Best transport wheelchair 2018 – [Buyer’s Guide]

Best transport wheelchair of 2018

Customers need to be careful on how they spend their money on these products. There’s a product for every kind of user on the list of affordable options below. Come with me. Following is the list of top three transport wheelchair of 2018.

Test Results and Ratings

Rank	№1	№2	№3
Product
Total	4.8	4.5	4.3
Ease of use	5 points	4 points	5 points
Versatility	5 points	5 points	4 points
Durability	4 points	4 points	4 points
Price	5 points	5 points	4 points
Awards

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№1 – Medline Lightweight Transport Adult Folding Wheelchair with Handbrakes

Pros

Medline transport wheelchair has large 12 inch rear wheels for better performance on uneven outdoor surfaces and loop-style manual handbrakes which are ideal for locking the rear wheels during transfers

Powder coated aluminum ultralight frame is durable and has a weight capacity of 300 lbs. WC Arm style-perm full

Cons

Not found yet.

Why did this transport wheelchair win the first place?

The product is very strong. Its material is stable and doesn’t crack. I also liked the delivery service that was fast and quick to react. It was delivered on the third day. I really enjoy the design. It is compact, comfortable and reliable. And it looks amazing! I am very happy with the purchase. It is definitely worth its money. The product is top-notch!

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№2 – Medline Lightweight Transport Adult Folding Wheelchair with Handbrakes

Pros

Medline transport wheelchair has large 12 inch rear wheels for better performance on uneven outdoor surfaces and loop-style manual handbrakes which are ideal for locking the rear wheels during transfers

Powder coated aluminum ultralight frame is durable and has a weight capacity of 300 lbs

Cons

A little on the heavy side.

Can be tricky for beginners.

Why did this transport wheelchair come in second place?

Managers explained me all the details about the product range, price, and delivery. I like this product. For such a low price, I didn’t even hope it to be any better. It’s decently made. The design quality is top notch and the color is nice. The material is pretty strong and easy to wash if needed.

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№3 – Wheelchair Transport Chair 19″ Ultralight With Cup Holder

Pros

ultralight transport chair with bonus

cup holder

Reliable! I really like this!

Cons

On the more expensive end of the price scale.

The handle could be of better quality.

Why did this transport wheelchair take third place?

It is inconvenient to use due to the size. I am going to get something different next time. It doesn’t squeaks nor bents. Looks great in my apartment. This price is appropriate since the product is very well built. We are very pleased with the purchase — the product is great!

transport wheelchair Buyer’s Guide

Wheelchairs

This guide will help you to choose a wheelchair that provides the comfort, support and mobility you need to help you get about day-to-day. We’ll describe the difference between self-propelled, transit and electric wheelchairs and explain specific wheelchair features to make getting out as easy as possible.

Transit & travel wheelchairs

These wheelchairs are suitable for anyone who needs extra help with pushing. Transit wheelchairs are typically fitted with handles and feature smaller back wheels than self-propelled wheelchairs for easy manoeuvrability in compact spaces. They’re very lightweight and easy to fold down, making them suitable for fitting into a vehicle for transportation. Transit wheelchairs are ideal for short, occasional trips and can be used as a back-up chair to your primary one.

Electric wheelchairs

Electric wheelchairs are suitable if you have restricted movement and can’t push yourself, or if you need to stay in your wheelchair most of the day. They’re powered by a battery motor and steered using a control joystick. Electric wheelchair batteries need to be recharged overnight so you’ll need to store it near a socket. They’re heavier and larger than manual wheelchairs which can make them difficult to transport. Some portable electric wheelchairs are designed to be used indoors and can be broken down into different pieces for travel.

Anti-tip wheels

Anti-tip wheels are small wheels at the back of the wheelchair frame positioned a few inches from the floor. They’re designed to stop the wheelchair from tipping backwards and are a key safety feature on self-propelled wheelchairs.

Seat width and depth

A correct seat width and depth ensures even weight distribution across the wheelchair seat. It’s best to choose a wheelchair that is 5cm wider than your hip measurement. To find out the correct seat depth for you, measure the distance from your lower back to the hollow of the knees and subtract around 4cm.

