Transport Chair vs. Wheelchair: Which One Do You Really Need?

When it comes to choosing a mobility aid, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. 

Whether you're helping a loved one find one or exploring options for yourself, understanding the key differences between a transport chair and a wheelchair is important.

These two types of chairs may seem similar at first, but they’re designed for different needs, lifestyles, and levels of independence.

If you have any specific questions about wheelchairs or transport chairs, please call us at 416 746 6789 or email us at info@dohome.healthcare

 

What is a Transport Chair?

A transport chair is a lightweight, compact option designed primarily for use by a caregiver or an attendant. Unlike a standard wheelchair, transport chairs have small rear wheels (typically 8” to 12”) that make them easy to move but require someone to push the chair for the user. This makes them an ideal choice for short trips and temporary use.

Key Features:

• Lightweight and easy to fold, making it convenient for travel or storage.
  
• Small wheels for easy maneuverability in tight spaces.
  
• Designed for caregivers to push the chair, rather than for self-propelling.

If you'd like to see transport chairs Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton, and the entire GTA families love, swing by our home healthcare store at 100 Rexdale Blvd, Etobicoke to learn more.

What is a Wheelchair?

A wheelchair, on the other hand, is built for a larger range of users. It is from users who need temporary assistance to those who rely on a wheelchair for full-time mobility. Standard wheelchairs have larger rear wheels, which allow users to propel themselves with their hands, giving them more independence. Of course, there are also powered wheelchairs for users who may have difficulty manually propelling the chair.

Key Features:

• Larger rear wheels, allowing users to propel themselves independently.
  
• More customizable options, including various seat widths, armrests, and wheel styles.
  
• Sturdier construction, designed for regular or long-term use, both indoors and outdoors.

If you'd like to see wheelchairs Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton, and the entire GTA families love, swing by our home healthcare store at 100 Rexdale Blvd, Etobicoke to learn more.

Key Differences Between a Transport Chair and a Wheelchair

Weight

When it comes to weight, transport chairs are generally lighter than wheelchairs. Transport chairs are lightweight and easy to fold, making them ideal for travel or storing in small spaces. If you frequently travel or need something easy to lift in and out of a car, a transport chair such as our Lightweight Transport Wheelchair will be more practical It is only 19 lbs, easy to fold and clean. 

Shop our Lightweight Transport Wheelchair here.

On the other hand, wheelchairs tend to be heavier due to their larger wheels and sturdier construction. Although many are foldable for storage, they can still be cumbersome for some users to carry or lift. 

 

Independence

One of the biggest advantages of a wheelchair is the independence it offers. Users can move themselves using the push rims of the large rear wheels, allowing for greater mobility without the need for a caregiver. For example, our Silversport 2 wheelchair has a strong steel frame and durable wheels, making it easy to move around and requiring little maintenance. The push-to-lock wheel locks keep the chair stable when needed, making it easy to use on your own. 

[Please note our Silversport2 comes in variety of sizes and variations. If you'd like to learn more, give us a call at 416 746 6789. We will help you find the right one]

In contrast to this, transport chairs are designed to be pushed by someone else, making them more suited for short trips such as hospital visits etc. where the user relies on assistance. Our Lightweight Transport Wheelchair can be folded up in a jiffy and its ultra-lightweight frame makes it easy to move it in and out of any vehicle in no time flat. 

Shop our Lightweight Transport Wheelchair here.

 

Exercise

For those with good upper body strength, a wheelchair can provide a great opportunity for exercise. The action of pushing the large wheels helps build arm and shoulder muscles while increasing cardiovascular activity. A transport chair, however, doesn’t offer the same exercise potential since it requires someone else to push it. 

 

Seat Width

Wheelchairs typically feature wider seats, as their large wheels are positioned on the sides of the frame, providing more space. Some wheelchairs, like our Cruiser X4, eliminate the need for traditional seat guides, giving users the flexibility to customize the backrest and add accessories specific to their needs.

Shop our Cruiser X4 here. 

Transport chairs, however, usually have narrower seats because the wheels are positioned directly under the frame. That being said, some transport chairs come with wider seat options for added comfort. For example, our Bariatric transport chair is 22", weighs only 33 lbs, folds easily and supports individuals up to 450 lbs.

You can learn more about our Bariatric Aluiminium Transport Chair here.

 

Long-Term Needs

Wheelchairs are designed with long-term use in mind, offering different ways of customizing it. They can be adapted for different environments and personal preferences. Our Cruiser III offers customizable footrest options, allowing you to choose between elevating footrests or swing-away footrests, based on your personal preference. This is just one of the many ways a wheelchair can be customized to meet your individual needs.

While transport chairs may not provide the same level of comfort or support for long-term, daily use. However, they are great for occasional use, such as hospital visits or short trips as they weight less and loads into a car much easier. Our Transport chair weighs only 19 lbs!

Shop our Lightweight Transport Chair in this colour here.

Which one should you choose?

Choosing between a transport chair and a wheelchair comes down to a few important considerations:

• Independence: If the user needs to navigate independently and regularly, and has the upper body strength a wheelchair is likely the better choice. However, if a caregiver will always be with the user and the chair will be used for short trips, a transport chair may be more suitable.
  
• Portability: Transport chairs are lightweight and compact, making them perfect if you plan to travel frequently or only need a chair for short trips, like doctor visits. While wheelchairs are also foldable, the transport chair’s design makes it easier to store in small spaces, such as car trunks or closets.
  
  
  
• Long-Term Needs: Wheelchairs are built for regular, extended use and come with more customization options for comfort and functionality.
  

Your Next Step

Choosing the right mobility aid can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can make an informed decision that meets your needs and lifestyle.

At Do Home Healthcare, we understand how important it is to find the perfect fit for comfort, mobility, and independence.

Need help choosing the right chair? Call us today at 416 746 6789 — we’re here to help you every step of the way.

We’re proud to serve Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton, and the entire GTA. Call us today at 416-746-6789 for expert advice.