Roll Mobility Blog
Wheelchair Transfers
Before helping an individual transfer in or out of a wheelchair, let them know what you plan to do.
Most elderly individuals are able to do some of the transfer work from a wheelchair on their own. When you help an individual into or out of a wheelchair, ask the individual to help with the transfer as much as possible. Be patient and allow the individual as much time as needed to do their part of the transfer.
Teamwork
If the person you are transferring is lightweight and petite, you may be tempted to do more of the lifting yourself. But it’s important to allow the person being transferred to do as much as possible. This allows the individual to retain their sense of independence and saves your back in the process.
Safety
Ask a physical therapist to show you how to maintain proper body posture when assisting with transfers. Transferring from a wheelchair to a bath bench may require a different technique than transferring from a wheelchair to a car seat.
In some cases, a two-person transfer is safer. Do not attempt to assist with a wheelchair transfer by yourself if two people are needed. An unsafe transfer puts yourself and the individual you are helping at risk for injury.
Communication
Always communicate clearly with the person you are transferring. Let them know what you are going to do before you do it, and tell them again what you are doing as you do it. If they have a difficult time hearing, communicate your intentions through gestures and body language. Always show respect for the individual’s feelings, body, and dignity.
Choosing a Manual Wheelchair: Transport or Self-Propelled
Manual wheelchairs can be self-propelled or pushed by the user.
Looking for a wheelchair for yourself or a loved one? There are many options available, from customized electric wheelchairs to heavy duty wheelchairs to ultra lightweight transport chairs.
Transport or Self-Propelled
For manual wheelchairs, you have two choices: transport or self-propelled. Transport wheelchairs are for users who will be pushed around by a caregiver. Self-propelled wheelchairs are for users who want to be able to get around by themselves, along with the option of being pushed by a caregiver.
Portability
Since transport wheelchairs are lighter in weight than self-propelled wheelchairs, you can easily take the chair with you on outings. Transport chairs are easier to lift into the back of a vehicle for transport. Since the rear wheels are smaller than a self-propelled wheelchair, the transport chair is lighter and more compact.
Use
For everyday use, self-propelled wheelchairs are more common. They make it easy for the user to move around, and they often provide more comfort for users who are seated in a wheelchair most of the day. For users who only need a wheelchair for trips outside the home, such as doctor appointments and shopping, a transport chair is quick and easy to use. Some users also like the transport chair for home use, with its smaller frame and the ability to move the chair with their feet.
Wheelchair Fitting Measurements
Seat width, depth, and height are important for proper wheelchair fitting.
For comfort and ease of movement, it’s important to choose a wheelchair that fits the person using the chair. A poor-fitting wheelchair will make it difficult to sit for long without getting sore, pinched, or numb. Even more important, it can result in bad posture, poor ergonomics, and muscle strain for the user.
The three most important measurements to use for a wheelchair fitting are seat width, seat depth, and seat height.
Wheelchair Seat Width
For wheelchair seat width, measure the distance between the user’s hips while seated. If you have trouble getting the measurement, try placing a book upright on each side of the user. With the books pressed lightly against the user’s hips, measure the distance between the two books.
After measuring hip width, add a couple of inches for a more comfortable fit. The extra seat width also makes room for bulky clothing or a winter coat.
| Seat Width Measurement |
| Width of hips in seated position + 1 inch |
Wheelchair Seat Depth
With the user seated all the way back in a chair, measure the distance from the back of the knee to where the user’s back meets the chair. Subtract an inch or two to account for relaxed posture while seated in a wheelchair. This is the correct seat depth.
| Seat Depth Measurement |
| Distance from back of knee to back of seat, minus 1-2 inches |
Wheelchair Seat Height
With the user still in a seated position, measure the distance from the underside of the knee to the bottom of the foot. The standard 19″ to 21″ seat height works well for most individuals 5’4″ and taller. Seat-to-floor height is especially important for users who want to propel the wheelchair around a small area with their feet.
| Seat Height Measurement | |
| User Height | Approx. Seat Height |
| 4’11″ and under | 14″ to 16″ |
| 5’4″ and under | 17″ to 18″ |
| 5’4″ and above | 19″ to 21″ |
Lightweight Wheelchair Reviews
"Exactly what we needed without spending a lot." - Juliette
We love hearing from our customers! The following wheelchair reviews are just a sample of what our customers have to say about Roll Mobility’s wheelchairs and customer service. These reviews are for the GT Aluminum Lightweight Wheelchair and the Alpha Lightweight Wheelchair.
