Are you looking for wheelchair umbrellas to add to your travel chair?
As you’ll find out, umbrellas are a great accessory for wheelchair users, especially if you love spending time outside.
But it can be difficult to pick the right one for your manual or power wheelchair, and that’s why we’re here with our comprehensive reviews!
Let’s start with a quick look at our top picks, then keep reading for all the glorious details.
READ MORE: Top 10 Best Newest Wheelchairs
Table of Contents
What to Consider When Buying a Wheelchair Umbrella?
Let’s talk about what features you should consider when choosing a wheelchair shade.
1. Material
The perfect umbrellas for wheelchairs should be made from durable material so that they don’t break apart.
Preferably, you want the material to have an ultraviolet protection factor. As specialists explain, umbrellas with UPF 50 “reduce your skin’s UV radiation exposure by 50 times.”
2. Compatibility
Most umbrellas and holders have a universal clamp design for attaching to different square and tubular surfaces.
But you should ensure that the canopy is large enough to provide coverage and that the umbrella height is right for you.
3. Flexibility
The ideal umbrella for wheelchairs should be flexible enough to allow you to adjust the angle for maximum protection against the elements.
Umbrella for Wheelchair Top Picks at a Glance
- Winner: The Wheelchair Umbrella by Sammons Preston
- Most Stylish: Double Layer Inverted Big C-Shaped
- Best Budget-Friendly: Versa-Brella Adjustable Umbrella
- Best for Beach Goers: The Beach Umbrella with Adjustable Clamp by AMMSUN
- Best Extra-Large Clamp Umbrella: G4Free Adjustable Outdoor Beach Chair Umbrella
Best 5 Wheelchair Umbrellas Review Guide
It can be difficult to hold/carry a classic umbrella in your hands and operate your manual wheelchair. And even the best wheelchairs don’t have built-in protection against the elements.
Fortunately, you don’t have to stay indoors in rainy/sunny weather, thanks to the invention of umbrellas for wheelchairs.
We’re here with our top 5 reviews to help you choose the best one for your wheelchair model.
1. Winner: The Wheelchair Umbrella by Sammons Preston
If you’re looking for something stylish and durable, you can’t go wrong with Sammons Preston and their impressive wheelchair umbrella design.
Physical Attributes
- Blue and white in color
- Rain/sun protection
- Adjustable stem
- Universal clamp design
Quantitative Measurements
- 40″ in diameter when opened
- 36 inches of a total length
- Weighs 12.7 ounces
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Open up to 40 inches in diameter to ensure maximum protection against raindrops and UV rays | Some customers state that the clam’s design needs improvement |
| Adjustable umbrella stem | A user notes that the umbrella doesn’t perform well in windy weather |
| Attaches easily to most types of chairs | |
| Easy to store |
Benefits
Sammons Preston umbrellas open up to 40 inches in diameter to ensure maximum protection against raindrops and UV rays.
Moreover, this canopy shade boasts an adjustable umbrella stem, so you can position it at different angles for maximum coverage depending on the weather.
Best of all, the Sammons Preston wheelchair umbrella for rain and sun protection, thanks to its unique, convenient design, attaches easily to most types of chairs.
And this umbrella for wheelchairs collapses for storage when you don’t need it anymore. As such, it won’t take much space around the house or in your luggage.
Drawbacks
Some customers state that the clam’s design needs improvement because it doesn’t stay secure to the wheelchair. A user also notes that the umbrella doesn’t perform well in windy weather.
How Does It Compare to Others and Why?
Unlike other attachable umbrellas, Sammons Preston’s item offers protection both from the sun, UV rays, and rain. It’s also very light and easy to use, even for people with disabilities.
How the Product Evolved
Sammons Preston doesn’t have any other umbrella products for comparison. But we’d like to see more color variation and a better clamp design to ensure stability.
Expert Tips
- You can attach the mounting clamp to any suitable tube surface, not only wheelchairs.
2. Most Stylish: Double Layer Inverted Big C-Shaped
If you’re looking for a colorful and stylish way to stay dry in your wheelchair, we’ve got just the thing for you!
Physical Attributes
- Alloy Steel frame
- C-shaped clamp
- Reverse design to keep you drier
- Steel ribs convert to legs so it can stand up on its own
Quantitative Measurements
- Weighs 1.1 pounds
- 31 x 1.9 x 1.9 inches
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Comes in 8 gorgeous color options | Some customers note that it doesn’t always open on the first try. |
| C-clamp lets you hold it or hook it onto your wheelchair | No warranty, but they do have a money-back guarantee |
| Super-strong steel ribs | While affordable, some say it doesn’t last long. |
| Very affordable |
Benefits
We like these umbrellas for wheelchairs because they’re made with great care and come in several pretty colors to suit any taste.
