A transport wheelchair, unlike a manual or electric wheelchair, is not intended to be propelled by the actual users themselves and will require the help of an attendant. However, it can still provide mobility and convenience for those users who are too weak to walk if some assistance is readily available.
Transport Wheelchairs Are Less Expensive
Most often used only in temporary situations, transport wheelchairs are the least expensive of all the different types of wheelchairs currently on the market today. They tend to cost anywhere between $200 and $600 depending on the make and model. Transport wheelchairs have given countless people the ability to do the things they want to do and see the places that may have been out of their reach before.
The Americans With Disabilities Act
Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, it was finally recognized that disabled individuals had a legal right to have safe and easy access to public facilities and buildings, leading to many renovations in the form of access ramps, lowered curbs, and wider doorways to accommodate wheelchair users.
You Can Improve The Quality Of Your Life
A transport wheelchair can help to greatly improve one’s quality of life, especially if the individual has been homebound while being physically restricted in some way or disabled. With access to the outdoors or the ability to attend social gatherings or appointments, mood is inevitably improved, which is always important but even more so when coping with an illness or a physical disability.
The Main Differences Between Standard and Transport Wheelchairs
The most obvious difference between a standard and transport wheelchair is that it cannot be propelled by the individual in the chair. Freedom is limited in that sense because another individual is required to push it. Another difference between a transport wheelchair and the standard wheelchair is that rather than having two large wheels at the rear of the wheelchair, a transport wheelchair has smaller rear wheels, often referred to as “casters,” which vary in size: between 8 and 12 inches in diameter.
One last difference is that a transport wheelchair is often equipped with hand brakes located along the push handles, something that is quite unusual with most standard wheelchairs. The back wheels are attached to the brakes and can be engaged when an individual is either getting into the transport wheelchair or out of the transport wheelchair.
The “Companion” Wheelchair
A transport wheelchair, sometimes called the “companion wheelchair” due to the fact that someone else is needed to push the chair from behind, is specifically designed to fold down into a compact state, taking up little room when not in use. Besides the frame itself folding in half, a transport wheelchair’s back rest will also fold down as well, making it possible to store them neatly in the closet or in the backseat or trunk of a car.
Where and How Are Transport Wheelchairs Used?
Transport wheelchairs are commonly used in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and similar medical facilities for taking patients back and forth to treatment rooms or for x-rays and other testing. In a medical facility, a transport wheelchair is used to take someone to a different place within the medical facility. People who have been admitted to the facility but have yet to be treated are placed in a transport wheelchair as it safeguards against any possible further injuries.
Transport wheelchairs are also easily maneuverable, making them easy to manage down the halls of any hospital, rehabilitation center, or other medical centers. They usually will weigh less than 25 pounds. Over the years, transport wheelchairs have seen more comfortable seats and arm rests with better padding as well as options like removable and adjustable back and foot rests.
Easy to push and easy to store, and also considerably less expensive than other types of wheelchairs, the transport wheelchair continues to be the favored choice of many individuals and organizations.
What Are Transport Wheelchairs Made Of?
Transport wheelchairs are made from durable materials designed to withstand the wear and tear of frequent use. A transport wheelchair can be the ideal choice for someone who is not physically or mentally capable of operating an electric wheelchair themselves, or for temporary circumstances when the wheelchair will only be needed for instances of moving from one area to another and while traveling.
Many People Choose This Type Of Wheelchair
Many people opt for this kind of wheelchair because of its low cost and lightweight frame, but if you are still unsure as to whether or not this particular type is best for your needs, consult with your health care professional familiar with your situation or medical condition before buying a transport wheelchair.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Transport Wheelchair
Prior to purchasing a transport wheel chair, the user needs to think about the size, weight of the transport wheelchair, the weight limit of the wheelchair, and if it is appropriate for all his or her needs.
When independent mobility just is not possible, or when an unfortunate but temporary situation arises, a transport wheelchair can be a relatively inexpensive option to consider to help make life a little bit easier.
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