Description
The Drive Cruiser III Lightweight Wheelchair is the lightweight chair that adjusts to the rider instead of the other way around — the seat depth extends, the seat height drops to hemi, and the arms flip back out of the way for transfers, all on a carbon steel frame that weighs as little as 35 lb. It is the chair clinics spec by default and home users keep for years: simple, strong, and fitted in minutes. Choose your seat width and your riggings, and the Cruiser III is ready to roll.
- Dual axle — seat height adjusts between 17.5 in hemi and 19.5 in standard
- Seat depth extends from 16 in to 18 in with built-in seat rail extensions
- Padded flip-back full-length arms — removable for side transfers
- 16 in, 18 in and 20 in seats with swing-away footrests or elevating legrests
- Carbon steel frame in a silver-vein finish, 35 to 38 lb by width
The Lightweight Chair That Adjusts Instead of Compromising
Most lightweight chairs make you pick your compromises at checkout: one fixed seat depth, one fixed height, arms that fight you at every transfer. The Cruiser III was designed out of that trap. Built-in seat rail extensions and extendable upholstery take the seat from 16 in to 18 in deep as the rider's needs change. The dual axle drops the seat to a 17.5 in hemi height for foot propulsion or holds it at 19.5 in standard. And because the frame eliminates seat guides, it accepts custom backs and accessories cleanly — a chair that can be re-fitted instead of replaced.
Features and Benefits
Frame and Fit
- Carbon Steel Frame, Silver-Vein Finish – Lightweight strength with a chip-resistant finish that stays presentable through daily use.
- Adjustable Seat Depth – Seat rail extensions and extendable upholstery adjust depth from 16 in to 18 in — one chair fits through growth, cushions, and changing posture.
- Dual Axle – Two seat-to-floor heights, 17.5 in hemi or 19.5 in standard, so the chair fits foot-propel and attendant use alike.
Arms, Riggings, and Transfers
- Padded Flip-Back Full-Length Arms – Flip them back for side transfers, remove them entirely when needed; full-length support the rest of the day.
- Tool-Free Adjustable-Length Riggings – Swing-away footrests or elevating legrests, adjusted and removed without tools.
- Push-to-Lock Wheel Locks – A secure hold that keeps the chair steady for safer transfers.
Wheels, Casters, and Bearings
- Composite Mag-Style Wheels – Light, strong, and low-maintenance, with sealed precision bearings front and rear.
- 8 in Front Casters, Three Positions – Caster height adjusts to match the seat height you set on the axle.
Product Specifications
Dimensions and Weights
- Seat Width Options: 16 in (40.6 cm), 18 in (45.7 cm), 20 in (50.8 cm)
- Seat Depth: Adjustable, 16 in (40.6 cm) to 18 in (45.7 cm)
- Seat-to-Floor Height: 17.5 in (44.5 cm) hemi to 19.5 in (49.5 cm) standard, dual axle
- Overall Length (with riggings): 42 in (106.7 cm)
- Overall Width: 24 in (61 cm) for 16 in; 26 in (66 cm) for 18 in; 28 in (71.1 cm) for 20 in
- Overall Height: 35 in (88.9 cm)
- Folded Dimensions: 42 in (106.7 cm) x 12 in (30.5 cm) x 35 in (88.9 cm)
- Back Height: 16 in (40.6 cm)
- Product Weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg) for 16 in; 36 lb (16.3 kg) for 18 in; 38 lb (17.2 kg) for 20 in
- Carton Shipping Weight: 43 lb (19.5 kg) to 48.5 lb (22 kg), by width and rigging
Capacity and Construction
- Weight Capacity: 300 lb (136.1 kg) for 16 in and 18 in; 350 lb (158.8 kg) for 20 in
- Frame: Carbon steel, silver-vein finish
- Upholstery: Nylon, black
- HCPCS Code: K0003
Running Gear
- Wheels: Composite mag-style
- Front Casters: 8 in (20.3 cm), adjustable in three positions
- Bearings: Sealed precision
- Wheel Locks: Push-to-lock
Warranty and Configuration
- Warranty: Limited lifetime (per Drive)
- Armrests: Padded full-length, flip-back, detachable
- Front Riggings: Swing-away footrests or elevating legrests, tool-free adjustable length
- Warranty Terms: Defects are covered by repair or replacement at Drive's option; misuse, negligence, and normal wear are excluded (owner's manual).
Shopping the wider range? Compare this chair with our other wheelchairs, browse all mobility aids for transfer and daily-living support, or read our wheelchair buying guide.
Why the Cruiser III Became the Default Lightweight Chair
There is a reason this chair shows up in clinics, rental fleets, and homes everywhere: it fits more riders, more ways, than anything else at its weight. Adjust the depth, adjust the height, flip the arms, swap the riggings — the Cruiser III is fitted in minutes and stays in service for years.
- Fit That Adjusts – Depth, height, arms, and riggings all adapt to the rider, not the catalogue.
- 35 lb Starting Weight – Carbon steel strength without the steel-chair lift weight.
- 350 lb at 20 Inches – The wide seat carries real capacity, not a derated frame.
- Custom-Back Ready – No seat guides in the way of the backs and accessories riders add later.
Manuals and Troubleshooting Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Which seat widths does this listing offer, and what do they carry?
16 in and 18 in seats are rated to 300 lb; the 20 in seat is rated to 350 lb. All three come with flip-back full-length arms and your choice of swing-away footrests or elevating legrests.
What does the dual axle actually do?
It gives the seat two heights on the same frame: a 17.5 in hemi height that lets the rider reach the floor for foot propulsion, and a 19.5 in standard height for attendant pushing and easier standing.
How does the adjustable seat depth work?
Built-in seat rail extensions and extendable upholstery move the seat from 16 in to 18 in deep, so leg length, cushion choice, and posture changes can be fitted on the chair you already own.
What is the difference between swing-away footrests and elevating legrests?
Swing-away footrests move aside for transfers and foot propulsion. Elevating legrests raise and extend to support the legs — the usual choice for circulation, swelling, or post-surgical positioning.
How do I adjust the wheel locks?
Engage both locks before transfers. Per the owner's manual, the lock shoe must embed the tire by at least 1/8 in when engaged: loosen the carriage-bolt nut, slide the clamp toward the rear wheel while the handle is in the locked position, tighten, and test the hold before use.
What maintenance does this chair need?
Wipe the solid tires occasionally with a damp cloth and replace them if severely worn or cracking; inspect the front casters periodically and lubricate the stem and wheel bearings occasionally, tensioned so there is no play yet the wheels roll freely. Riggings remove without tools — push the release lever, swing them out, and lift off; refit footrests with the rider seated and at least 2-1/2 in of ground clearance under the plates.
What warranty does it carry?
Drive lists a limited lifetime warranty for this model.