“I could not believe that it has arrived already…my wife, who for the first time is facing her lack of mobility, smiled when I got it together, smiled when she tried it the first time, and smiled again when she sat on the seat. Thanks for the quick delivery and the very, very good product.”
- Judson Joyce
“I love this chair and my husband does too; he finally can lift my wheelchair to put it in the car and I can now go more places. Thank you so much.”
- Sharma C.
“We are very happy with our purchase. The chair arrived earlier than expected and in great condition. It is lightweight, but sturdy, and very useful – it fits nicely in the back of my CR-V – and dad says it is comfortable, too.”
- Betty M.
“This wheelchair arrived 18 hours after I ordered it. No assembly was required. Foot rests snapped right on. I will do business with this company again gladly.”
- Jeffrey L.
“Exactly what we needed without spending a lot. Mom is large and had to squeeze into the into the 16″ model but stated even though it was a tight fit it was very comfortable. If needed to ride for long periods in chair, 18″ model would be a better choice, but we are very happy with the chair.”
- Juliette C.
“These are great people who care about their customers. I had a minor issue with my wheelchair which I caused and they took care of it immediately! What a great company!!”
- Mark C.
Choosing a Lightweight Wheelchair
This lightweight wheelchair comes with quick-release rear wheels for easier transport.
Do you need a self-propelled wheelchair that’s easy to lift into the trunk or back seat of your vehicle? A lightweight wheelchair is the answer. Here are some tips on choosing a wheelchair that’s lightweight and transport-friendly.
Weight and Construction
Most lightweight wheelchairs range from 27 to 35 pounds. With removable accessories, you can take the chair apart so that it’s lighter and easier to lift. Look for removable leg riggings, arm rests, and quick-release rear wheels are features that you should look for if you want to make the wheelchair lighter and more compact.
Since aluminum is lighter than steel, most lightweight wheelchairs are constructed with aluminum. Even though it’s lighter than steel, aluminum is just as strong and durable. It also resists rusting and corrosion.
Transporting a Wheelchair
Most caregivers are strong enough to lift a lightweight wheelchair into the trunk or back seat of a vehicle. We recommend practicing safe lifting techniques to protect yourself from muscle strain and injuries. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
If you suffer from back problems or if the wheelchair is still too heavy for you to lift, use a wheelchair ramp to load the chair into your vehicle and to move the unoccupied chair up and down stairs. Folding portable wheelchair ramps and mounted van ramps are available in different sizes and designs to fit your mobility needs.
Transporting a Wheelchair
Removing the leg rests and quick release wheels makes it easier to lift a wheelchair.
Loading a wheelchair into a vehicle can be cumbersome. Even a lightweight wheelchair can be awkward and heavy to lift, especially when the vehicle has a high threshold. But there are ways to make it easier to transport a wheelchair.
A folding wheelchair is easier to handle than a rigid frame or a standard power chair. Removing accessories such as the leg rests, arm rests, and quick release wheels (if available) makes the wheelchair lighter and easier to lift.
If you are lifting the wheelchair into the trunk or rear hatch of a vehicle, cover the bumper and sill with a thick rug or moving blanket to protect your vehicle from scratches. You can use the rug to cover the wheelchair and protect it from sliding around in the trunk. If you are lifting the wheelchair into the back seat, use a rug or heavy blanket to cover the seat and keep it from getting dirty or snagged.
Check the weight of the wheelchair and make sure it does not exceed the recommended weight for lifting. If the wheelchair is too heavy to lift safely, consider using a van ramp or vehicle lift instead. It’s better to play it safe than risk injuring your back.
A wheelchair van ramp can be installed semi-permanently or used as a portable ramp for temporary or occasional use. A manual ramp requires a little more effort to use but is cheaper and easier to install than a powered ramp or lift.
Wheelchair Armrest Basics
Wheelchair with flip back arms
The style and features of your wheelchair armrests can make your wheelchair more comfortable, make it easier to get in and out of your wheelchair, and let you get closer to desks and tables. Here are a few of the different types of armrests available.
Full Length – Full length armrests are longer than desk length arms. They make it easier to get in and out of the wheelchair, and the longer length provides more support for your arms.
Desk Length – This type of armrest is shorter, which allows the wheelchair user to get closer to desks, countertops, and tables. Although desk length arms don’t provide as much support as full length arms, the padding still provides comfortable support.
Fixed – A basic wheelchair model includes fixed armrests that are permanently attached to the chair. They are sturdy and provide support for your weight.
Removable – Removable armrests can be taken off to make transfers easier and to provide closer access to tables and desks.
