Air Hawk Lightweight Foldable Electric Wheelchair Heavy Duty Compact Motorised Wheelchair

Air Hawk Foldable Electric Wheelchair NZ – Lightweight 180kg Power Chair

This foldable electric wheelchair is built for New Zealand users who don’t want to compromise. Some portable power chairs are compact but have a lower user-weight capacity, while heavier power wheelchairs may be difficult to lift, store or transport.

The Air Hawk foldable electric wheelchair combines a robust 180kg maximum user-weight capacity with a compact folding frame. It is designed for users who want a strong, practical and transportable motorised wheelchair for home, shopping, appointments, family outings and travel.

The Air Hawk weighs approximately 25.5kg without its batteries and approximately 28.5kg in total with batteries and controllers, which makes it a lightweight electric wheelchair for its 180kg capacity. It folds to fit into many vehicle boots and storage areas without needing to be dismantled into multiple major components.

This model may also be described as a folding electric wheelchair, portable electric wheelchair, collapsible electric wheelchair, folding power chair, motorised wheelchair, travel electric wheelchair or 180kg folding electric wheelchair. See all our folding electric wheelchairs.

Available colours include Black, Blue, Silver, Red and Yellow, subject to current stock availability.

Watch the Air Hawk Foldable Electric Wheelchair

Watch the Air Hawk being folded, driven and demonstrated to better understand its size, controls and everyday operation.

Why People Choose the Air Hawk

Why Engineering Matters

Unlike many online mobility retailers, Gilani Mobility combines qualified engineering expertise with practical mobility experience. Every recommendation is based not only on manufacturer specifications, but also on real-world usability, transportability and long-term reliability.

This Air Hawk Foldable Electric Wheelchair has been reviewed by Qualified Mechanical Engineer Ray Gilani, who considers factors such as overall dimensions, folded size, vehicle compatibility, weight capacity, stability, centre of gravity and everyday practicality to help customers make an informed decision.

Our goal is to provide practical mobility solutions that are safe, reliable and suited to everyday life in New Zealand.

A Heavy-Duty Folding Electric Wheelchair That Remains Transportable

The Air Hawk is intended for people who need more strength than a basic travel power chair but do not want the size and weight of a conventional full-size powered wheelchair.

Its 180kg weight capacity provides additional capacity for users who fit within its 46cm seat. The folding frame, removable batteries and compact stored dimensions make it easier to manage for transport than many large powerchairs.

It is important to consider both user weight and body dimensions. A chair can have sufficient weight capacity but still be unsuitable if the seat is too narrow, the armrest spacing is inadequate or the seating support does not match the user.

Contact us before ordering if you are uncertain whether the Air Hawk’s seat width, footrest arrangement or overall dimensions are right for you.

Air Hawk Key Features

• 180kg maximum user-weight capacity
• Compact folding frame
• Dual 250W brushless motors
• 360-degree joystick controller
• Joystick can be configured on the left or right side
• Removable 24V lithium batteries
• Flip-up armrests to assist with side transfers
• Removable and washable seat cushion
• Side-mounted batteries to reduce exposure to dirt and impact
• Suspension and shock absorption
• Electromagnetic braking system
• Under-seat storage bag
• Multiple colour choices
• Folds without tools

Air Hawk Specifications

Actual range, climbing performance and handling depend on user weight, battery condition, surface, incline, tyre condition, temperature and driving style. Measurements are approximate and should be confirmed when precise vehicle or home clearance is required.

How the Air Hawk Compares with Other Mobility Options

The right mobility product depends on where it will be used, how it will be transported and the level of seating support required. The following comparison is a general guide rather than a substitute for an individual assessment.

If the lowest lifting weight matters most, compare the Air Hawk with our carbon fibre one-touch foldable electric wheelchair. For longer outdoor trips, browse our mobility scooters.

Air Hawk vs a Typical Lightweight Folding Power Chair

What Is the Air Hawk Like to Use Day to Day?

The Air Hawk is designed to provide convenient powered mobility without the bulk of a traditional full-size powerchair. Its compact width helps with movement through many doorways, shop aisles, cafés and household spaces.

The joystick provides proportional control, allowing the user to adjust speed and direction. The joystick can be installed on the left or right armrest according to preference.

Flip-up armrests may assist with side transfers where the user’s transfer method and environment allow. The under-seat bag provides convenient storage for smaller personal items.

