Wheelchair Buying Guide

 

All wheelchairs:

  • Fold and fit into a car trunk or rear seat easily.
  • Have removable leg rests for the comfort of its rider.
  • Come delivered and fully assembled so you or your loved ones are ready to go.

Check here for Manual Wheelchair Fit Guide.


Transport Wheelchairs

transport chair
Defined by:
  • Smaller wheels for easy transport in and out of vehicles.
  • Pushed by the riders companion or caregiver.
  • Light weight for easy lifting.
  • Easier compatibility
Ideal use:
  • Traveling around town or around the world
  • Going to the mall
  • Doctor appointments
  • Short trips to the store or other location

Seat size

Transport chairs come in 4 sizes to accommodate the riders weight.

Chair weight

The lighter your chair, the easier it will be to lift, carry and load in and out of a car. Transport chairs come in 4 easy to understand weight categories.

Wheels

Wheels: All transport chairs come with "flat free" rubber tires. There are no more worrying about getting a flat or filling up you tires with air.

Wheel size: Transport chairs tires come in 3 adaptable sizes: 7" and less, 8" and 12". The smaller wheel sizes usually come with the more comparable chairs. Some of our customers like the larger 12" for extra stability.

Seats

All wheelchairs come with a 1½” fabric or vinyl seat. To make you chair comfortable, or if you sit in your wheelchair more then 2 hours daily, we recommend you invest in a cushion.

Wheelchair Cushions

  • There are 3 types of cushions:

  • Comfort cushions: Foam or gel cushions, for comfort
  • Positioning cushions: Contoured cushions allowing the user correct posture
  • Preventative cushions: gel or air cushions helping the user prevent bed sores

  • See our Back Cushions for back comfort and posture

Standard Wheelchairs

standard wheelchair
Defined by:
  • Large rear wheel for added stability.
  • Pushed by chair rider or by companion or caregiver
  • Folds into car or van
Ideal use:
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Heavy Us on a regular basis
  • Short or long term transportation solution

Seat size

Standard wheelchair seats size offer different width sizes to accommodate your weight.

Chair weight

The lighter your wheelchair, the easier it will be to lift, carry and put into your car. Wheelchairs come in several weight categories. (Please note: the lighter the wheelchair, the more it will cost.)

Seat Height

The standard seat height is 20-21" off the ground. This will work if you are over 5' tall. If you are shorter than 5' you may have a hard time exiting the wheelchair and a shorter seat height will be necessary for better comfort.

Leg Rest

There are 2 types of foot rests. Swingaway removable and elevating removable which allow you to raise your legs 90 degrees.

Note: all leg rests swing away and REMOVE. All chairs come standard with swingaway removable footrests and are included in the price.

If you need elevating leg rests you can order them for an extra charge when you customize your order.

Armrests

Armrest provide arm and shoulder support. There are 3 types of armrests.

A. Full Length (15") These armrests run the full length of the seat and the shorter desk length (11") which will allow you to get closer to a table or desk.

B. Height adjustable Some models will allow you to adjust the height.

C. Removable/flip-back arms You may benefit from removable or flip back arm for easier transfer in and out of the chair.

Comfort

All wheelchairs come with a 1½” fabric or vinyl seat. To make you chair comfortable, or if you sit in your wheelchair more then 2 hours daily, we recommend you invest in a cushion.
There are 3 types of cushions Comfort cushions:

Foam or gel cushions: For comfort

Positioning cushions: Contoured cushions allowing the user correct posture

Preventative cushions: Gel or air cushions helping the user prevent bed sores.
About 1800wheelchair
The 1800Wheelchair.com has over 20 Years experience with one goal: Serving those in Need. Our Wheelchair Buying Guide is designed to help you find the best wheelchair for your situation. Check out our inventory today!