Differences Between a Standard and a Transport Wheel Chair

There are several different types of wheel chairs, but the most common are the standard wheel chair and the transport wheel chair. While similarities exist between the two, there are some differences in these manual wheel chairs.



For example, the standard wheel chair is most commonly self-operated, meaning the person in the chair has access to the large wheels in the back and can move the chair on his own. They can also be pushed by someone else walking behind the chair. Besides the two large wheels, a standard wheel chair has two small caster wheels on the front that allow the chair to turn.

The main difference in a transport wheel chair is that all four wheels are the smaller caster wheels and it can only be moved by someone pushing the chair. As the name implies, the transport wheel chair is meant to move a patient from place to place by an attendant.

While the standard wheel chair is meant primarily for individual use, many clinics and hospitals use them for their patients. The transport wheel chair is designed for a clinic or hospital.