Wheel Chairs

A transport chair has four small wheels and is pushed by a companion; it is lighter and folds smaller, which makes it handy for trips, appointments and car travel. A standard wheelchair has large rear wheels with hand rims, so the user can push themselves. If the user will move around on their own, choose a standard or lightweight self-propelled chair; if someone will always push, a transport chair is easier to handle and lift.

Measure the user’s hip width while seated and add about 5 cm (2 in) to get the seat width. Common seat widths are 16, 18 and 20 inches, with 22 inches and wider for bariatric chairs. Also check the overall chair width, usually about 18 to 20 cm wider than the seat, against your narrowest doorway; most interior doors are 76 to 81 cm (30 to 32 in) wide. A seat that is too wide makes self-propelling harder.

Lightweight folding power wheelchairs typically weigh about 20 to 30 kg with the battery, so one person can lift them into a car trunk, and travel about 10 to 25 km per charge. Heavy-duty power chairs weigh much more and travel further but do not fold. Many folding models use removable lithium batteries, which matters for air travel. Check the user weight capacity and range listed on each product page.

Standard wheelchairs are usually rated for about 113 to 136 kg (250 to 300 lb). Heavy-duty and bariatric chairs are rated for about 160 to 225 kg (350 to 500 lb) or more and have wider seats and stronger frames. Choose a chair rated above the user’s weight, and remember that bags or equipment carried on the chair add to the load.

Several provinces have assistive device programs that can cover part of the cost of a prescribed wheelchair, such as Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program and Alberta Aids to Daily Living, and some private insurance and Veterans Affairs plans also contribute. These programs usually require an assessment by an authorized professional and may require buying through an approved vendor, so check the program’s rules before you buy.

Most products in this category ship free anywhere in Canada, and any shipping charge is shown at checkout before you pay. Because these are large items, each product page shows its own processing time, usually 2 to 7 business days before the item leaves, plus transit time. Orders are processed Monday to Friday. See the Shipping page for full details.