Transport Chairs
There are many reasons why a person may need a transport chair. Transport chairs provide aids to those who have limited mobility and can't independently move around. There are many types of transport chair, such as the heavy duty transport chair with armrests and side rails or the lightweight folding transport chair that is easy to carry and store when not in use.
What is the difference between a wheelchair and a transport chair?
Some people may not be able to discriminate between transporters and standard wheelchairs. While they are similar in some ways, there are significant differences between the two types. The main differences include size, height, weight capacity, and durability.
Transport wheelchairs and standard wheelchairs both serve the same general purpose: to allow people with lower-limb mobility issues to be able to move about their environments with some level of independence. However, they come in many different shapes and sizes, which can make the decision process about which one is best for an individual quite difficult. Let’s take a look at what makes these two types of wheelchairs unique.
Mobility and Freedom
Transport wheelchairs and standard wheelchairs both provide mobility and freedom to the disabled population. However, transport wheelchairs are designed for situations where a wheelchair may need to be carried up stairs, in small spaces, or over uneven terrain. The steering is different, with transport wheelchairs having a larger turning radius and standard wheelchairs having a smaller turning radius.
Transport wheelchairs are meant for short bouts of time. They can be use to go outside the home during a daytrip. As such, they tend to have portability in mind as well.
Transport chairs have seats which are usually of fabric construction, with little support. This helps them to fold easily.
Self-Propelled
Transport chairs are self-propelled for people to use that can't walk effectively. For the most part, they're used by those who tire easily and need assistance traveling long distances where there's no wheelchair access (i.e., pedestrian traffic).
The biggest difference is that standard wheelchairs are designed with large wheels so they can be propelled.