Pride Jazzy Select GT Review: A Lightweight Power Wheelchair Worth Considering
If you or a loved one needs reliable indoor-outdoor mobility without wrestling a 300-pound power chair into a vehicle, the Pride Jazzy Select GT deserves a serious look. We researched this lightweight portable power wheelchair extensively, and it hits a practical sweet spot between full-size power chairs and ultralight travel models.
Product Overview
The Pride Jazzy Select GT is a mid-range power wheelchair from Pride Mobility, one of the most established names in the mobility industry. It falls into the portable/lightweight category, designed for users who need powered mobility both at home and on the go. With a weight capacity of 300 pounds, mid-wheel drive configuration, and a turning radius under 23 inches, the Select GT targets users who want maneuverability in tight spaces without sacrificing outdoor capability.
Key specifications:
- Drive type: Mid-wheel drive with six wheels
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Total weight: Approximately 120 lbs (with batteries)
- Turning radius: 22.75 inches
- Top speed: Up to 4 mph
- Range: Up to 15 miles per charge (varies by terrain and user weight)
- Batteries: Two 12V sealed lead-acid batteries (Group 22NF)
- Seat width options: 16", 18", 20"
Our Research and Assessment
The Jazzy Select GT shines in everyday home use. The mid-wheel drive design gives it remarkably tight turning capability — we're talking about navigating a standard hallway or turning around in a kitchen without a 12-point turn. For anyone living in an apartment or older home with narrow doorways, this is a genuine advantage over rear-wheel drive competitors.
The joystick controller is responsive without being twitchy. Pride uses their standard VSI joystick, which most users find intuitive from the first session. Speed adjustments are smooth, and the chair handles transitions between surfaces — carpet to tile, indoor to outdoor — without jarring stops or lurches.
Getting the Select GT into a vehicle is where the "lightweight portable" description gets tested. At around 120 pounds fully assembled, you're not lifting this chair. However, it disassembles into manageable pieces. The seat lifts off, the battery pack disconnects, and the base can be loaded into a minivan or SUV. It's not as convenient as a folding travel chair, but it's significantly lighter than full-size power wheelchairs that can weigh 250 pounds or more.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional turning radius for indoor navigation
- Mid-wheel drive provides stable, predictable handling
- Disassembles for transport without tools
- Comfortable padded seat with adjustable armrests
- 15-mile range covers a full day of typical use
- Pride Mobility's nationwide service network for repairs
- Compatible with widely available Group 22NF replacement batteries
Cons:
- "Lightweight" is relative — still 120 lbs assembled
- Anti-tip casters can catch on uneven outdoor terrain
- No suspension system makes rough surfaces uncomfortable
- Standard charger takes 8-10 hours for a full charge
- Seat cushion is adequate but not exceptional for all-day sitting
- Limited recline options compared to higher-end models
Performance Breakdown
Build Quality: 8/10
The frame is solid steel with a powder-coat finish that resists everyday scuffs. The Select GT feels well-built without unnecessary bulk. Armrests, footrests, and the joystick mount all feel secure. The weakest point is the seat upholstery, which shows wear faster than the frame deserves.
Maneuverability: 9/10
This is where the Jazzy Select GT earns its reputation. The 22.75-inch turning radius is among the best in its class. Mid-wheel drive with front and rear caster wheels creates a stable six-point contact that handles turns confidently. Indoor navigation is genuinely excellent.
Portability: 6/10
Pride markets this as portable, and technically it is — it disassembles and fits in a vehicle. But compared to true travel power chairs like the Pride Go Chair or the EZ-GO, the process is more involved and the pieces are heavier. If frequent transport is your primary need, consider a dedicated travel chair.
Battery Life and Replacement: 7/10
The 15-mile rated range holds up reasonably well in real-world use. Expect 10-12 miles with a heavier user on mixed terrain. The Group 22NF batteries are a standard size, widely available from medical supply stores and online retailers for $50-80 each. Budget for replacement every 12-18 months with daily use. New batteries restore full performance immediately — a common and worthwhile maintenance step.
Value: 8/10
Compared to similar chairs from Permobil, Quantum, or Invacare, the Jazzy Select GT delivers competitive performance at a lower price point. It frequently qualifies for Medicare/Medicaid coverage under Group 2 power wheelchair codes, which significantly reduces out-of-pocket costs.