Useful information & advice

This guidance is provided to assist you to pick the right product for your needs. It should not be treated as professional health advice. You should seek advice from an appropriate medical practitioner if you have any concern about any product’s suitability to you.

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From visiting family and friends to popping to the shops, mobility scooters are a great way of retaining your independence. This buying guide will explain what you need to think about before you make your decision, the two types of mobility scooters available and key features to look out for.

Control panel

The control panel of your mobility scooter tells you things like the speed you’re travelling and how much battery life your scooter has. It should be simple to use so you feel comfortable and confident to travel independently. This is particularly important if you’ve got limited mobility and strength in your hands.

Wheel size

Mobility scooters usually have 6, or inch wheels and this is related to where they are intended to be used. Scooters which are going to be used indoors or for short distances will generally have smaller wheels. On-road mobility scooters will have more durable, larger tyres.

Smaller mobility scooters usually have solid rubber tyres that are puncture-proof, whereas larger models have pneumatic tyres (tyres filled with pressurised air), which are more comfortable but need to be checked for deflation regularly.

Lights and mirrors

Mobility scooters which can travel at 8mph are allowed to travel on-road. These mobility scooters will automatically include extra features like rear-view mirrors and front and back lights for driving at night.

Curbs, steps and raised surfaces make getting about trickier, a portable ramp can make everyday journeys as smooth as possible.

Drive System & Design Characteristics

Most modern battery powered wheelchairs have designs that can be classified as either Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), Mid Wheel Drive (MWD), or Front Wheel Drive (FWD). Each configuration is determined by the location of the drive system in relation to the users center of gravity. All three systems have unique driving and handling characteristics that will appeal to the different needs of the user.

Front-Wheel Drive wheelchairs offer exceptional indoor/outdoor maneuverability with a design that mounts large wheels in front of the seating area.

Front-wheel drive chairs are great all around wheelchairs that are suitable for outdoor use but will tend to fishtail at higher speeds. For this reason they are typically manufactured to travel slower than other power chair varieties.

Mid-Wheel Drive wheelchairs offer excellent indoor maneuverability because the wheels are located directly under the user.

The one area of concern for a mid-wheel drive system is the ability to maneuver outdoors, over hills, and across tougher terrain.

A mid-wheel drive system needs to remain on stable, flat surfaces for optimal performance.

Rear-Wheel Drive was the design for the original powered mobility device.

They are stable, maneuverable, and offer the highest top end speeds available in a power wheelchair market (see speed chart below).

The major disadvantage with this design is that turning radius will typically increase compared with the front and mid configurations.

The most popular modern power wheelchair offered by retailers is the platform style.

This style incorporates a powered base with a completely separate seating system.

Platform wheelchairs are often considered a more stable option compared to the traditional powered wheelchair.

They are also easier to transport since the seat can be completely separated from the base.

There are a number of other specialty power wheelchairs on the market as well including reclining and (rehab) tilt-in-space wheelchairs.

Reclining wheelchairs have a seat backing that is completely independent of the chair allowing for separate functionality.

The tilt in space wheelchair, on the other hand, not only reclines but completely shifts the weight of the user.

The entire chair, including the seat, backing, leg & arm rests can be aligned to the users preference without assistance.  The Karman tilt-in-space wheelchair uses the intelligent 0-3center-of-gravity weight shifting to shift pressure and reduce bedsores. With newly designed swing in and away footrests, as well as flip-back armrests that are height adjustable, this chair is sure to provide optimum comfort.

One of the more recent alternatives to powered mobility is a hybrid or power assist system.

The PW-800AX is a dual function power wheelchair with standard large rear wheels, meaning you can row manually as usual and drive by power when you are tired.

It takes just a few seconds to change from power mode to manual mode, so it helps to take away fear of running out of battery in the middle of your trip.

It is lightweight, foldable, easy to use, practical, efficient and stylish. With that in mind, there is no compromise when it comes to functionality, quality and durability.

The power-assist system is designed to increase the number of revolutions per pass thus giving the user a noticeable increase in propulsion efficiency. The power systems are light enough to be easily attached and remove to the frame of a manual wheelchair making transportation easier.

The Golden Compass HD offers you a stable, center-wheel-drive platform and an articulating chassis for stability over tough terrain.

