~1.jpg&newwidth=80 "Jeanine Clancy")
Written by Jeanine Clancy, MEd, BSN, RN
Being a homebody and housebound are two very different things. Many people do not leave their house daily, but some stay home because they do not have a choice. According to the Bereau of Transportation Statistics, a startling 3.6 million Americans with travel-limiting disabilities don’t leave home because they are housebound. Live your best life and be the best you with RehabMart's extensive catalog of mobility supports and devices.
Transport wheelchairs are a low-cost alternative to help you get around if you are unable to use a self-propelled or electric wheelchair. They are most commonly used by seniors that are running errands (e.g., grocery store, appointments). They are also ideal if you are recovering from a short-term disability. Overall, transport wheelchairs are designed for short-term circumstances and trips.
In this article, we educate you on the most important features to consider before purchasing, highlight our absolute favorite transport wheelchairs, and answer frequently asked questions.
One of the most important considerations when thinking about investing in a transport wheelchair is the weight of the product. Generally, the lighter the better, as these chairs will need to be lifted and stored frequently before and after use. This is especially important if you will frequently be using the transport chair to travel short distances, as a caregiver or aide will need to be able to lift and fold the chair more than once. Most transport chairs weigh between 15 and 30 pounds, and the product’s weight usually does not include its footrests (since footrests are usually removable and taken off prior to transport).
Each transport chair has a specific weight capacity, which indicates the maximum amount of weight the chair can support without being compromised. Generally, the most lightweight chairs cannot accommodate as much weight as the sturdier, heavier chairs, so be sure to check the product specifications carefully before purchasing. A heavier chair with a higher weight capacity might make more sense for individuals who plan to use the transport chair for longer outings or outdoor use, as opposed to quick transfers to another seated position in a car or clinic. Most transport chairs can accommodate weight up to 200 lbs, although some can accommodate up to 300 lbs.
Transport chairs are usually designed to be pushed by a caregiver (as opposed to propelled forward by the individual in the chair), so the wheels are smaller than those found on standard wheelchairs. The majority of the wheels are between 8”-12” in diameter that cannot be reached while sitting in the chair. It’s important to keep wheel diameter and material in mind as you look through products, since some of these wheels are designed for specific types of outings (for example, some are designed for outdoor use).
Another important consideration is whether the transport chair has the capacity to fold when not in use. A chair that easily folds flat and can be stored in small spaces will make a caregiver’s life much easier when providing assistance. The capacity to fold will be especially important for individuals who travel frequently. Some folding transport chairs simply collapse in half, while others can fold up to an even smaller size to fit underneath a standard bed.
Since transport chairs are pushed by a caregiver, they are designed with brakes on the rear that are controlled by the person pushing in the back. There are, however, some combination rollator/transport chairs that may come with hand brakes that can be set by the user. Make sure you choose a transport chair that suits your preference for the product’s brakes to help keep you or your loved one safe during transport.
| Wheelchair Model | Weight | Weight Capacity |
Wheels (Front/Rear) |
Caregiver Brakes | Armrests |
| #1 Ultra Lightweight Ergonomic Transport Chair S-ERGO 115 | 22 lbs | 250 lbs | 7" / 14" | No | Desk Length |
| #2 StrongBack Transport Chairs | 17 - 20 lbs | 300 lbs | 6" / 8" or 12" | Yes, on some models | Desk Length |
| #3 Ultralight Transport Chairs by Medline | 14 lbs | 300 lbs | 6" / 8" | No | Desk Length |
| #4 Lightweight Folding Transport Wheelchair | 29 lbs | 300 lbs | 8" / 12" | Yes | Full Length |
| #5 Excel Translator Combo Transport Chair and Rollator | 19.5 lbs | 250 lbs | 6" / 8" | Yes | Desk Length |
| #6 Lightweight Transport Chair | 27 lbs | 250 lbs | 6" / 8" | No | Desk Length |
| #7 Wrangler Economy Steel Transport Chairs | 26 lbs | 250 lbs | 6" / 8" | No | Full Length |
The Wrangler Economy Steel Transport Chair from Drive Medical comes in at #7. This is a great all-around transport chair; it comes in multiple widths to support an increased number of patients, weighs only 26 lbs, supports up to 250 lbs, and features four 8” rubber wheels for increased comfort going over bumpy surfaces.