Flip Back – Wheelchairs with flip-back arm rests allow you to lift the armrest out of the way for transfers and desk access. Some armrests both remove and flip back for the most versatility.
Wheelchair Fitting
Wheelchair fitting is important for comfort and posture.
A poor fitting wheelchair is one of the main reasons that a disabled or aging individual resists using a wheelchair. A poorly fitted wheelchair is uncomfortable, difficult to use, and can result in strain or injury. Here are a few tips on making sure the wheelchair is a right fit for the user:
Finding the Right Wheelchair Size
Look for a wheelchair with the correct seating measurements for the user. The seat width, height, and depth should allow the user to sit comfortably, with no strain or pinching on the user’s back, legs, and hips. Although seat width and seat depth are fixed, some manual wheelchairs allow for adjustment to the seat height.
Seat Width
To find the correct seat width, measure the width of the user’s hips. Then add a couple of inches to allow for wiggle room and heavy clothing.
Seat Height
If the wheelchair includes adjustable height leg riggings, you can adjust the height of the riggings to find the right seat height. When the seat is adjusted correctly, it should not pinch the back of the knees or place too much weight on the buttocks. The thighs should be parallel with the seat.
If the user will be self-propelling the wheelchair with their feet, look for a wheelchair with a hemi height setting. The seat height should be low enough for the user to comfortably reach the floor and scoot around with their feet.
Seat Depth
Correct seat depth allows for proper posture and prevents the edge of the seat from pinching the back of the user’s knees (if the seat is too deep) or causing the user’s weight to fall on the thighs (if the seat is too narrow). As a guideline, there should be no more than two inches between the edge of the seat and the back of the user’s knee. For proper posture, the user’s pelvis should be all the way to the back of the seat so that the back of the pelvis touches the seat back.
Folding Wheelchair Reviews
"Great product, and the best part is that it took me like a minute to put it together." - Darling P.
GT Aluminum Wheelchair
“Only had to remove packing materials, slide on the foot supports and the chair was ready to roll—chair is easy to push and maneuvers easily. The fabric is really nice and the seat is padded with a slim pocket on the chair back. My family was shocked at the price because it looks like more expensive chairs.”
- Connie G.
“Great looking chair! It came so rapidly it was surprising. Wonderful product, and wonderful service.”
- Dawn R.
Star Wheelchair
“Fairly light weight, legs are easy to adjust and reattach, has been essential to use for transport, and I was able to maneuver it fairly well, even in snow!”
- Nancy S.
Alpha Wheelchair
“Great product, and the best part is that it took me like a minute to put it together. It was well packaged and the overall appearance is just wonderful.”
- Darling P.
Transport Chair
“It is light and easy to use. Only its small wheels prove to be in trouble in old streets of New York. You have to get off sometimes. But it is light and easy to navigate on smooth surface. We are satisfied with it. It is very good other than that disadvantage.”
- Xiaojun D.
“The chair was as described and has been very useful for getting me around the city while my leg wound healed before getting back into my prosthetic leg. The lighter weight made it easy to get into the car.”
- Leon S.
How to Lift a Wheelchair into the Trunk of a Vehicle
Fold the wheelchair before lifting it into the trunk.
One way to transport a manual wheelchair is to load it into the trunk of your vehicle. Lower profile vehicles make it easier to load and unload a wheelchair, since you don’t have to lift the chair as high. No matter what type of vehicle you have or how heavy the wheelchair is, it’s important to use proper lifting techniques to load the wheelchair into a vehicle.
For vans, SUVs, and other vehicles with enough clearance, you can either lift the wheelchair into the vehicle or use a van ramp to roll the wheelchair up the ramp and into the vehicle with less effort.
Loading a Wheelchair into a Vehicle
- To make the wheelchair lighter to lift, remove the leg riggings and any other removable parts (i.e. arm rests, quick-lock wheels, cushions, etc.).
- Fold down the backrest, if applicable (available on some transport chairs).
- Pull up on the seat to fold the wheelchair and make it as compact as possible.
- With one hand, reach across the wheelchair and grab both sides of the frame behind the front casters at the bottom of the wheelchair.
- With the other hand, grab the handle closest to your body.
- Lift the wheelchair straight up, keeping it close to your body, until the wheels are high enough to rest on the edge of the trunk. Use correct posture by lifting with your legs and keeping your back straight.
- Guide the wheels into the trunk and push the rear wheels of the wheelchair to the back of the trunk. The best way to load a wheelchair into the trunk is in the shape of a triangle, where the rear wheels are at the back of the trunk and the handles and footrest area are at the front.
- Put the riggings and other wheelchair accessories into the trunk or back seat of the car.
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