Buying Transport Wheelchairs vs. Manual Propel Models

If you're shopping for transport wheelchairs, you may have come to a question of a manual propel wheelchair would be suitable for you. It really depends. So you would save from 5-10 lbs at least for the smaller wheels, however you would also loose the mobility to being able to adjust yourself or propel your self when needed. Most manufactures would use the same frame and just put on a smaller or larger wheel. We carefully design our chairs and you'll notice the difference. At Karman, we have over 100 models for manual wheelchairs to choose from.  In general, if you can propel yourself in a wheelchair, you will want the lightest most comfortable wheelchair available.  Learn more about all the categories available and then choose by product weight and budget.  Here are some categories and information for your review:

Transport Wheelchair

Transport wheelchairs are the perfect choice for transporting someone to and from the places you would love to travel with.  A transport wheelchair is generally narrower and lighter than a standard wheelchair, making it a good choice for tight obstacles and narrow entryways.  There are differences between our high end Crash Tested S-ERGO series transport wheelchairs and also economy grade products.  Some great choices include our ERGO LITE and S-115TP.  We also have a wheelchair made for traveling, TV-10B.

Standard Weight Wheelchair

Most standard weight wheelchairs starts at 34 pounds, a standard weight wheelchair is a great option when you need a wheelchair that will be not be frequently used; generally 3 hours or less per day and with infrequent transfers.  Our full selection is available from the most basic models with fixed legrests and armrests to wheelchairs that have optional elevating legrests and removable armrests.  There are also models with optional accessories to enhance your wheelchair.  Foam cushions and/or Gel Cushions provide for additional comfort.

Lightweight Wheelchair

With weights ranging from 25-34 pounds, our lightweight wheelchair is a great choice when you need a wheelchair that is more frequently used, when you need special options, or when you have your heart set on a specific frame and/or upholstery color combination.  This category covers it all, with lightweight wheelchairs at competitive prices.  These wheelchairs offer more options and we typically recommend that a comparison be done with the next step up category which is our ultralight weight wheelchairs where the ultimate mobility equipment and features are at its very best.

Ultralightweight Wheelchair

This is the category of wheelchairs where the best of the best resides.  With wheelchair weights as low as 14.5 pounds and available in both S-ERGO and simply super lightweight models, an ultralight weight wheelchair is for the full-time user who demands performance and for those who want the lightest wheelchair possible for ease of self propel and transport.  In this category, you will have a number of features never found on any competitors like standardize crash tests on S-ERGO models and tons of options and accessories not offered on other base categories in wheelchair options.

Active Wheelchair

Our ERGO ATX offers the finest in a combination of wheelchair manufacturing disciplines. These criterias includes but is not limited to maximum adjustability, rigidness, ultra lightweight, comfort, foldability, style and outstanding performance.  Our Ultralightweight wheelchair category takes zero compromise with our R&D department pushing the latest manufacturing techniques and capabilities and transferring them to you right on the streets.

Tilt / Recline Wheelchair

A reclining back or otherwise known as a "high back" wheelchair is a great option for those who spend the majority of their time in a wheelchair as it offers more positions to recline.  And a tilt wheelchair offers alternative positioning and pressure relief for those who are requiring further pressure relief for prolonged usage of a wheelchair.  Both our categories have effectively reduced weight of traditional competitors so keep in mind when shopping on price.

Heavy Duty Wheelchair

Our Bariatric Wheelchair has a maximum weight cap of 800 pounds, these heavy duty wheelchairs can accommodate nearly any user with a maximum seat width of 30" in width.  Karman carries a full range of heavy duty wheelchairs, from economical bariatric transport wheelchairs, to complex highly-configurable / custom models.  We also have the lightest weight bariatric wheelchair in the industry for its seat width and weight cap.

Standing Wheelchair

Standing in a wheelchair is one of the most influential products we've designed and manufactured in our efforts to allow the mobility impaired to take their lives back into their hands.  We didn't stop by just allowing people to stand in a wheelchair; we made it the most competitive price product in its category driving economy into everyday house holds.  Read more on all benefits, funding sources, and finance options if you're interested in your wheelchair helping you to stand.

What is the process for buying a wheelchair from Karman?

You have several ways to purchase a wheelchair from us.  Depending on the product, you may purchase either from an authorized brick and mortar dealer, or online.  You may choose from any of our website resellers such as Amazon or Walgreens, or you may purchase directly from this website.

Will I be charged sales tax?

Karman is required to collect sales tax for items shipped to certain states. When adding to cart, please make sure that you enter in the state and city in which you live in.  Our automated system will calculate the sales tax pertinent to your location.

Is shipping free?

Our standard big box items will ship from our warehouse via FEDEX and it is free. All orders over $89.99 always ship for free everyday at Karman.  Other carriers are used depending on size, availability and other LCL shipments.

Do you sell used wheelchairs or rent wheelchairs?

We do not sell or rent used wheelchairs for sanitary reasons.  To ensure you receive the best quality chairs we only sell new wheelchairs.   We do, however, have some new, open-box wheelchairs for sale.  You will have to call in to see any specials we may have but do not advertise.  We do not offer wheelchairs for rental.

How are the wheelchairs you sell different from those I might find on other sites?

Karman has just about any other chair you may find on any other site.  There are two categories in which you can choose from.  With "economy" types, since we are the manufacture, we can always beat any advertised price without running a special promotion.  These would be daily great prices we pass on to you right away. We also have specialty items such as ultralight weight and ergonomic products in which others do not offer as a competing brand.  Rest assure you are in good hands with a brand that has been around for over 25 years!

Do you sell (PPE) Personal Protective Equipment / Face Masks?

Yes, due to the pandemic, Karman has exported thousands of face mask to China supporting factories in the early pandemic.  We now have reversed the manufacturing a flow of both N95 and traditional dust masks used in many types of different environments.  There will be continued promotion of masks and offers available to prevent a global spread of the COVID-19 Virus.

What happens if I need repairs or parts for my equipment?

We have a wide network of dealers through out the states.  Depending on the complexity nature of a manual vs power wheelchair, we may be able to simply trouble shoot it online or send one of our techs to your home for assistance. Check out our reviews and with decades of experience in our quality, rest assure you are in good hands.

What happens if I want to return my equipment?

We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase.  If your equipment arrives and it is not what you expected or needed, you can return it within 14 days as long as it is unused (tires are clean and no scratches) and in its original packaging.  Unless Karman made an error, return freight is the customer's responsibility. The two exceptions to this are custom lightweight wheelchairs, which incur a 15% restock fee, and ultralightweight and standing wheelchairs, which are non-returnable as they are manufactured to order.  For more information please see our Return Policy.