Is a transport chair considered a wheelchair?

The modern era of human existence is characterized by loads of inventions that have transformed our lives and made living more comfortable. Isn’t that the crust of invention anyways? Although looking at the top 10 greatest inventions of all time, you may not find wheelchairs and transport chairs but these two inventions are also a symbol of civilization, and therefore, they sure merit whatever attention they can get.

Although there are obvious differences between these two mobile chairs, some people still hold the opinion that both chairs are the same. But is a transport chair considered a wheelchair?Whether yes or no, the answer to thisquestion and others will be provided so keep reading for details.

Is a transport chair the same as a wheelchair?

No, it is not the same as a wheelchair. Although the transport chair and the wheelchair are used to serve the same purpose (to support mobility), they are different. Merely looking at these two chairs, you should be able to spot the difference between them because, by design, they do not have a similar structure. Don’t worry, you will restore about their differences as you go deep into the content of this article.

What is a transport chair?

A transport chair is a mobility chair that aids movement. They are designed to look like the traditional wheelchair but they can also be used as a rollator. It is usually equipped with small wheels and cannot be manually operated. Unlike wheelchairs that can be operated by the occupant, you will need a caretaker to move you around in this chair and that is why it is called a transport chair.

What is the difference between a wheelchair and a transport chair?

• Wheels

The first obvious difference you will notice between a wheelchair and a transport chair is their wheel. While a transport chair is equipped with 4 small wheels, static rear wheels that do not rotate, and a brake. The wheelchair on the other end also has 4 wheels with 2 wheels in the front which are usually small and 2 big rear wheels.

• Mode of operation

To put a transport wheel in motion, you will need the assistance of a caregiver or a family member who will be the one to push the wheel from behind. That is not the case with a wheelchair. Wheelchairs have self-propelling, hand rims on their rear wheels that allow their users to control the wheels without assistance.

• Size

Wheelchairs are usually very bigger and heavy. This is because they are equipped with lots of accessories like oxygen attachments, trays, cushions, cup holders, bags, and others making them unsuitable for certain doors. Transport wheels on the other end are constructed with narrow frames and hardly come with these accessories which is why they can easily get through most doors and pathways.

• Usage

Transport wheels are best suited for indoor uses, while wheelchairs are designed for use on both indoor and outdoor terrains.

• Comfortability

Compared to transport wheels, wheelchairs are beloved to be more comfortable and therefore are often recommended for everyday use. Unlike transport wheels that are equipped with elevated leg rest and padded handles, wheelchairs are designed with ergonomic handles, hand and leg rest, and padded seats.

Is a transport chair considered a wheelchair?

Yes and no, depending on the angle from which you are looking at it. In terms of mobility, that is, if all you want is just something that can aid your movement, then you can consider a transport chair as a wheelchair. But when we start to look at it from the design, comfortably, structure, and every other thing, it is then that we would realize that a transport chair cannot be entirely considered a wheelchair.

How do you transport someone in a wheelchair?

1. Make sure the person you are moving is as close as possible to the wheelchair.
2. When you are about to transfer the person to the wheelchair, make sure to carry him or her from the stronger side of their body.
3. While transferring the person, make sure to lock the wheelchair and ensure that it remains locked until the transfer is complete.
4. Move the leg rest or the foot pedals out of the way.
5. To prevent injuries during transfer, you can make use of a gait belt.
6. As you are watching out for the person, be mindful of yourself too. Make sure your knee is bent during the transfer and ensure your back is naturally curved.
7. Once you have successfully transferred the person into the wheelchair if you will be taking the stairs, or moving in an upward direction, pull the wheelchair backward.
8. Position their legs at both the knee and ankle at 90°.
9. Make sure the person is sitting in such a way that their feet will be sitting flat on the floor unless they have been instructed to sit in a particular position.
10. In case you notice the person is about to fall, do not try to stop it by holding them, you will lose coordination, and this time they are going to fall for real. Instead, bend your knees and lower them slowly back to the chair.

Can a transport chair be used as a wheelchair?

Yes, you can use a transport chair in place of a wheelchair. A wheelchair is designed in a way that the user will be able to propel themselves by themselves. If you are so incapacitated that you will not be able to propel the wheelchair by yourself, you can use a transport chair as an alternative. The transport chair can do the work of a wheelchair albeit with some restrictions.

Is a transport chair covered by Medicare?

Yes, the transport chair is covered by Medicare. The transport chair is covered under part B of medical coverage. They are seen as durable medical equipment necessary for treating certain health conditions. Although for this to be effective, your condition must have warranted the need for a transport chair.

Is a wheelchair considered a vehicle?

Yes, a wheelchair can be considered a vehicle. Under the motor vehicle act, a motor vehicle is defined as a vehicle that is not operated on rail and is designed to be driven or propelled by itself or by electricity generated from overhead trolley wires. Therefore, given this definition, the motorized wheelchair can be considered a vehicle. This means users of manually operated wheelchairs are pedestrians.

Best transport wheelchair

According to findings, the NOVA lightweight transport chair is considered by many as the best transport wheelchair. Below are some of the features that make this product a popular choice.

1. Larger wheels for outdoor terrain
2. Handbrakes
3. It is very vasertile
4. It is lightweight, portable, and very easy to move about.

Best lightweight transport wheelchair

The Medline ultralight is considered the best lightweight transport wheelchair. The Medline ultralight transport chair weighs only about 6.8kg and it is one of the lightest on the market.