Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A transport or companion wheelchair is a lightweight mobility device designed specifically to be pushed by a caregiver, family member, or companion. Unlike standard wheelchairs, they feature four small wheels and cannot be self-propelled by the user.
Transport wheelchairs are significantly lighter than standard models, typically weighing between 15 and 25 pounds. Ultra-lightweight options, such as the Feather Transport Chair available at ACG Medical, can weigh as little as 13 pounds.
No, transport wheelchairs are not designed for everyday, independent mobility. They are intended as a secondary mobility aid for temporary use during medical appointments, shopping trips, or travel when a companion is available to assist.
A regular manual wheelchair features large rear wheels with hand rims that allow the user to propel themselves independently. A transport chair has small rear wheels and no hand rims, meaning it must be pushed by an attendant from behind.
Yes, many modern transport chairs are equipped with reliable locking brakes located on the rear push handles. This allows the caregiver to safely control the chair's speed and lock the wheels securely during patient transfers.
Yes, transport wheelchairs have a much narrower overall profile than standard wheelchairs because they do not have large self-propulsion wheels on the sides. This compact design makes them highly maneuverable in tight indoor spaces and narrow hallways.
A quality transport chair generally ranges from $198 for standard lightweight aluminum models to around $498 for premium, ultra-lightweight designs. The final price depends on weight capacity, frame material, and wheel size.
Yes, transport chairs are highly recommended for travel and vacations. Their compact, foldable frames make them exceptionally portable and easy to load into car trunks, planes, or trains.
When folded, most transport chairs collapse almost completely flat. With features like back-release hinges and removable wheels, they take up very little space, easily fitting into small car trunks or standard storage closets.
You should choose the seat size based on the user's physical dimensions and weight. Transport chairs typically come in narrow 18-inch widths for smaller users, standard 19-to-20-inch widths for average adults, and wide 22-inch options to accommodate higher weight capacities comfortably.