Drive Bariatric Transfer Wheelchair | 22″ Seat, 450 lb Capacity

Heavy-Duty Transfer Wheelchair for Safer, More Comfortable Patient Transport

The Drive Bariatric Transport Chair BTR22-B is a heavy-duty transfer wheelchair designed for users who need a wider seat, higher weight capacity, and dependable caregiver-assisted mobility. With a spacious 22-inch seat width, reinforced steel frame, dual cross braces, 450 lb weight capacity, and 12-inch flat-free rear wheels, this Drive wheelchair provides a sturdy solution for transporting larger adults and elderly users.

Unlike a standard self-propelled wheelchair, this transport wheelchair for elderly and bariatric users is designed primarily for companion or caregiver propulsion. Hand grips at the rear give the caregiver control of the chair, while companion-activated wheel locks help provide convenient braking control during transport.

The combination of a 22″ wide seat, 18″ seat depth, padded desk-length arms, swing-away footrests, and reinforced nylon upholstery helps make the BTR22-B suitable for everyday transportation in the home, medical appointments, healthcare facilities, senior living environments, and other settings where a caregiver needs to move an appropriate seated user.

For buyers comparing a transfer wheelchair, Drive wheelchair, bariatric transport chair, or heavy-duty transport wheelchair with a wide seat, the BTR22-B delivers the extra capacity and reinforced construction that many conventional transport chairs do not provide.

Why the Drive Bariatric Transfer Wheelchair Stands Out

The BTR22-B is built specifically for users who need more room and capacity than a conventional transport chair. Its 450 lb weight capacity is supported by a steel frame with dual reinforced cross braces, while the 22-inch-wide seating area provides additional space for users who may find standard transport wheelchairs too narrow.

• ✔️ 450 lb weight capacity
• ✔️ Spacious 22″ seat width
• ✔️ Reinforced steel frame
• ✔️ Dual reinforced cross braces
• ✔️ 12″ flat-free rear wheels
• ✔️ Companion-activated wheel locks
• ✔️ Swing-away footrests
• ✔️ Padded desk-length armrests

This combination makes the chair particularly relevant for someone asking, “What transport wheelchair can accommodate a larger or heavier adult?” without moving into a much more complex mobility system.

22-Inch Wide Seat for Bariatric & Larger Users

One of the most important specifications of this Drive transport chair is its 22-inch seat width. Many standard transport wheelchairs have narrower seating surfaces, which may not provide sufficient space or comfort for larger users.

The BTR22-B combines its wider seating area with an 18-inch seat depth and 19.5-inch seat height, creating a generously sized seating platform for appropriate users.

The wider seat can be particularly important for:

• ✔️ Larger adult wheelchair users
• ✔️ Bariatric transport needs
• ✔️ Users needing additional seat room
• ✔️ Wider seated positioning needs
• ✔️ Users uncomfortable in narrow chairs

Seat width should always be selected according to the user’s body dimensions and positioning requirements rather than weight capacity alone.

450 lb Weight Capacity with Reinforced Steel Construction

The Drive BTR22-B supports up to 450 lbs, providing substantially greater capacity than many standard transport wheelchairs.

To support its heavy-duty design, the chair uses a steel frame with dual reinforced steel cross braces. The blue-finished frame combines structural support with the folding cross-brace construction commonly used for wheelchair storage and transport.

For families and facilities searching for a heavy-duty transfer wheelchair, the combination of a 450 lb capacity and reinforced frame is one of the BTR22-B’s most important advantages.

Designed for Caregiver-Assisted Transportation

A transport chair serves a different purpose than a conventional wheelchair with large self-propelling rear wheels. The Drive BTR22-B is intended to be pushed and controlled by a companion or caregiver, making it useful when the user needs seated transportation but does not need or cannot use a self-propelled wheelchair.

Rear hand grips give the caregiver a natural pushing position, while the companion-activated wheel locks place braking control within reach of the person assisting the user.

This makes the chair useful for routine transportation such as:

• ✔️ Medical appointments
• ✔️ Hospital and clinic visits
• ✔️ Senior living transportation
• ✔️ Home and community outings
• ✔️ Facility-to-facility movement
• ✔️ Caregiver-assisted everyday mobility

12-Inch Flat-Free Rear Wheels

The BTR22-B features 12-inch flat-free rear wheels designed to provide dependable rolling performance without the maintenance concerns associated with pneumatic tires.

The larger rear wheels also distinguish this heavy-duty transport chair from compact transport models that may use smaller wheels throughout.

• ✔️ 12-inch rear wheel diameter
• ✔️ Flat-free wheel design
• ✔️ No pneumatic tire inflation
• ✔️ Designed for caregiver propulsion

Wheel size, chair width, surface conditions, and the combined weight of the chair and occupant should all be considered when determining where a transport wheelchair will be used.

Swing-Away Footrests Simplify Access

The included swing-away footrests can be moved away from the front of the chair when appropriate, helping provide clearer access during entry and exit.

This is particularly useful during transfers because fixed foot supports can otherwise obstruct the user’s feet or caregiver access around the front of the chair.

Once the user is properly seated, the footrests can be repositioned to provide support during transportation.

Desk-Length Arms for Better Table Access

The Drive bariatric transport chair includes desk-length padded armrests. Their shorter profile can provide improved access when positioning the chair near compatible tables, desks, and other surfaces compared with full-length wheelchair arms.

The armrests are also listed as removable and reversible, providing additional flexibility for positioning and access when appropriate.

