Updated: February 4, 2026
Best Lightweight Transport Wheelchairs
A transport chair helps people with limited mobility take part in appointments, events, and daily activities more safely and comfortably. When comparing options, important factors include the weight of the chair, available safety features, seating comfort, how easily it can be pushed and maneuvered when occupied, and how often it will be used.
The list below reviews 10 lightweight transport wheelchairs and explains the key features of each model to help match the chair to the user’s mobility needs.
Transport Wheelchair Rankings
Transport Wheelchair Product Reviews
When it comes to the best transport chair, the Body Up Evolution Patient Lift Chair by Veziris Healthcare is the winner. It is a four-in-one medical transfer device. It can be used as a bath chair, commode chair, indoor wheelchair, or car transfer chair, and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. No muscle strength is needed to lift or lower. Instead, a pair of hand cranks do the work, making transferring, lifting, and lowering as easy as possible. With a sturdy stainless steel frame and waterproof cover, it can stand up to anything you throw at it.
Veziris Healthcare offers several accessories to provide additional comfort or security.
Features and Benefits
- Multifunctional -- Four-in-One Device
- Electricity- and Battery-Free
- Does Not Require Muscle Strength to Operate
- Compatible With Most Medium and Large Vehicles
- Disassembles Into Three Pieces for Storage and Transport
- Manual Hand Crank to Lift and Lower Occupants
- Frame Cover Is Removable and Machine Washable
- Hand-Washable and Waterproof Polyester Sling
- Makes Lifting and Lowering Patients Easier for Patient and Caregiver
- Detachable Base and Back Support
- High-Quality Stainless Steel Frame Holds Up to Everyday Use
- Latex-Free
- Accessories Available for Purchase
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Veziris Healthcare
- Weight: 42 Pounds
- Weight Capacity: 220 Pounds
- Height: 39 Inches
- Width (Adjustable): 24 to 28.7 Inches
- Arm Style: Fixed
- Leg Style: Fixed
Product Videos
Body Up Evolution 4 in 1 Patient Lift Chair (1:21 minutes)
Pros
- ✓ Versatile, multi-use chair
- ✓ Makes lifting easier for patients and caregivers
- ✓ Disassembles for storage or transportation
- ✓ No muscle strength required to use
- ✓ For indoor and outdoor use
- ✓ Comfortable
Cons
- ❌ Heavier than other chairs at 42 pounds
- ❌ Somewhat bulky
- ❌ Too high for some tables and vehicles
- ❌ Expensive
Medline's Aluminum Transport Chair with 12-inch Wheels is one of the lightest weight transport chairs of the bunch at only 22 pounds. The chair folds up so it can be transported, and both footrests are detachable to make it easier for the occupant to sit or stand. The handbrakes are just below the handles, so the caregiver doesn't need to move their hands to stop. A nylon seat and backrest make it more comfortable to sit for long periods, and the included seatbelt helps keep the occupant secure.
Features and Benefits
- Ultralight Frame Makes Moving Easy
- Rubber-Style Wheels for Multi-Surface Use
- Larger Rear Wheels Perform Better on Uneven Surfaces
- Seatbelt Keeps Occupant Secure and Safe
- Comfortable Nylon Upholstery
- Handbrakes to Stop When Needed
- Full-Length Armrests for Comfort
- Detachable Footrests Make Standing and Sitting Easier
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Medline
- Color Options: Blue or Red
- Weight: 22 Pounds
- Seat Width: 19 Inches
- Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
- Arm Style: Full Length
- Leg Style: Swing-Away/Detachable
- Warranty: Lifetime on Frame
Features of the Transport Chair (0:46 minutes)
Pros
- ✓ Lightweight
- ✓ Easy to maneuver
- ✓ Easily adjustable
- ✓ Handbrakes in easy reach of caregiver
- ✓ Inexpensive
Cons
- ❌ Front wheels can become bent
- ❌ Seatbelt may be too large for smaller occupants
- ❌ No seat padding
The Drive Medical Economy Steel Transport Chair weighs only 23 pounds and collapses to 8 inches when closed. The back folds in half to more easily fit into car trunks for transportation. Both footrests are removable, making it easier for the occupant to sit down or stand up. A seatbelt is included with the chair and provides additional security for the occupant, reducing the chance of accidental injury.