The chair folds easily in half for simple disassembly on the go. The seat has a nylon surface for easy cleaning, and the armrests are padded for added comfort. Finally, there is an adjustable footrest and seat belt for increased safety. The chair also features standard wheel locks in the back, operated by the caregiver.
Earning #6 on our list is the Lightweight Transport Chair by Karman Healthcare. This chair is ideal for individuals who are more limited in mobility, as the detachable armrests allow users to more easily transition from this chair into another, more stable seat. This avoids users having to walk, shuffle, or be carried to another wheelchair or seat. The product weighs 29 lbs with the armrests on and can accommodate up to 250 lbs.
This transport chair is available in multiple widths to accommodate more patients. It also has four 8” rubber casters that provide a smooth ride, even over rough terrain, and the backrest folds down for simplified disassembly. There are multiple add-on features available, including a cup holder and various sizes of carrying pouches.
Our 5th pick is the Excel Translator Combo Transport Chair and Rollator by Medline. This versatile product can either be used as a classic transport chair–requiring the help of a caregiver or aide to push–or as a rollator, which can be used by the patient independently. It is only 18 pounds itself but can accommodate up to 250 pounds in weight capacity. It features wheels on the smaller side for a sleeker design and easy storage: the front wheels are 6" in diameter and back wheels are 7.25".
This product is a great fit for mobile older adults who want the option to sit, rest, or be pushed between walks. The CDC recommends that older adults exercise as much as possible to maintain physical and mental wellbeing. This transport chair design encourages older adults who have limited mobility to continue exercising when possible, which can help maintain health, independence, and quality of life.
#4 on the list is the Lightweight Folding Transport Wheelchair by Vive Health. This is a great option for older adults or adults with limited mobility who are looking for a highly rated comfortable transport chair for frequent use. One of the main perks of this chair are its large back wheels (12” in diameter) along with the two supportive front wheels (8” in diameter). These ensure a smooth ride and make the product suitable over rough terrain, especially outdoors. The product weighs 29.5 lbs but it can accommodate up to 300 lbs in weight capacity.
It also features caregiver hand brakes located on the handles; most transport chairs only feature rear locking wheels. It is simple to fold for storage and fits easily into the back of cars for transfers to appointments and other day-to-day outings.
Our #3 choice is the Ultralight Transport Chair by Medline. This product is impressive because it offers high performance and weight capacity (300 lbs) while only weighing 15 lbs–the lightest on the market! It is ideal for users who are constantly on-the-go and need to be transferred frequently between locations. It also includes a seat belt for added safety and a cup holder for convenience.
The seat is in the standard range at 19” to accommodate the majority of users on the market. It also features desk-length armrests for added comfort. The back folds down for easy folding and storage. The back two wheels are 8” diameter for stability but the front two are smaller (6” in diameter), which contributes to the product’s overall sleek and lightweight design.
Earning the #2 spot on our list is the StrongBack Transport Chair, the Excursion 8 and 12, by Strongback Mobility. This chair was specially designed to provide ergonomic back support and enhance posture for individuals seated for longer periods of time. One of the main advantages of this model is the range of chairs available–it comes in 3 widths and 2 rear wheel sizes to provide a variety of options for users.
The larger back wheel size is a 12” model, which weighs 26 lbs and is a great option for users who frequently travel on outdoor terrains such as mud, grass, gravel, snow, or even sand. The smaller option has 8” back wheels and is more suitable for indoor surfaces. It weighs only 19 lbs and folds even smaller than the 12” model to fit easily in a car trunk, under a bed, or for use on public transportation. Both models can accommodate up to 300 lbs in weight capacity.
