Drive Super Light Folding Transport Chair With Carry Bag

The Drive Medical SuperLight SL18 is the transport chair that comes with its own carry bag — a dedicated over-the-shoulder bag that holds the folded chair for hands-free portability through airports, hotels, cruise ships, and anywhere else you need to carry it. At 18 lbs with a silver aluminum frame, flip-back arms, fold-down footrests, composite maintenance-free wheels, and rear wheel locks, the SL18 is built for travel-first users who want a complete packable solution. 250 lb capacity. Limited Lifetime Warranty. FSA eligible.

Drive Medical SuperLight SL18 Folding Transport Chair with Carry Bag

Most transport chairs fold — but you still have to carry them awkwardly under your arm or drag them alongside your luggage. The Drive Medical SuperLight SL18 solves this with an included dedicated carry bag: the folded chair slides in, the shoulder strap goes over, and your hands are free. For travelers who use a transport chair at airports, on cruises, at hotels, or during long outings, this is a meaningful practical upgrade over a bag-less chair of similar weight.

The SL18 weighs 18 lbs and folds compactly to 9" wide — the carrying bag is sized for the folded chair specifically, with an over-the-shoulder strap for one-person carry. The silver aluminum frame, flip-back padded arms, fold-down footrests, composite maintenance-free wheels, and rear wheel locks round out a complete travel transport chair. The 1" aluminum tubing construction supports up to 250 lbs.

Note: The SL18 has a 250 lb weight capacity — lower than the 300 lb capacity of most other Drive Medical transport chairs. Confirm the user's weight before ordering.

Key Features

• Dedicated carry bag with over-the-shoulder strap — holds folded chair for hands-free transport
• 18 lb silver aluminum frame — 1" aluminum tubing construction
• 18" × 17" padded nylon seat
• Flip-back padded armrests — fold back for side-access transfers or tighter storage
• Fold-down footrests — collapse for compact chair footprint during storage
• Composite maintenance-free wheels — no inflation, no punctures
• Push-to-lock rear wheel locks
• Seat belt included
• Folds like a conventional folding chair — simple, familiar fold mechanism
• Folded dimensions: 9"W × 30"D × 37"H
• Overall dimensions open: 23"W × 30"L × 37"H
• 250 lb weight capacity
• FSA eligible
• Limited Lifetime Warranty (frame)

Order by Part Number

SuperLight SL18 vs. Drive Fly-Lite — Travel Chair Comparison

Who Is the SuperLight SL18 Best For?

• Travelers who want to carry the chair over their shoulder — included bag makes this effortless
• Users flying, cruising, or traveling by train who need a packable chair for the journey
• Caregivers who want flip-back arms for easier side transfers
• Anyone who wants a clean, classic silver/blue look rather than a patterned design
• Users at or under 250 lbs who prioritize the carry bag and travel convenience

How to Size the Drive Medical SuperLight SL18

1. Confirm Weight Capacity First

   The SL18 supports up to 250 lbs. This is lower than the 300 lb capacity of most other Drive Medical transport chairs. If the user's weight is between 250–300 lbs, the Drive Fly-Lite (300 lb) or Drive Expedition (300 lb) are more appropriate options.

2. Measure Hip Width

   Measure the user's widest hip point while seated. Add 1"–2" for comfort clearance. The SL18 has an 18" seat — suitable for users with hip widths up to approximately 16". For users needing a wider 19" seat, the Drive Fly-Lite (19") is the comparable travel-oriented alternative.

3. Measure Seat-to-Floor Height

   Measure from the back of the knee to the floor while seated with feet flat. The SL18 seat height is 19". The fold-down footrests adjust for different leg lengths. Confirm the user can comfortably reach the footrests at the lowest setting.

4. Assess Travel and Carry Needs

   The included shoulder carry bag is the SL18's primary travel advantage. The folded chair (9" wide) fits into the bag securely, and the over-the-shoulder strap leaves both hands free for luggage, boarding, or other tasks. If shoulder-carry portability is your priority, the SL18 is the right choice. If carry bag is not important and capacity or lighter weight is the priority, compare the Fly-Lite or Nova 377.

5. Confirm Surface and Brake Requirements

   The SL18 has push-to-lock rear wheel locks for parking but no caregiver hand brakes. It is best suited for smooth indoor surfaces and light outdoor paved use. For inclines, ramps, or regular outdoor terrain, the Drive Expedition (12" wheels, hand brakes) is a better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the carry bag look like and how does it work?

The carry bag is a soft-sided tote designed specifically for the folded SL18. The folded chair (9" wide, 30" deep, 37" tall) slides into the bag, which closes securely. An over-the-shoulder strap allows one person to carry the entire chair hands-free — useful when navigating airport terminals, hotel lobbies, cruise ship gangways, or any situation where you need both hands free while transporting the chair. The bag is included with every SL18 purchase at no additional cost.

What are flip-back arms and how are they different from fixed or removable arms?

Flip-back arms rotate upward (pivoting backward) to get out of the way for transfers — the user can slide sideways in or out of the chair without the armrest blocking the path. Unlike fixed arms (which stay in place) or fully removable arms (which detach completely), flip-back arms stay attached to the chair and return to the seating position when needed. This makes them faster for routine transfers than full-removal arms while still providing side access.

Why are the footrests fold-down rather than swing-away?

Fold-down footrests fold flat under the seat rather than swinging to the side like conventional swing-away designs. This creates a more compact footprint when the chair is folded for storage or placed in the carry bag — a deliberate design choice for a travel-oriented chair. For transfers, the footrests fold up out of the way. If swing-away footrests are preferred for your transfer method, the Drive Fly-Lite or Nova 329 are alternatives.

Why is the capacity 250 lbs instead of 300 lbs?

The 250 lb capacity reflects the 1" aluminum tubing frame construction optimized for minimum weight and packability. The frame is lightweight and travel-focused — the design prioritizes portability over maximum structural capacity. For users between 250–300 lbs, the Drive Fly-Lite (18.9 lbs, 300 lb capacity) offers more capacity at a comparable weight.

Does this chair have hand brakes?

No. The SL18 has push-to-lock rear wheel locks for stationary parking but no caregiver hand brakes. For use primarily on flat surfaces and light outdoor paths, the wheel locks are sufficient. For inclines, slopes, or active outdoor terrain where moving braking control is needed, the Drive Expedition with 12" wheels and loop-lock hand brakes is the appropriate upgrade.

Is the SL18 suitable for airline travel?

Yes — the carry bag makes it one of the most airline-ready transport chairs available. Most airlines allow passengers to check a manual wheelchair at no charge at the gate or ticket counter. The folded chair in its carry bag can be checked as a standard item or gate-checked. Always confirm your airline's wheelchair policy when booking and request wheelchair assistance at check-in to ensure smooth handling.