A motorized wheelchair or electric-powered wheelchair (EPW) is a wheelchair that is moved around by means of an electric motor and navigational controls rather than manual power. Motorized wheelchairs are useful for those who are too weak to or otherwise unable to move around themselves in a manual wheelchair. They may also be issued to those with cardiovascular conditions.

Four general styles of electric powered chairs (EPWs) exist: rear, center, front wheel driven or four wheel driven. two other types are the tracked wheelchairs i.e, the trackabout epw or the tank chair that uses atv tracks Each style has particular handling characteristics. EPWs are also divided by seat type; some models resemble manual chairs, with a sling-style seat and frame, whereas others have 'captain's chair' seating like that of an automobile. EPWs run the gamut from small and portable models, which can be folded or disassembled, to very large and heavy full-featured chairs (these are often called 'rehab' chairs).

EPWs may be designed specifically for indoor use, outdoor use, or both. They are generally prescribed for persons who have difficulty using a manual chair due to arm, hand, shoulder or more general disabling conditions, and do not have the leg strength to propel a manual chair with their feet, a practice not generally recommended by most Allied Health Professionals (AHPs).

The user typically controls speed and direction by operating a joystick on a controller. Many other input devices can be used if the user lacks coordination or the use of the hands or fingers, such as chin controls and sip-and-puff scanners for those with C2-3 spinal cord lesions or head injuries (the user blows into a tube located near the mouth, which controls the movement of the chair). This controller is the most delicate and usually the most expensive part of the chair. EPWs can offer various powered functions such as tilt, recline, leg elevation, seat elevation, and others useful or necessary to health and function.

EPWs use electric motors to move the wheels. They are usually powered by 4 or 5 amp deep-cycle rechargeable batteries, similar to those used to power outboard boat engines. These are available in wet or dry options; currently dry cell batteries are more popular[citation needed]. Many EPWs carry an on-board charger which can be plugged into a standard wall outlet; older or more portable models may have a separate charger unit.

Power Wheel Chairs

Heavy-Duty Power Chairs

Standard Power Chairs