Nova Ultra Lightweight Transport Chair - 19" with Swing Away Footrest

The Nova Ultra Lightweight Transport Chair is the lightest standard-capacity chair in Nova's lineup — just 18.75 lbs with a full 19" seat and 300 lb capacity. At 22.5" open width and folding to only 8.75" wide, it fits where heavier chairs won't go: compact car trunks, overhead storage, small closets, and narrow hallways. Padded desk-length arms, swing-away footrests with heel loops, locking rear wheels, and seat belt included. HCPCS E1038. FSA eligible. Available in Blue and Red.

Nova Ultra Lightweight Transport Chair — 19" Seat, 18.75 lbs

When every pound counts — for a caregiver lifting the chair in and out of a vehicle, for a traveler checking it at an airport, or for anyone who needs to move the chair frequently — the Nova Ultra Lightweight delivers. At 18.75 lbs it is the lightest transport chair in Nova's standard-capacity line, yet it maintains a full 19" seat and 300 lb weight capacity. The folded width of just 8.75" is among the most compact of any full-feature transport chair on the market.

The padded desk-length arms allow the user to roll directly up to a table or desk without the armrest edge blocking the surface — a practical daily convenience. Swing-away footrests with heel loops and non-skid footplates keep feet secure during transport and pivot clear for easy standing transfers. Available in Blue and Red.

Key Features

• 18.75 lb frame — lightest in Nova's standard-capacity transport chair line
• Folds to 8.75" wide — extremely compact for car trunks, closets, and travel storage
• 22.5" overall open width — narrower than most 19" seat transport chairs
• 19" seat with padded upholstery — reinforced to resist stretching and wear
• Padded desk-length arms — roll directly up to tables, desks, and dining surfaces
• Quick-release fold-down back for flat storage
• Swing-away footrests with heel loops and non-skid foot plates
• Adjustable footplate height (5"–9" from floor)
• 8" locking rear wheels (wheel locks / parking brakes)
• Seat belt included
• 300 lb weight capacity
• HCPCS E1038 — may qualify for Medicare, Medicaid, or insurance coverage
• FSA eligible
• Available in Blue and Red

Nova Transport Chair Comparison — Find Your Model

Who Is the Nova Ultra Lightweight Best For?

• Caregivers who lift and load the chair multiple times daily and need the lightest option
• Travelers who check the chair at airports or store it in overhead or under-seat spaces
• Users in compact cars, small apartments, or narrow hallways where folded width matters
• Anyone who needs a desk-length arm for rolling up to dining tables or work surfaces
• Patients whose insurance covers HCPCS E1038

How to Size the Nova Ultra Lightweight Transport Chair

1. Measure Hip Width

   Measure the widest point across both hips while the user is seated. Add 1"–2" for comfort. The Ultra Lightweight has 18" between the arms — appropriate for users with hip widths up to approximately 16". The narrow 22.5" overall open width is an advantage in tight spaces but confirms this is best sized for average to slimmer frames.

2. Measure Seat-to-Floor Height

   Measure from the back of the knee to the floor while seated with feet flat. The Ultra Lightweight seat height is 20". The footrests adjust from 5"–9" from the floor to accommodate different leg lengths. The 8" rear wheels keep the overall seat position lower and more accessible than 12" wheel chairs.

3. Measure Seat Depth

   Measure from the back of the buttocks to behind the knee. Seat depth is 16". Leave 1"–2" clearance between the seat front and the back of the knee. This chair's 16" depth suits most average leg lengths well.

4. Check Storage and Vehicle Fit

   The Ultra Lightweight's 8.75" folded width is one of its key advantages — it fits in compact car trunks, behind seats, and in storage spaces where wider chairs won't go. Measure your primary storage space before ordering to confirm fit. At 18.75 lbs it is also easy for most caregivers to lift solo without strain.

5. Confirm Weight Capacity and Use Case

   The Ultra Lightweight supports up to 300 lbs. For primarily smooth indoor and paved outdoor surfaces, the 8" wheels perform well. If the user will be pushed frequently on inclines, uneven terrain, or outdoors on mixed surfaces, consider the Comet 330 or Nova 352 with 12" wheels and hand brakes instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Ultra Lightweight different from the standard Nova 329?

Both chairs share the same 19" seat width, 300 lb capacity, 8" rear wheels, and HCPCS E1038 code. The key differences are weight and dimensions: the Ultra Lightweight is approximately 18.75 lbs and folds to just 8.75" wide, while the 329 weighs approximately 19 lbs and folds to around 10". The Ultra Lightweight also features desk-length arms (better for rolling up to tables) versus the 329's fixed full-length arms. For users where portability and compact storage are the top priorities, the Ultra Lightweight is the stronger choice.

What are desk-length arms and why do they matter?

Desk-length (also called desk-style) arms are shorter than full-length arms — they don't extend all the way to the front of the seat. This shorter profile allows the user to roll directly up to a desk, dining table, kitchen counter, or work surface without the armrest hitting the edge. For users who eat at a table, work at a desk, or use the chair in close quarters frequently, desk-length arms are a meaningful daily quality-of-life improvement over full-length arms.

Does this chair have hand brakes?

No. The Ultra Lightweight has locking rear wheel locks (parking brakes) but does not include caregiver hand brakes on the push handles. If hand brakes are needed — particularly for incline use or outdoor environments — the Nova Comet 330 or Nova 352 include hand brakes with 12" rear wheels at a modest weight increase.

Is the Ultra Lightweight suitable for air travel?

Yes — it is one of the best transport chairs for air travel. At 18.75 lbs and folding to 8.75" wide, it qualifies as carry-on or gate-check luggage on most airlines and fits in spaces where heavier chairs cannot. Most airlines allow passengers to check a manual wheelchair at no charge. Always confirm airline-specific wheelchair policies and request gate-check assistance when booking.

Can the footrests be fully removed for transfers?

Yes. The swing-away footrests pivot out of the way and detach completely for standing transfers. Always swing or remove footrests before the user attempts to stand so feet can be placed flat on the floor for a safe, stable transfer.

What HCPCS code applies and does insurance cover this chair?

The Nova Ultra Lightweight uses HCPCS E1038 — the standard transport wheelchair billing code. Medicare Part B, Medicaid, and most private insurers recognize E1038 for coverage of medically necessary transport chairs with a physician prescription and documentation of medical necessity. FSA and HSA funds can be used to purchase directly without a prescription.