The EZ Lite Cruiser (above) is leading the revolution in personal mobility. It is extremely convenient due to its compact size and ability to be transported in just about any vehicle.

The EZ Lite Cruiser is composed of a lightweight aluminum alloy that is extremely durable and can handle passengers weighing up to 26pounds.

Electric Wheelchair Wheels & Tires

There are a number of options when in comes to the wheels and tires of your power wheelchair. Most retailers typically offer tire options: Pneumatic (air filled), foam filled, or solid rubber.

Pneumatic tires offer an extremely smooth and stable ride. The air and tread on the tires hug the road. They really only have one drawback, they often require more maintenance, will often lose air, or if punctured, can go completely flat.

The foam filled and solid rubber designs are also popular options. Even though you’ll feel every bump and indent in the road, you’ll have the peace of mind that they will never lose air or go flat. It usually comes down to user preference between one design or the other.

Some of the other controlling options are

Sip and Puff – commands are given by inhaling or exhaling with an attached tube.

Head Controls – switches are added to the sides of the headrest.

Electric wheelchair users typically have limited strength in their arms and torso, and thus need an external power source for assistance.

The battery used in most power wheelchairs is a (deep cycle) lead acid battery that is either a wet cell, a gel cell, or an AGM (absorbed glass matt) battery. Although they look and feel similar, electric wheelchair batteries shouldn’t be confused with car batteries. They are vastly different in design and use and should never be interchanged.

Wet cell batteries typically hold a charge for longer and offer more power than the gel cell variety. Their major drawback comes down to maintenance issues and leakage during transport.

They are not recommended for travel because of the acids that are housed within the unit. If tilted or cracked the battery could spill and corrode the vital electrical systems, wiring, or motor of your wheelchair.

Many air and cruse lines will often refuse to transport any motorized wheelchair if it is powered by a wet-cell battery. Wet cell batteries are relatively inexpensive compared to gel cell and thus are still very popular.

Gel cell batteries were developed to alleviate some of the safety and maintenance concerns that were involved in transporting an electric wheelchair.

Gel cell batteries are sealed and dry with no potential for spills. This is due to the silica gel that suspends the acids (electrolyte) in the battery. So if they are broken or punctured they will not leak.

Gel-cell lead-acid batteries were developed to be maintenance free and should be approved for storage on most airlines and cruise ships. The disadvantage of gel-cell batteries is that they usually have less capacity and are more expensive.

Power wheelchairs typically utilize – 1volt deep cycle batteries that must be re-charged on a regular basis.

The batteries make them significantly heavier than most manually powered chairs, making it necessary for the wheelchairs to be manufactured with a stronger sturdier frame to support the battery, motor, the user, and any additional adaptive equipment.

Purchasing A Transport Wheelchair

When purchasing a transport wheelchair, there are many different factors to consider. The seat cushion, arm rest, and foot support are important parts of the chair and should all be made of quality to avoid future headaches. Before your purchase, always make sure that the seat width is adequate as that is one of the most common limiting factors about wheelchairs.

The seat width of the chair will single handedly decide whether or not you will be comfortable in the wheelchair. The way to measure this accurately is to take a measurement of one hip to another and base your adjustments on that. Remember that it’s always better to be in a wheelchair that is slightly larger instead of too small.

Seat Cushions For Travel Wheelchairs

After seat width, the next important element is seat cushioning. Seat cushioning is crucial to making sure that you are able to stay in your chair without fatigue. There are three different types of seat cushions: comfort, positioning, and preventive. Comfort cushions are usually made of foam or gel and are designed to make your chair more comfortable.

Most quality wheelchairs will have cushions that are designed to prevent fatigue while sitting in your wheelchair. These chairs will also include positioning cushions. Positioning cushions are designed for adjusting posture.

They make sure that your posture doesn’t get negatively affected whilst sitting in the wheelchair. The third type of cushion is called the preventive cushion. Preventive cushions are made to prevent you from getting sores or pains while sitting in your wheelchair. This is very important especially if you plan on staying in your wheelchair for long periods of time without moving.