Who Should Buy the Jazzy Select GT
- Home-primary users who need powered mobility mainly indoors with occasional outdoor use
- Users in tight living spaces — apartments, older homes, assisted living rooms
- Budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable mid-range power chair without premium pricing
- Users who occasionally transport their chair but don't need daily vehicle loading
- Anyone replacing an aging Jazzy model — the Select GT is a natural upgrade path within the Pride ecosystem
Who Should Skip This
- Frequent travelers — if you load your chair into a car daily, invest in a true travel power chair under 60 lbs
- Users over 280 lbs — the 300 lb limit leaves minimal margin; consider a bariatric wheelchair options rated for 400+ lbs
- Rough terrain users — no suspension means gravel, grass, and cracked sidewalks are uncomfortable
- All-day sitters — if you spend 10+ hours in the chair, invest in a model with better seating and pressure relief options
- Users needing tilt or extensive recline — the Select GT's seating adjustments are basic
Alternatives Worth Considering
Pride Go Chair
If portability is your top priority, the Go Chair weighs about 48 lbs and folds down quickly. You sacrifice range (8 miles) and weight capacity (250 lbs), but vehicle transport is dramatically easier. A strong choice if you split time between walking and wheeling.
Drive Medical Titan AXS
A mid-wheel drive competitor with a 400 lb weight capacity and 20-inch turning radius. It's heavier and pricier, but offers more seat adjustability and a higher weight rating. Worth a look if you're near the Jazzy Select GT's 300 lb limit.
Quantum Q6 Edge 2.0
A step up in every category — better suspension, more seating options, tighter turning radius. But the price reflects it. If insurance covers a Group 3 power wheelchair, the Q6 Edge is the chair to beat. If you're paying out of pocket, the Jazzy Select GT delivers 80% of the experience at roughly half the cost.
Where to Buy
The Pride Jazzy Select GT is available through authorized Pride Mobility dealers, major online medical supply retailers, and marketplace listings. When purchasing, verify that batteries are included and check warranty coverage — Pride offers a limited lifetime warranty on the frame and a 13-month warranty on electronics.
Check current prices on Amazon
Browse listings on eBay — eBay is particularly useful for finding refurbished units or chairs with new replacement batteries at a discount. Filter by "Top Rated" sellers for added buyer protection.
If you're replacing batteries on an existing Jazzy Select GT, standard Group 22NF sealed lead-acid batteries are the correct fit. Find replacement batteries here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do the batteries last on a Pride Jazzy Select GT?
A full charge provides up to 15 miles of range under ideal conditions. Real-world use with a typical adult on mixed surfaces averages 10-12 miles. The batteries themselves last 12-18 months before needing replacement with daily use, or 2-3 years with lighter use.
Can the Jazzy Select GT handle outdoor terrain?
It handles smooth pavement, sidewalks, and packed surfaces well. It struggles on grass, gravel, and significantly cracked or uneven ground due to the lack of a suspension system. It's best described as an indoor-primary chair with outdoor capability on reasonable surfaces.
Does Medicare cover the Jazzy Select GT?
Yes, it typically qualifies under Medicare's Group 2 Standard power wheelchair category (K0823). Coverage requires a face-to-face exam, a prescription from your physician, and documentation of medical necessity. Your authorized dealer can help navigate the paperwork.
How do you transport the Jazzy Select GT in a car?
The chair disassembles without tools into several pieces: the seat lifts off, the battery pack disconnects, and the base can be loaded via a vehicle ramp or lift. A minivan or SUV is recommended. Alternatively, a vehicle-mounted power wheelchair lift eliminates manual lifting entirely.
What is the weight of the heaviest piece when disassembled?
The base frame without batteries and seat is the heaviest single component at approximately 60-65 lbs. The battery pack weighs around 25 lbs. The seat assembly weighs approximately 25-30 lbs. A caregiver or family member can manage these pieces, though a vehicle lift is recommended for regular transport.
How does the Jazzy Select GT compare to the Jazzy Select 6?
The Select GT is the lighter, more portable option in Pride's mid-range lineup. The Select 6 offers a slightly longer range and a beefier frame but weighs more and is harder to transport. If you never plan to move the chair between locations, the Select 6 may be worth the extra stability. For anyone who occasionally transports their chair, the GT is the better choice.
Final Verdict
The Pride Jazzy Select GT is a well-rounded mid-range power wheelchair that excels at indoor navigation and delivers respectable outdoor performance on smooth surfaces. It won't win awards for portability or rough-terrain handling, but for home-primary users who want reliable powered mobility with the option to transport when needed, it's one of the smartest values in its class. If your living situation demands tight-space maneuverability and your budget doesn't stretch to premium models, the Jazzy Select GT is a confident recommendation. Pair it with proper bathroom safety aids and an adjustable bed for a complete home mobility setup. ```