Wheelchair Buying Guide

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

Transport wheelchair

Transport wheelchairs are narrow, smaller-wheeled chairs that are designed to be pushed by a caregiver. A transport chair is light, compact, and easy to navigate, which makes it an excellent option for travel and use outside of the home, or as a companion to a larger manual or electric wheelchair.

Transport wheelchairs are different from standard wheelchairs in that the wheels are smaller and the body is more narrow to make them easier to push and maneuver. Transport chairs cannot be manually propelled, which means that the wheelchair user cannot operate this chair unassisted. For more information on Transport Wheelchairs, visit our Transport Wheelchair Buyers Guide.

Do I qualify for a wheelchair?

“Qualifying for a wheelchair” is a phrase used to describe your necessity for a wheelchair, decided by your doctor, and if you fulfill the requirements put in place by your insurance provider to cover the costs of your wheelchair.

To qualify for a wheelchair, you need to demonstrate to your doctor that you have limited mobility and are physically capable of operating a wheelchair unassisted. If your limited mobility interferes with daily tasks – from getting around your house to completing essential functions such as getting dressed – you may qualify for a wheelchair.

To operate a wheelchair, you will need to be able to sit and support yourself unassisted, physically operate the controls and navigate appropriately, and be able to get in and out of the wheelchair on your own.

Your doctor can determine your medical necessity for a wheelchair by evaluating your mobility limitations, as well as discussing how you feel you’d benefit from a wheelchair. During your assessment, your doctor will determine if your daily limitations meet the requirements for needing a wheelchair.

How long do wheelchair batteries last?

A brand new, fully charged power wheelchair battery can last upwards of 8 hours on a single charge and cover around 10 to 20 miles of distance. Overall battery health declines as the battery is used, both in the length of time it will last and the range it covers.

Power wheelchair batteries should be replaced every one and a half to two years to ensure you have the proper power for your daily use. Depending on your usage, a power wheelchair battery can last from 6 months to 2 years before requiring a replacement.

For more information on power wheelchair batteries, please see our blog post on how long a wheelchair battery lasts.

How long does it take to get a wheelchair?

The process from qualifying for a wheelchair to completing your purchase and having a wheelchair at your disposal can take weeks or months, as qualification starts with a doctor’s appointment and a discussion.

The actual purchasing of a wheelchair typically takes a few weeks, as it’s a good idea to test out a few wheelchairs in person at a retail store or rental location to ensure your choice suits your needs. Wheelchairs can be purchased at your local medical supplier or through online retail websites.

It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to get a wheelchair, depending on what you’re looking for and what’s available. Both local suppliers and retail websites will help guide you through the purchasing process to ensure the wheelchair you select suits your needs and fits your lifestyle.

When purchasing a wheelchair through Scootaround, most wheelchairs are shipped between 5 and 7 business days after you complete your purchase.

How do I choose a wheelchair size?

Choosing a proper size for your wheelchair depends greatly upon the width of the seat you will require. The seat of the wheelchair dictates the layout, wheel size, and other secondary features of the device. Seat widths typically range from 16 to 20 inches, with an average width of about 18 inches.

You should also take the seat depth into consideration, as this will make a difference in overall comfort and usage. Seat depth is the distance from the back of the seat to the front edge and should be measured when the user is sitting straight up. Seat size determines the wheelchair’s overall size, which can affect how easy it is to navigate doorways, hallways, and other tight spaces. Size also affects wheelchair turning radius, which determines how tightly the chair can make a 180-degree turn.

Compact wheelchairs have a narrower seat, making them easier to maneuver and transport than standard manual wheelchairs with wider seats. For more information on the best wheelchairs for tight spaces, check out our post on narrow wheelchairs. You can also get more info on the best narrow manual wheelchairs and powerchairs at our Best Compact Narrow Wheelchairs post.

What is the best wheelchair for seniors?

The best wheelchair for seniors is one that is lightweight, user-friendly, and easy to fold and transport. Wheelchairs that meet these requirements allow senior wheelchair users to maintain their independence and increase their mobility without requiring the assistance of others.

One of the best examples of a wheelchair for seniors is the Poly Fly Lightweight Transport Chair by Drive Medical. This combo wheelchair acts as both a standard wheelchair and a transport chair, providing fantastic flexibility in a variety of driving scenarios. It provides a smooth ride, is highly transportable, and is easy to maintain and keep clean. The swing away footrests also make it easy to transfer in and out of the chair.

For more information about how to shop for a wheelchair for seniors, check out our Best Wheelchairs for Elderly People Guide. Or, if you’re looking for advice on how to transport a potential new wheelchair, take a look at our blog post which provides tips for transporting your chair.

Features you need (or should look for) when buying a wheelchair:

When shopping for a wheelchair, there are a number of major components you need to take into consideration. The following will give you a good idea of what’s available, what to look for, and what to consider before making your purchase.

Comfort

Any wheelchair that is being used on a daily basis needs to be comfortable. The seat is the most crucial element to consider here. Most are made of either nylon or vinyl, and some chairs may require a cushion or custom back support to increase comfort. Seat width and depth are also important considerations, as you’ll want a seat that fits the user perfectly.

Cushion

A cushion can be added to a wheelchair seat to increase comfort, support, and stability. Gel cushions can add extra comfort; positioning cushions correct posture and improve the user’s ability to navigate, and preventative cushions reduce friction and pressure during extended use.

Seats

The seat in most wheelchairs is made of nylon or vinyl because both materials are durable and easy to clean. Some seats can be customized or upgraded depending on the frame style of your wheelchair.

Seat size

Seat size is broken down into seat width (the space from armrest to armrest) and seat depth (the distance from the backrest to the front edge of the seat). Wheelchairs come in several seat widths, typically from 14 to 20 inches, with the most common width being 18 inches. Seat depths are also variable and should be measured by having the wheelchair user sit up straight in a natural active position. Both seat width and seat depth can be found in the “Product Specifications” section on most mobility equipment retailer websites.

Seat Height

Seat height indicates how high the seat is off the ground. Most wheelchairs have an average seat height of 20 to 21 inches, which is appropriate for users that are 5 feet tall or above. If the user is shorter than 5 feet, transferring may be more difficult, as the wheelchair may be too high.

Chair Height

Chair height – or how tall the overall device is – will impact how easily the wheelchair can be transported and maneuvered around. Taller wheelchairs may be more difficult to store in the trunk of a car, whereas shorter wheelchairs will be easier to fold or collapse down.

Chair Weight

If you will be transporting your wheelchair on a frequent basis, or if you want something that’s easy to manage when you travel, you will want to consider chair weight. Transport chairs and pediatric wheelchairs are typically lighter than manual wheelchairs, while manual wheelchairs tend to be lighter than power wheelchairs. Chair weight can range from 19 pounds to over 65 pounds depending on the features and added accessories.

Armrests

Armrests provide added comfort and support. They are often removable (or can flip up) to make transferring and transportation easier. Many armrests are located at table or desk height, which allows them to easily tuck under a standard table top.

Leg rests

Like armrests, leg rests provide added support and comfort for the user. They come in a variety of styles, but the most important thing to consider is if you want the leg rests to swing or adjust, as this can impact the transferability of the chair.

Wheels

Wheels can add stability and convenience to the overall ride. Most wheels are either rubber or semi-pneumatic, which can change how the wheelchair rolls on different surfaces. Some wheels are maintenance free, while others will need to be replaced as they wear down over time.