wheelchair Users
Lightweight
The most important feature for vacuum cleaners for the disabled and elderly is weight. Older vacuum cleaners are hefty and hard to move. This would be difficult to use by children, the disabled, and the elderly, especially for cleaning the stairs and different levels of your home.
However, lightweight vacuums on the other hand allow for easy movement, maneuverability, and ease of use. You can use a lightweight vacuum while sitting in a wheelchair and even carry it up and down the stairs without assistance.
While heavy and bulky vacuum cleaners are known for having the best suction power, modern lightweight vacuum cleaners are fitted with great powerheads that suck up dirt fast and efficiently. So, look out for lightweight above every other thing.
Cordless Vacuum
Handhelds, robotic, and cordless upright vacuum cleaners are easy to move around, require low maintenance, super lightweight, are fitted with great suction power, and can clean the tightest corners.
Most advanced vacuum cleaners are fitted with ergonomic attachments that allow users to clean their cars, homes, and furniture without having to buy multiple vacuums. Cordless vacuums are also multi-surface, meaning you can clean your hardwood, carpet, and rug all in one routine.
This reduces the workload while improving efficiency. Cordless vacuums will also pick up large dirt and debris, and the big bags means you don’t have to empty the waste now and then. You also don’t have to worry about the cords tangling and maintenance is easy.
Accessibility
We recommend vacuum cleaners with ergonomic handles to eliminate the stress on your wrists and elbows. How do you empty the canister? Does it require a complex process or can it be emptied by a push of a button? Can you switch it on by foot? How are the storage requirements? Do you need a dedicated storage area or can it be stored in a small space? Make sure that the unit doesn’t have high storage requirements. For this, we recommend compact vacuum cleaners. But request for an in-store storage demonstration before leaving with your unit.
Read Customer Reviews
Lastly, you can not go wrong with customer reviews. Unlike generic customers, find reviews from disabled and elderly people. Look out for the specific level of comfortability, accessibility, and cost. You can contact specific users to chat about their vacuum cleaners. You can read reviews online. Ask for recommendations from the elderly around you. However, we have curated some of the best vacuum cleaners for the disabled and elderly in this article. Keep reading to find out which vacuum cleaner is right for you and your specific disability.
Here are the top 7 vacuum cleaners for Disabled and Wheelchair Users
Eureka NEC222
Top of our list is the NEC222 and that’s for numerous reasons. Costing only $251, it promises great performance with its 220 powerful suction. Extremely lightweight at 6.5 pounds yet cleans multiple surfaces. Powered by a digital motor, it’s capable of cleaning all types of material and removing large dirt.
The Eureka is also cordless and features a powerful long-lasting battery. However, the battery life depends on the operating mode of the vacuum cleaner. No contact disposal of dirt. Standard filtration system to prevent the spread of allergens and bacteria, thereby keeping you and your family healthy.
Pros:
Powerful suction
Multi-surface
Cordless
HEPA Filter
Cons:
Poor storage facility
Poor battery life
Kenmore DS4020 Cordless Stick Vacuum Lightweight
Weighing less than 5 pounds, the Kenmore DS4020 is a powerful tool for cleaning any type of surface. Carry it up and down your stairs to eliminate tough stains and dirt. Fitted with 8000PA of suction power, the Kenmore DS42020 is highly recommended for all types of dirt. Enjoy long usage with the long-lasting battery.
One charge will be enough to clean an entire home. The LED lights also display your battery status. The cordless feature means you can easily store, access, and move your vacuum cleaner with ease. What’s more? Enjoy an advanced HEPA filtration system that removes up to 99.97 germs and bacteria, keeping your air clean. The Kenmore DS4020 costs only $149.99.
Pros:
Multi-Surface
Lightweight
High Maneuverability
HEPA filter
LED lights
Cons:
Poor suction on tiles
Eureka Rapidclean Pro Lightweight Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Lightweight and handheld, the Eureka Rapidclean Pro Lightweight Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, is the perfect choice for disabled people. You can use the stick to make it upright or compress to make it handheld. This feature makes it possible to clean tight corners and reach hard-to-reach places.
Powered with an impressive motor, the Eureka Rapidclean will clean tough dirt and take care of all types of surfaces. Enjoy long use with its long-lasting battery, and switch between different cleaning modes. It also features LED lights to help you clean at night and dark corners. Its high maneuverability makes it possible to clean everywhere in your home. The Eureka Rapidclean costs $159.99.
Pros:
Inexpensive
Handheld
High Maneuverability
LED lights
Cons:
Poor suction performance for hair
Poor battery lifespan
Miele Triflex HX1 Battery Powered Bagless Stick Vacuum
Cleans all types of floors with ease. The Miele Triflex is also cordless and uses a long-lasting battery to power one of the latest motor technologies with outstanding suction power. It’s highly flexible and can reach hard-to-reach places like under your furniture and tight corners.
Clean your home for 60 minutes straight with only one charge. Automated mode switch to handle all types of floors accordingly. You also get no-contact was disposals, thereby eliminating any risk of allergens and bacteria. Keep your air clean with the Miele Triflex. Switch it on with one button and enjoy up to 0.5litre capacity.
Pros:
High battery performance
Automated mode switch
Multi-surface
HEPA filter
Cons:
Expensive
Slightly Heavy
Poor battery lifespan
Shark ZU561 Navigator Freestyle Upright Stick Cordless Bagless Vacuum
Lightweight and easy to assemble, the Shark ZU561 navigator freestyle costs only $239.99 and is very compatible with carpet surfaces. This is a great choice for the disabled with pets or service dogs. It is also efficient at cleaning stairs and taking up and down the house.
Switch between the handheld and upright features to meet your specific cleaning needs. Enjoy a HEPA filtration system that removes 99.97% of allergens and bacteria from dirt. It also traps all the dust to prevent spillage. Features amazing maneuverability and additional tools to clean hard-to-reach places.
Pros:
Lightweight
Multi-Surface
HEPA Filter
Removes hair
High maneuverability
Cons:
Poor Durability
Inconsistent Suction
Shark Navigator Freestyle Upright Stick Cordless Bagless Vacuum
The shark navigator freestyle costs only $149.99 and features great suction power to remove tough dirt and dust from all types of surfaces. Cordless and flexible, the Shark navigator freestyle will reach tight corners and hard-to-reach spaces. It’s also a great choice for removing hair and features an easy disposal waste bag.
Pros:
Inexpensive
High suction Power
Cordless
Hair removal
Cons:
Lack of durability
Inconsistent Suction
Robot Vacuums
The best type of vacuum cleaners for the disabled, people in wheelchairs, and the elderly, Robot Vacuums can be programmed via WiFi using smart devices from anywhere. Simply delegate your cleaning duty to this advanced tool and go about your day. Robot vacuums are low maintenance devices, easy to use, hands-free, and can clean even the tightest spaces. Although pricey, this tool allows you to focus on other important activities and chores.
Pros:
High Maneuverability
Programable
Wireless connectivity
Cons:
Expensive