What a transport wheelchair is
Instead of the large rear wheels with hand rims you see on a standard wheelchair, a transport chair has four small wheels. That means the person sitting in it can't easily push themselves — a companion pushes from behind using the handles. In exchange, the chair is lighter, narrower and folds flat, so it's much easier to lift, store and take along.
Transport vs standard wheelchair
If the person using the chair wants to move around on their own, a standard wheelchair is the better choice.
| Transport wheelchair | Standard wheelchair | |
|---|---|---|
| Who pushes | A companion | The user or a companion |
| Rear wheels | Small | Large, with hand rims |
| Weight to lift | Lighter | Heavier |
| Folded size | Compact | Larger |
| Best for | Trips, appointments, car travel | Everyday independent use |
Travel and car-trunk fit
A transport chair folds in a few seconds and fits in the trunk of most cars, which is why families visiting Phoenix often choose one. You can take it out for a day at the Desert Botanical Garden, a restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale or a visit to relatives, then fold it back into the car. We'll show you how to fold and unfold it at delivery.
Airports, appointments and day trips
- Staying near Sky Harbor: have the chair waiting at your hotel when you land
- Medical appointments: easy to take in and out of the car for clinic visits
- Sightseeing: museums, gardens and shopping centers with long walks
- Family events: weddings, reunions and graduations where a loved one tires easily
Who it's for, and who it isn't for
A transport chair is a great fit when there's always someone to push — a spouse, an adult child, a caregiver — and when you'll be in and out of a car a lot. It's not the right choice if the user wants to get around independently, will be alone for long stretches, or will sit in it for most of the day; a standard wheelchair is more comfortable and lets the user move themselves.
Tips for the person pushing
We'll go over these at delivery, and you can call us any time during the rental.
- Set the brakes every time you stop, especially when the user is getting in or out
- Go down curbs backward, with the big handles toward the street
- Take ramps slowly and keep both hands on the handles
- Check that footrests are folded up before the user stands
How long to rent
Visitors usually rent for the length of their trip. For appointments during a recovery, a few weeks to a month is common. If plans change, call us to extend — the longer the rental, the lower the daily rate.
Delivery and pickup
We deliver to homes, hotels and resorts across the Valley. At a hotel, we usually leave the chair with the front desk under your name so it's ready at check-in. When you're done, tell us where it is and we'll collect it.
Questions people ask
Can I push it myself?
Not easily. Transport chairs have small rear wheels and are designed to be pushed by a companion. If you want to move yourself, rent a standard wheelchair.
Will it fit in my trunk?
It folds flat and fits in the trunk of most cars. We'll show you how to fold it when we deliver.
What's the weight capacity?
Tell us the user's approximate weight when you book and we'll confirm the chair suits them before delivery.
Do you deliver to Sky Harbor area hotels?
Yes. We deliver to hotels near the airport and across the Phoenix metro, and can have the chair waiting at check-in.
Can I rent for just a weekend?
Yes. Short rentals are common for visits and events.
How much does it cost?
Rates depend on the equipment and how long you keep it — the longer the rental, the lower the daily rate. Delivery, setup and pickup are included. See our pricing page or request a free quote for your exact dates.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Wheelchair Rentals Standard and power options
- Visiting Phoenix? Travel scooter guide
- Hotel & Resort Delivery Ready at check-in
- Get a Quote Pick dates and see your total
Ready to book?
Pick your dates for an exact quote, or call and we'll help you choose.