Quick AnswerChoose a transport chair if a caregiver will always be pushing. Choose a standard wheelchair if the user will self-propel at all. Choose a lightweight model if weight and portability matter. Come try both in our La Palma showroom.
Choosing the wrong wheelchair is one of the most common mistakes in home medical equipment. The key question is whether the user will ever propel the wheelchair themselves.
The Most Important Question First
Will the person ever propel the wheelchair themselves?
- If yes - they need a standard wheelchair with large rear wheels
- If no, always caregiver-pushed - a transport chair works well
Transport Chair vs Standard vs Lightweight
| Feature | Transport Chair | Standard Wheelchair | Lightweight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-propelling | No | Yes | Yes |
| Rear wheel size | Small (8-12") | Large (24") | Large (24") |
| Weight | Lightest (15-25 lbs) | Heavier (35-45 lbs) | Medium (19-28 lbs) |
| Folds for transport | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Lower | Medium | Higher |
What We Carry in La Palma
We stock Nova Medical wheelchairs at our La Palma showroom including:
- Nova 329 Transport Chair - $239 (sale from $259). 19" wide seat, 19 lbs, 300 lb capacity. Most popular transport chair.
- Nova 350 Lightweight Transport Chair - $359 (sale from $379). Flip-up desk arms, locking brakes, 8" all-terrain wheels, 300 lb capacity.
- Nova 332 Bariatric Transport Chair - Extra-wide 22" seat, 400 lb capacity.
- Nova Gemini 4500 Hybrid - Works as both rollator and transport wheelchair.
Sizing Your Wheelchair
Seat width is most critical. Measure the widest part of the hips and add 1-2 inches. Standard seats are 16-18" wide. Seat depth should allow a 2-3 finger gap between the front edge and back of the knee.
Come In for a FittingMeasuring at home is a starting point, but trying the chair in person is the only way to truly confirm fit. Visit our La Palma showroom and our staff will help you find the right model.
Rent or Buy?
Short-term wheelchair needs are often better served by renting. We offer wheelchair rentals with delivery throughout Orange County. For long-term use, purchasing is more economical. See our rent vs buy guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lightest wheelchair available?
The Nova 329 Transport Chair weighs only 19 lbs and is one of the lightest chairs we carry. Lightweight transport chairs are significantly easier to lift into a car trunk than standard wheelchairs.
Can a transport chair go over curbs?
Transport chairs with small rear wheels are less capable on curbs and uneven terrain. The Nova 350 with 8" all-terrain wheels handles varied surfaces better than most transport chairs. Most handle smooth indoor and paved outdoor surfaces well.
Do you deliver wheelchairs in Orange County?
Yes. We deliver throughout Orange County including Anaheim, Cypress, Buena Park, Cerritos, Fullerton, Lakewood, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach and surrounding areas within 20 miles of our La Palma showroom.
Does Medicare cover wheelchairs?
Medicare Part B may cover manual wheelchairs when medically necessary. We are not currently a Medicare-accredited supplier so customers pay out-of-pocket. We provide detailed receipts for reimbursement requests. Call 1-800-MEDICARE for coverage details.