Transporting Someone Who Uses a Wheelchair: What to Know

Transporting someone who uses a wheelchair isn’t always easy, and honestly, it can feel a little intimidating—especially if you’re new to it. But with some planning, a calmer pace, and a few simple habits, the whole process becomes much smoother. Most of all, it becomes one more way to support your loved one’s comfort, dignity, and independence.

How to Transfer Someone Who Uses a Wheelchair

Whether you need to take your loved one to routine appointments, or are trying to navigate the Holidays with them, here’s how to set yourself—and transport—up for success:

Prepare for Transfer and Transport

A little prep goes a long way. These small steps can help the transfer feel less rushed and more comfortable for everyone.

Check the wheelchair

Give the wheelchair a quick once-over—nothing complicated, just making sure everything looks normal. Wheels rolling the way they should, brakes working, no random straps or items caught anywhere.

Lock the brakes

Before your loved one gets in or out, lock the brakes. In the moment—especially if it's hot, you're in a hurry, or something else is going on—this step can be easy to miss. A steady chair is one of the biggest safety helpers you have.

Clear the path

Look at the space between the chair and the car. Is there anything someone could trip on? Bags, uneven mats, a curb that’s closer than you realized? Clearing the path makes the transfer feel calmer, and no one likes trying to navigate around obstacles when they’re already working hard to move.

Check for obstructions

If there’s a hard tray table or accessories attached to the chair, go ahead and remove or secure them. They tend to get in the way or bump into things during a transfer, which can be uncomfortable for the person in the chair—and stressful for you.

Prepare the vehicle

Sliding the car seat as far back as possible gives you more room to support the transfer. It's one of those small adjustments that makes the whole process feel easier and less cramped.

Transferring the Person

Transfers often feel like the moment where caregivers put the most pressure on themselves—but you don’t have to. Going slowly and communicating gently really helps here.

Communicate every step

Talk through the process before you begin—what you’ll do, what you need from them, and how you’ll both move together. During the transfer, keep that communication going with gentle reminders like, “Ready to stand?” or “I’m lifting on three.”

Clear cues help the person feel confident and prevent unexpected movements. Even small check-ins like, “How are you feeling?” can make a huge difference.

Position the person

Encourage your loved one to scoot toward the edge of their wheelchair seat. If they can press down on the armrests to help shift their weight, great. If not, that’s okay—you can guide them. Being closer to the edge makes the transfer smoother and takes less effort for everyone.

Use proper support

If you ever feel like, “I could probably use a second pair of hands,” that’s your cue to bring support in. Transfers can require more strength or stability than expected. It’s absolutely okay to involve two helpers or use a gait belt.

Secure with a safety belt

If your loved one is transferring into a car seat, using a transfer belt around their hips can prevent sliding mid-transfer. Think of it as extra security—not something restrictive, just something that helps the movement feel controlled and steady.

Securing the Person in a Vehicle

This is the part where comfort and safety really come together. Small adjustments can make a big difference in how the ride feels.

Keep the person upright

Try to avoid reclining the seat too far. An upright position helps prevent sliding and keeps the seat belt where it should be. Plus, people usually feel more secure and stable sitting upright during turns or stops.

Position the seat belt correctly

Seat belts matter more than most people realize. The shoulder belt should go across the middle of the shoulder and chest—never under the arm or across the neck. And the lap belt should sit low across the hips, not the stomach. This helps keep your loved one safely in place without pinching or discomfort.

Adjust the backrest

A backrest angle of 30° or less is usually a good rule of thumb. It supports the person’s posture without encouraging sliding.

Use a headrest

Check the headrest so it lines up with the middle of your loved one’s head. It’s easy to forget this step, but in a quick stop or rear impact, a well-positioned headrest really helps protect the neck and head.

Secure medical equipment

If there are oxygen tanks, bags, pumps, or any medical devices, make sure they’re secured so they don’t slide around. Loose items can turn into hazards during sudden stops, and no one wants to worry about equipment shifting mid-drive.

During Transport

Once you're on the road, your main job is pretty simple: stay aware and keep an eye on how things feel. For longer rides, vibration and movement can loosen straps over time. A quick look every so often can save you stress later.

Routine Maintenance and What to Check

Keeping equipment in good shape can eliminate a lot of potential problems before they even start—just a few simple checks now and then.

Wheelchair maintenance checklist:

●      Brakes: Make sure they lock firmly and don't slip.

●      Tires: Look for good tread or proper inflation. If there's uneven wear, that’s worth noting.

●      Seat cushions: Cushions can flatten over time, which affects comfort and positioning.

●      Frame and hardware: Tighten anything loose; even a small wobble can affect stability.

●      Power systems: For powered chairs, check the battery connection, charge level, and joystick or controls.

Vehicle & transport equipment checklist:

●      The home: Ensure you have the proper transfer equipment or home modifications in place, and all is in working order.

●      Ramps and lifts: They should open, close, and lift smoothly. Any grinding or resistance means it’s time for maintenance.

●      Tie-downs or straps: Look for fraying or stretching, and replace them if they start to wear out.

●      Seatbelts: Make sure buckles latch easily and straps aren’t twisted or stuck.

●      Securement anchors: Dirt or debris can affect how well straps connect, especially in vans.

●      Interior space: Keeping things tidy helps prevent things from rolling or becoming tripping hazards.

Frequently asked questions

What needs to be done before you can safely transfer someone from their wheelchair?

Before any transfer, make sure the space is clear and the wheelchair brakes are locked. Remove or swing away footrests, and help the person scoot to the front of the seat. Good communication is essential—explain each step, check that the person is ready, and use a “1-2-3” count so you move together safely. If using a gait belt, secure it snugly around the waist for better support.

When transporting a person who uses a wheelchair in a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, how should they be positioned?

A wheelchair user should always face forward in a vehicle. This allows the tie-down system and seat belts to work correctly and helps reduce the risk of injury during sudden stops or turns.

What is the best vehicle to transport a wheelchair?

The best vehicle for transporting a wheelchair is one that’s roomy, easy to get in and out of, and simple to secure. For most families, a converted minivan is the sweet spot. They have ramps, lowered floors, and plenty of space without feeling huge to drive. If you need extra height or are working with a larger power chair, a full-size van is a solid step up. In the end, the best choice is whatever feels safe, comfortable, and low-stress for both you and the person you’re transporting.

The Bottom Line

Caregiving comes with a lot of duties and responsibilities, and it’s completely normal to feel like you’re constantly learning on the go. So when you get the chance to learn how to do something well, it really can make the journey feel a little easier — and honestly, who doesn’t love a small win?

Transporting a loved one is more than just getting them from point A to point B. It’s about safety, comfort, confidence, and care. With this guide, you’ve got the know-how to make those moments smoother and a little less stressful for both of you.

You can request home health or physical therapy through your loved ones primary care doctor to help provide hands on training to ensure you are transferring your loved one correctly, keeping both you and your loved one safe.