11 Best Lightweight Vacuum Cleaners for Elderly People (2022)

In this no-fluff article, I rank and review the options and pick the best lightweight vacuum cleaners for elderly people (seniors).

Let’s get started!

What are the Best Lightweight Vacuum Cleaners for the Elderly?

Best Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner

My TOP pick for a CORDLESS Vacuum. AND My TOP OVERALL recommendation.

Best Corded Stick Lightweight Vacuum

My TOP pick for a CORDED Stick Vacuum

Best Upright Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner

Shark’s most powerful vacuum.

Best Canister Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner

Highest power vacuum type. Possibly the hardest to handle around the home.

Best Lightweight Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Grandma’s secret weapon!

Best Stationary Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner

Grandma’s own personal assistant.

Best Budget Lightweight Vacuum Cleaners

Best Budget Cordless Stick Lightweight Vacuum

Best Budget Upright Lightweight Vacuum

What are the Best Lightweight Vacuum Cleaners for Elderly People

Here are my reviews for the top lightweight vacuums for elderly people.

1. Tineco A11 Tango – Cordless Stick Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner

The Tineco is my TOP OVERALL vacuum recommendation.

WHY?

There are important reasons to consider a cordless stick vacuum cleaner.

Falling accidents become a much bigger deal as we get older.

Every year 36 MILLION people have a falling accident.

20% of these falls cause serious injuries.

NO Cord + LESS Bulk + Less Weight = Lower risk of falling.

Lighter weight vacuum cleaners are easier and more comfortable to handle, especially if you have arthritis, bad knees or back problems.

Stick vacuums are almost the lightest category of vacuum you can buy, surpassed only by corded stick vacuums that have no battery weight.

The Tineco model is a lightweight cordless stick vacuum for use on all floor types. It comes with an easy to empty dust bin, a crevice tool, and a mini-motorized brush for upholstery.

Top Features:

• Easy to detach and clean dust bin
• HEPA filtration system improves indoor air quality
• High efficiency brushless motor increases durability
• Suitable for all floor types
• 3 Power modes saves battery time
• Lithium Battery = up to 40 minutes of battery life
• Easily converts to a cordless handheld vacuum

Pricing:

The Tineco A11 Tango Vacuum is priced at $349.99.

Bottom Line

You can’t go wrong choosing the Tineco.

It’s mid-priced. It’s durable. It’s easy to use. It comes with the attachments you need.

AND…the Tineco also has a high power 450 watt motor.

This not only means MORE suction power, but that this baby doesn’t have to work as hard as many other similar vacuums to get the job done.

That means less daily wear and tear and a longer life product.

This is the one I would buy.

2. Whall 22000PA – Cordless Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner

Overview

This is one of my top budget picks.

You get all the advantages of a cordless stick vacuum cleaner AND the price is tough to beat at $159.99.

You get a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner with a detachable battery, a crevice tool, and a dusting brush.

Top Features

• Good motor = strong suction power
• Lightweight and cordless = easy maneuverability
• Up to 50 minutes of battery time
• Brushless digital motor = longer life
• LED lights for cleaning dark areas
• 500 ml large capacity dust chamber = less frequent emptying
• Easy to clean HEPA filter = improves air quality
• Comes with crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery nozzle
• Bagless vacuum cleaner = lower cost of operation and ease of use

Pricing:

The Whall 22000PA is priced at $159.99.

Bottom Line

The Whall 22000PA Cordless Vacuum with its HEPA filter is a great vacuum cleaner option for the elderly. This cordless vacuum won’t break the bank to buy.

This cordless vacuum cleaner also has a detachable battery that can be removed allowing you to more easily get under tables, furniture, and other tight spaces.

If I am looking for a cheap cordless vacuum cleaner for my elderly loved one (or myself) that will still get the job done, this cordless vacuum cleaner is at the top of my list.

3. Shark HZ2002 Vertex – Ultralight Corded Stick Vacuum Cleaner

Overview

I LOVE this product!

If you are OK with a corded vacuum, then this stick vacuum has some very nice features.

It has a less-than-three-pound-handheld-vacuum that easily detaches

AND

It has an anti-hair wrap dual-brush roll system that is really nice, whether you have pets or not.

