Individuals with limited mobility often avoid outings or traveling because they are worried about fatigue or physical challenges. If you’re caring for someone who is unable to walk on their own, or has difficulty walking for long distances, then it might be time to consider a transport wheelchair (often referred to simply as a transport chair) to get them to wherever they need to go, safely. But what is a transport wheelchair, anyway? And how is it different from other types of wheelchairs?
Transport Chairs vs. Standard Wheelchairs
So, what exactly is a transport wheelchair, and how is it different from a standard wheelchair?
A traditional wheelchair is heavier and bulkier with large 24” rear wheels, and the person using it can either be assisted by a family member or caregiver, or move the wheelchair on their own using the hand rim on the large rear wheel to propel the chair forward. Wheelchairs are foldable, but the large 24” rear wheels and the weight make them challenging to transport, especially getting them in and out of a car.
Transport chairs, on the other hand, are more lightweight with smaller rear wheels, making them more compact and easier to fold, lift and transport. There is optionality in models such as locking hand brakes that the caregiver can control for greater safety when using ramps or moving along inclines, various terrains or steeper surfaces. Transport chairs cannot be self propelled by the person sitting in them. Their lightweight design allows a caregiver or family member to easily transport the passenger, making it much easier to get it in and out of a car.
A NOVA wheelchair (LEFT) vs. a NOVA transport chair (RIGHT).
Related Blog: How To Help Older Adults In and Out of a Vehicle
What Makes NOVA Transport Wheelchairs Unique?
When people think Wheelchairs, there is often a negative stigma for both the user and caregiver. For the user, wheelchairs are an ubiquitous symbol of aging, health decline and disability, and for the caregiver, the wheelchair is often difficult to maneuver, especially when lifting in and out of a car. Most people don’t even know that transport chairs exist.
In contrast to wheelchairs, transport chairs have a sportier look, come in fun and fashionable colors, are much easier to use and do not have the stigma that wheelchairs can project.
At NOVA, we believe mobility aids should not be associated with loss. High-quality transport chairs—not to mention walkers and rollators—can actually help your loved one regain their independence and sense of freedom and adventure. With that in mind, we design our mobility aids with the following aspects in mind:
- Compact: The whole point of a transport chair is to help your loved one get wherever they need to go. We design our transport chairs to be compact, lightweight, and easily foldable so they’re ready to be transported in the back of a vehicle or on public transportation.
- Comfortable: If the transport chair is not comfortable, then your loved one will not want to use it. NOVA transport chairs are built with the user experience in mind, with comfy padded armrests, and the option to customize your ride with a Happy Tush seat cushion, Happy Back lumbar cushion, and so much more.
- Strong: You don’t have to worry about NOVA transport chairs getting beat up on rugged surfaces or when you fold them for storage. Our transport chairs have rugged builds that will last for years with the right care and maintenance, and we back them with a limited lifetime warranty. You can also have your NOVA transport chair serviced at a partner pharmacy near you.
- Options: NOVA’s offers a complete line of transport chairs so you can choose the one with the best options for you, your loved one and your lifestyle. This includes handbrakes for the caregiver, flip of arms and an extra-wide/heavy duty option.
- Stylish: A mobility aid, whether it’s a walker, rollator, or transport chair, should never feel like a cold piece of hospital equipment. The mobility aid should be an extension of your loved one’s personality, like a fashion accessory. Our transport chairs come in a variety of stylish colors so your loved one can find one that perfectly reflects their individuality.
Related Blog: Why NOVA Makes Cane and Walkers in a Rainbow of Colors
How To Find the Perfect Transport Wheelchair
You can help your loved one find the perfect transport wheelchair by bringing them to a NOVA dealer in your area, where they can “test drive” a few different transport chairs and find one that feels most comfortable. Our partner pharmacies and HME stores have excellent staff that will be able to assist you and answer all your questions.
Buying a transport chair is similar to buying a new car; you don’t know which one is right for you until you take it for a test drive.
The NOVA Lightweight Transport Chair (Purple) and its folded dimensions.
Related Blog: Find the Right NOVA Transport Chair for Your Travel Style
Find a NOVA Dealer Near You
Use our NOVA dealer locator to find a local pharmacy or HME retailer that sells NOVA products. If you’re worried about your loved one falling down, don’t forget to check out our home safety toolbox, which we created for caregivers like you.
Do you own or manage an independent pharmacy or home medical equipment store? Connect your customers with NOVA walkers, rollators, and transport chairs by joining the NOVA Network.