Components Of Travel Wheelchairs

The desk arm rest on the other hand, has a much shorter arm rest that allows easier access to desks or tables. Imagine the way an office chair interacts with a desk by situating inside of it. A desk arm rest can be comparable to this scenario. Obviously the desk arm rest lacks in comfort when compared to its full arm rest counter-part but what it lacks in comfort, some would say it makes up in mobility.

Temporary and long-term use wheelchairs

Some chairs are only required to be used temporarily. People who suffered a fractured leg, have undergone surgery, or any comparable short-term illness might be advised to make use of a wheelchair for a number of weeks based on the degree of the injury or condition.

If the need for using a wheelchair is only temporary, the patient might be able to lease one or borrow a wheelchair rather than buy a new unit.

Other customers might have a more long-term condition, and this kind of situation often calls for the patient to employ a chair for an extended period of time. The buyer has to invest in a model with high-quality construction that is capable of enduring wear and tear for a longer time.

The materials that the chair is made of, and the way it was designed and manufactured, should be excellent and sound.

Wheelchairs for outdoor use

In case the user wants to employ their chair out of doors, they will need a chair with additional features. Powered or motorized wheelchairs are ideal for outdoor conditions because it will not obligate users to move them throughout walkways and inclines.

These chairs will spend an ample amount of time traversing over rough surfaces, like parking lots and walkways, the tires should have great quality and must be durable.

Comfort

Being seated in the wheelchair all day can be a rather uncomfortable task if the seat is not cushioned and shaped in an appropriate manner. In case the wheelchair is too rigid or creates tension or pressure in unsuitable areas, it can lead to chafing, sores, and poor posture.

This makes the chair a device that the user will avoid rather than a beneficial unit meant to provide mobility. As consumers look for the best wheelchair, they must guarantee that the back, seat, and armrests of the wheelchair have enough padding, and are fixed in place correctly.

Medline Transport Wheelchair with Brakes

Transport wheelchairs make your loved ones and their companions free to move from one location to another without being a burden.

Measured against common wheelchairs, the transport chair needs a companion or caregiver to move the chair around. It is lighter than a standard wheelchair, and it more compact, which makes lifting and storing the chair easier.

This model from Medline has loop-lock handbrakes that can be worked easily, and for transfers, it is recommended for locking the rear wheels. It also includes a seat belt, is compact enough to make folding and assembly easy, and also includes nylon upholstery, armrests and removable footrests.

Drive Medical BLS18FBD-ELR Blue Streak Wheelchair

The Blue Streak Wheelchair from Drive Medical offers high-quality mobility that features a well-thought out structure and materials. It meets the expectations and needs of a wider variety of users who are into independent mobility and comfort.

The item features a strong blue frame with powder coat finish, a black cross bar and durable nylon upholstery that is stylish, yet easy to clean and maintain. It has tires that are made from firm rubber material, and which provide extreme durability too.

It does not require much maintenance, and it comes with convenient and workable push-button lock brakes with elevating leg rests. This is indeed something that you have to check out if you are into freedom and comfort.

On the lookout for an affordable transport wheelchair that is light enough yet can take plenty of weight? Look no further, for Drive Medical’s Fly Lite Ultra-Lightweight Transport Wheelchair is something that will cater to the needs and comfort of people with a mobility handicap.

It is durable, made with prime aluminum material, is easy to clean and maintain and it also includes a handy carry pocket located at the back so users can carry their everyday needed items along with them.

The unit also includes a seat belt for added safety, and has swing-away footrests that are height-adjustable. The excellent back release allows easier folding of the back, thus making the chair a cinch to carry and store.

MedMobile Self Transport Folding Wheelchair

The manual wheelchair is the kind of unit that an incapacitated individual needs so they can move and become mobile once again, without the help of a motor or a companion.

You can select from a self-propelled model, which obligates the rider to move the chair forward by means of their limbs. To choose the proper wheelchair, it is required that you do your research first then decide which model, features, and price point suits you or the patient best.

You can choose a model that features bigger rear wheels, which are typically self-propelled models like this MedMobile Self-Transport Folding Wheelchair. The model has a seat width of 19” and a depth of 16”. It also includes front casters, removable footrests and armrests, and is capable taking in up to 250 pounds of weight.