Top Features:

• 9 pound overall weight is manageable
• corded vacuum could cause tangles; but allows grandma to take her time
• anti-hair wrap brush is really nice
• reviewers impressed with how quiet this vacuum is
• Accessories included
• Headlamp great for dark areas
• Easy to clean dustbin; better than older models

Pricing:

The Shark HZ2002 is priced at $229.99.

Bottom Line

Aside from having to deal with a cord, you can not go wrong with this vacuum. It has all the power you need for cleaning the entire house; in fact reviewers rave about the power of this vacuum!

It’s light enough for a senior to manage easily, and its super easy to clean.

4. Oreck HEPA – Swivel Bagged Upright Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner

Overview:

If you want a really nice upright vacuum, this model is just that.

Top Features:

• Swivel steering makes it EASY to maneuver
• HEPA filtration
• Bagged vacuum
• Two-speed control for all floor types
• Weighs less than 10 pounds!
• LARGE capacity holds more than the typical upright

Pricing:

The Oreck Swivel Upright is priced at $314.99.

The Oreck HEPA Swivel Upright is priced at

Bottom Line:

If you want to own a premium-name-brand-vacuum that won’t break the bank, then this Oreck model is on the list .

I do want to highlight multiple reviewers’ concerns about the high noise level the vacuum motor puts out (but if your elderly loved one is hard of hearing then that may not be a factor!).

Attachments are not included, so you’ll need to invest further if you want them.

I do believe upright vacuums can pose problems for seniors who live in multi-story homes with stairs to deal with.

Even with a “best lightweight vacuum cleaner rating” you really have to consider the additional falling risk with ANY upright vacuum cleaner.

UNLESS we are talking about a single-story dwelling. If so, then this upright vacuum cleaner choice is a solid option.

5. Shark AZ2002 Vertex – Powered Lift-Away Upright Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner

If you have read much of this post, then you’ve heard my concerns over FALLING RISK for seniors.

I worry that seniors, who are already at higher risk for falling, could increase that risk when using an upright vacuum cleaner where the cleaner has to be manhandled on and carried up stairs.

That said, if it is POWER you want above all else, then this is the vacuum.

The AZ2002 Vertex is Shark’s most powerful vacuum.

Almost 4000 reviewers on Amazon LOVE this vacuum.

They love the POWER.

And they love its easy break-down-ability (did I just make up a new word?) that allows you to quickly get into harder to reach places.

Pricing:

The AZ2002 is priced at $438.70

Bottom Line:

This may be the best vacuum cleaner option for seniors who want a powerful corded upright style vacuum.

6. Eureka Airspeed – Ultra-Lightweight Compact Bagless Upright Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner

If you are set on getting a REALLY CHEAP vacuum cleaner, the Eureka Airspeed has your name on it.

OK, so this is an upright…I won’t repeat my concerns over using uprights on stairs and the risk of falling AGAIN. I think you probably got it by now.

• A lot of people like this vacuum. It has over 14,000 reviews on amazon with a 4.5/5 rating!
• This vacuum only weighs 7.7 pounds!

The downsides:

• It is corded, meaning the potential for increased tripping risk.
• There’s no HEPA filtration in this vacuum. It won’t do squat as relates to removing (and holding inside) the smaller allergen causing particles.

At a price of only $69.99, It is also super low priced and I’d imagine the only way Eureka can get to this low of a price is to use cheap parts, so it may not last as long as more expensive vacuums.

Bottom Line:

This many reviews don’t lie. A whole lot of people like this product. You can’t go wrong at this price point, even if you had to buy another one in a couple of years!

7. SEBO 91620 AM Airbelt E2 Turbo – Canister Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner

Overview:

If you are sold on canister vacuum cleaners this powerful mid-sized vacuum is great especially if you want more suction power than your standard vacuum.

The SEBO Airbelt E² Turbo also features a unique airbelt design that protects your furniture from scratches and dents

Top Features:

• 1200 watts of suction power, more than the standard vacuum
• Large Filter Dust Bag
• 25 ft. Power Cord means a large operating radius
• Crevice Tool, Upholstery Nozzle & Dusting Brush
• Rubber Coated Wheels Glides Easily and Gently Over All Floor Types
• Hospital grade filtration for allergy and asthma relief

Pricing:

This SEBO model sells for $649.99.

