Unlike traditional folding powerchairs, the Pride iGo Folding Powerchair is relatively simple to fold up - no complex wiring or dismantling is needed. Remove the joystick, lift the cushion off, and fold it up. It'll then stand up, folded - great for those lacking storage space, and can be conveniently wheeled around like a trolley. The Lithium-ion batteries can be lifted straight out, and the chair itself weighs a mere 19.8 kg. This allows it to be lifted into and out of a car by an able-bodied person.
The i-Go features front suspension to cushion your ride; however it must be noted that this suspension is fairly basic. Combined with the small wheels and motors, this does mean the i-Go has limited performance outside, and flat pavements are the limit for it; this is definitely not a wheelchair you could drive off road. Realistically the i-Go is suitable for indoor use or within a shopping centre, and anything beyond that it may struggle with. The i-Go is unique in that it is only powered by one battery at a time. Once one has run out, simply slide out the lightweight battery and swap it over with the other - this is designed so it can be done by the person in the chair. The i-Go has a range of up to 8 miles (4 per battery) - this is a chair for short trips and journeys, not for use all day.
A padded cushion keeps you comfortable, while a convenient storage pouch under the seat allows you to carry your belongings with you. The seating is comfortable for the short journeys the i-Go is designed to make - it is not a clinical seating system, though, so cannot be adjusted to suit more advanced postural or comfort needs.
Our Verdict
Overall, while the i-Go was an impressive product when launched, a truly lightweight folding powerchair, the folding mechanism was a little fiddly to use and the outdoor performance limited. At this point we would recommend its successor the i-Go Plus, which is a far superior powerchair for only a very small increase in price.
