What Is the Difference Between a Transport Chair & a Wheelchair?

Wheelchairs and transport chairs are two devices that can help a person who has difficulty ambulating live a more fulfilling life. While the two devices may sound similar and are often confused, they are different pieces of equipment.

Wheelchair Function

• A wheelchair is a specific device that helps a person who either has trouble walking or is unable to walk to move. While this person may not have the use of his legs, this device will allow him to have mobility and lead a more independent life. This device allows the individual to move using his arms rather than using his legs.

Wheelchair Specifications

• While there are many different kinds and types of wheelchairs, their basic construction and functionality is rarely different across brands and classes. The front pair of wheels are approximately 8-inches in diameter and on a swivel so that the chair can be steered and controlled easily. The rear wheels are much larger and users grab the handrails on the outside of these wheels to propel themselves along. The standard wheelchair has a seat dimension of 16 inches by 18 inches and weights about 35 pounds. They are made of a steel frame with plastic accessories and a vinyl or nylon upholstery.

Transport Chair Overview

• The transport chair is a device that is used to transport a person when they are unable to walk and do not have the upper body strength to propel themselves in a standard wheelchair. This device requires a second person to move the person. They are an alternative for someone who finds that a wheelchair is too large and heavy to manage. They are generally lighter and more compact than standard wheelchairs.

Transport Chair Specifications

• The transport chair generally has the same 250-pound weight capacity as a wheelchair and is made of either steel or aluminum. They have four 8-inch wheels. The front pair is on a swivel that allows for the chair to be easily maneuvered. The back wheels are fixed and also have brakes that can be engaged when a person is getting in or out of the chair or resting in place for a period of time. The standard transport chair features a seat dimension of either 16 inches by 17 inches or 16 inches by 19 inches. The weight of the unit is variable by construction, however, most steel transport chairs weight approximately 25 pounds.

The Differences

• While some may mistake a transport chair for simply being a lightweight wheelchair, they are different devices. The most fundamental difference is that the person in a transport chair cannot propel herself at all. Freedom can be limited in this way, though, the lightweight construction and compact size of the transport chair may make it the better choice. A wheelchair offers the user the freedom to move on her own, but it is heavier and harder to take along when traveling. Wheelchairs also offer more customizable features such as variations in arm length and style.