The Best Wheelchairs With Brakes

Medline's transport wheelchair gained attention for its noticeably lightweight design. It might weigh less than 25 pounds, but it can still carry up to 300 pounds!

Medline’s chair is a bit different from a traditional wheelchair because it’s a transport chair. Wheelchairs roll on wheels that can be propelled by the person in the chair; whereas transport chairs are meant to be pushed from behind by a friend, family member, or loved one.

The transport chair is made mobile by two 8’’ front wheels and two 12’’ rear wheels that are rough terrain-friendly.

The chair has a unique loop-style handbrake design that locks the rear wheels with ease.

Key Features

• 8’’ front wheels
• 12’’ rear wheels
• Looped handbrakes
• Powder-coated aluminum frame
• Nylon upholstery
• Back seat is foldable for easy storage
• Swing away footrest

<strong>Brand</strong>: Medline | <strong>Model</strong>: MDS808210ABE | <strong>Dimensions and weight</strong>: 27.8 x 11 x 31.2 inches; 23.5 pounds

Hi-Fortune’s top-of-the-line wheelchair is compact and uber lightweight. Though more decked out with special features than other models, this chair was designed with efficiency in mind.

The frame is made of magnesium alloy that is reliable yet lightweight. The chair weighs in at just 21 pounds, and thanks to its foldable design that fits nicely into the included travel bag, Hi-Fortune’s mobility device is incredibly portable and hassle-free.

Even though the chair is light by nature, it is still stacked with plush features such as padded arm and leg rests that swing in and out of position for easier transition into and out of the chair.

The main bonus here are both a front and rear hand brake, so that whether it is being operator by the user or a helper, slowing and locking the chair in place is a breeze.

Key Features

• Magnesium alloy frame
• Very little assembly required
• Anti-tipping wheels
• Front/rear hand brakes
• Swing-away footrest
• Hand strap for carrying
• Travel bag

<strong>Brand</strong>: Hi-Fortune | <strong>Model</strong>: HM303D | <strong>Dimensions and weight</strong>: 35 x 13.4 x 28 inches; 21 pounds

Drive Medical’s transport wheelchair is simple and to the point. The back handles are equipped with hand brakes to help slow the chair while on an incline, locking the wheels in place once at a full stop.

The chair’s wheels are flat-free, which means they are made to resist punctures, leaks, and all the woes of a deflating tire. Therefore, this transport chair is designed to be especially durable and survive even the sharpest materials scraping against the tire.

Even considering the sturdiness of the wheels, the chair itself is far from clunky, weighing in at just under 20 pounds.

Key Features

• Can fold flat
• Comes with a seatbelt
• Companion-activated wheel locks
• Flat-free wheels
• Can carry up to 300 pounds

<strong>Brand</strong>: Drive Medical | <strong>Model</strong>: EXP19LTRD | <strong>Dimensions and weight</strong>: 38 x 22 x 38 inches; 19 pounds

Nova created a transport chair that is high-end and built to last. The chair can carry up to 300 pounds. When in use, patented locked hand brakes will allow any chair companion to have control over the chair, ensuring safety for all. At rest, the wheels can be locked in place–no need to bend over to secure.

If you’re going on a bumpy ride, there’s a handy seat belt you can strap on for peace of mind. Plus, there’s a storage pouch to hold on to necessary items wherever you are going!

The flip-up arms are what make Nova’s chair unique. To make moving in and out of the chair easier, all Nova wheelchair users have to do is flip the chair arms away, slide in and out of the chair, and when they’re done, they can swivel the arm right back into place.

Key Features

• Hand brake that slows and locks wheels
• Removable anti-tippers
• Swing away footrests that lock in place and have heel loops to keep feet in place
• Flip-up arms for easy movement in and out of places
• White, red, or baby blue frame
• Built-in storage pouch
• Quick release fold-down back

<strong>Brand</strong>: Nova Medical Products | <strong>Model</strong>: 352R | <strong>Dimensions and Weight</strong>: 16 x 25 x 37.5 inches ; 27.1 pounds

One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to wheelchairs, especially those that feature brakes. Let’s break down some important things to consider when debating which model is best for you.

Type Of Brake

Many traditional wheelchairs will feature a brake located near the rear wheel that can simply be pushed to lock the wheels in place. This is ideal when stopped on uneven surfaces to prevent unwanted rolling.

With some transport chairs, an additional rear, or companion, hand brake will be featured near the handles. Depending on the model, this secondary brake will work similar to a bicycle hand brake–simply squeeze to slow down. This is very helpful for navigating chairs on a decline or incline. Some models’ companion break can also be used to lock the rear wheels in place, but not all, so be sure to check the product details closely.

Chair Size And Weight

Choosing the right sized wheelchair will ultimately depend on both the user and caregiver. Breakthroughs in technology has allowed for chairs to be structurally strong while still very lightweight, a definite bonus for transporting and pushing the chair. On the flip side, the more lightweight the chair, the less stable it will be to double as a walker, so if that is a feature you’re looking for, be sure to stick with a heavier model.

Also be sure to pay close attention to all product dimensions. You’ll want to ensure the seat is both wide and deep enough for the user, the back rest is tall enough to provide adequate support, the foot rests can be adjusted to proper height for comfort, and that the chair will fit through the doorways of your or your loved one’s home. Some of these factors can be adjusted after purchase, such as adding a cushion to elevate the user in the seat, but this is just another product to purchase and carry around.

Additional Features

A wheelchair, by definition, is just a chair with wheels, but we all know there is much more to it than that. Besides the brake, consider which features will be most beneficial to you. Do you need removable arm rests to easily move yourself or loved one in and out of the chair, or will a more durable, permanent arm rests suit your needs? Do you need the foot rest to simply swing out of the way, or be completely removable? Will a simple seat design work for quick use here or there, or will a more cushioned chair be needed for longer use? Will an added storage bag add convenience or bulk? Ultimately these questions are up to you and your loved one or caregiver to decide, but they are important to answer.