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.
How to Use a Transport Wheelchair
Need help setting up your transport wheelchair? Watch the video to see how easy it is to set up and fold a lightweight transport chair.
Roll Mobility’s transport wheelchairs come fully assembled and ready to use, with the leg riggings packed separately in the box. Our transport chairs are available in red or blue with an 18 inch seat width.
After you remove the transport chair from the box, take a few minutes to read the instruction manual included with this product. Then you can begin the process of setting up your wheelchair by following the instructions in the manual.
This is what your transport wheelchair will look like when it is set up and ready to use.
Opening the Wheelchair
To unfold the wheelchair, tilt the chair to one side and push down on one or both seat rails until the wheelchair is fully opened. Then lift the backrest until it locks into place. Remember to keep your hands and fingers clear of any moving parts.
Installing the Leg Riggings
To install the swingaway, removable riggings, turn the rigging to the outside of the frame and join the hinge plates on the rigging to the hinge pins on the side frame assembly. Then swing the rigging to the front of the wheelchair to lock it in place. The footplate should be located on the inside of the wheelchair. Repeat with the opposite rigging.
Adjusting the Leg Riggings
To adjust the height of the riggings for the Roll Mobility aluminum transport wheelchair, first loosen the bolt at the bottom until the footplate moves freely. Slide the footplate assembly up or down to the desired height. Then re-tighten the bolt to secure the footplate assembly in place. Do the same for the opposite rigging, making sure the riggings are set at the same height.
This is what your transport wheelchair will look like when it is folded for storage.
To adjust the height of the riggings for the Roll Mobility steel transport wheelchair, first open the cam lock lever, then push in the release buttons and slide the footplate assembly up or down to the desired height. Make sure both release buttons pop all the way out of the new adjustment holes. Then lock the cam lever to secure it in place. Repeat for the opposite rigging. Count the number of holes from the top of each rigging to the release buttons to make sure the riggings are set at the same height.
Removing the Leg Riggings
To remove the leg riggings, push the release lever and swing the rigging to the outside. Lift the leg assembly off the hinge pins. Then repeat for the opposite rigging.
Folding the Wheelchair
The last thing you need to know is how to fold the transport wheelchair. First, press the release levers on either side of the backrest and lower the backrest all the way down. Lift the footplates into the vertical position. Then grab the front and back of the seat and lift up. Now your transport chair is ready for transport or storage.
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″ |
Transport Wheelchair Reviews
"Easy to fold down and fits into the trunk of my car with ease." - Sara C.
“Fabulous lightweight wheelchair! And if a wheelchair can be described as ‘cute,’ then this is it. Every bit of the description regarding this wheelchair is 100% accurate. I made the perfect choice!”
- Janis L.
“Transport chair arrived promptly and the product was in good condition. The chair is easy to fold down and fits into the trunk of my car with ease. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who has an elderly family member that cannot walk long distances but still wants to get out of the house.”
- Sara C.
“Wonderful product, service, delivery. The wheelchair is lightweight and easy to compact away for storage. The seat is higher than a traditional hospital wheelchair. This is great because it is easier to get up from the chair. Highly recommend the chair.”
- Darren J.
“Wheelchair is great. Very lightweight yet sturdy. Folds easily. Mom loves it!!”
- David H.
How to Set Up a Transport Wheelchair
Need some help setting up your transport wheelchair? This video will take you through the simple process of setting up your wheelchair and give you an overview of the different features that your wheelchair offers.
The Aluminum and Steel Transport Wheelchairs come fully assembled and ready to use, with the leg riggings packed separately in the box. These transport chairs are available in red or blue with an 18 inch seat width.
After you remove the transport chair from the box, take a few minutes to read the instruction manual included with this product. Then you can begin the process of setting up your wheelchair by following the instructions in the manual.
The transport wheelchair folds into a compact size for storage and transport.
To unfold the wheelchair, tilt the chair to one side and push down on one or both seat rails until the wheelchair is fully opened. Then lift the backrest until it locks into place. Remember to keep your hands and fingers clear of any moving parts.
To install the swingaway, removable riggings, turn the rigging to the outside of the frame and join the hinge plates on the rigging to the hinge pins on the side frame assembly. Then swing the rigging to the front of the wheelchair to lock it in place. The footplate should be located on the inside of the wheelchair. Repeat with the opposite rigging.
To adjust the height of the riggings for the aluminum transport chair, first loosen the bolt at the bottom until the footplate moves freely. Slide the footplate assembly up or down to the desired height. Then re-tighten the bolt to secure the footplate assembly in place. Do the same for the opposite rigging, making sure the riggings are set at the same height.
To adjust the height of the tool-free riggings for the steel transport chair, first open the cam lock lever, then push in the release buttons and slide the footplate assembly up or down to the desired height. Make sure both release buttons pop all the way out of the new adjustment holes. Then lock the cam lever to secure it in place. Repeat for the opposite rigging. Count the number of holes from the top of each rigging to the release buttons to make sure the riggings are set at the same height.
To remove the leg riggings, push the release lever and swing the rigging to the outside. Lift the leg assembly off the hinge pins. Then repeat for the opposite rigging.
The last step is learning how to fold the transport wheelchair. First, press the release levers on either side of the backrest and lower the backrest all the way down. Lift the footplates into the vertical position. Then grab the front and back of the seat and lift up.
That’s it! Now you are ready to use your transport wheelchair from Roll Mobility.
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.
Wheelchair Sale! Lightweight Transport Chair in Blue or Red
The 18″ Lightweight Steel Transport Wheelchair from Roll Mobility is now on sale for only $74.99! Available in blue or red, this transport chair is an economical choice for trips to the doctor or around town. With a fold-down backrest, this chair packs down into a compact size for small vehicle and storage spaces.
This transport wheelchair comes with swingaway, removable footrests, dual push-to-lock rear wheel brakes, and full padded arm rests. The powder coated finish protects against nicks and scratches for a lifetime of use. See the transport chair features below or see our product page to learn more.
Features:
- Lightweight Powder Coated Steel Frame
- Dual Push-to-Lock Rear Wheel Brakes
- Fold-Down Backrest for Compact Storage
- Full Length, Fixed Padded Arm Rests
- Swingaway, Removable Footrests with Tool-Free Adjustment
- Heel Loops Included
- Durable, Flame Retardant Nylon Upholstery
- Rear Storage Pocket
- Folds Up for Compact Storage and Transport
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
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