Moreover, thanks to the C clamp, you can attach these umbrellas to any surface type, be it a wheelchair, a stroller, or a kitchen chair. You can even carry it hands-free by attaching it to your arm.
Best of all, the umbrella is strong enough to withstand winds and can protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Drawbacks
Several customers note that this umbrella doesn’t always open on the first try.
Also, while the vast majority of customers say that it lasted a long time, some say if you use it every day it doesn’t hold up well. Still, it’ll last at least as long as you’d expect for the price.
How Does it Compare to Others and Why?
Unlike other wheelchair umbrellas we’ve reviewed, this one is handmade, and you can adjust it to face any direction.
How the Product Evolved
The seller doesn’t have other similar products for comparison. But we’d like to see it available in different sizes.
Expert Tips
- While it comes with a carrying bag, it’s a bit challenging to roll tight enough to fit into it. You may want to bring along a larger bag for it.
3. Best Budget-Friendly: Versa-Brella Adjustable Umbrella
If you’re looking for affordable umbrellas for wheelchairs, Sport-Brella has you covered with its excellent selection.
Physical Attributes
- UPF 50 protection
- Universal clamp
- 4-way swiveling design with two buttons
- Made from PVC, PA6, fabric, and steel
Quantitative Measurements
- Weighs 1.8 pounds
- It opens to 40 x 42 inches
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Excellent choice for any manual wheelchair | Some customers note that Sport–Brella’s umbrellas don’t perform well in windy weather |
| Universal clamp that attaches to square and tubular surfaces | Customer service is very slow to respond to issues. |
| Made of heavy-duty material with UPF 50 protection | If the clamp breaks, the umbrella is rendered useless. |
| Light, versatile, and easy to install | |
| Affordable |
Benefits
Sport-Brella’s shade canopy is an excellent choice for any manual wheelchair, thanks to its universal clamp that attaches to square and tubular surfaces.
Moreover, it’s made of heavy-duty material with UPF 50 protection to stop UV rays and protect your skin. And you can adjust it in any direction for maximum comfort and convenience.
Best of all, this umbrella for wheelchair users is light, versatile, and easy to install. And its affordable price makes it suitable for any budget.
Drawback
Some customers note that Sport–Brella’s umbrellas don’t perform well in windy weather and that the clamp is flimsy.
If that clamp does break, there’s really no way to replace or fix it, so the umbrella becomes useless.
How does it Compare to Others and Why
Sport-Brella’s hands-free wheelchair umbrella has a UPF 50 protection factor, and they’re available in an extra-large size for bigger chairs.
How the Product Evolved
This portable umbrella is lighter than other models from Sport-Bella and smaller in size to accommodate chair users.
Expert Tips
- You can attach this canopy shade to carts, strollers, and beach chairs.
4. Best for Beach Goers: The Beach Umbrella with Adjustable Clamp by AMMSUN
Umbrellas are a must to protect you from the sun, especially when you’re in a wheelchair and going on a beach vacation.
Physical Attributes
- Made from polyester and alloy steel
- UPF 50+
- 180-degree adjustment
- Portable iron clamp
Quantitative Measurements
- Weighs 1.87 pounds
- 43 inches in size
- Mounts to surfaces up to 1.38 inches
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Ergonomic design | Not suitable for bulky chairs |
| Allows you to adjust the angle for maximum protection | Some complaints about problems closing it. |
| Alloy steel frame is durable enough to withstand strong winds | Not ideal for super windy conditions. |
| Made from Oxford silver cloth with a UPF 50+ protection | |
| Folds into a compact shape |
Benefits
AMMSUN’s umbrellas impress with their ergonomic design, functionality, and stability.
This collapsible umbrella swivels 180-degrees to allow you to adjust the angle for maximum protection, while the alloy steel frame is durable enough to withstand strong winds.
Moreover, it’s made from Oxford silver cloth with a UPF 50+ protection factor to keep the harmful UV rays away from your skin.
And AMMSUN’s canopy folds into a compact shape so that you can carry it or store it in the matching carrying bag.
Drawbacks
The biggest drawback of this wheelchair shade is that it’s not suitable for bulky chairs. It fits square and round surfaces up to 1.38″ in diameter.
How does it Compare to Others, and Why?
AMMSUN’s wheelchair hands-free umbrella stands up among the competition with its compact design and convenient storage case.