The chair may be suitable for:

• Home and indoor mobility
• Shopping centres and supermarkets
• Medical appointments
• Cafés and restaurants
• Family visits
• Community activities
• Suitable paved outdoor paths
• Travel and holidays
• Users who become fatigued walking longer distances

Indoor and Outdoor Use

The Air Hawk can be used indoors and on suitable outdoor surfaces. Its dual motors and suspension help it travel over maintained paths and some light uneven terrain.

However, a foldable travel wheelchair should not be treated as an all-terrain vehicle. Surface conditions must always be assessed before proceeding.

Suitable environments may include:

• Indoor flooring
• Shopping centres
• Sealed footpaths
• Smooth concrete
• Maintained park paths
• Short, firm grass under suitable conditions
• Light gravel where the surface is stable and compacted

Avoid or use particular caution around:

• Loose sand
• Mud
• Deep gravel
• Waterlogged grass
• Large potholes
• High kerbs
• Unprotected drop-offs
• Steep cross-slopes
• Slippery surfaces
• Floodwater or heavy rain

Where steps or kerbs are unavoidable at home, a portable wheelchair ramp may help. See our guide to wheelchair ramp gradient standards in New Zealand before choosing a ramp length.

Will the Air Hawk Fit in My Car Boot?

The folded Air Hawk measures approximately 78cm long and 34cm high. Whether it fits into a particular vehicle depends on the boot opening, boot depth, parcel shelf, seat position and available lifting clearance.

Before ordering, measure:

• The narrowest width of the boot opening
• The boot-opening height
• The usable boot depth
• Clearance under the parcel shelf
• The height over the boot lip
• Available space after other equipment is loaded

Do not rely only on the vehicle manufacturer’s total luggage-volume figure. A boot may have sufficient overall volume but an opening that is too narrow or a boot lip that makes lifting difficult.

Where lifting approximately 25.5–28.5kg is unsuitable, consider a portable boot hoist. It can reduce the physical effort required to lift a folded electric wheelchair into a compatible car, SUV or van.

Make Loading Easier with a Portable Boot Hoist

Although the Air Hawk is more transportable than many full-size powered wheelchairs, it remains a substantial mobility device. Repeated lifting may not be suitable for people with back, shoulder, balance or strength limitations.

A portable wheelchair boot hoist can lift the folded chair from the ground and position it into the vehicle, reducing manual handling. Other options include a foldable wheelchair boot hoist and a wheelchair carrier.

A boot-hoist assessment should consider:

• The vehicle boot-opening dimensions
• The boot lip and load height
• The folded wheelchair size
• The available lifting headroom
• Suitable anchoring or stabilisation
• The user’s ability to operate and store the hoist

Travel and Airline Use

The Air Hawk has removable lithium batteries and may be suitable for air travel, subject to approval by the individual airline.

The phrase airline-friendly electric wheelchair does not mean that every airline will automatically accept the chair or battery without prior notice. Airlines may have different booking, battery, packaging, labelling and documentation requirements. For general guidance, see our articles on New Zealand wheelchair airline policies and getting wheelchair service at the airport.

Before flying:

• Contact the airline before travel
• Advise that you will be travelling with a powered wheelchair
• Confirm the lithium battery specifications
• Ask whether the batteries must be removed
• Confirm how battery terminals must be protected
• Request written confirmation where possible
• Ask how the wheelchair will be handled and returned at your destination
• Remove loose accessories before handing the chair over
• Take photographs of the wheelchair before check-in

Airline requirements can change, so always obtain current instructions directly from your carrier before departure.

Battery and Charging Information

The Air Hawk uses a removable 24V lithium battery system. Charging normally takes approximately four to six hours, depending on battery condition and charger operation.

Battery care recommendations:

• Use only the correct compatible charger
• Charge in a dry, ventilated area
• Do not cover the charger during operation
• Keep the battery and charging connection dry
• Do not expose the battery to excessive heat
• Do not leave the wheelchair inside a hot vehicle for extended periods
• Inspect connectors before use
• Store according to the supplied instructions
• Recharge periodically during extended storage

Who Is the Air Hawk Suitable For?

The Air Hawk may suit a person who:

• Wants a foldable electric wheelchair for travel or vehicle transport
• Needs a higher 180kg capacity but fits a standard 46cm seat
• Finds walking longer distances difficult or fatiguing
• Wants independent joystick-controlled mobility
• Needs a compact power chair for home and community use
• Wants a chair that can be folded without tools
• Needs left- or right-hand joystick positioning
• Does not require powered tilt, recline or highly customised clinical seating

Who May Need a Different Wheelchair?

