Astra Steel Transport Chair

The Proactive Medical ASTRA is a well-built steel transport wheelchair with a distinctive silver vein carbon steel frame, chip-proof finish, and a back-release hinge that folds the chair down flat in seconds. Tool-free swing-away composite footrests with heel loops, push-to-lock rear wheel locks, padded desk-length arms, and nylon seat straps for easy lifting round out a complete, practical chair. Available in 17" and 19" seat widths. 250 lb capacity. HCPCS E1038. 3-year limited warranty on side frame and cross members. FSA eligible.

Proactive Medical ASTRA Steel Transport Wheelchair — Silver Vein Frame, 17" or 19" Seat

The Proactive Medical ASTRA delivers a sturdy, feature-complete transport wheelchair with a distinctive silver vein carbon steel finish — a chip-proof coating that maintains its appearance through regular daily use without the dull, institutional look of standard chrome or black powder-coat finishes. The back-release hinge allows the back to fold down flat for storage without needing to reach for a release button at frame level — the lever is accessible and the motion is simple.

Tool-free footrest adjustment means there's nothing to loosen or tighten when setting footrest height for a new user — the composite swing-away footrests with heel loops adjust without tools and swing clear for transfers. Nylon seat straps are built into the seat for easy one-hand lifting of the chair when loading into vehicles. A push-to-lock rear wheel lock on each side provides stationary security during transfers. Available in 17" (26.5 lbs) and 19" (28.5 lbs) seat widths.

Note: The ASTRA supports up to 250 lbs. Confirm the user's weight before ordering.

Key Features

• Silver vein carbon steel frame — chip-proof, easy to maintain, distinctive finish
• Stylish flared handles for comfortable caregiver grip
• Back-release hinge — back folds down flat via lever for compact storage and transport
• Padded full-length desk-length (9") fixed armrests
• Padded black nylon upholstery — lightweight, comfortable, easy to clean
• Nylon seat straps — built-in for easy one-hand chair lifting
• Tool-free swing-away composite footrests with heel loops — adjust and remove without tools
• 8" × 1" solid rubber composite casters front and rear — maintenance-free, no inflation
• Push-to-lock rear wheel locks (parking brakes)
• Seat belt included
• Two seat widths: 17" (26.5 lbs) and 19" (28.5 lbs)
• Folded width: 13" — very compact for storage
• 250 lb weight capacity
• HCPCS E1038
• 3-Year Limited Warranty (side frame and cross members)
• FSA eligible

Order by Seat Width

Who Is the ASTRA Best For?

• Users who want a clean, distinctive-looking chair that doesn't appear clinical or institutional
• Petite users who need the narrower 17" seat option
• Caregivers who appreciate the nylon seat straps for easier lifting and tool-free footrest adjustment
• Buyers looking for a solid, reliable steel transport chair at an accessible price point
• Users at or under 250 lbs who need HCPCS E1038 for insurance purposes

How to Size the Proactive Medical ASTRA

1. Confirm Weight Capacity

   The ASTRA supports up to 250 lbs. This is lower than the 300 lb capacity of most other transport chairs. If the user's weight is between 250–300 lbs, consider the Karman T-2700 (250 lb), Nova 329 (300 lb), or Drive ATC (300 lb). For users above 300 lbs, a heavy-duty or bariatric transport chair is required.

2. Choose Seat Width — 17" or 19"

   Measure the user's widest hip point while seated. Add 1"–2" for comfort clearance. The 17" seat suits users with hip widths up to approximately 15"; the 19" seat suits up to approximately 17". Note that the 17" ASTRA has a very narrow overall open width of just 19" — one of the narrowest transport chairs available. This is an advantage in tight spaces and narrow doorways.

3. Measure Seat-to-Floor Height

   Measure from the back of the knee to the floor with the user seated and feet flat. The ASTRA seat height is 19" in both widths. The tool-free footrests adjust for different leg lengths without needing any tools on hand.

4. Check Storage and Vehicle Fit

   The ASTRA folds to just 13" wide — one of the most compact folded widths of any transport wheelchair. This is particularly useful for small car trunks, narrow closets, and behind-seat storage. The nylon seat straps make lifting the folded chair a one-hand operation for most caregivers.

5. Confirm Surface Requirements

   The 8" solid rubber composite wheels perform well on smooth indoor and light paved outdoor surfaces. The ASTRA has push-to-lock rear wheel locks but no hand brakes. For inclines or mixed outdoor terrain, a chair with hand brakes is better suited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the silver vein finish and how is it different from standard chrome or powder coat?

Silver vein is a textured metallic coating applied to the carbon steel frame. The vein pattern (a fine, irregular texture resembling vein lines) serves two purposes: it provides a visually distinctive, modern aesthetic that's less clinical-looking than plain chrome or flat black powder coat, and the texture itself is more chip-resistant than smooth finishes — surface scratches are less visible because the texture breaks up the reflective surface. It's easier to maintain than chrome and more visually refined than standard black powder coat at this price point.

What does "tool-free" footrest adjustment mean?

The ASTRA footrests use a pin-and-slot or quick-release mechanism that lets the caregiver adjust footrest height without a screwdriver or hex key. Pull a pin, slide to the desired height, release — done. This is particularly practical when the chair is used by multiple users of different heights, or when footrests need to be repositioned quickly between users in a clinical or facility setting.

What are the nylon seat straps for?

The ASTRA has nylon straps built into the underside of the seat that function as carry handles for lifting the folded chair. Rather than gripping the seat frame or tubing awkwardly, the caregiver grabs the strap and lifts — distributing the weight evenly and reducing hand strain. At 26.5–28.5 lbs, the ASTRA is manageable for most caregivers, and the strap makes the lift cleaner and more secure for loading into a car trunk.

How does the back-release hinge work?

The back-release hinge is a lever on the back frame that, when pressed, releases the backrest to fold forward and down flat. The chair then folds conventionally with the seat collapsing inward. The lever is positioned at a practical height — accessible without bending to the floor — and requires a simple press rather than a two-handed or tool-assisted release. The result is a chair that folds to its 13" folded width quickly and easily.

Does this chair have hand brakes for caregiver control on inclines?

No. The ASTRA has push-to-lock rear wheel locks for stationary parking only. For use on inclines, ramps, or outdoor terrain where active caregiver braking is needed, a chair with attendant hand brakes — such as the Drive Expedition (12" wheels, loop-lock brakes) or Nova Comet 330 (12" wheels, hand brakes) — is more appropriate. If the ASTRA will primarily be used indoors on flat surfaces, the wheel locks are sufficient for safe stationary use.

What does the 3-year warranty cover?

The ASTRA carries a 3-year limited warranty specifically on the side frames and cross members — the structural steel components of the chair. This is a solid frame warranty at this price point. Parts not covered under the 3-year warranty (upholstery, footrests, wheels, armrests) are subject to Proactive Medical's standard parts warranty terms. Retain your purchase receipt and contact Proactive Medical directly for warranty service claims.