Bottom Line:

Many seniors will be familiar with canister vacuum cleaner models; these were very popular back in the day.

BUT this model is really only for hard flooring and area rugs.

If you have heavier carpets, then look at the similar featured, but more expensive Sebo Airbelt E3 Premium Canister Vacuum

8. Shark CZ2001 Vertex – Canister Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner

Another mid-size canister vacuum cleaner but this one is a Shark and has Shark’s proprietary dual-brush roll system to prevent hair wrap.

• Compact design
• Bagless = lower cost to use
• For both bare floors and carpets
• HEPA equivalent filtration keeps allergens away
• Weighs a little under 18 pounds; which makes it a lightweight canister

Pricing:

The Shark Vertex Canister is priced at $399.99

Bottom Line:

If you are set on getting a canister vacuum, then this is my choice.

Just be aware that this vacuum comes with only two attachments – a crevice tool and upholstery tool. This is common amongst both canister and upright vacuums.

The manufacturers get you on the upsell of all the extra attachments you THINK YOU NEED BUT REALLY DON’T NEED for routine cleaning!

Summary – Canister vacuums are most likely not the best choice for an elderly person UNLESS they are living in a single-story home that’s not cluttered allowing them to pull the canister freely and without any safety concerns.

9. iRobot Roomba i7+ (7550) – Robot Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner

Overview:

The iRobot Roomba i7550 is arguably the best robot vacuum cleaner on the market.

Top Features:

• The three-stage cleaning system for better dirt pick-up.
• Edge-sweeping brushes that help clean along walls and corners.
• Self-emptying dustbin, so you don’t have to empty it yourself.

Additional Considerations:

• Would it become a tripping hazard?
• Is the house cluttered – will it be able to move freely?

Pricing:

The iRobot is priced at $799.99.

Bottom Line:

Robot vacuum vacuum cleaners are not REPLACEMENTS for deep vacuuming, but they can take a load off the routine work.

This is a great ADD-ON vacuum for a senior who wants a tool that will ASSIST in doing some of the vacuuming for them.

For example, they might already have a monthly cleaning service coming in and just need frequent touch-ups in between. Or they have have pets that create the need for ongoing vacuuming.

10. Roborock S7+ – Robot Vacuum and Sonic Mop with Self-Empty Dock

The Roborock S75+ Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner is a combination product – a robot vacuum cleaner and a sonic mop.

This product is designed to vacuum and mop your floors at the same time.

Top Features:

• Edge-sweeping brushes that help to clean along walls and in corners.
• Auto-empty feature
• Meant to vacuum hard flooring and low-pile carpets
• Sonic mop removes dry stains like coffee and mud!
• Lidar navigation to more effectively navigate your home

Pricing:

The Roborock is priced at $949.98.

Bottom Line:

This is a high tech product.

This system has a programmable map capability for each room in the house. It also allows you to program out sections of the home you want to clean.

Several reviewers mention issues getting the programming to work correctly suggesting it might take some effort to figure out how to use it.

The Roborock is NOT a plug-and-play product.

Some will relish the challenge but it may not be the best fit for the average septuagenarian!

11. EyeVac Home – Touchless Stationary Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner

Imagine having someone around who will GO GET the dustpan, HOLD it for you, and then EMPTY it.

EVERY TIME you sweep.

I might actually start sweeping!

The EYEVac Home does just that.

This product could be your grandma’s sweeping assistant. It sits there and waits for her to sweep dirt in its direction and then it QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY sucks it up for her.

It even tells her when it needs to go to the bathroom (be emptied, via a red light).

I like this product. This could be a great fit for a senior who has a hard time bending over and needs help in the kitchen with frequent sweeping.

Pricing:

The EYEVac is priced at $129.99.

Bottom Line:

This is not a tool for the entire home, but it can save a lot of wear and tear on the body!

Types of Vacuum Cleaners

Stick Vacuums

Stick vacuums are usually considered the best lightweight vacuum cleaner type for seniors.

