When most people think of a power wheelchair, they probably envision a large, heavy and expensive piece of equipment. Wheelchair manufacturer WHILL has challenged that stereotype by introducing a line of portable, compact and affordable power wheelchairs.

WHILL debuted the Model C2 — previously called the Ci2 — in May 2021, touting several improvements on its predecessor, the Model C. With enhanced suspension, longer range, higher weight capacity and WHILL’s signature omni-directional front wheels and stylish looks, the Model C2 promised a better all-around experience for users. I was skeptical about how well a power wheelchair that’s not much larger than my manual chair would perform, but after trying out the Model C2, I was impressed.

Portable Power

The Model C2 arrives in three boxes containing the components of the wheelchair: the seat assembly, the rear-drive base, the front-drive base, the Li-ion battery, the cushion and the basket. Ease of assembly is one of the main selling features of the Model C2, along with the enhanced portability of its compact size and relatively light weight.

The front-drive base connects and locks to the rear-drive base, and the seat assembly locks to the rear-drive base. The battery slides into the rear-drive base. Once you throw the cushion on and snap the basket to the drive base, you are ready to go. The heaviest component, the rear-drive base, weighs in at 42.8 pounds. The Model C2 has a total weight of 114 pounds when assembled, much less than a traditional power wheelchair, which can easily weigh over 300 pounds.

You don’t need any tools to assemble the Model C2, but you do need to be able to lift and maneuver the different components. I was unable to do this, but once my aide was familiar with the process, she could take it apart and put it back together in less than five minutes. WHILL has a helpful assembly/disassembly video on its YouTube page, also linked to in the WHILL app.

Impressive Ride

The Model C2 performs very well for a wheelchair of its size and price. It has a maximum range of 11.2 miles and three speed modes that you can switch between in the WHILL app. Eco mode has a top speed of 2.5 mph and turns and accelerates smoothly. It is probably best suited for indoor use. Standard mode and Sport mode both have a top speed of 5 mph, but there is a noticeable difference in how the Model C2 turns and accelerates in Sport mode. I found the turning and acceleration to be quite jerky in Sport mode compared to Standard mode. It was noticeable enough that if I were using this wheelchair frequently, I probably would not use Sport mode because I found no obvious benefit.

What surprised me the most about the Model C2 was how good the ride was. I expected a stiff and bumpy ride, but the Model C2 handled cracks, bumps and curbs quite well. It was not as smooth as the ride in my personal power wheelchair, but for a wheelchair that costs a fraction of the price, I was impressed. The Model C2 also did a decent job traversing grass. Gaining traction was an issue at times, but that’s common with most of the power wheelchairs and power assist devices I have used. The Model C2 has a tight turning radius for navigating small areas. I was able to do a complete 360 on a ramp outside my house that is about 5 feet wide. For comparison, I can make the same turn in my manual chair but not my power chair.

The WHILL app allows you to switch between the three speed settings, lock and unlock the wheelchair, check the remaining battery life and range, and drive the Model C2 with a virtual joystick. The virtual joystick is useful for moving the wheelchair next to a bed or a car seat for easier transferring, but probably not ideal for regular driving.

Limited Configurations

The Model C2 does have a significant drawback that may affect its appeal for full-time power wheelchair users: limited customizability. As a C6 quadriplegic who is 6’3” and has no core control, the Model C2 did not fit me well and does not have standard options that would make it suitable for someone like me. The wheelchair has some customizability for back support height and back angle adjustment, but I am simply too tall for the wheelchair. The lack of lateral support options made it unsafe for me to use without someone nearby in case I lost my balance. I can only safely recommend the Model C2 to individuals with a body frame that fits the Model C2 and those with core control and good balance. If you are unsure if that’s you, I’d recommend contacting a dealer to try a Model C2 and see how it feels.

The cushion that comes standard with the Model C2 leaves a little to be desired as well. It is comfortable enough, but I would not use it for extended periods without monitoring my skin for signs of pressure. If I were to use the Model C2, I would use my own wheelchair cushion.

The Model C2 also lacks powered features that more expensive power wheelchairs offer, like tilt, recline and elevate, but that seems reasonable for the $3,999 price. The target market for the Model C2 is not necessarily those who need those functions in a wheelchair.

Despite the issues I had with the Model C2 because of my height and lack of core function, I think it is a great wheelchair for those looking for a compact power wheelchair that is easy to travel with and is relatively affordable. The Model C2 would be best for a para, a quad with core control, or someone who is ambulatory but wants a power wheelchair that is functional for many daily tasks and won’t break the bank.

The Model C2 is available in seat widths of 16, 18 and 20 inches and has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds. You can choose from six colors to customize the arm covers and many accessories, including lap belts, extra batteries and joystick designs. The Model C2 is available from many online retailers like Amazon for $3,999 (sometimes still listed as the Ci2). Medicare and Medicaid do not cover the Model C2, but some customers have successfully obtained payment from private insurance companies. For more information about the Model C2 and other products from WHILL, please visit whill.inc.