Wheelchair or Transport chair? What will be best for you?
It is true that ‘One size does not fit all’ and it is also apt to say that when there are various kinds of mobility devices in the market, then why compromise? The overwhelming part is to make a choice and to ensure that you are making the right choice as per your needs. Let’s take a comparative review of two very useful mobility devices – a wheelchair and a transport chair.
Innovation has improved the standards and quality of conventional wheelchairs. As a result, they have enhanced the quality of living for physically disabled patients, senior citizens, or patients recovering from grave injuries. After the availability of transport chairs option in the market, the users especially senior citizens find it more comfortable and handy.
Wheelchairs and Transport chairs are purposefully designed to impart convenience, mobility, and independence to disabled people. After reviewing the differences between their features, uses and technical specifications, it would be easy to pick the apt one according to your needs. Thus, read more and learn more about it in detail.
Wheelchair Vs Transport Chair:
Technical Specifications:
A wheelchair has 4 small and 2 large rear wheels. The large wheels come along with handrails whereas a transport chair does not have larger wheels and has only 4 small wheels where rear 2 small wheels have got brakes which come in handy when the patient needs to sit down or stand up from the chair.
Strength and weight:
Since wheelchairs are needed for permanent and extended purposes, they are made up of heavy metal. Consequently, they are a little bulky and hard to carry especially during outings. On the other hand, transport chairs are lightweight and hence are portable, storable, and foldable.
Accessories:
After technological advancement, one can actually observe the new accessories that come with standard wheelchairs and how they have improved their functionality and usefulness for physically disabled individuals. It comes with seat options, a tray, baskets, holders, bags, oxygen attachments, etc. Transport chairs come with footrests, security belts, and seat options, and flaunt narrow frames which make them easy to push or carry through narrow aisles.
Usage:
The main difference between transport chairs and standard wheelchairs is that one needs help to push the transport chairs. Since its rear wheels are 8”-12” in size, the users can’t reach them to propel themselves ahead. On the other hand, the standard wheelchairs have larger wheels of size 18” to 24” along with handrails, hence users can independently and easily propel themselves forward using handrails.
Transport chairs can fit perfectly in small places. One can easily carry and place them at restaurants, theaters, etc. Standard chairs are wider than transport chairs but if one wants to independently do grocery shopping, malls, or visit a neighbor/friend, then these are very handy and comfortable.
Braking mechanism:
Push-lock mechanisms in wheelchairs help the user to lock the chair as and when needed by the user. Be it rough terrain or uneven surface, wheelchairs are more secure than transport chairs. Transport chairs have small wheels but also handbrakes at the back of the chair which enable the caretaker to apply them at any required time. Then they also have brakes on the rear wheels also for the safety of the user.
Travel-friendly:
Transport chairs are compact and light in weight hence it is easier to fit them in the trunk of cars whereas standard wheelchairs are meant for prolonged sitting and come with a number of accessories.
The above considerations would enable you to evaluate which option would suit your mobility needs. For a person with restricted mobility and trouble doing chores without any mobility aid, then the wheelchair can help him attain a more confident living and independent lifestyle. If one doesn’t need a mobility aid full-time but can’t cover long distances and need assistance, then transport chairs aptly serve the purpose.
At Medi Healthcare, we offer a range of affordable and supreme-quality wheelchairs and transport chairs. Its aluminum transport chair is easy to maintain and encompasses features like a swing-away footrest in its 17” & 19” models, a security belt for the safety of the user, and light in weight so it is easy to carry, fold or move.
It also proffers its very stylish Bluestreak Wheelchair with a flip back, nylon upholstery, and padded desk. In addition, it is lightweight, durable, cost-effective, and maintainable. It definitely is a wheelchair worth buying for your loved one. If you are looking for a wheelchair with more accessories then Medi Healthcare showcases its very appealing Bariatric Sentra EC Heavy duty wheelchair with vinyl upholstery, strong built-up, padded armrests, metal footplates, push-to-lock brakes, and leg rest and footrest features. Furthermore, it is economical to maintain and a cost-effective buying option. Choose the one that suits your mobility aids and let us help you impart better quality and a comfortable living.
