Should You Get a Standard Manual Wheelchair or Transport Chair?

Wheelchairs make life more enjoyable and safer for those with mobility issues. But what kind of wheelchair should you get? While powered wheelchairs are popular and useful, many people still opt for manual wheelchairs.

To help you find the right manual wheelchair for yourself or your loved one, here’s a short guide to the differences and similarities between standard self-propelled wheelchairs and transport chairs. 

1. Independence

When you look at a transport chair and a standard wheelchair side by side, you’ll notice the difference in wheel sizes. Transport chairs usually have four similarly-sized wheels which are small and out of the reach of the person sitting. These chairs are designed to be pushed by another party. On the other hand, standard wheelchairs feature large rear wheels and a rim which the user can grip to self-propel. 

Think about who will be propelling the wheelchair. Standard chairs allow a person to get out on their own and enjoy independence. However, transport chairs are easy-to-use options for those who just want something in which a family member can get around while doing errands, going to a concert, or visiting the doctor with other people who can push them. 

2. Portability

One of the most compelling reasons many families use transport chairs is their lighter and more portable style. The simple design and lack of large, bulky wheels means they weigh less and take up less room. They fit more easily into most cars, SUVs, and trucks. The slim design also fits more easily through tight spaces, including narrow doorways and halls. 

3. Braking

Both types of wheelchairs have good braking systems to stabilize the chair when a person gets in and out of it as well as when they need to pause.

Standard wheelchairs are designed to allow the person seated to set their own brakes, which are usually attached to the large rear wheels. Either the person seated or a person pushing the chair can use these brakes. 

As with other features of the transport chair, the brakes are placed with the person pushing it in mind. Many styles use brakes built into the rear handles so that the one pushing can slow down and control stops very easily. In addition, there are usually pedal brakes at the bottom rear which are set with a person’s foot. Neither type of brake is easily accessible to the one sitting. 

4. Comfort

How much time do you or your loved one anticipate being in the wheelchair? Comfort over the long term is one key area where a standard wheelchair excels over a transport chair.

Transport chairs are made for short jaunts to and from places rather than long excursions or hours spent in the chair. Their smaller design, square shape, and limited weight capacity mean that they lack some of the ergonomic features in modern wheelchairs. Full wheelchairs, though, offer more width, more seating styles, and room for accessories that will make your day pleasant and safer. 

5. Stability

Finally, there is a safety and stability difference. The large wheels that feature so prominently on standard wheelchairs do more than just facilitate pushing. They also — along with the wider and larger body — increase stability on uneven ground. And while the small wheels and narrow frame of the transport chair are generally fine on solid, flat surfaces, it can feel less stable in different terrain. 

Which type of wheelchair is right for you? Find out more by meeting with the mobility aid professionals at Corner Home Medical. We’ll work with you to identify your goals and needs, then find the right assistance devices for your family. Call today to learn more or view our inventory online.