How Easy Is It to Transport a Rental Wheelchair? Easier Than You Think

When someone in your family suddenly needs a wheelchair — whether it’s after surgery, an injury, or a medical procedure — the last thing you want to be doing is wrestling with bulky equipment or scrambling to figure out how you’re going to get it home. We hear this concern from customers all the time: “How do I even transport it?”

The good news: the Drive Medical wheelchairs we rent are specifically designed with portability in mind. With a few simple steps, you can have one packed into your car — or even an Uber — in under two minutes. Here’s everything you need to know.

It Folds in Half — Just Pull Up on the Seat

The most important thing to know is that this wheelchair folds completely in half. No tools, no complicated steps. Simply pull upward on the centre of the seat cushion and the entire frame collapses inward. In seconds, you go from a full-size wheelchair to a compact, upright bundle that’s easy to carry and load.

This cross-brace folding design has been the gold standard in manual wheelchairs for decades — and for good reason. It’s intuitive enough that even someone who’s never used a wheelchair before can figure it out on the spot.

The Footrests Come Off Completely

The swing-away footrests on this model don’t just fold up — they detach entirely. Swing them out to the side and lift them off with one hand. This does two things:

• It reduces the overall width of the chair when folded, making it easier to slide into a trunk or back seat.
• It eliminates the most awkward protruding part of the chair, so you’re not fighting with footrests while loading.

Set the footrests in the footwell, the trunk, or even the back seat alongside the chair — they take up almost no space on their own.

The Handles Fold Down Too

The push handles at the back of the chair fold downward, further reducing the height and footprint of the folded chair. This is especially helpful when you’re sliding the chair into a tighter trunk or fitting it behind a rear seat. Every centimetre counts when you’re working with a packed car.

How Much Does It Weigh?

The Drive Medical steel wheelchair weighs approximately 19–20 kg (about 42–44 lbs) fully assembled. That’s a manageable lift for most adults, especially once it’s folded and the footrests are removed.

If weight is a concern — for example, if you’ll be loading it frequently or the person transporting it has limitations — just let us know when you call. We’re happy to discuss options and make sure you get the right fit for your situation.

Will It Fit in My Car?

Almost certainly yes. Here’s what works for most customers:

• Sedan trunk: Folded with footrests removed, the chair fits comfortably in the trunk of most mid-size and full-size sedans.
• SUV or minivan: No problem at all. Fold it flat in the cargo area and you’re good to go.
• Back seat: Yes, this works too. Tip the folded chair onto its side and slide it across the back seat — a great option if your trunk is already full.
• Small hatchback or compact car: Usually fine with a bit of angling. Removing the footrests first makes the difference.
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No Car? No Problem — Uber Works Great

You don’t necessarily need your own vehicle to pick up or return a rental wheelchair. A number of our customers use Uber or other rideshare services, and it works surprisingly well. Most drivers are happy to help load a folded wheelchair into the trunk. Just give them a heads-up when booking — selecting a larger vehicle type (like UberXL) gives you extra peace of mind.

If you’re picking up the wheelchair on behalf of someone else who can’t travel, this is an especially practical option.

We Know You’re Usually in a Hurry

One thing we’ve learned from years in the medical rental business: when someone calls about a wheelchair, they usually need it quickly. A family member is being discharged from the hospital. A procedure just happened. Things move fast.

That’s why we keep our pickup process simple and our staff ready to walk you through loading the chair if you’ve never done it before. We can show you the fold, remove the footrests together, and make sure you feel confident before you head out. It only takes a minute or two — and you’ll be a pro by the time you arrive home.

Ready to Rent? Give Us a Call

Ottawa Medical Rental Solutions offers flexible, short-term and long-term wheelchair rentals throughout the Ottawa area. Whether you need a chair for a week of recovery or a few months of rehabilitation, we’ll make sure you get the right equipment, the right fit, and a smooth pickup experience.

Have questions before you come in? Don’t hesitate to call — we’re happy to help you figure out logistics, confirm what will fit in your vehicle, and make sure you’re prepared. We’ve helped hundreds of Ottawa families navigate exactly this situation, and we’re here to make yours as smooth as possible.

Ottawa Medical Rental Solutions is listed on Rent Anything Store — Canada’s peer-to-peer rental marketplace. Browse available medical equipment and book online at rentanythingstore.com.