Transport wheelchairs are becoming very popular. Sales of transport wheelchairs are rapidly growing. It is not hard to understand why.

Transport wheelchairs offer a good alternative to standard wheelchairs. Transport wheelchairs are lighter, more convenient, less bulky and less expensive than standard wheelchairs. But while transport wheelchairs are the answer for many people, transport wheelchairs may not necessarily be right for you. This article will explain why.

Transport wheelchairs have one main difference compared to standard wheelchairs. Instead of the large back wheels with handgrips found on standard wheelchairs, transport wheelchairs have smaller "caster" wheels. This difference in structure plays a great role in the function of the transport wheelchair.

Advantages Of Transport Wheelchairs

Since the back wheels of standard wheelchairs are so big and heavy, replacing them with small wheels means that the transport wheelchair is lighter than standard wheelchairs. In addition, the large back wheels are wider and bulkier. So transport wheelchairs are narrower and less bulky than standard wheelchairs. Transport wheelchairs tend to go through doorways easier and take up less room in storage areas such as closets and trunks of cars. Finally transport wheelchairs tend to be significantly less expensive than standard wheelchairs. Prices of transport wheelchairs usually start at under $100.

Disadvantages Of Transport Wheelchairs

There are a few disadvantages to transport wheelchairs. The most important disadvantage of transport wheelchairs is that, since there is no wheels with handgrips on them, it is not possible for the person sitting in the transport wheelchair to push themselves. They are not self-reliant and must be pushed by an attendant. Also transport wheelchairs are less easy to tip than a standard wheelchair. It can be rather dangers for a small person to tip a large person in a transport wheelchair and there is a risk that the person sitting in the transport wheelchair can suddenly fall backwards. Finally transport wheelchairs are usually not built for comfort and are often recommended for short term use.

As an inexpensive form of transportation for a disabled person, a transport wheelchair offers a good alternative to the bulkier, heavier standard wheelchair. See our guide to the transport wheelchair for more information.