The best transport wheelchair for seniors does not mean the strongest, most significant or offer the best comfort. It simply means getting a product that suits your purpose more.
They are good mobility aid used by people with disability in walking, either due to old age or an accident that prevents the victim from using their feet.
Most time, people just purchase this product haphazardly without having the proper knowledge and buying guide to select the best that suits their condition perfectly.
There are many transport chairs in the market, and having sound knowledge will guide you towards selecting the perfect one for yourself or seniors at home.
In this article, we give you the precise information that will help your journey in selecting the best transport chair.
What is a transport wheelchair?
A transport wheelchair is a particular type of wheelchair that is light in weight and has the manoeuvrability of a rollator walker. They are narrow in size, and caregivers move the users around.
They are suitable for outdoor and indoor and are primarily used for travelling purposes.
A user may combine the use of a transport wheelchair with other mobility aides, which we have also discussed at aidemobility.com. Transport chairs are not to be used as the primary mode of ambulation.
Top Best Transport Wheelchair for seniors
#1. Medline Lightweight – Overall Best
#2. Medline Ultralight – Best Ultra-lightweight
#3. NOVA Heavy Duty Bariatric – Best Transport Chair for Outdoor Surface
#4. Drive Medical EXP19LTRD – Best Compact
#5. Drive Medical BTR22-B Bariatric Heavy Duty – Best Bariatric/Heavy-duty
What is the difference between a transport wheelchair and a wheelchair?
There are many differences between a transport wheelchair and a standard wheelchair. Though they are very similar, they are different. The differences between them include the following:
- Wheel Size: The rear wheels of a transport wheelchair are smaller compared to the large wheels of a standard wheelchair.
- Propelling: Standard wheelchairs are self-propelling, while transport wheelchair requires that a caregiver pushes the user around.
- Usage: Transport wheelchairs are used in public spaces like airports and hospitals. They are also suitable for people with small apartments due to their compactness.
- Travelling Purpose: Due to their foldable and compact size, transport wheelchairs are suitable for travelling purposes better than a standard wheelchair.
There are other differences and similarities between standard wheelchairs and transport wheelchairs. We discuss details of this in our article on transport chairs vs standard wheelchairs.
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How to Select the Best Transport Wheelchair
There are certain factors to put into consideration when selecting a perfect transport wheelchair for your seniors, and they include:
Weight Capacity
Every transport wheelchair has its maximum weight limit, and when choosing any product, you need to consider that your body weight is lesser than the max weight limit. Most have 300 pounds as their weight limit, while some are heavy-duty products with as high as 450 pounds weight capacity.
Weight of the Transport Chair
Due to construction material, the weight of transport wheelchairs differs from one product to the other. Now, depending on your frequent usage, you need to consider the weight of what you will select, mainly when they are carried along for travelling.
Wheels size
How strong and large the wheels are, especially the rear wheels, will depend if the transport chair can be used for outdoor purposes and glide on all-terrain. Some have their rear wheels 12 inches, while others are 8 inches. Those 12 inches will glide perfectly on uneven surfaces, while 8 inches may be only suitable for even surfaces.
Brake System
We prefer you go for a transport wheelchair with the brake on the handgrip for the caregiver to have total control over the speed of the wheelchair. The product should also have locking brakes on the wheels to hold it when sitting in a stationary position.
Dimension of the Product
The overall dimension when assembled and when folded should be considered. You need to select a product that will easily pass through the doorways in your home. The width, length, and height should be considered when fully assembled.
Before selecting a transport wheelchair, there are some pertinent questions to ask yourself:
How Often Will I Use this Transport Wheelchair?
How often you use the product will determine how much you want to spend on the product. If you require it less often, you may just go for the less expensive ones with limited fancy features. If you are using it for a longer time, you need to consider buying expensive ones as they are more stable, durable and offer the best comfort for the user and caregiver.
Is there enough space to store it?
You need to consider your apartment’s size if there will be enough space to store the mobility aid. For people who live in small apartments, you need to consider portable and foldable transport wheelchairs. In simple terms, the availability of space for storage will help you prune your options and help you select the best transport wheelchair for yourself or your seniors.
How often will you use it for travelling?
If you are taking it along on travelling more often, you may need to consider the ultra-lightweight transport wheelchair. If you aren’t doing that often, the product’s weight may not be too essential for you too.
Other Features to Consider when Selecting the Best Transport Chair
After answering the above questions and assessing the weight capacity, foldable feature, wheels size, and dimension, there are some features you should look out for in a transport wheelchair you finally decided to go for. These Includes:
- Swing up Arm Rest: This makes it easy to use the transport wheelchair with dining. It also makes it easier to get in and out.
- Removable footrest: This also helps with storage
- Seat Belt: To ensure the safety of the user, it is essential to use a seat belt
- Padded Seat and Backrest: This will ensure that the user is very comfortable
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a transport wheelchair cost?
Transport wheelchairs come at different prices, from the cheapest to the most expensive ones. The prices can be as low as $70 and expensive as $300.
How much does a transport wheelchair weigh?
We have ultra-lightweight transport wheelchairs with a weight below 19 pounds. The lightweight ones weigh between 19-30 pounds. The bariatric transport wheelchair can weigh as high as 45 pounds.
Is a transport chair smaller than a wheelchair?
YES! Transport wheelchairs are pretty smaller and weigh lesser than standard wheelchairs
Can a transport chair be used as a walker?
Transport wheelchairs are similar to rollator walkers and can be used interchangeably. There are some unique products called rollator transport chair combo, which can be converted to be used as both.
Does Medicare cover transport chairs?
YES, if the conditions are met. Please see here for more information.