Top 10 Best Transport Wheelchairs - Oct 2023

Transport Wheelchairs Buyers Guide

A transport chair is a type of lightweight wheelchair that transports people. They have been designed to be pushed by a caregiver or family member since they have small wheels which make it impossible for users to propel themselves. They work well for getting from one place to the next, such as to an office or from a car in a convenient and easy way. Transport chairs are normally lightweight, weighing around 15 pounds. They feature a basic design since these chairs are not intended to be sat in for very long. They also come with different leg rests and armrests that come with transport chairs, depending on what a user’s specific needs are. Typically, they come with 12″ or 8″ back wheels. It is usually easier to wheel using 12″ back wheels on carpeted surfaces or outside.

There are some transport chairs that have hand brakes. This allows the caregiver to lock them in place. Others are designed so that the brakes are on the wheels so that the patient can lock the wheels on the chair themselves. It is also easy to fold transport wheelchairs which makes it convenient to get in and out of a van or car.

What to Look for in Transport Wheelchairs

There are numerous transport chairs that are available, and it can be hard to choose the right one. Make sure you consider the factors below when looking for a transport chair to find the one that best meets your needs.

Weight

Transport chairs have been designed to be a flexible type of mobility aid for traveling and activities outside of the house. That means that weight is a very important consideration when choosing your transport chair. You want to choose a flexible and lightweight transport chair that is easy to carry up and down the stairs or lift in and out of a car trunk.  Heavy transport chairs are less convenient compared to lightweight chairs.

Wheel Size

There are smaller wheels on transport wheelchairs compared to standard wheelchairs. However, the size of the wheels still makes a major difference when it comes to operating the chair. Smaller wheels cannot deal with rough terrain very well and can also make for an uneven or bumpy ride. Larger wheels operate a lot more smoothly, with the extra width allowing the transport chair to take you wherever you need to go. Larger wheels are considered to be wheels that are bigger than 7 inches. 

Seat Design

Comfort is extremely important, just like it is with any other kind of chair. Make sure you carefully examine the shape and design of the backrest and seat. What are they made out of? Do they appear to be flexible? Are there any large seams that could bother you while you are sitting. If a seat does not have any padding it can get uncomfortable quite fast. Make sure to select a transport chair that you can sit in comfortably for many hours at a time.

Width

Similar to rollators and walkers, a transport chair’s width is also important to consider. Think about the environment that you are planning on using the transport chair in. Are there tight angles, twisting hallways or narrow doors? If so, then you need a transport chair that is not too wide to navigate those areas. It is worse to have a chair that is too wide than no chair!

Difference Between Standard Wheelchairs and Transport Wheelchairs

Although they might seem similar at first glance, there are some major differences between standard wheelchairs and transport wheelchairs. The most significant difference is standard wheelchairs have been designed with big wheels that allow you to propel yourself. By contrast, transport wheelchairs come with smaller wheels and they are intended to be pushed by another person from behind. Things get a bit more complex beyond that.

Transport chairs have been designed for someone to push from behind. There is no self-propulsion method available. They are intended for individuals who can walk on their own still, but who easily get tired. They are perfect for people who are worried about being able to keep up with friends or family members when out for the day. If you will have another person available to push you, then you should purchase a transport wheelchair.

Quite often transport wheelchairs are a bit smaller compared to standard wheelchairs, although they can carry the same weight. They have been designed to fold easily and compactly. Since they do not have large rear wheels the way that standard wheelchairs do, they tend to be lightweight and that can reduce their size and make them easy to store.

A transport wheelchair has been designed to be used for just short periods of time. They are perfect for day trips outdoors. Therefore, portability is considered when designing transport wheelchairs. Usually, transport chairs have seats that are made out of flexible fabric but with not a lot of support. That type of design is what allows these chairs to easily fold. If you are searching for a chair with a rigid seat to use full-time or long periods of time, then a standard wheelchair will probably better suit your needs. 

At first, transport chairs and standard wheelchairs might seem very similar. However, there are many small differences between them that can them to be two really difference device. Seat type, material, wheel size, and weight are all important factors that should be considered when searching for a wheeled mobility aid.

Selecting the right transport chair is an important decision. You want to make sure you can enjoy all of the benefits that your chair can provide without any problems. Make sure to choose a lightweight chair that has a comfortable design, larger wheels, and a width that can be used without any problems.