What’s the Difference Between a Wheelchair and a Transport Chair?
Both wheelchairs and transport chairs are used to assist people to get around. If someone has difficulty with walking, either of these devices can be used to help. If you are trying to decide between these devices, there are a few key differences to keep in mind.
1) The Purpose
The key difference between a transport chair and a wheelchair is the purpose for their use. Transport chairs are designed specifically for transport, hence their name. They are intended to help people get to medical appointments, run errands and get out and about in the community. Transport chairs are designed for short-term, short-duration use. This means that they are NOT intended to be someone’s primary method of mobility or primary chair of use during the day. There is little comfort or postural support built into the design of a transport chair, in the interest of keeping it lightweight to get in and out of a car. This design works for transportation, but does not lend itself to all-day comfort. Transport chairs are intended for the person who is riding in it to be pushed by someone else. While it is possible for someone to scoot around using their feet, this is not what the chair was designed for.
Wheelchairs are intended for longer-term use. They can be used to take someone to and from an appointment, however they are bigger and bulkier and can be more difficulty to get in and out of a vehicle. Wheelchairs have the option for someone to be pushed by a caregiver, or to be able to wheel themselves using the large wheels on the side. Wheelchairs can be used both in the home and out in the community. They are designed for someone to be able to sit in and maneuver around throughout the day.
2) The Weight
There is quite a noticeable difference in the weight between these two chairs. Transport chairs weight anywhere between 17-25 pounds with the intention of making it easier to lift them in and out of a vehicle. Wheelchairs vary greatly depending on the design, but they can weigh anywhere from 35-45 pounds.
3) The Wheels
Both chairs obviously have four wheels, but they differ in size. Transport chairs have four small wheels. Some chairs have wheels that are slightly bigger (up to 12 inches) in the back, with two smaller 9 inch wheels in the front. The larger wheels in the back can make it easier for caregivers to steer and maneuver the chair. The small wheels help keep the weight of the chair on the lighter side, but it can be difficult to push someone on uneven terrain such as gravel, dirt, grass. Wheelchairs have two small from wheels and two larger wheels on the sides. The large wheels make it easier to steer and maneuver on uneven terrain, and also make it possible for someone to propel themselves in the chair using their arms.
4) The Brakes
The brakes on a transport chair are located in the back of the chair. Some models have brake handles on the back wheels, and other models have levers on the handles of the chair to activate the brakes. The positioning of the brakes on a transport chair mean that a person is unable to lock and unlock their own brakes while sitting in the chair. This means that a caregiver will always need to be present while they use the chair to make sure the brakes are locked before they sit or stand to prevent falls.
Wheelchair brakes are located on the front of the large wheels, making it possible for the person using the chair to lock and unlock the brakes independently.
5) The Customization
Transport chairs leave little room for comfort or customization, as they are designed to be compact and lightweight. This means that the seat and backrest offer little padding and/or support. The armrests on transport chairs are also tall and rigid in design, and the vast majority do no have the option to flip away for transfers. Transport chairs also only come in three sizes and the seat height is not adjustable.
Wheelchairs can be customized to meet the needs of the client. Customization depends on a person’s needs and diagnosis, but there are options for modifications of the overall size, backrest, seat cushion, armrests, and leg rests. Customization ensures that the wheelchair will meet all of the clients needs for mobility, transfers and self-care, while offering proper support for their posture.
Have Questions?
If you are having trouble selecting a chair or want help with a wheelchair assessment, contact your primary care physician and request a referral to a physical or occupational therapist to assist. For more information, check out our YouTube Video. For information on insurance coverage, see our blogs on “Does Medicare Pay for Transport Chairs?” and “Does Medicare Pay for Wheelchairs?” Also, take a look at our book, “A Therapist’s Guide to Caregiving” for a detailed guide on helping your loved one with mobility and self-care. Also, feel free to check out our full video training course for detailed video instruction.
A Therapist’s Guide to Caregiving
The book includes 170 pages of full-color, step-by step instructions, to provide you with all the skills you need to provide safe, thorough, and compassionate care at home.
This is your comprehensive guide to giving you with the skills you need to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care to family members, friends or clients in the home. This course includes 6 hours of instructional video covering client basic adaptive equipment, functional mobility, lifting techniques, transfers, self-care skills, bed level care, use of client lifts and transfer devices, and managing falls. Click "Preview Caregiver Course" below to preview the lessons and descriptions.