• A stick is easy to use and maneuver.
• A stick vacuum can clean both hardwood floors and carpets.
• The typical stick vacuum comes with attachments for cleaning stairs and upholstery.
• A stick vacuum cleaner can be corded or cordless.

Corded Stick Vacuums versus Cordless Stick Vacuums

• A corded stick is lighter than a cordless vacuum cleaner because it has no battery, so it’s relatively easier to maneuver.
• A cordless vacuum cleaner is often more expensive to comparable corded vacuum cleaner models owing to it having a battery.
• Cordless vacuum cleaners remove worries about cords causing tripping.
• Cordless vacuum cleaners have a shorter run time, so are best for short duration jobs.

Dealing with a lot of pet hair? Read my article on the best portable vacuums for pet hair.

Upright Vacuums

Most seniors likely grew up using an upright vacuum cleaner, so they are familiar with this type and style of vacuuming.

• More powerful suction making them great for deep cleaning carpets
• Heavier and harder to push
• Can be difficult to maneuver around furniture
• Can be challenging to for a senior to use on stairs
• Corded so there is a risk of tripping over the cord
• Usually have attachments for stairs and upholstery cleaning

Canister Vacuums

Canister vacuums have a few drawbacks for seniors.

• Canister vacuum cleaners have excellent suction power.
• They are bulkier and can be difficult to maneuver around furniture.
• Canister vacuum cleaners are often heavier and harder to pull.
• Corded, so there is a risk of tripping over the cord.
• Canisters are often more expensive than other types of vacuums.
  • Challenging to use on stairs.

Alternatively, many seniors may be very familiar with this vacuum type.

Robotic Vacuums

Robotic vacuum cleaners do exactly what you’d think they do. They roam the house unattended and vacuum. They use sensors (like lasers and cameras) to navigate.

A robotic vacuum can be a great option for seniors. (Definitely one of the lightweight vacuums!

• They are small and lightweight, making them easy to move from room to room.
• They have sensors that help them avoid furniture and stairs.
• Most robotic vacuums are cordless, so there is no risk of tripping over a cord.

BUT, there are a few caveats.

• A robotic vacuum can be a tripping hazard, if it is left in the middle of the floor.
• If the house is cluttered, a robotic vacuum is not going to be effective.

Stationary Vacuums

As the name suggests, a stationary vacuum cleaner stays in one place. All you need is a broom; the stationary vacuum is the dustpan!

A stationary vacuum cleaner would be an option for seniors if these conditions are met:

• The house is not cluttered
• There are mostly bare floors that just need to be swept.
• There are no stairs.

One option would be to locate your stationary vacuum cleaner in the kitchen where frequent sweeping is required. This no-bending-over-to-use-the-dustpan option saves Grandma’s bad back!

Handheld Vacuums

I don’t recommend purchasing a standalone handheld vacuum cleaner as they cost about the same as a stick vacuum cleaner, and most stick vacuum cleaners have a handheld option!

Battery life is generally acceptable for quick jobs.

• Handheld vacuum cleaners are small, lightweight and easy to use.
• They are perfect for cleaning up small messes.
• Most handheld vacuum cleaners come with attachments for stairs and hard to reach places.
• A handheld vacuum cleaner for the elderly can be either corded or cordless.

Two Additional Features of Vacuum Cleaners to Know About

HEPA Filter Vacuums

A HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter is a type of mechanical air filter; it works by forcing air through a fine mesh that traps harmful particles such as dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and dust mites.

When we think of what a vacuum does we often think its job is to remove visible dirt. HEPA filtration focuses on removing the invisible dirt.

The invisible particles you inhale that can cause long lasting health problems.

If your senior has any systemic respiratory issues or is immunocompromised, then I’d recommend investing in a vacuum with HEPA filtration.

Bagged versus Bagless Vacuum Cleaners

Bagged vacuums hold the dirt and debris in a disposable bag, whereas bagless vacuums have a chamber that needs to be emptied. Duh…

• Bagless cost a bit less to operate; you don’t have to buy bags.
• Bagless can be difficult to empty.
• Bagged cleaners need less maintenance and are easier to keep clean.

Bagged vacuum cleaners for seniors and people with allergies have two main benefits:

• The allergens are sealed in the bag.
• Bagless vacuum cleaners can release allergens back into the air when you empty the chamber.