Features and Benefits
- Chair and Backrest Fold Flat to Make Storage Easier
- Seatbelt Included for Additional Safety
- Available in Two Sizes: 17 Inch and 19 Inch
- Nylon Upholstery Is Easy to Clean
- Rear Wheel Locks Prevent Unintentional Movement
- Padded Armrests Provide Additional Comfort
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Drive Medical
- Length: 33 Inches
- Height: 39 Inches
- Width (Closed): 8 Inches
- Weight: 26 Pounds
- Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
- Arm Style: Fixed, Full Length
- Leg Style: Swing-Away
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Pros
- ✓ Lightweight
- ✓ Extremely portable
- ✓ Easy to move
- ✓ Folds in seconds for storage
- ✓ Footrests come off for transport
- ✓ Cost-effective
Cons
- ❌ Narrow
- ❌ No padding in the seat
- ❌ Smaller wheels can make outdoor use feel bumpy
- ❌ No handbrakes
- ❌ Slightly heavier
Manuals and Documents
At only 19 pounds, the Expedition Aluminum Transport Chair is the lightest of the bunch. It opens and closes easily with the handy lever on the back of the chair. The backrest folds in half and makes transportation or storage even easier. The 12-inch rear wheels are flat-free, meaning they aren't susceptible to leaks or punctures. They also make the chair easier for a caregiver to maneuver, so it's perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. The wheel locks are companion-activated, reducing unintentional movement that may cause injury.
Features and Benefits
- Weighs Only 19 Pounds
- Backrest Folds Down To Make Transporting Easier
- Included Seatbelt Provides Extra Security
- Chair Locks in the Open Position and Won't Fold Accidentally
- Larger Rear Wheels Make Indoor and Outdoor Use Easier
- Hand Brakes Are Easily Accessible to Caregiver
- Wheel Locks Reduce Unwanted Movement
- Easy-to-Clean Nylon Upholstery Will Not Tear
- Footrests Detach and Make Standing and Sitting Easier
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Drive Medical
- Color Options: Blue or Red
- Width (Open): 23 Inches
- Width (Closed): 11 Inches
- Length: 32 Inches
- Height: 38 Inches
- Weight: 19 Pounds
- Weight (With Legrests): 23.5 Pounds
- Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
- Arm Style: Fixed, Padded
- Leg Style: Detachable
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Pros
- ✓ Only 19 pounds without legrests
- ✓ Easy to maneuver
- ✓ Great for indoor and outdoor use
- ✓ Easy-access handbrakes
- ✓ Cost-effective
Cons
- ❌ Seat is lightly padded so a cushion may be needed
- ❌ No heel straps on footrests to prevent patient's foot from hitting the wheels
Manuals and Documents
Like the others in the best lightweight transport chair category, the PMI ProBasics Steel Transport Chair is lightweight and folds easily to store or transport it. Unlike others, this chair has a steel frame instead of an aluminum one. It is sturdy and has a chip-proof finish, allowing it to stand up to more vigorous everyday use while still looking and performing like new. Its footrests swing away to make it easier to sit and stand, and a heel strap keeps the patient's feet from hitting the wheels.
Features and Benefits
- Eight-Inch Rubber Tires
- Locking Wheels Prevent Unwanted Movement
- Silver Vein Finish Is Chip-Proof and Easy to Clean
- Swing-Away Footrests Make Standing and Sitting Easier
- Heel Straps Keep Feet Safely in Place During Transport
- Nylon Upholstery Will Not Tear and Is Easy to Keep Clean
- Steel Frame Can Support Up to 300 Pounds
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Cardinal Health
- Seat-to-Floor Height: 19 Inches
- Back Height: 16 Inches
- Width: 19 Inches
- Weight: 25 Pounds
- Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
- Arm Style: Fixed, Padded
- Leg Style: Swing-Away
- Warranty: 1 Year on Parts, Limited Lifetime on Frame
Pros
- ✓ Steel frame is stronger while still being lightweight
- ✓ Supports up to 300 pounds
- ✓ Heel strap keeps patient's feet safe
Cons
- ❌ Slightly heavier than others
- ❌ No handbrakes
- ❌ Footrests do not secure when chair is folded
Manuals and Documents
The Poly-Fly is unique because it is both a wheelchair and a transport chair. It includes two sets of rear wheels: a permanent set of 8-inch wheels and a detachable set of 24-inch wheels. The chair folds down so it can be moved or stored, and the backrest folds in half with the convenient lever at the back of the chair. With the 24-inch wheels attached, the chair is heavier at 33 pounds, but the rear wheels are removable to make transportation easier.
