Transport wheelchairs, are mobility aids that support your entire body weight to ease discomfort and avoid injury. However, transport chairs, in particular, are a more lightweight and portable choice, meant to be propelled by a companion or attendant. As a result, they're mostly utilised for brief periods of time, such as when travelling or conducting errands.
Who should use a wheelchair for transportation?
Consider how often you'll require full-body support to see if a transport wheelchair is good for you. A transport chair may be useful if you can still walk with a rollator or walker but cannot travel large distances or tyre easily when walking.
Because transport wheelchairs cannot propel themselves, they are not the greatest choice for persons who require full-body support on a regular basis and may not have someone to propel them. Transport wheelchairs are a preferable option for those individuals, however having a transfer chair in addition to a wheelchair might be beneficial. This provides you with an easy-to-fold and-lift option for travel or a day out.
To summarise, transport wheelchairs may be beneficial to the following individuals:
- Who is unable to propel themselves
- Those who have difficulty walking or are unable to walk, as well as those who tyre rapidly when walking or are unable to walk long distances
- In need of a wheelchair on a temporary or part-time basis
- For those who struggle to walk and require a portable mobility device for short trips, transport chairs are ideal.
- They aren't ideal for those who don't have a buddy to help them move.
If you think having both options would be best, but you can't afford or keep two chairs, you might want to explore a transformer wheelchair. These hybrid devices have the huge rear wheels of a typical self-propelled wheelchair, but with a "fast release" function, those wheels may be simply removed. This converts the equipment into a transport chair, with smaller back wheels and a lighter, more portable design.
For full-time wheelchair users who prefer a transport chair for travel and short journeys, transformer wheelchairs can be a cost-effective choice.
What to think about when buying a transport wheelchair
After you've made the decision to buy a transport chair, there are a few things to think about in order to locate the perfect one for you:
Weight of the transport wheelchair
While most transport wheelchairs are described as "lightweight," the entire weight of each chair varies. Standard transport chairs weigh roughly 20 pounds, while ultra-lightweight chairs can weigh as little as 15 pounds, and chairs with additional amenities can weigh up to 35 pounds. Because transfer chairs are meant to be a portable alternative to wheelchairs, you'll want to get one that's simple to lift for you or your companion.
Dimensions of the wheels
The wheels on all transport wheelchairs are smaller than those on starndart wheelchairs, but the sizes of the wheels might vary. Think about how often you'll be using your transport chair outside or on rough ground. If the response is yes, "A chair with larger 12" wheels will be simpler to use on a "regular" or "pretty frequent" basis. If you simply want to use your transport chair indoors or on level outdoor paths, a smaller 8" will the right choice.
Usage frequency
How often will you use your wheelchair for transportation?
If you anticipate using it frequently, you may want to invest in a more expensive model with more configurable settings to assure your comfort. If your transport chair isn't going to be your primary mode of transportation, a cheap one will suffice.
Foldable
Most transport wheelchairs on the market nowadays can fold, but you should double-check before buying. Even if you don't intend to travel with it, having a foldable transport chair that can be stowed out of the way while not in use can be handy. If you're frequently on the run, you should also consider how readily it folds.
Materials
Transport wheelchairs are typically built of steel or aluminium. The best material for you will be determined by your budget and any accommodations you require from your wheelchair.
Steel is less expensive than aluminium and can withstand greater weight, making it an excellent material choice for bariatric patients or anyone on a tight budget. Steel, on the other hand, is heavier than aluminium, thus these transport chairs may be more difficult to transport. Aluminum is the ideal option if you want a transport chair that is easy to operate and transfer. Aluminum transport seats, on the other hand, are sometimes more expensive than steel and have a lesser weight capacity.
Legrest
Legrests are divided into two categories: swing-away footrests and elevating legrests. Most transport wheelchairs have swing-away footrests since they are only used for brief periods of time. These footrests rotate to make getting into and out of the chair more convenient. However, while in the chair, your legs remain in the same posture, with your knees gently bent. These may be removable, and elevating legrests may be available for purchase if needed, depending on the chair. Elevating legrests allow you to adjust the angle of your legs to the most comfortable position.