For seniors with allergies, or any respiratory issues, for that matter, I would recommend a bagged vacuum cleaner.

FAQS

What is the easiest type of vacuum cleaners to clean?

In general, bagged vacuum cleaners are going to be the easiest to clean, you just remove the bag and throw it away.

However, many of the newer vacuum cleaners on the market today are bagless, All the stick vacuum cleaners are bagless, and many of these have chambers that are easy to empty.

The motor head portion of the vacuum cleaner is another area that will need routine cleaning. Most of the vacuum cleaners on the market today have some sort of technology they claim will prevent the brush from becoming clogged.

If you have a lot of pet hair to deal with then look for a vacuum cleaner that has a non-tangling brush.

To learn more check out this article of mine: Which Vacuum is the Easiest to Clean?

What is the easiest type of vacuum cleaners to push?

In general the lightest weight vacuum cleaners for seniors are the easiest to push. Stick vacuum cleaners are the lightest weight vacuums.

Uprights are heavier, but they will be easier to move around than canisters in general, which while powerful, can be bulky to work with compared to stick vacuum cleaners and upright vacuum cleaners.

What is the best vacuum cleaner for arthritis?

If you have arthritis or any kind of joint pain, then you need a vacuum that is easy to move and to hold on to. One that does not strain your back. Here are a few factors to consider:

• Stick vacuum cleaners are lightweight and easy to maneuver and a great option for arthritis sufferers. Look for one with an ergonomic handle.
• Don’t be quick to rule out the canister model. Even though the canister itself is bulky, the handle end is going to be relatively light. As long as you don’t have stairs to deal with…
• Upright vacuum cleaners are heavier than stick vacuum cleaners and the constant push and pull action could be painful after a short while.
• A robotic vacuum cleaner could be a great option if the layout and conditions of the home allow the device to move freely.
• If FREQUENT kitchen or other hard floor sweeping is needed, consider a stationary vacuum cleaner to help manage that chore.

Summary and Wrap-up

What are the Most Important Factors to Consider When Choosing a Vacuum Cleaner for the Elderly

We need to frame up the big picture first.

Most “lightweight vacuum cleaners” review articles speak to the need to have a lightweight and easy to use vacuum.

Pretty obvious, right?

Of course, as we get older, many things that used to be easy can become harder for us to do, but none of us wants to lug around a heavy and not-easy-to use vacuum cleaner, right?

The Really IMPORTANT Factors to Consider

The first is RISK OF FALLING.

The #1 cause of accidents among EVEN professional house cleaners is FALLING!

It’s worse for the elderly because as we get older our inner ears degrade leading to issues keeping our balance.

We don’t want to introduce anything into the house that’s going to increase the already higher chance that seniors have of falling.

Aside from tripping on a cord, the most likely chances of falling when vacuuming occur when vacuuming on the stairs, other hard to reach places, and carrying a vacuuming up the stairs.

If the house that’s going to be cleaned has stairs, then be aware that canister and upright types of vacuums are harder to manage on stairs.

A stick vacuum is easier to manage on stairs and overall.

A cordless stick vacuum is an even better option. If the house doesn’t have stairs, then the options really open up for what type of vacuum you can use without worrying about adding to an already higher risk of falling that your average elderly person has.

The second factor is COGNITIVE state. While a cordless vacuum removes the cord tripping risk, grandma still NEEDS TO REMEMBER to plug the vacuum vacuum back in the charger when she’s done!

Likewise, the #1 cause of electrocution accidents among carpet and house cleaning professionals is from running a corded vacuum over a wet floor.

Most corded vacuums have a built in ground fault (3-pronged plug) to lower the chance of this happening, but choosing a cordless vacuum to help remove this risk is worth considering if the senior has cognitive issues.

In the end only you can make the final choice.

As in most things, making the right choice is all about finding the right balance between all the important factors that need to go into the decision making process.

In the end, you’ll have to be the one to find the right balance, and hopefully I’ve been able to help by giving you some things to think about as you go through the process of selecting the right lightweight vacuum cleaner for your loved one.

Have a cleaning company? Learn about the best vacuums to choose for your cleaning business.