Padded arm surfaces provide a more comfortable resting point for the user’s arms while seated.

Heavy-Duty Nylon Upholstery with Carry Pouch

The seat and back use heavy-duty reinforced nylon upholstery designed for the demands of everyday transport-chair use.

The black upholstery contrasts with the chair’s blue steel frame and includes a back carry pouch for convenient storage of appropriate personal belongings or frequently needed items.

The nylon seating surface also helps keep the chair practical for routine homecare and institutional use.

Transfer Wheelchair vs. Standard Wheelchair

Drive BTR22-B Transfer Wheelchair

• ✔️ Designed for caregiver propulsion
• ✔️ Rear companion hand grips
• ✔️ Companion-controlled wheel locks
• ✔️ 12″ rear transport wheels
• ✔️ 22″ bariatric seat width
• ✔️ 450 lb weight capacity

Traditional Self-Propelled Wheelchair

• ✔️ Typically has large rear wheels
• ✔️ May allow self-propulsion
• ✔️ Usually includes push rims
• ✔️ Often heavier or more complex
• ✔️ Designed for different mobility needs

The key difference is who will propel the chair. A transport wheelchair is primarily intended for a caregiver or companion to push the seated user. Someone who needs independent wheelchair propulsion may require a conventional manual wheelchair or another mobility solution.

Is This a Good Transport Wheelchair for Elderly Users?

The Drive BTR22-B can be a practical transport wheelchair for elderly users who need caregiver-assisted seated mobility and whose body dimensions fit the chair appropriately.

It may be particularly useful when an older adult:

• ✔️ Cannot walk longer distances
• ✔️ Needs transportation to appointments
• ✔️ Requires caregiver-propelled mobility
• ✔️ Needs a wider 22″ seat
• ✔️ Requires higher weight capacity
• ✔️ Benefits from swing-away footrests

Age itself does not determine whether this chair is appropriate. Seat dimensions, body weight, posture, transfer ability, mobility needs, and caregiver requirements should all be considered.

Who Is the Drive BTR22-B Best For?

This Drive wheelchair is best suited to larger adults and bariatric users who require a caregiver-propelled transport chair rather than independent manual wheelchair propulsion.

It may be an excellent option for:

• ✔️ Bariatric mobility users
• ✔️ Larger adults needing transport
• ✔️ Users requiring 22″ seating
• ✔️ Users up to 450 lbs
• ✔️ Elderly users needing transportation
• ✔️ Homecare environments
• ✔️ Assisted living facilities
• ✔️ Healthcare transportation needs

Its 22-inch seat width and 450 lb capacity are especially important when a standard-size transport wheelchair does not provide adequate space or capacity.

Who May Need a Different Wheelchair?

A different wheelchair or mobility device may be more appropriate if the user:

• ✔️ Needs independent self-propulsion
• ✔️ Requires over 450 lb capacity
• ✔️ Needs different seat dimensions
• ✔️ Requires specialized positioning support
• ✔️ Needs reclining or tilt positioning
• ✔️ Requires powered mobility

A 22-inch seat should not automatically be selected simply because a user has a higher body weight. Proper wheelchair sizing should account for the individual’s actual seated width, depth, posture, and positioning requirements.

Common Mobility Problems This Transfer Wheelchair Helps Address

• ❌ Standard chair too narrow → ✔️ 22″ wide seat
• ❌ Standard capacity too low → ✔️ 450 lb capacity
• ❌ Long-distance walking difficult → ✔️ Seated caregiver transport
• ❌ Need stronger chair frame → ✔️ Reinforced steel construction
• ❌ Footrests obstruct transfers → ✔️ Swing-away footrests
• ❌ Caregiver needs brake control → ✔️ Companion wheel locks
• ❌ Pneumatic tires need maintenance → ✔️ Flat-free rear wheels
• ❌ Need table accessibility → ✔️ Desk-length armrests

Key Features

• ✔️ 450 lb weight capacity
• ✔️ 22″ wide bariatric seat
• ✔️ 18″ seat depth
• ✔️ Reinforced steel frame
• ✔️ Dual steel cross braces
• ✔️ Blue frame finish
• ✔️ 12″ flat-free rear wheels
• ✔️ Companion-activated wheel locks
• ✔️ Swing-away footrests
• ✔️ Padded desk-length arms
• ✔️ Removable reversible armrests
• ✔️ Reinforced nylon upholstery
• ✔️ Rear carry pouch
• ✔️ Caregiver hand grips

Product Specifications

• Brand: Drive
• Manufacturer: Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare
• Manufacturer Number: BTR22-B
• McKesson Number: 804788
• Application: Bariatric Transport Chair
• Weight Capacity: 450 lbs.
• Product Weight: 49 lbs.
• Seat Width: 22″
• Seat Depth: 18″
• Seat Height: 19.5″
• Back Width: 22″
• Seat Material: Nylon
• Upholstery Color: Black
• Frame: Steel
• Frame Finish: Blue
• Arm Type: Desk-Length
• Arm Design: Removable / Reversible
• Footrests: Swing-Away
• Rear Wheels: 12″ Flat-Free
• Wheel Locks: Companion Activated
• Handle Type: Rear Hand Grips
• Storage: Back Carry Pouch
• Country of Origin: China
• UNSPSC Code: 42192210
• BAA Compliant: No
• TAA Compliant: No
• FSA Eligible: Yes

❓ Frequently Asked Questions