When searching for a Drive Medical K3 Cruiser III wheelchair for patients, healthcare administrators, caregivers, and recovering individuals require a versatile mobility solution that adapts smoothly across rehabilitation stages. Engineered with an agile carbon steel frame finished with a chip-resistant silver vein coating, the K318DDA-ELR model weighs under 36 lbs (without riggings) while supporting occupant loads up to 300 lbs. Purpose-built as a top-tier lightweight manual wheelchair, this versatile system delivers reliable daily performance across home healthcare settings, outpatient physical therapy clinics, and long-term care environments.
Lower-extremity rehabilitation, customizable seated posture, and effortless transfers are central to this 18″ × 16″ Cruiser III design. Tool-free elevating leg rests equipped with cushioned calf pads lift smoothly to support circulation, minimize dependent edema, and provide essential comfort for post-surgical orthopedic recovery. Padded desk-length armrests allow users to sit flush against kitchen tables and computer desks, and they flip backward cleanly or detach completely to create an unobstructed side profile for barrier-free sliding-board transfers to bed. Patented seat rail extensions and expandable nylon upholstery let caregivers adjust the seat depth from 16 to 18 inches to support changing pelvic alignment without purchasing a new frame. Built with an open-frame architecture that eliminates seat guides to accept custom back inserts, this chair features a dual-axle system for hemi-height foot propulsion, 3-position adjustable 8-inch front casters, composite mag-style wheels with precision sealed bearings, and direct push-to-lock brakes, ensuring this certified folding manual wheelchair provides smooth, low-maintenance rolling indoors and outdoors.
Key Features & Performance Benefits
- Reinforced carbon steel chassis safely supports adult users up to 300 lbs while weighing under 36 lbs
- Tool-free elevating leg rests with padded calf supports raise lower limbs smoothly to reduce swelling and edema
- Patented frame extensions and expandable nylon upholstery adjust seat depth from 16″ to 18″ without tools
- Padded desk-length armrests roll close to dining tables and flip backward cleanly for lateral bed transfers
- Dual-axle frame brackets allow seat-to-floor height adjustments between standard 19.5" and hemi 17.5" positions
- Precision sealed front and rear wheel bearings keep out dust, hair, and moisture for quiet, low-friction rolling
- Three-position adjustable 8-inch front casters glide smoothly across doorway thresholds and exterior paths
- Composite mag-style rear wheels provide maintenance-free, puncture-proof performance with zero tire pumping
- Open-frame design eliminates restrictive seat guides to easily accommodate specialized seating cushions and inserts
- Direct-action push-to-lock manual wheel brakes keep the chair firmly stationary during seated patient transfers
- Compact lateral folding cross-brace collapses the frame down to 12 inches wide for vehicle trunk transport
- Textured silver vein powder-coated finish resists scratches, chips, and harsh chemical sanitizers over years of use
- Backed by a dependable Drive Medical Limited Lifetime Manufacturer Warranty on structural frame components
Technical Breakdown & Specifications
| Engineering Attribute |
Measurement / Specification |
| Product Model Line |
Drive Medical Cruiser III Series |
| Manufacturer Model Number |
K318DDA-ELR |
| Product Classification |
K3 Lightweight Manual Wheelchair (HCPCS K0003) |
| Frame Construction |
High-Strength Carbon Steel with Silver Vein Finish |
| Base Seating Surface |
18-Inch Seat Width × 16-to-18-Inch Expandable Depth |
| Seat-to-Floor Height |
17.5" to 19.5" (Dual-Axle Hemi Adjustable) |
| Backrest Height |
16-Inch Back Height |
| Overall Frame Dimensions |
26″ Width (Open) × 12″ Width (Folded) × 35″ Height |
| Overall Length with Riggings |
42 Inches |
| Product Net Weight |
36 lbs (Excluding Front Riggings) |
| Carton Shipping Weight |
51.5 lbs |
| Occupant Weight Capacity |
300 lbs Maximum Certified Load |
| Armrest Engineering |
Padded Flip-Back Removable Desk-Length Arms |
| Front Rigging Hardware |
Tool-Free Elevating Leg Rests with Padded Calf Panels |
| Front Casters |
8-Inch Composite Wheels (3-Position Fork Adjustment) |
| Rear Drive Wheels |
Composite Mag-Style Wheels with Precision Sealed Bearings |
| Brake System |
Push-to-Lock Direct Tire Engagement Wheel Locks |
| Upholstery Composition |
Durable Breathable Wipe-Clean Black Nylon Fabric |
| Warranty Coverage |
Limited Lifetime Manufacturer Frame Warranty |
Who Benefits Most & Practical Applications
-
Orthopedic & Post-Op Recovery: Elevating leg rests keep recovering knees and ankles raised to relieve dependent swelling and cast pressure.
-
Foot-Propelling Walkers: Lowering the dual-axle system to hemi height allows users recovering from stroke to plant feet flat on the floor to walk forward.
-
Dining & Computer Workstations: Desk-length padded arms slide under kitchen tables and office desks without bumping arm pads against the apron.
-
Assisted Bed & Vehicle Transfers: Arms flip backward out of the way, giving caregivers a clear side profile for sliding-board patient transfers.
-
Caregivers Transporting by Car: Folds laterally down to 12 inches wide, sliding cleanly into compact vehicle trunks and storage closets.
Simple Setup, Adjustment & Routine Maintenance Guidance
To unfold the wheelchair, place hands flat on the outer seat rail tubes and push downward firmly until the cross-brace snaps fully horizontal and the nylon seat is flat. Slide the elevating leg rest brackets onto the front frame receiver pins and swing them inward until the locking pins click into place. Lift the leg rests to the desired elevation angle to support the lower limbs, or depress the side release lever to lower the footplates. To adjust seat depth from 16 to 18 inches, loosen the rail extension hardware under the seat frame, slide the rails forward, and secure the extendable upholstery flap. If lower hemi-level seating is desired for foot walking, unbolt the rear wheel axles, remount them into the higher bracket holes, and reposition the 8-inch front casters into the corresponding fork holes to level the frame. Always push both manual wheel locks forward before attempting patient entry or exit. Clean the silver vein steel frame and nylon upholstery using a soft cloth dampened with mild soapy water or hospital disinfectant wipes, drying thoroughly with a clean towel.
Explore More Mobility Solutions at All Care Store
Equipping families, caregivers, and medical facilities with reliable, adaptable mobility aids is our daily commitment. Shipped promptly from our primary logistics facility in Plano, Texas, our extensive catalog supplies clinical-grade mobility equipment to residences, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics nationwide. Browse our specialized mobility collections to find the right equipment for your caregiving needs:
-
Manual Wheelchairs: Discover high-strength standard, lightweight, and reclining manual wheelchairs for daily self-propulsion and caregiving.
-
Transport Wheelchairs: Browse ultra-lightweight companion chairs designed for fast vehicle loading and outpatient appointments.
-
Electric Wheelchairs: Discover high-performance motorized power chairs featuring auto-folding frames and extended driving ranges.
-
Bathroom Wheelchairs: Shop rust-resistant roll-in shower chairs and mobile commodes designed for safe bathroom hygiene.
-
Wheelchair Ramps: Ensure step-free entryway access over door thresholds, steps, and vehicles with portable aluminum ramps.
-
Pediatric Wheelchairs: Find ergonomically scaled pediatric manual wheelchairs built for growing children and school transit.
