Drive AeroFly™ Ultra-Lite Transport Chair

The Drive Medical AeroFly™ Ultra-Lite Transport Chair is one of the lightest transport chairs on the market — its patent-pending magnesium alloy frame weighs just 13 lbs (17 lbs with rear wheels). Designed for caregivers and active users who need a reliable, easy-to-transport chair for travel, appointments, and daily use without the bulk of a standard wheelchair.

Drive Medical AeroFly™ Ultra-Lite Transport Chair

The AeroFly™ Ultra-Lite redefines what a transport chair can be. Engineered with a patent-pending magnesium alloy frame, it delivers exceptional strength-to-weight performance — weighing just 13 lbs without rear wheels, 17 lbs complete. The result is a chair that's easy for any caregiver to lift, load, and maneuver without fatigue, while still supporting users up to 250 lbs.

Available in Matte Black (AFT18BK-SF) and Gray (AFT18GY-SF), the AeroFly brings a modern, sleek aesthetic that doesn't look or feel like a clinical device. Padded overlay cushions on the seat and back, fixed desk-length armrests, and ergonomic footrest levers all contribute to a comfortable, user-friendly experience — at home, at appointments, or traveling.

Key Features

• Patent-pending ultralight magnesium alloy frame — 13 lbs (without rear wheels), 17 lbs complete
• Attendant (caregiver) brakes included as standard
• Fixed desk-length arms with molded padded armrests
• Lightweight spoke wheels with treaded flat-free tires — no pumping, no punctures
• Quick-release rear axles for compact storage and vehicle transport
• Fold-down backrest for flat storage
• Integrated carry handles in the seat frame
• Removable padded seat and back overlay cushions
• European-style swing-away footrests with ergonomic release levers
• FSA and HSA eligible
• Limited Lifetime Warranty (frame) / 60-Day Warranty (wearable parts)

Transport Chair vs. Wheelchair — What's the Difference?

A transport chair has small rear wheels (not self-propelling) and is designed to be pushed by a caregiver or attendant. It is lighter and more compact than a self-propelling wheelchair. The AeroFly is the right choice when the user needs assistance with mobility and the primary goal is ease of transport, storage, and caregiver convenience. If the user needs to self-propel independently, a standard or power wheelchair would be more appropriate.

Who Is the AeroFly Best For?

• Seniors or post-surgical patients who need caregiver-assisted mobility
• Travelers who need a lightweight, airline-friendly chair that fits in overhead or car trunk storage
• Caregivers who need to lift and load the chair frequently
• Users transitioning from a standard wheelchair who want a lighter, more manageable option
• Anyone prioritizing a modern, non-institutional aesthetic

How to Size a Transport Chair

Proper sizing ensures comfort, safety, and efficient use. For the AeroFly, the key measurements are seat width and seat-to-floor height.

1. Measure Seat Width

   Measure the user's hip width at the widest point while seated. Add 1"–2" for comfort. The AeroFly has an 18" seat width — suitable for most average to mid-size users. If hip width exceeds 16", consider a wider seat option.

2. Measure Seat-to-Floor Height

   Measure from the back of the knee to the floor while the user is seated with feet flat. The AeroFly seat height is 18.5" — appropriate for users roughly 5'2" to 5'10". Footrests are swing-away and adjustable to accommodate different leg lengths.

3. Measure Seat Depth

   Measure from the back of the buttocks to the back of the knee. The AeroFly seat depth is 16". There should be 1"–2" clearance between the front of the seat and the back of the knee to avoid pressure on the popliteal area.

4. Check Doorway and Vehicle Clearance

   The AeroFly folded width is 10.8" — highly compact for storage in car trunks, overhead bins, or closets. Confirm that doorways and vehicle entry points accommodate the 25.5" unfolded width.

5. Confirm Weight Capacity

   The AeroFly supports up to 250 lbs. For users above this limit, a bariatric transport chair with a higher weight rating is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the AeroFly frame so light?

The AeroFly uses a patent-pending magnesium alloy frame construction. Magnesium alloy is significantly lighter than the aluminum used in most transport chairs while maintaining comparable structural strength. The result is a 13 lb frame — among the lightest in its class — without sacrificing the 250 lb weight capacity.

Can the user self-propel the AeroFly?

No. The AeroFly is a transport chair, not a self-propelling wheelchair. The rear wheels are sized for caregiver-assisted pushing, not for the user to reach and propel independently. If independent mobility is a priority, a standard wheelchair with large rear wheels or a power wheelchair would be the appropriate choice.

Are the tires flat-free? Do they require maintenance?

Yes — the AeroFly has flat-free treaded tires. There is no air to pump, no risk of punctures, and no maintenance required on the tires. This is a significant advantage for travel and infrequent users who don't want to manage tire inflation.

How do the quick-release rear axles work?

The quick-release axles allow the rear wheels to be removed with a simple push-button mechanism — no tools required. This reduces the chair's width and weight for loading into a car trunk, storing in a closet, or checking at an airport. Reattachment is equally fast and clicks securely into place.

Do the footrests fully remove for transfers?

The European-style swing-away footrests pivot out of the way using ergonomic release levers, allowing the user to stand and transfer without stepping over the footrest. They can also be fully detached if preferred during transfers or storage.

What is the difference between attendant brakes and wheel locks?

Attendant brakes (also called caregiver or push brakes) are located on the push handles and allow the caregiver to slow or stop the chair while pushing — similar to bicycle brakes. Wheel locks (parking brakes) are on the frame near the seat and lock the wheels in place when the chair is stationary. The AeroFly ships with attendant brakes standard. Always engage wheel locks before assisting a user in or out of the chair.

Is the AeroFly covered by Medicare or insurance?

Coverage varies by plan and diagnosis. The AeroFly is FSA and HSA eligible, meaning it can be purchased with pre-tax health savings funds. For Medicare or insurance reimbursement, a prescription and clinical documentation of medical necessity are typically required. Contact your insurance provider or our team for guidance on coverage verification.

Can this chair be used on uneven surfaces or outdoors?

The AeroFly is designed primarily for smooth indoor and paved outdoor surfaces. The flat-free tires and spoke wheels handle light outdoor use well (sidewalks, parking lots, smooth paths). Uneven terrain, gravel, grass, or steep inclines are not recommended and may compromise stability and caregiver control.