Choosing your first wheelchair can feel like a monumental task. The options seem endless, the terminology is new, and the pressure to get it “right” is high. That is completely normal. A wheelchair is not just a piece of equipment; it is a key to independence, comfort, and safety.
At Rehab Medical Mobility Equipment, we understand this deeply. With over 120 years of combined experience in Home Health Care Equipment Service, we have guided hundreds of families in Toronto, Vaughan, and across the GTA through this exact process.
Our goal is not just to sell you a product. Our goal is to find the right solution that fits your life. This guide is designed to break down the process, help you understand the options, and show you how we can help.
Your first step: A conversation, not a catalogue
Before you start browsing online catalogues and getting overwhelmed, the most important step is an assessment. It is easy to look at a picture and think a chair is right, but a wheelchair must fit the person and their environment.
This is why we offer a free in-home consultation.
We believe the best way to find the perfect match is to see where and how you live. Our team, led by our owner Sam Hanna, is trained to be analytical. We come to your home to understand your needs.
We will look at things like:
- The width of your doorways and hallways.
- The surfaces you will be moving over (carpet, hardwood, outdoor paths).
- Your ability to transfer in and out of the chair.
- Your specific mobility goals.
This consultation is free, and it is the foundation of our entire process. We do not just sell equipment; we provide solutions that lend a helping hand.
Key questions to ask before you choose
During our consultation, we will work through a series of questions. Thinking about these answers ahead of time can help you focus your search.
- Who will be propelling the chair? Will you be propelling it yourself with your hands (self-propelled)? Or will a family member or caregiver be pushing it most of the time? This is the primary difference between a Standard Wheelchair and a Transport Chair.
- How long will you use it each day? A chair for quick trips to the store has very different requirements than a chair you will be sitting in for eight or more hours a day. Comfort, posture, and pressure relief become critically important for long-term users.
- Where will you use it most? Is this strictly for indoors? Or do you need a robust chair that can handle parks, uneven sidewalks, and ramps? This affects wheel size, tire type, and frame durability.
- How will you transport the chair? Do you need it to fold up easily to fit in a car trunk? Weight is a major factor here. A lightweight, foldable frame is often a top priority for active users and caregivers.
- What is your upper body strength and posture? This helps determine if a manual chair is feasible or if a Power Wheelchair is a better option for independence. It also tells us if you need specialized seating, like a Reclining or Tilt Wheelchair.
Understanding the main types of wheelchairs
Once we have answers to those questions, we can narrow down the options. Here are the four main categories of wheelchairs we offer.
1. Standard Wheelchairs
This is the “classic” wheelchair you probably picture. Standard Wheelchairs have large wheels in the back with hand rims, allowing you to propel yourself. It can also be pushed by a caregiver using the handles.
- Best for: General use, basic mobility needs, and users who have the upper body strength to self-propel.
- Key Feature: Can be self-propelled or pushed. They are durable and often foldable.
2. Transport Chairs
Transport Chairs are a popular choice for short trips and easy transport. You will notice they have four small wheels, meaning the user cannot propel themselves. They are designed exclusively to be pushed by a caregiver.
- Best for: Appointments, shopping, and travel.
- Key Feature: Much lighter and more compact than Standard Wheelchairs, making them easy to fold and lift into a car.
3. Power Wheelchairs
Often called Electric Wheelchairs, Power Wheelchairs are for users who do not have the upper body strength to self-propel a manual chair or who need to travel long distances without fatigue. They are operated with a joystick or other control system.
- Best for: Full-time users, gaining independence, and navigating both indoors and outdoors with ease.
- Key Feature: Motorized and customizable. They require a more in-depth assessment to match the chair’s capabilities to your needs and home environment.
4. Reclining/Tilt Wheelchairs
These are specialized manual or power chairs. A Reclining Wheelchair allows the backrest to lean back, opening up the angle between the seat and back. A Tilt Wheelchair (or Tilt-in-Space) tips the entire seat and back together, maintaining your hip and knee angles.
- Best for: Users who spend long periods in their chair, have trouble maintaining posture, or are at high risk for pressure sores.
- Key Feature: Provides crucial pressure relief and postural support, which is vital for long-term health and comfort.
To buy or to rent?
Sometimes, your need for a wheelchair is temporary. You might be recovering from surgery, or maybe a family member is visiting who has mobility challenges. In other cases, you may just want to try a specific model before committing.
This is where rentals are a fantastic option.
We manage a large fleet of rental wheelchairs in Toronto and the GTA. Our “Prefer to Rent?” program is perfect for these short-term needs. It is a cost-effective way to get a high-quality, clean, and well-maintained mobility device without the commitment of a purchase.
If you are unsure, just ask. We can discuss the pros and cons of both options based on your specific situation.
Our service does not end at the sale
This is something we truly believe in at Rehab Medical. Anyone can sell you a box. Our 120+ years of combined experience has taught us that after-sales service is just as important as the sale itself.
When we deliver your chair, we provide sales and installation. We make sure it is set up correctly, that you and your family know how to use it safely, and that it is perfectly adjusted for your comfort.
And our “Prompt & Reliable Service” promise means we are here for you long-term. If you need adjustments, repairs, or have questions, our team is just a phone call away. We are committed to making sure our clients are 100% satisfied.
Let’s find your perfect fit
We know this is a lot of information, but you do not have to figure it out alone. That is what we are here for.
Let our experienced team guide you. We will listen, assess, and recommend the best possible product to meet or exceed your needs, all at the best prices.
Start your journey by booking your free, no-obligation in-home consultation. Call us today at (905) 669-9191 or get free quote. We look forward to helping you.