Frequently Asked Questions: Wheelchair & Stroller

Many of our authorized dealers have one or more sample wheelchairs at their locations or they can help you find one. Please click here if you want us to mail you a color brochure on the wheelchairs you are interested in. Or click on “View/Print a Brochure” to download a PDF version of the brochure needed.

You can purchase one of our wheelchairs from any one of over 1,500 authorized dealers in the United States and Canada. The dealers often have on-site therapists and technicians to assist you in ordering the proper size and model of chair to meet your specific needs. They may also be able to advise you on funding sources in your area. Convaid also sells its products through authorized distributors in several foreign countries. Please check the Dealer Locator map for the location of a dealer near you, or call Customer Service at 1-888-CONVAID for assistance. If you are going to purchase a non-funded wheelchair, please call 888-CONVAID, ext. 112 for assistance.

In the U.S., many wheelchairs are purchased through insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. Please ask your local dealer for assistance and information on funding in your area. Our products are classified as Durable Medical Equipment.

When you order a Convaid folding portable wheelchair in the U.S. or Canada through one of our authorized dealers, Convaid will ship the product to the dealer via UPS Ground at no charge. If you or your dealer wants expedited service, such as Next Day Air or 3rd Day Air, you must pay the additional shipping charge. All chairs shipped to Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico are sent via 2nd Day Air, and the customers in those states and territories must pay the extra shipping costs. Shipping costs vary in foreign countries.

Many of our Convaid portable wheelchairs are in stock, but because we offer such a wide variety of colors, options and accessories to customize your chair, it normally takes 5 business days to outfit the chair with the selected accessories and ship it via UPS Ground. Add the time it will take in transit to arrive at your dealer's location. Any custom modification or requested change from our Order Form will usually require extra time of up to six weeks for some special orders. International shipments vary depending on the distribution arrangements in each country.

Large Convaid dealers may have Demo chairs or sample chairs for rent to customers. Contact your local dealer to find out if there is a rental program in your area.

Some Convaid dealers have Demo wheelchairs or sample chairs that they rent or sell at a discount. Contact your local dealer to find out if there are any rentals or discounts available on the chair you want. Local civic organizations, such as the Kiwanis or Elks, may also purchase equipment for needy members of the community.

We would be happy mail you a brochure for the Convaid product you are interested in. Please call 1-888-CONVAID and speak with one of our Inside Sales Reps. From outside the U.S., call 1-310-618-0111 and speak to one of our Customer Service Representatives. To request a brochure on-line please click here. Each brochure contains the complete specifications, including weight and dimensions, for each size chair of that model. To view a brochure immediately, click on “View/Print a Brochure” to download a PDF version of the required brochure.

After more than twenty years in the business, Convaid is very aware of the wide range of abilities and needs among our customers. Even though our Customer Service Representatives are familiar with all the Convaid products, they are not therapists. It is not possible for us to accurately determine which wheelchair would best fit your needs even when you tell us the age or height and weight of the person who will be using it. Please consult your therapist or dealer who can meet with your family, measure the customer, and select the most appropriate Convaid product. Please look at our Product Comparision page for more information.

"Cruiser: The Cruiser is our most popular lightweight wheelchair for children and young adults who have poor upper body control and who may need more involved positioning options. Maximum weight capacity for largest Cruiser (CX18) is 250 pounds. It currently comes in 5 sizes (10"" wide, 12"" wide, 14"" wide, 16"" wide, 18"" wide). The 30° fixed tilt ""cradles"" the person and allows gravity to assist in positioning. The person's weight will open the chair wider so that the heavier the person, the more taut and firm the fabric. This design eliminates ""buggy slump"". The Cruiser can be adjusted to fit and grow with the child. It looks like a traditional stroller, but has extensive positioning options.

CruisAire: The CruisAire is an ultra lightweight version of the Cruiser (11"" wide and 13"" wide). Ages 1 - 6. Maximum weight capacity for the largest CruisAire (CA13) is 80 pounds. All positioning options and accessories are available. No transit model is available.

Convertible: The Convertible is an upright (10° fixed tilt) folding wheelchair with quick release large rear wheels for children and adults who have the ability to self-propel and want the flexibility of going from a dependent to an independent chair. It comes in 4 sizes: CV12, CV14, CV16, and CV18 and is also available in a transit model. The weight capacity ranges from 66 pounds to 250 pounds. This chair comes standard with a two-point seat belt. A three-point seat belt (seat belt plus crotch strap) is available at no extra charge but must be ordered at the time the chair is made.

EZ Rider: An upright wheelchair (10° fixed tilt) for children and adults who have some upper body control. The EZ Riders come in four sizes from 12 inches wide to 18 inches wide. The EZ Rider 18 (EZ18) will hold up to 250 pounds. Positioning accessories for the upper body are available for those needing some help.

Metro: The Metro transport chair comes in three sizes (12"" wide, 14"" wide and 16"" wide) and is an economical transfer chair. Ages 2-14. Maximum weight capacity is 170 pounds. The chair comes in washable fabric and is also available in a transit model. No positioning options or accessories are available for this chair.

Safari Tilt: The Safari Tilt wheelchair has an adjustable tilt from 5° to 45° and it can be quickly and easily repositioned to the desired angle for eating, sleeping and comfort. For ages 2 - 14. Maximum weight capacity is 175 pounds. It currently comes in four sizes: 12"" wide, 14"" wide, 16"" and 18"" wide, and has a wide variety of positioning options and accessories. A recline feature is available as an option. The Safari Tilt comes standard with reinforced back upholstery and a flat planar seat. A crash tested transit model is also available.

