Choosing a Transport Wheelchair

Once you have decided to invest in a transport wheelchair, you may be wondering what, exactly, you should be looking for. Transport wheelchairs can be extremely comfortable, and have many possible features to choose from. Try to find a transport chair with a good balance of comfort and utility. This will make your time with it far more pleasant.

One of the first things to look at when choosing transport chairs is seat design. While many transport chairs have little or no padding in order to make the chairs lighter and easier to fold, others do have a layer of padding for added comfort. Most chairs feature a flexible sling design, where the fabric of the seat is stretched between two sides of the chair. Some, however, also have a bar across the front of the seat. This can provide extra support, but it may not be ideal for people with short legs who find that this third bar hits the back of their knees.

Another important aspect of any transport chair is the design of the footrest. Footrests should ideally be adjustable for best fit. This will make your transport chair more comfortable over longer periods of use. Some transport chairs feature solid, one-piece bar footrests, but most offer separate, adjustable footrests. Examine the design of the footrest carefully to be sure it will suit – sometimes sizing mechanisms or support bars can interfere with the foot or ankle, causing abrasions and pain.

Be sure also to consider the armrest design of any transport wheelchair. Armrests can be padded or stiff, flat or rounded—some transport chairs even have short handles rather than full armrests. Be sure to choose a chair with armrests you would be comfortable using for hours at a time.

One final thing that can make a transport chair more pleasant is the addition of accessories. You can add bags, carry-pouches, cup holders, and many other things to your transport chair. However, be aware that most accessories are made to clip on to aluminum tubing with a width of around 1". Chairs without this tubing may not be able to accommodate many accessories, and tubing with a diameter wider than 1 1/8" will be too big for most accessories.

Put careful thought into the choice of your transport chair. Each model is different, with its own separate strengths. Be sure to choose a chair that will meet your individual needs and preferences, and you are sure to be happy with your purchase.