Understanding Comparisons Between a Wheelchair and a Transfer Chair

A wheelchair is a chair that someone uses when they cannot walk. A person in a wheelchair may use it to get around, or they may need it to stand up from sitting or to transfer from one place of sitting to another. On the other hand, a transfer chair is a chair that is used to move between different chairs, like from a bed to a wheelchair. It can also be used to move someone onto or off the toilet, into the bathtub, etc. Both for them differ in the following ways:

The size of the back wheels of a wheelchair and transfer chair differ. The back wheels on a transfer chair are larger in diameter than the back wheels on a wheelchair. A wheelchair has a back wheel of 7 inches in diameter. However, a transfer chair is 8 inches in diameter. A transfer chair also has a broader blade about 12 inches wide on the front wheel and 10 inches wide on the back wheel.

A wheelchair has a wheelbase of between 30-36 inches. However, the wheelbase of a transfer chair is between 33-35 inches.

The back of a wheelchair’s seat is longer than that of a transfer chair because it accommodates individuals using their arms to propel themselves forward while sitting in their chair at different speeds. However, there is not that same movement when sitting in a transfer chair.

A transfer chair’s seat shape is different from a wheelchair’s seat shape. A transfer chair’s seat base supports the person in the chair, which gives them adequate support to sit without tipping or moving. It is not valid with a wheelchair where the person sits on their own.

A person using a transfer chair will feel more room to move around than someone using a wheelchair because there isn’t as much of an area behind the back wheels as there is behind the wheels of a standard wheelchair.

A transfer chair has one wheel, and a standard wheelchair has two back wheels and two front wheels, which further aids in mobility.

A transfer chair has a bar that pivots on a hinge used to propel the chair, while a wheelchair will have just a bar with no hinge. They are both used in the same way to push on and help move the chair forward.

Transfer chairs can come in either manual or electric, whereas wheelchairs will only come in manual unless specified otherwise.

A person using a transfer chair may want to store small personal in their tray or underneath their seat for easy access when needed. A wheelchair does not usually have this feature.

A transfer chair can have a push button to stop the chair in its tracks, whether at a set point or where the wheelchair is pointed. A wheelchair will not have this feature.

A transfer chair’s footrest will fold up against the back of the seat it holds in place. It is not valid with a wheelchair.

A transfer chair will last longer than a wheelchair, both for someone who uses them every day or for events when stored away in storage for months at a time. A wheelchair is designed only to get the individual from one place to another, while a transfer chair can be used for people of all ages and abilities.

The seat of the wheelchair is about 16-19 inches in width and between 16-22 inches in length. However, the seat of a transfer chair is between 17-20 inches in length and about 19-23 inches in width.

The wheelchair has a weight capacity of 275 pounds. However, that of a transfer chair is 350 pounds.

A person of average height can comfortably sit in a wheelchair. However, one who has an above-average height will find it challenging to sit on it. On the other hand, a transfer chair has its legs folded to allow more comfort while sitting on it.

A wheelchair will be equipped with front and rear brakes, whereas a transfer chair does not have brakes. This feature aids in the mobility of the chair when moving it from one place to another.

A wheelchair’s frame is solid, while a transfer chair’s frame comprises two connected sections. The two sections are joined together by rivets or welds. A person in a wheelchair can’t use their legs to propel themselves. However, someone using a transfer chair can.

A wheelchair requires a lower floor to be able to move freely and has limited maneuverability. However, the transfer chair is designed for mobility and comes with lifting frames.

A transfer chair has darts on the back of its seat, whereas a wheelchair does not have this feature. The darts are similar to the darts of a dartboard. The use of the darts is that they stabilize the weight of the person in the chair.

A wheelchair has handles at the back and front of the chair, whereas a transfer chair does not have this feature.

A wheelchair has hinges and joints on the frame, whereas a transfer chair will not have these features. A wheelchair will have two joints that allow for movement from side to side and have two hinges that allow its legs to open and close.

 A person who uses a wheelchair will not have direct contact with or use their hands on their chair handlebars. A transfer chair user will use their hands to propel themselves forward and use the back and front handles for support while seated in the chair.

A wheelchair’s seat is meant for a person to sit with the aid of a cushion or support, whereas a transfer chair’s seat can be used without any additional support beyond what it gives.

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Conclusion

The features mentioned above differ between wheelchair and transfer chairs; however, both assist someone in their mobility either outside or inside. So, if you are looking to purchase one of these fabulous chairs for your loved one, assess what your loved one’s needs are and make sure they meet them before purchasing!