How the Product Evolved
- Lighter and more versatile compared to other AMMSUN’s canopy shades.
Expert Tips
- AMMSUN has other large beach umbrellas with a sand anchor that might come in handy for wheelchair users.
5. Best Extra-Large Clamp Umbrella: G4Free Adjustable Outdoor Beach Chair Umbrella
Users with a larger wheelchair need a bigger canopy for proper protection from rain and sun. And G4Free doesn’t disappoint.
Physical Attributes
- UPF 50+
- High-density fabric with silver coating
- Universal adjustable clamp
- Portable carrying case
Quantitative Measurements
- 48.8 inches in diameter
- 34-inch long pole
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Suitable for different kinds of weather | Not the cheapest option |
| Reflects the heat to keep you cool | Some users note that the clamp is too weak and breaks easily |
| You can store the umbrella in its carrying case | |
| The universal clamp allows you to install it on different surfaces |
Benefits
Thanks to its high-density fabric and UPF 50+ protection factor, G4 Free’s umbrella with clamp is suitable for different kinds of weather.
It protects your skin from UV rays, reflects the heat to keep you cool, and is stable enough to withstand strong winds.
Moreover, you can store the umbrella in its carrying case when you don’t need it anymore, and the universal clamp allows you to install it on different surfaces.
Drawbacks
It is not the cheapest option.
Some users note that the clamp is too weak and breaks easily.
How Does it Compare to Others and Why?
Unlike other models we’ve reviewed, you can remove the clamp and use G4’s product as a traditional umbrella.
How the Product Evolved?
- Larger than the traditional umbrellas offered by G4 free
- Lengthen curtain for better protection
Expert Tips
- The umbrella might be too large for electric wheelchairs.
CHECK OUT: Best Wheelchair Cup Holder
CHECK:
- How to Get a Free Wheelchair for Elderly
- Best Gifts for Wheelchair Users
Best Wheelchair Umbrellas FAQs
How to Install an Umbrella in the Wheelchair?
Most umbrellas for power wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs have a universal clamp, which you attach and tighten to chair handles or armrests.
How to Choose the Best Wheelchair Umbrella Holder?
Look for wheelchair umbrella holders made of durable material to ensure they can hold a large canopy without bending.
Moreover, pay attention to the clamp size to determine if it will fit your chair. And check what kinds of umbrellas are compatible with the holder.
Can We Attach the Umbrella on Wooden Chairs?
It depends on the type of umbrellas you’ve purchase and the size of the clamp. Some models are suitable for beach chairs, but not all.
Conclusion
A dermatology study concludes, “Any fully-functioning handheld umbrella can block more than three-quarters of ultraviolet light.”
As such, wheelchair umbrellas are a great way to protect your skin from sunburn and harmful UV rays. They also come in handy in harsh weather conditions.
Our Final Recommendation
The Wheelchair Umbrella by Sammons Preston
References
- McMichael, Josette R., Emir Veledar, and Suephy C. Chen. 2013. “UV Radiation Protection by Handheld Umbrellas.” JAMA Dermatology 149 (6): 757. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2013.2519.
- staff, Science X. 2015. “Consumers Value Handmade Products: What’s Love Got to Do with It?” Phys.org. Phys.org. March 24, 2015. https://phys.org/news/2015-03-consumers-handmade-products.html.
- “Sun Protective Clothing – the Skin Cancer Foundation.” 2021. The Skin Cancer Foundation. May 28, 2021. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sun-protective-clothing/.
What do you think about these 5 best wheelchair umbrellas? Which cute umbrella is your favorite? Share your opinion in the comment section.
This is really interesting timing, I was debating if I should get a wheelchair umbrella or not but wasn’t sure if it was worth it for me, so this is a huge help thank you!
I am impressed with all of these choices. I am glad they are available for those who need them.
Thank you for this list!! I have a friend who would love to have an umbrella for her wheel chair.
This product is so useful for folks in wheelchairs. Glad to see that there is plenty to choose from.
This is always great to know. I have some family members in wheelchairs. I’m sure having an umbrella would be helpful for them.
I commend you for doing such a detailed review and compiling such useful information for wheelchair users. So there are umbrellas specific to wheelchairs, that’s something new I learned today.
This is not something I have had to think about, but for many people I’m sure it is very important and good know about the options available.
Great to know about all these information and options. It’s not always easy to find a reliable one.
What a great idea. As long as they stay on tight I’m sure they are a welcome accessory!
What a useful product to have. I could see this being useful in a lot of different situations.