Features and Benefits
- Multifunctional – Use as a Transport Chair or Wheelchair
- Available in Two Sizes: 18 Inch and 20 Inch
- Anti-Tippers Keep Chair From Tipping Over
- Elevated Footrests and Heel Locks Keep Feet in Place During Transport
- Wheel Locks for Both Large Wheels and Smaller Casters
- Rear Wheel Lock Is Easy for Caregiver To Reach
- Backrest Folds and Makes Transportation Easier
- Nylon Upholstery Is Easy To Clean
- Aluminum Frame Is Lightweight and Built To Last
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Drive Medical
- Height: 37 Inches
- Width (Open): 26.5 to 29 Inches
- Width (Closed): 12 Inches With Wheels
- Length: 42 Inches
- Weight: 33 to 36 Pounds
- Weight Capacity: 250 Pounds
- Arm Style: Fixed, Desk-Style
- Leg Style: Swing-Away
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Pros
- ✓ Multifunctional transport chair and wheelchair
- ✓ Desk-style arms let chair fit under tables and desks
- ✓ Multiple sets of wheel locks
- ✓ Anti-tippers included for added safety
Cons
- ❌ More expensive
- ❌ Heavier due to larger rear wheels
- ❌ Larger wheels are sometimes difficult to get on and off
- ❌ No handbrakes
Product Videos
The Poly Fly Wheelchair, the Best Travel Wheelchair (3:27 minutes)
Manuals and Documents
The Translator Combination Rollator and Transport Chair is also a dual-function unit. It converts into both a rollator and a transport chair. The handles are height-adjustable to accommodate users of different heights. Like others in its category, it folds flat and stores easily for transport. The unit is very lightweight at only 19.5 pounds. Two storage bags and a cupholder are included with the purchase.
Features and Benefits
- Handgrips Are Height Adjustable
- Handbrakes Within Easy Reach of Handles
- Reversible Backrest To Allow for Resting During Use
- Nylon Upholstery Will Not Tear and Is Easy To Clean
- Front and Side Storage To Carry Personal Items
- Cupholder Included
- Swing-Away Footrests Make Sitting and Standing Easy
- Restaurant-Style Arms Let the Unit Fit Under Tables
- Latex-Free
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Medline
- Color Options: Red or Blue
- Handgrip Height (Adjustable): 32 to 36.5 Inches
- Weight: 19.5 Pounds
- Weight Capacity: 250 Pounds
- Arm Style: Restaurant
- Leg Style: Detachable
- Warranty: 1 Year
Pros
- ✓ Combined rollator and transport chair
- ✓ Easy conversion from one function to the other
- ✓ Backrest is reversible
- ✓ Front and side storage compartments included
- ✓ Contoured handgrips
Cons
- ❌ Smaller wheels can make getting over bumps difficult
- ❌ No wheel locks
Manuals and Documents
Product Videos
Medline Translator Transport Chair and Rollator Combo (14:30 minutes)
Medline's Bariatric Transport Chair supports almost double the weight of other transport chairs. A wide seat provides the occupant with more than enough room to be comfortable. Like its peers, this transport chair folds flat and the backrest folds in half to make transportation as uncomplicated as possible.
