The Best Wheelchairs With Brakes

Buying Guide

If you’ve ever shopped for a wheelchair, you know there are different types: there are wheelchairs designed for use around the house, and others meant to be used for transportation from one place to another. The wheels on transport wheelchairs will often be smaller since they’re designed to fold up and take on the go. They may also only be built to be set up and pushed by an assistant, which means the handbrakes could be on the handles that the assistant uses.

A standard wheelchair, on the other hand, is built for self-use. You’ll have handbrakes within reach of your hands. The wheels may also be much larger and sturdier, allowing you to roll across outdoor landscapes, including rocks and dirt.

You may not need both types of wheelchairs if you can find one that easily folds up to store in your trunk or vehicle while you’re traveling across town. Still, if you love your standard chair, you may choose to use it only around the house and have a transport chair on hand for when you leave the house.

Aside from the type of chair, there are a few features that shoppers will want to consider. One is, of course, comfort. Pay particular attention to the material and level of padding on the back, seat and armrest. Some are heavily padded, which can come in handy if it’s a chair you’ll be using all day long. If it’s a transport chair, though, this won’t be as essential since you’ll only be using it for short periods of time.

Safety is a final, and very important, feature. Some wheelchairs have a feature that helps keep them from tipping. Others feature seatbelts, which are especially important if someone is pushing the chair.

Lastly, there are some wheelchairs that have tires that resist punctures or leaks, which can also help safeguard occupants, especially if the chair is being used on outdoor surfaces.

• Look for where the handbrakes are located on any wheelchair you’re considering. If the handbrakes are only on the back of the chair, that means it’s a chair that will require an assistant to operate. For those who are more independent, this could be a problem unless there’s a primary chair they can use to push themselves around the house.
• A seatbelt isn’t a necessity, but some may find it helps. If the chair is for someone who could possibly fall out, a seatbelt can provide a welcome extra layer of security.
• The type of material is important for comfort and durability. However, it can also dictate your cleanup options. Look for a material that’s easy to wipe down between uses.
• Rust is a consideration, particularly if your wheelchair will be exposed to moisture. Look for a wheelchair with a frame that resists rust and can handle years of heavy use.
• If you plan to transport your wheelchair, look into how easy it is to fold up and store. Make sure the folded-up dimensions will fit into your trunk or the backseat of your car if you’ll need to store it there while on the go. If you fly, you may also want to check the dimensions against what your usual airlines will allow.
• There are two things to consider when it comes to weight. You’ll want a wheelchair that’s lightweight enough to fold up and maneuver around for transport, but it also needs to have a good weight capacity. Some wheelchairs are limited, so check this limit before buying.
• Take a close look at the wheels on the chair, particularly those in the rear. You’ll need larger wheels if you plan to navigate rough outdoor terrain in your wheelchair.