The Air Hawk may not be the right choice where the user:

• Requires an extra-wide or bariatric seat
• Needs powered tilt, recline, elevating leg rests or seat elevation
• Requires customised postural support
• Will use the wheelchair mainly on rough off-road terrain
• Needs the lightest possible chair for frequent lifting
• Cannot safely use a standard joystick
• Needs a wheelchair for continuous intensive full-time use
• Requires attendant-operated controls as a primary control method

For larger seat widths and specialised higher-capacity options, view our bariatric electric wheelchair. Where a carer needs to drive the chair, see our electric wheelchair with carer remote control.

You can also compare the broader electric wheelchair range available in New Zealand.

Choosing the Correct Seat Width

Maximum user weight is only one part of wheelchair selection. The user should also have appropriate space through the hips and thighs without excessive lateral pressure.

A seat that is too narrow can create discomfort and pressure, while a seat that is excessively wide may reduce support and make access to the armrests or joystick more difficult.

When checking suitability, consider:

• User hip width while seated
• Clothing thickness
• Armrest spacing
• Seat depth
• Foot placement
• Transfer method
• Any pressure-care cushion being used

For typical seat and overall widths by chair type, see our guide to the normal width of a wheelchair. Contact our team with the user’s measurements if you need help checking suitability before ordering.

Funding Options in New Zealand

Some New Zealand customers may be able to seek support through ACC or health-funded equipment pathways administered through organisations such as Enable New Zealand or Accessable. Our guide on how to get a wheelchair for free in New Zealand explains the main pathways.

Gilani Mobility can provide a written quote or invoice for you to submit to your funder, case manager, health professional or support organisation.

To request documentation, send us the user’s name, delivery location, required product, colour preference and any information your funding provider has asked to receive.

Contact Gilani Mobility for a written funding quote.

Why Buy the Air Hawk from Gilani Mobility?

An electric wheelchair should not be selected only from an online photograph or price. Capacity, dimensions, transport weight, seating, controls and intended terrain all matter.

Gilani Mobility is connected to Gilani Engineering, an active mobility and vehicle-engineering company involved in wheelchair transport, accessible vehicle systems, mobility equipment and custom engineering.

Reviewed by Ramin “Ray” Gilani

Warranty, Delivery and Support

The Air Hawk is supplied with a 12-month manufacturer warranty, subject to the applicable warranty conditions, correct use and normal exclusions.

Delivery is available throughout New Zealand. Delivery timing may vary according to the destination, current stock and freight network.

Gilani Mobility currently provides product support remotely by phone and email. We do not claim to have a walk-in New Zealand showroom or nationwide mobile repair network.

Before ordering, customers should consider how routine maintenance or repairs will be managed in their location. Our team can provide remote guidance and discuss replacement parts or next steps where required.

Basic Maintenance

Regular inspection helps keep the wheelchair safe and reliable.

• Check tyres and wheels for visible wear or damage
• Keep the frame clean and dry
• Remove hair and debris from moving wheel areas
• Inspect the joystick cable and connections
• Confirm the battery is correctly installed
• Check that folding and locking points engage correctly
• Listen for unusual motor, brake or bearing noises
• Stop using the wheelchair if its handling changes unexpectedly

Do not pressure-wash the chair or immerse electrical components. Seek technical advice before modifying wiring, batteries, controls, motors or structural components.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum user weight of the Air Hawk?

The Air Hawk has a maximum user-weight capacity of 180kg. The user must also fit appropriately within the approximately 46cm-wide seat.

Is the Air Hawk a bariatric electric wheelchair?

It has a heavy-duty 180kg capacity, but it does not have an extra-wide bariatric seat. Users who need greater seat width should view our bariatric electric wheelchair.

Is the Air Hawk a lightweight electric wheelchair?

For a 180kg-rated folding electric wheelchair, yes. It weighs approximately 25.5kg without batteries. If the lowest possible lifting weight is the priority and the user is within a lower weight limit, compare our carbon fibre foldable electric wheelchair.

How much does the Air Hawk weigh?

It weighs approximately 25.5kg without the batteries and approximately 28.5kg in total with batteries and controllers.

Does the Air Hawk fold?

Yes. It folds in seconds without tools for storage and vehicle transport.

Will it fit in a car boot?

It fits into many car boots, but compatibility depends on the boot opening and usable storage space. The folded chair is approximately 78cm long and 34cm high. Measure the vehicle before ordering.