Features and Benefits
- Seatbelt Included for Additional Security
- 12-Inch Rear Wheels Can Handle Indoor and Outdoor Use
- Swing-Away Footrests Make Standing and Sitting Easier
- Loop Handbrakes Provide Additional Control for Caregiver
- Backrest Folds To Make Transportation Easier
- Nylon Upholstery Will Not Tear and Is Easy To Clean
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Medline
- Height: 37.5 Inches
- Seat Width: 22 Inches
- Weight: 45 Pounds
- Weight Capacity: 500
- Arm Style: Desk Length, Removable
- Leg Style: Swing-Away
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Pros
- ✓ Holds double the weight of other transport chairs
- ✓ Looped handbrakes
- ✓ Easy for caregiver to push and maneuver
Cons
- ❌ Heavier due to bariatric design
- ❌ Contains latex
- ❌ Seat is not padded
- ❌ Anti-tippers recommended but not included
Manuals and Documents
Drive Medical's Aluminum Transport Chair weighs only 19 pounds and is one of the lightest of its kind. The chair folds flat in seconds and the backrest folds in half, making transportation and storage easy and uncomplicated. Padded armrests provide additional comfort to the occupant, and swing-away footrests make standing and sitting easier. The rear wheel locks and included seatbelt provide additional security and prevent unwanted falls.
Features and Benefits
- Only Weighs 19 Pounds
- Available in Two Sizes: 17 Inch and 19 Inch
- Rear Wheel Locks Provide Caregiver With Additional Control
- Wheels Are Maintenance-Free
- Swing-Away Footrests Make Standing and Sitting Easier
- Heel Loops Keep Patient's Feet Safe During Transportation
- Seatbelt Included for Additional Security
- Backrest Folds to Make Transportation Easier
- Nylon Upholstery Will Not Tear and Is Easy to Clean
Specifications
- Manufacturer:
- Color Options: Blue, Black, Red, or Silver
- Height: 40 Inches
- Width (Open): 20 to 22 Inches
- Width (Closed): 9 Inches
- Seat Width: 17 to 19 Inches
- Length: 33 Inches
- Weight: 19 Pounds
- Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
- Arm Style: Fixed, Padded
- Leg Style: Swing-Away
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Product Videos
Product Overview: Lightweight Aluminum Transport Chair (1:52 minutes)
Pros
- ✓ Multiple color options
- ✓ Extremely lightweight
- ✓ Perfect for small doorways
- ✓ Easy for caregiver to push and maneuver
- ✓ Inexpensive
Cons
- ❌ Narrow seat can be uncomfortable for larger person
- ❌ No seat padding
- ❌ Small wheels are not great for bumps
Manuals and Documents
The Hybrid 2 Transport Wheelchair is a dual-function chair by Medline. The chair comes with two sets of rear wheels: 8-inch transport chair wheels and a detachable set of 24-inch wheels. The chair converts from a transport chair into a wheelchair with the press of a button. With the additional large wheels, the occupants can maneuver themselves without assistance.
Features and Benefits
- Larger Wheels Detach With the Push of a Button
- Smaller Transport Wheels Permanently Installed
- Removable Desk-Length Arms Ensure Comfortable Seating at Desks and Tables
- Anti-Fold Device Keeps Chair Open
- Swing-Away Footrests Make Standing and Sitting Easier
- Highly Customizable With Various Accessories
- Wheel Locks Prevent Unintentional Movement
- Seatbelt Included Provides Additional Safety
- Handles Are Gripped and Provide Caregiver More Comfort
- Included Anti-Tippers Prevent Unexpected Falls
- Latex-Free
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Medline
- Weight: 33 Pounds
- Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
- Arm Style: Desk Length, Removable
- Leg Style: Swing-Away or Elevated
Pros
- ✓ Multifunctional wheelchair and transport chair
- ✓ Wheels remove easily with the push of a button
Cons
- ❌ Heavier than others due to detachable large wheels
- ❌ No seat padding
What is the purpose of a transport chair?
A transport chair is useful for people who cannot walk or who can walk only short distances before becoming tired. Compared with a standard wheelchair, a transport chair is typically lighter and easier to use for short trips, appointments, and travel.
What is the difference between a wheelchair and a transport chair?
Both wheelchairs and transport chairs are designed to increase mobility for people with limited mobility. A wheelchair has large rear wheels that the occupant can reach and use to move independently. Transport chairs have smaller rear wheels that the occupant cannot reach and must be pushed by another person. They are often used for individuals who are not strong enough to propel a wheelchair or who do not need a full-size self-propelled chair.
In conclusion
Daily life includes many important moments such as birthdays, holidays, park visits, and family outings. A transport chair provides mobility support and can make participating in these activities easier. Selecting an appropriate transport chair helps individuals and caregivers maintain involvement in meaningful events at home and in the community.
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