The best Wheelchair transfer boards help people that are in a wheelchair and need to get out of their chair onto other places the ability to do so easier than without using one. If you or a loved one find it difficult moving from a bed or vice versa to your wheelchair then a transfer board might be right for you. The same will hold true for using the toilet even if grab bars are installed. A transfer board makes moving about from the chair to other areas on a daily basis easier.
What are transfer Boards?
Simply put it’s a very simple board that is created and designed that lets you transfer your body weight by sliding on the board from a wheelchair to a bed, toilet, or car seat. These boards are designed so that you can put a minimum strain on your upper body during the move. Injuries like sprained legs or foot surgeries that require moving from the wheelchair can easily be done with the use of transfer boards.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Wheelchair Transfer Boards
| Our Rank | Armrest Pads | Our Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | DMI Transfer Board | 4.8/5 |
| 2. | Sammons Preston-58075 Bariatric Transfer Board | 4.7/8 |
| 3. | Sammons Preston - 58067 Hardwood Transfer Board for Wheelchair Users | 4.6/5 |
| 4. | 34 Inch Plastic Transfer Board with Hand Holes | 4.6/5 |
| 5. | Wooden Slide Transfer Board with Handles, 500 lb Capacity | 4.5/5 |
1. DMI Transfer Board
This transfer board is our top choice in a transfer board. This board can help you or your caregiver transfer you or someone you love from a wheelchair to a toilet, chair, car, or bed. These mobility aids help in living independently. This board is made from wood and has a smooth high gloss surface with tapered ends. We love the optional handles and lightweight that makes up this transfer board.
Features we love:
Cutout handles offer a safe and secure girl for extra leverage.
The thick and sanded wood is sealed so there is no friction when sliding across the board. The coating also helps to prevent chips and cracks so there is no snapping on clothing.
What is it made from?
Think scotch pine and has the dimensions of 30 x 8 x 1 and has a weight capacity of 440 pounds.
(4.7 / 5)PROS
- 440 pounds weight capacity
- Scotch Pine wood
- Cutout handles
- Sealed wood
CONS
- Surface could be slicker
2. Sammons Preston-58075 Bariatric Transfer Board
This is our runner up for the best wheelchair transfer boards. With its long and strong board, it can hold up to 600 lbs. This is a great device for a caregiver or even for the person by themselves to transfer from cars, beds, toilets, and more.
For those looking for a longer board, this could be the one for you. For car doors that do not open up far enough and wheelchairs can not get as close you will need to find a longer transfer board.
Things we love:
- Very strong, can hold up to 600 pounds
- Handles
- Longboard at 35″ and 8″ wide
- Lightweight: 1.81 pounds
(4.7 / 5)PROS
- Longer transfer board
- Can support up to 600 pounds
- Easily transfer from wheelchair to cars, toilets, and bends
- Handles for extra support
CONS
- Some reviews would like a smoother fiinish
3. Sammons Preston - 58067 Hardwood Transfer Board for Wheelchair Users
This large surface area makes transporting easy from a wheelchair to a bed, chair, or car. The board measures 8″ wide and 3/4″ deep. The hardwood board also has a nice tapered end to 1/8″ for easy sliding.
This board is lightweight and is easy to take with you wherever you go. This particular board has a weight capacity of 250 pounds so it is not as strong as some other boards. However, if you do not require much weight this board works great.
These boards work great and are essential to help anyone transport between areas. These boards help give back your independence.
(4.6 / 5)PROS
- Lightweight and portable
- Made from hardwood
- Tapered slope
CONS
- Cannot hold significant weight
4. 34 Inch Plastic Transfer Board with Hand Holes
This transfer board is made from white H-D Poly Plastic and measures 1/2″ thick x 34″ long x 8″ wide. It has two hand holes that help to secure during transfer. This type of plastic is very strong and durable however the maximum recommended weight is 250 pounds.
We love that the construction is made from striated and smooth surfaces so it still works well on bare skin transfers. The plastic also makes it very easy to clean. This lightweight board makes a wheelchair transfer easy and secure and can be taken with you because of its lightweight.
(4.6 / 5)PROS
- Smooth strong plastic
- Durable and strong
- easy to clean
CONS
- Reviews state plastic may show cracks
- Not to be used when exceeding 250 pounds
5. Wooden Slide Transfer Board with Handles, 500 lb Capacity
This is a great transfer board that allows anyone the ability to transfer on their own or with the help of a caregiver. This hardwood measures 30 inches long and 8 inches wide and is 0.7 inches thick. Not only is the board strong but is very nice to look at. It weighs in at 3.7 pounds it still is very light but not as light as some other wheelchair transfer boards.
The handles at both ends help with the person using the board to get a better grasp. The rounded conical shape on both ends allows the person using the board to slide onto the transfer board and helps to reduce scratches on furniture other areas the board is being used on.
The sealed wood can support up to 500 pounds this strong transfer board is sealed and then coasted to prevent chipping and cracks while leaving a smooth finish that helps to prevent snagging on clothes.
(4.6 / 5)PROS
- Strong weight capacity up to 500 pounds
- Sealed and smooth finish
- Good looking board
CONS
- May be to heavy for some users to use on their own
Best wheelchair transfer boards Product Buying Guide
Here is what to look for when wanting to purchase a wheelchair transfer board. The below are important aspects to keep an eye on for your needs and situation.
Weight capacity limits of the transfer boards
Make sure you are aware of the weight capacity of the transfer board. Each transfer board will show a maximum weight capacity that the board safely should hold. Make sure you are under the weight limit by a fair amount. If you are at the top of the weight limit for a particular board find one that holds more weight.
Boards in our group can hold weights from 250 up to 600 pounds. These boards are used to help you stay safer in the transfer do not use a board that is at the top of your weight limit.
The material of the wheelchair transfer boards
Most wheelchair transfer boards are made from either wood or plastics. Each has there own plusses and minus. Woods tend to be a little heavier while plastic can be lighter. Wood looks better and can make a nice smooth transfer. Plastics can crack just like woods. Booth will make a good transfer board and can be used for a long time when properly used.
Handles
Handles on a transfer board may help you feel more comfortable during the transfer as you have a place to hold onto. Some have handles while others do not. A lot of users like the handles as it makes them feel safer during transfers. This is completely up to you when looking for a transfer board. Another note is the handles will make it easier to carry as well.
So, what are the best wheelchair transfer boards?
When researching and looking through hundreds of in-depth reviews we have made our decision on what the best transfer boards are. Out of that group we have narrowed it down to the best overall one.
Our top choice for the best wheelchair transfer board is…
This board is strong, lightweight, and can be easily used with or without a caregiver. The smooth surface allows for easy transfers and it can be taken without easily. For extra weight, we also recommend our bariatric wheelchair transfer board above.