What can I use if the wheelchair is too heavy to lift?

A portable boot hoist may assist with lifting the folded wheelchair into a compatible car, SUV or van.

How fast does the Air Hawk travel?

Its maximum speed is approximately 6km/h, depending on conditions.

How far can it travel on one charge?

The stated range is up to approximately 18km. Actual range depends on user weight, terrain, incline, battery condition, temperature and driving style.

Can the Air Hawk be used indoors?

Yes. Its compact dimensions and approximately 58cm overall width make it suitable for many indoor environments. Doorways, turning spaces and thresholds should still be measured where clearance is limited.

Can the Air Hawk travel on grass?

It may travel over short, firm and relatively level grass under suitable conditions. Wet, soft, muddy or uneven grass can reduce traction and stability and should be avoided.

Can it be used on gravel?

It may handle light, firm and compacted gravel, but it is not intended for deep or loose gravel.

Can it climb hills?

The published maximum slope is up to 12 degrees under suitable controlled conditions. This should not be treated as approval for every hill. Surface grip, user weight, cross-slope, turns and stopping distance must always be considered.

Can I take the Air Hawk on an aeroplane?

The chair has removable lithium batteries and may be accepted for air travel. Approval depends on the airline, aircraft and current battery requirements. Contact the airline before booking or travelling.

Is the Air Hawk airline approved?

There is no single approval that guarantees acceptance by every airline. It is more accurate to describe it as airline-friendly because it uses removable lithium batteries. The airline makes the final decision.

Can the joystick be fitted on the left side?

Yes. The joystick can be fitted on either the left or right armrest.

Is the Air Hawk suitable for an elderly person?

It may be suitable for an older person who can safely operate the joystick and does not require specialised postural seating. Individual strength, cognition, vision, transfer ability and environment should be considered.

Can a carer operate it?

The standard joystick is intended to be mounted on an armrest for the seated user. If a carer needs to drive the chair, see our electric wheelchair with carer remote control, or contact us to discuss the right control arrangement.

Does the chair have electromagnetic brakes?

Yes. The Air Hawk uses an electromagnetic braking system. Users should still become familiar with stopping response at a low speed in a safe area before normal use.

How long does charging take?

Charging generally takes approximately four to six hours, depending on the battery’s condition and remaining charge.

What colours are available?

Colour options include Black, Blue, Silver, Red and Yellow, subject to current stock availability.

Can I apply for funding?

Some users may seek funding through ACC or health-funded equipment pathways administered through organisations such as Enable New Zealand or Accessable. Approval is not guaranteed. We can provide a quote or invoice for submission.

Does it include a warranty?

The Air Hawk is supplied with a 12-month manufacturer warranty, subject to the applicable terms and exclusions.

Do you have a showroom in New Zealand?

Gilani Mobility does not currently claim to operate a walk-in physical showroom in New Zealand. Product enquiries and support are handled remotely by phone and email.

Order the Air Hawk Foldable Electric Wheelchair

The Air Hawk is a practical choice for users seeking a foldable electric wheelchair in New Zealand with a higher 180kg user-weight capacity, compact storage dimensions, dual motors and removable lithium batteries.

Before ordering, confirm that the 46cm seat width, chair weight, intended terrain and folded dimensions match your requirements.

Explore Related Mobility Options

• Electric Wheelchairs New Zealand – compare portable, lightweight and heavy-duty powered mobility options.
• Folding Electric Wheelchairs – compare every foldable model we supply.
• Carbon Fibre Foldable Electric Wheelchair – a lighter option when lifting weight is the priority.
• Bariatric Electric Wheelchair – consider this option when a wider seat or specialised high-capacity arrangement is required.
• Electric Wheelchair with Carer Remote Control – for when a carer needs to drive the chair.
• Portable Boot Hoist – reduce the effort required to load a folded wheelchair into a compatible vehicle.
• Manual Wheelchairs – view non-powered mobility options.
• Wheelchair Accessories – explore accessories for comfort, storage and everyday use.
• Wheelchair Travel in New Zealand – planning tips for trips with a wheelchair.
• Contact Gilani Mobility – request product advice, availability information or a written funding quote.

Product disclaimer:
Product measurements, range and performance figures are approximate and may vary with configuration, user weight, terrain, battery condition, environment and normal product updates. This page provides general product information and does not replace an assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional where clinical seating, postural support or complex mobility needs are involved.