Once you have decided to invest in a transport wheelchair, you may be wondering what, exactly, you should be looking for. Weight, wheel size, material, and seat type are all factors to consider when looking into a wheeled mobility device. Standard wheelchairs and transport chairs may seem similar at first glance, but there are actually a lot of small differences that lead to them being two very different devices. If you are looking for a rigid seat for full- or near full-time use, you would probably be more interested in a standard wheelchair. The seats of transport chairs are usually flexible fabric with little support, a design which allows them to fold easily. As such, they tend to be designed with portability in mind. They are ideal for daytrips outside the home.

Transport wheelchairs are intended to be used for short amounts of time. Since they lack the large rear wheels of the standard wheelchair, they are often very lightweight and can be reduced to a size that is much easier to store. They are designed to fold compactly and easily. Transport wheelchairs are often a little smaller than standard wheelchairs, though they can still carry the same amount of weight as standard wheelchairs. If you will always have another person around to push, you should buy a transport wheelchair. They are ideal for people who are concerned about keeping up with family members or friends on a day out. They are meant for people who can still walk by themselves, but tire easily. They have no method of self-propulsion at all. Transport chairs are designed to be pushed from behind. Beyond that, things get a little more complicated. The biggest difference is that standard wheelchairs are designed with large wheels so that you can propel yourself, while transport wheelchairs have small wheels and are meant to be pushed from behind by a second person. Though at first glance they are similar, there are actually significant differences between transport wheelchairs and more standard wheelchairs. Transport Wheelchairs vs Standard Wheelchairs Be sure to look for a lightweight chair with large wheels, comfortable design, and a width that will let you use it without problems. A chair too wide to use is worse than no chair at all!Ĭhoosing a transport chair is a big decision, and you want to be certain you will enjoy all the benefits of a chair without any problems. Does it have narrow doors? Twisting hallways? Tight angles? If so, you will want a transport chair that is narrow enough to navigate these pitfalls. Consider the environment in which you plan to use the chair. Width – Much like with walkers and rollators, the width of a transport chair is a prime consideration.Be sure you choose a transport chair you will want to sit in for hours. What is it made of? Does it look flexible? Does it have large seams that might bother you as you sit? A seat without padding can get uncomfortable very quickly. Be sure to look at the design and shape of the seat and the backrest. Seat design – As with choosing any other type of chair, comfort is of paramount importance.Wheels above 7' are considered large wheels. Larger wheels will operate much more smoothly, and extra width can make for a rugged transport chair that will take you anywhere.

Smaller wheels will not deal well with rough terrain, and can make for a bumpy or uneven ride.

Wheel size – Transport wheelchairs have smaller wheels than standard wheelchairs, but wheel size still makes a significant difference to the operation of the chair.

Heavier transport chairs are not as convenient as lightweight ones. You will want a chair that is lightweight and flexible, easy to lift into a car trunk or to carry up stairways. This means that weight is an essential consideration of any transport chair choice.

Weight – Transport chairs are meant to be flexible mobility aids for travel and activity outside the home.

Be sure to consider the following factors during your search, and you are sure to be happy with your transport chair. There are a lot of transport chairs out there, and choosing the right one can be difficult. They are meant to be pushed by a family member or caregiver, as their small wheels make it impossible for the user to propel herself. Transport wheelchairs are lightweight mobility chairs that combine the function of a wheelchair with the portability of a rollator. What To Look For in a Transport Wheelchair Transport Wheelchairs vs Standard Wheelchairs > What to Look For in a Transport Wheelchair >

Wheelchair transporter