Compared with before, transport wheelchairs nowadays are much more convenient and practical to use on a daily basis, and not to mention it’s affordable too. The whole setup makes your life easier and gives you the freedom to access a lot more stuff and accompany others, just like what you used to do. And compared with other types of wheelchair, transport wheelchairs are the best option you can have with a decent price.
Lightweight and foldable, transport wheelchairs (also known as a companion wheelchair) have both features from a self-propelled and portable wheelchair, combined in one setup. This type of wheelchair has relatively small wheels for portability and easy storage.
Choosing The Right Transport Wheelchair For Your Use
Although being a practical machine, there’s a lot of things that you need to consider before buying your first transport wheelchair. For a start, the width of doors and hallways in the house and nearby area determines the type and size of the wheelchair that you can have.
As for the wheels, generally, the size fits for nearly all types of terrains and both indoor and outdoor use. If your house (and nearby area) tend to have rather rough terrain, extra-wide wheels for better grip, is a better option.
It’s always advisable for you to check the construction and the material used for the wheelchair before purchase. Opt for sturdy material with padded seats for comfort on a daily basis (you can always add extra cushion for long-trip journeys).
What To Look For In Transport Wheelchair?
For a start, the material used for the frame is what you need to look through, as it gives a good indicator if the wheelchair will last long. Comfort comes second, where you need to look for seats that provide adequate comfort without being bulky (as you can always add extra cushion/padding later).
Arms that able to flip back (or alternatively detachable) is a good choice as you don’t want to be blocked from the fixed metal while going on with your daily activities.
After all, wheelchairs should enhance your mobility, not vice versa.
So, which are transport wheelchairs that make into the list?
1. Drive Medical Lightweight Steel Transport Wheelchair, Fixed Full Arms, 19″ Seat, Silver
Made from a durable steel frame that provides enough stability when use (both independent and with assistance) and padded with thick cushion (with waterproof nylon) in both seat and armrests for comfort.
The wheelchair is designed with superb maneuverability in eight inches of wheels which makes it handy for narrow pathways (a bonus point as it’s a common problem for indoors) and folds flat for easy packing and storage.
Most reviewers noted how the model really makes their whole life easier, largely due to the superb design and lightweight steel that makes it handy for trips and long journeys.
2. Medline Lightweight Transport Adult Folding Wheelchair with Handbrakes, Red
What catches the eye is definitely the attractive contrast of black and red that can easily be spotted miles away. Medline Lightweight Transport Wheelchair is what you need if you have large terrain around the house and/or frequently go outdoors on a daily basis. The twelve inch rear wheels are what you need to ensure smooth ride along the way. And it comes with seat belt too!
The frame is made with a powder-coated aluminum ultralight frame that’s durable and able to withstand weight up to 300lbs, with seating in nylon fabric for waterproof.
You can purchase the wheelchair along, or add an extra cushion and a cup holder which I highly recommend if you tend to stay outside a lot.
3. Drive Medical Silver Sport 2 Wheelchair with Full Arms and Swing Away Removable Footrest
As one user noted, this wheelchair is at an amazing price and a solid product; the moolah spent is cheaper compared with the previous models and yet, it’s a quality wheelchair that you can purchase. The whole frame is made with powder-coated steel with nylon fabric for durable and light overall weight, for both portability and storage.
Rear wheels use durable urethane tires for durability and come with wheel locks for security. Padded seat and armrest for extra comfort.
4. Drive Medical Lightweight Expedition Transport Wheelchair with Hand Brakes, Blue
A super lightweight, twelve inches rear wheel wheelchair that’s designed for speedy trips and superb maneuvering compared with regular ones. The whole wheelchair folds flat with a handy lever at the back for quick and easy storage. And yet, secure enough with wheel locks that are companion-activated (no need for the companion to lean move reaching to push levers for the wheels).
5. NOVA Lightweight Transport Chair with Locking Hand Brakes, 12” Rear Wheels, Removable & Flip-Up Arms for Easy Transfer, Red
This, in my opinion, is one of the best design wheelchairs that you absolutely need to consider as part of the choices. The sturdy-looking wheelchair is ideal for travel that folds quickly (with a quick-release mechanism) and securely, thanks to the additional wheel locks for added safety (and it includes with a safety belt too).
The wheels are designed to be durable and able to withstand all types of terrains, with twelve inches of rear rugged wheels and eight inches at the front, and secured with patented locking brakes, allowing for your companion to control the speed for the wheelchair. And the whole setup complete with removable, padded armrests and footrests for comfort.
6. Medline Lightweight and User-Friendly Wheelchair with Flip-Back, Desk-Length Arms and Elevating Leg Rests for Extra Comfort, Gray, 18 inch Seat
Medline Lightweight and User-Friendly Wheelchair are excellent if you tend to stay a lot indoors, particularly if you work, thanks to the removable desk-length arms for convenience. The wheelchair is designed with practicality in mind, to relieve pressure for both body and legs even for lengthy sitting, with nylon upholstery for breathability.
7. Drive Medical TR37E-SV Lightweight Steel Transport Wheelchair, Fixed Full Arms,17-Inch Seat
Drive Medical TR37E-SV Lightweight Steel Transport Wheelchair comes with multiple options that you can choose accordingly; either fixed armrest or detachable ones for convenience (working and dining), with the wheelchair, is designed for durability, comfort, handy maneuverability (especially in navigating indoors), and long-term use.