Scout: This dynamic multi-terrain wheelchair was designed with built-in lumbar support and a 20-degree fixed tilt at shoulder level (anatomic back). It comes equipped with large, knobby wheels and hand-operated disc brakes (as used on high end bikes) for increased safety and control while going down inclines. Maximum weight capacity is 170 pounds. It currently comes in two sizes: 14"" wide and 16"" wide, and has a wide variety of positioning options and accessories.

Rodeo: The Rodeo tilt-in-space wheelchair has 10°- 45° of adjustable tilt. Key features include an ergonomic, height adjustable handle, angular adjustable footplate, elevating legrests and an optional tray located under the chair for storing medical necessities and auxiliary equipment. Maximum weight capacity is 170 pounds. It comes in 3 sizes: RD12, RD14 and RD16. Standard model includes: Adjustable flip-up armrests, 3 point positioning belt, calf panel, elevating legrest with one-piece footplate, 6"" front & 8"" rear pneumatic tires.

Mountee: The Mountee Seating System is a more aggressive system for a person who needs in-depth positioning for longer periods of sitting. The Mountee has a solid planar seat and back and attaches to the Safari Tilt Frame, so it offers a tilt adjustment of 5° to 45°. It offers a complete line of positioning options including adjustable firm lateral trunk supports. The Mountee comes in two sizes: MT12 and MT14, with weight capacities up to 100 pounds. It is also available in a Transit Model.

Cruiser Planar: The Cruiser Planar wheelchair is designed for a client with little upper body control and no potential for self-propulsion. It comes in six sizes, from 10-18. Attaching to our popular Cruiser model at a 30° fixed tilt, the Planar seating system is easily adjustable and removes for folding. It is equipped with a solid seat and back, firm lateral trunk supports and a contoured headrest. The Cruiser Planar Transit models have been successfully crash-tested with the positioning options in place.

Cruiser Profiler: The Cruiser Profiler wheelchair offers a custom fit with an adjustable contour back and seating system. It has an adjustable strap back system that readjusts for growth or postural changes. This chair is for clients with orthopedic conditions such as severe scoliosis or spinal deformity that require a customized back. It is on a 30° fixed tilt, and comes in two sizes, PR14 and PR16. Maximum capacity is 170 pounds. It is also available in Transit models."

The letter "T" denotes a WC19 compliant wheelchair. Transit Models come with 4 red metal anchors on the chair legs to use for tie downs on a van or bus. Most Transit Models also have a headrest extension and padded shoulder harness as standard equipment. All chairs can be ordered as Transit models except the CruisAire and Lite Rider.

The warranty in the U.S. and Canada covers any part of a Convaid product that is found to be defective within the warranty period. Convaid will repair or replace these parts free of charge. Warranty service may be performed by an authorized service center or at the Convaid factory at Convaid's option. The warranty goes to the original retail purchaser of the Convaid product.

Warranty Period in the U.S. and Canada:
Frame and Cross-Braces: Lifetime of original retail buyer (except CruisAire, Lite Rider and Vivo)
Frame and Cross-Braces for CruisAire, Lite Rider and Vivo: 5 years
Other Components: One year
Fabric and webbing: One year
Sensiform Cushions: 2 years
Planar Seat and Back: 5 years hardware, 18 months for other components
Mountee Seating System: 5 years hardware, 18 months for other components
Occ-Flex Cushioned Headrest: 5 years hardware, 1 year for other components

The warranty on Convaid products may vary in other countries.

Yes, some models offer a mesh under seat storage basket - please refer to our catalog for details.

Solid tires come standard on all Convaid wheelchairs. They are low maintenance and durable which makes them best for regular use. Pneumatic tires offer a smoother ride and are preferable for traveling over rough roads or uneven pavement. To keep pneumatic tires properly inflated, it may be necessary to pump them up with a tire pump or bicycle pump approximately once a week.

Yes, many of Convaid's products come in sizes that go up to 16 or 18 inches wide, including the Cruiser, the EZ Rider, the Convertible, the Metro, and the Safari (maximum weight capacity of the CX18, CV18, SFT18, EZ18 and the CM18 is 250 pounds).

The primary function of a special needs stroller is transportation. The primary function of a pediatric wheelchair is to provide positioning.

"Yes! Our folding portable wheelchairs are easy to stow aboard airplanes, trains and busses; and maneuver easily aboard cruise ships.

Travel Tips:
Make your reservations as far in advance as possible, and use a travel agent who is experienced with planning trips for travelers with disabilities.

Choose a larger plane, which offers more accessibility.

Request an aisle seat.

Select a direct flight.

Call ahead to alert the reservation clerk that you will be traveling with a wheelchair.

Arrange for boarding assistance or an aisle chair to get to your seat.

Attach name/address/phone tags to all equipment.

Arrive at least an hour in advance so you can store your folding wheelchair on-board."

Go to our homepage under "Dealer Information" and click on the "Become a Dealer" link. Below the search field you will see a link, which will provide you with the requirements to become a dealer. You will also have the opportunity to download the Convaid dealer application from this page.

Yes, as long as it is a WC19 compliant transit wheelchair. Transit wheelchairs come with 4 red metal anchors on the wheelchair legs to use for tie downs on a van or bus. Most Transit wheelchairs also have a headrest extension and padded shoulder harness as standard equipment. All chairs can be ordered as Transit models except the CruisAire and Lite Rider.

WC19 is a standard developed by the wheelchair industry and transportation safety experts, which sets out certain minimum performance criteria for wheelchairs used as seating aboard a motor vehicle. This criteria includes design and performance guidelines to protect the safety of wheelchair occupants in the event of a crash.

Yes, as long as it was purchased within the last year.