The best overall choice is the Ultra Lightweight Ergonomic Transport Chair by Karman Healthcare. The most impressive feature is the combined stability and comfort of this item without the compromise of weight; although the ergonomic transport chair weighs just 23 lbs, it can support up to 250 lbs and has big back wheels (14” in diameter) to carry users over challenging terrain. It is one of the most comfortable transport chairs on the market according to the customer reviews. Its ergonomic design supports the user’s back and evenly distributes body weight to reduce the risk of pressure sores with long-term use.
Other notable features include the special push-to-lock manual brakes, which give users more flexibility and independence over when they want to stop and stand. The material on the seat is made from breathable antibacterial upholstery that is removable for easy cleaning. It is also one of the smallest transport chairs on the market when folded up, making it great for longer trips or any travel that might require a caregiver to carry the item.
A: The best candidates for transport chairs are older adults or adults with limited mobility who can be transferred from varying seated positions without much difficulty. They are also suitable for individuals who need to travel to/from appointments and other day-to-day activities. An analysis of wheelchair users in London showed that these individuals experience more difficulty with transportation; transport chairs are therefore designed to make transportation less cumbersome.
A: The main difference is that transport chairs have smaller wheels and are usually pushed by a caregiver, whereas standard manual wheelchairs allow the user to push themselves. Because of this key difference, transport chairs are generally lighter in weight (15-30 lbs compared to 30-40 lbs).
A: Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) will cover up to 80% of the cost of transport chairs. However, this depends on whether you meet some or all of the defined criteria. You may want to review and discuss your eligibility with a provider before investing in a transport chair.
A: Transport chairs are less stable than standard wheelchairs and require the help from a caregiver, so they are best for individuals with caregivers who want to take part in outdoor outings, grocery shopping, or who have frequent doctor’s appointments requiring frequent transfer between home and a clinic.
A: Transport wheelchairs are lighter than standard wheelchairs, weighing between 15-30 lbs (compared to 40-50 lbs for a standard wheelchair). The lightest models on the market usually have the smallest wheels and are a bit less stable and smooth, while the heavier models are harder to store but offer more stability and are more suitable for outdoor use on uneven terrain.
A: Standard transport wheelchairs typically support 200 lbs, although some are designed to accommodate more weight (up to 300 lbs).
A: Some individuals may find standard wheelchairs too heavy and cumbersome to use; in these cases, a transport wheelchair may be appropriate for use as a regular wheelchair. There are benefits to standard wheelchairs for everyday use, however, including the ability to operate independently. Since a transport wheelchair involves help from a caregiver, only individuals who have around-the-clock support will be able to use transport wheelchairs for regular use.
A: Transport chairs generally come in three sizes: Narrow, which is 17 inches or below; Standard, which is 20 inches; and Wide, which is 22 inches or wider. There is a general association with the seat width and weight capacity (more narrow seats generally accommodate less weight than wider seats), although there is substantial variability between chairs.
Having a supportive transport chair that is also easy to use and store can make a world of difference to wheelchair users or any adults with limited mobility. Wheelchair users all have unique preferences in terms of what they consider the most important features, and luckily there are products on the market that suit a wide range of patient preferences. If you are considering investing in a transport chair for the first time (or helping a loved one pick out a chair), begin by identifying which product features you want to prioritize in your search.
We believe that our #1 pick, the Ultra Lightweight Ergonomic Transport Chair by Karman Healthcare, has the best overall combination of user-friendly features, including a large back wheel for outside use, ergonomic design for back comfort, high weight capacity, and small folding size for easy travel.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read about our seven top picks for transport wheelchairs! For more information about transfer chairs, take some time to check out our transport wheelchair and portable wheelchair pageand be sure to visitCaregiver University for more information about products and caregiver resources!
Jeanine has been a nurse for twenty-seven years with an extensive background in perioperative services, school/community health, quality/education, and leadership/administrative roles. Jeanine creates high-quality health content and is a mom (to 4 fabulous kids), dog mom, and avid hiker.
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