Drive Medical Lightweight Steel Wheelchair

This Drive Medical Steel Wheelchair is a non-electric manually operated lift chair that will help you to get anywhere you need to go. I loved the features it had, and I liked the quality craftsmanship that is apparent in the design of the device.

This chair has many excellent features to help a person that is mobility challenged to be able to perform their daily activities with ease.

Invacare Lightweight Wheelchair

I love the big tires on this Invacare transport chair because they make it very easy to roll this device over uneven surfaces. The padded seat cushion helps to reduce pressure related sores and the swing-away footrest makes it easy to get people in and out of the chair safely.

Take Care of Your Wheelchair

So, you already found your best lightweight wheelchair, right? Now, a wheelchair is something that you rely on to help someone who cannot otherwise move around freely. These mobility devices are critical pieces of equipment that have to be properly cared for so the individual always has the means of being transported to the places they need to go, and so they can take care of their daily needs.

Check the foam cushions in the chair to make sure it still springs back after being depressed. If the wheelchair cushion is beginning to become overly worn it will take a long time to spring back, or it may not spring back at all after being depressed. Replace when the cushion becomes too worn.

Transport and Travel Wheelchairs

Transport and Travel wheelchairs are smaller, lighter and easier to transport than conventional wheelchairs. They often fold up easily and feature smaller wheels for more convenient storage. Typically, they are used for short-term needs where the patient is pushed by a family member or caregiver. They are not powered, have limited positioning options and can’t be used independently. That being said, there are a number of compelling reasons why a travel wheelchair is a good investment, particularly for anyone who often has frequent visitors with mobility issues.

Shop Online or in Person Today

If you’re in the market for a travel wheelchair in Columbia, MD, Baltimore, or the DC Metro area, contact Towson Medical Equipment first. For more than 2years, we have been helping people with mobility issues live full and active lives, as well as providing reliable, affordable products that reduce the burden on their caretakers. Our transport and travel wheelchairs are consistently priced below their MSRP. Many also qualify for free shipping, making it convenient and affordable to shop online.

Check out our virtual showroom by following the links below, or visit us in person in Baltimore or Olney. One of our salespeople would be happy to help you assess your needs and process any necessary insurance paperwork.

These are the wheelchairs that require mechanical/human push to move it. It can be naturally impelled by the user directly or by a guardian. Under this classification, wheelchair is also referred to as travel chair since somebody needs to push it by the handle.

These manual wheelchairs come in various kind of frames like Chrome finish, Epoxy Powder coated, stainless steel.

Wheelchair details

This is a critical data to consider when buying a wheelchair. The particulars of a wheelchair that you will purchase relies on the structure and state of the expected client. The tallness, stance, weight and the structure of the proposed client is vital in settling on the best choice according to the data given by the merchant or maker of the seat.

Seat Depth

The height of the user is essential while considering the depth of the seat, which is measured from the front of the seat to the back. You can utilize any seat at home that the client is comfortable to decide any of the determinations including seat depth. Or you can measure the user back of buttocks to within knee when in seating position on a flat surface.

Seat to Floor Height

This is measured from the floor to the seat. In the event that it is too short the user’s legs may be dragging on the floor, similarly on the off chance that it is too long, the leg will be dangling so it must be roughly flawless fit. If the client will be driving the seat with their feet it is essential to let the estimation reflect this, for this situation the patient feet must have the capacity to touch the floor while sitting normally on the seat.

Transit wheelchairs

AMS Vans promises to deliver the best wheelchair accessible van available on the market today….. simply put if you are not fully satisfied with your wheelchair accessible van upon delivery—you can refuse it at no cost to you.

Final Word

First of all thanks for reading my article to the end! I hope you find my reviews listed here useful and that it allows you to make a proper comparison of what is best to fit your needs and budget. Don’t be afraid to try more than one product if your first pick doesn’t do the trick.

Most important, have fun and choose your transport wheelchair wisely! Good luck!

So, TOP3 of transport wheelchair

• №1 — Medline Lightweight Transport Adult Folding Wheelchair with Handbrakes
• №2 — Medline Lightweight Transport Adult Folding Wheelchair with Handbrakes
• №3 — Wheelchair Transport Chair 19″ Ultralight With Cup Holder

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