Nova Transport Chair with 12" Rear Wheels and Removable Arms

The Nova 352 Transport Chair brings together two features that most transport chairs make you choose between — 12" rear wheels with hand brakes for outdoor control and flip-up removable desk-length armrests for easy side transfers. The 19" padded seat, quick-release fold-down back, seat belt, and anti-tippers make it a complete, safety-forward chair at 300 lb capacity. HCPCS E1038. FSA eligible. Available in Black (352BK), Blue (352B), Purple (352P), and Red (352R).

Nova 352 Lightweight Transport Chair — 12" Rear Wheels, Removable Flip-Up Arms, Hand Brakes

The Nova 352 sits at a precise point in the transport chair lineup: it has everything the Comet 330 offers — 12" rear wheels, hand brakes, outdoor control — plus flip-up removable desk-length armrests that make side-access transfers significantly easier for caregivers. Where the 332 HD offers the same armrest feature at 400 lb bariatric capacity, the 352 delivers it at the standard 300 lb capacity and a lighter 27 lb frame weight.

The result is the most fully-featured standard-capacity transport chair in Nova's line. Anti-tippers are included as standard — a safety feature that prevents backward tipping on inclines and is often sold separately on competing models. The quick-release fold-down back and folding frame allow compact storage in a car trunk, closet, or overhead compartment. Available in Black (352BK), Blue (352B), Purple (352P), and Red (352R).

Key Features

• 12" rear wheels — superior outdoor control vs. standard 8" wheels on uneven surfaces and inclines
• Locking hand brakes on push handles — caregiver speed control and safety on slopes
• Secondary rear wheel locks for parking
• Flip-up AND removable desk-length padded armrests — enables full side-access transfers
• Arms are reversible — can be configured to roll up to a desk or table
• Anti-tippers included as standard — prevents backward tipping on ramps and slopes
• 19" seat width with reinforced padded upholstery
• Quick-release fold-down back for compact storage and transport
• Swing-away removable footrests with heel loops and adjustable foot plates (5"–9")
• Seat belt included
• Lightweight aluminum frame — 27 lbs
• 300 lb weight capacity
• HCPCS E1038 — may qualify for Medicare, Medicaid, or insurance coverage
• FSA eligible
• Lifetime Limited Warranty (frame) | 5-Year (brakes)
• Available in Blue (352B) and Red (352R)

Nova Transport Chair Comparison — Find Your Model

Who Is the Nova 352 Best For?

• Users who need both outdoor capability (12" wheels, hand brakes) and easy side transfers (flip-up arms)
• Caregivers who manage transfers from beds, toilets, or vehicles regularly
• Users on ramps or inclines where anti-tippers provide an extra layer of safety
• Anyone who wants the most complete feature set at standard 300 lb capacity
• Patients whose insurance covers HCPCS E1038

How to Size the Nova 352 Transport Chair

1. Measure Hip Width

   Measure the user's widest point across both hips while seated on a firm surface. Add 1"–2" for comfort. The Nova 352 has an 18.5" usable seat width — appropriate for users with hip widths up to approximately 16.5". For users needing more room, the Nova 332 HD with its 22" seat is the recommended upgrade.

2. Measure Seat-to-Floor Height

   Measure from the back of the knee to the floor with the user seated and feet flat. The Nova 352 seat height is 20". The 12" rear wheels position the seat slightly higher than 8" wheel chairs — beneficial for users who need a higher seat for easier standing transfers. Footrests adjust from 5"–9" from the floor.

3. Measure Seat Depth

   Measure from the back of the buttocks to behind the knee. The 352 seat depth is 15.75". Allow 1"–2" clearance from the seat front edge to the back of the knee for comfort and circulation.

4. Check Doorway and Vehicle Clearance

   The 352 open width is 25.75" — slightly wider than 8" wheel transport chairs due to the 12" rear wheels. Most standard interior doorways (32"–36") accommodate this comfortably. Measure any tight doorways or vehicle entries before ordering.

5. Assess Transfer Requirements

   The flip-up removable desk arms are a key feature for caregivers who perform lateral sliding transfers — moving the user sideways from a bed, toilet, or car seat into the chair. If transfers are frequent or challenging, this chair's arm design significantly reduces the physical effort and risk involved compared to fixed-arm chairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between flip-up arms and removable arms?

The Nova 352 armrests do both — they flip upward (rotating out of the way while remaining attached to the chair) for quick transfers where full detachment isn't needed, and they fully remove for situations requiring complete side-open access. The flip-up function is faster for routine transfers; full removal is useful when using a sliding transfer board or when maximum access is needed. The desk-length profile also allows the user to roll directly up to a table, desk, or dining surface without the armrest blocking the edge.

What are anti-tippers and when are they important?

Anti-tippers are small rear-facing wheels or pegs mounted low on the frame behind the rear wheels. They prevent the chair from tipping backward — a risk when going up ramps, curbs, or inclines with a heavier user, or when the user leans backward suddenly. The Nova 352 includes anti-tippers as standard. They can be removed if not needed but should be kept installed during any incline use. Anti-tippers are especially important when the caregiver is smaller or less experienced with transport chairs on slopes.

How do the hand brakes differ from the rear wheel locks?

Hand brakes (on the push handles) allow the caregiver to actively slow or stop the chair while pushing — they work like bicycle brakes and are essential for controlling speed on downhill slopes or ramps. The rear wheel locks are parking brakes — they lock the rear wheels in a stationary position when the chair is not being pushed. Both systems should be used together: hand brakes for active movement control, wheel locks when the chair is parked and the user is transferring in or out.

Why are 12" rear wheels better for outdoor use?

Larger diameter wheels roll more smoothly over obstacles, uneven pavement, curb cuts, and surface transitions. An 8" wheel can catch on small gaps or edges that a 12" wheel rolls over without jarring the user. On longer distances, larger wheels also require less pushing effort from the caregiver. The difference is most noticeable on anything other than smooth, flat indoor flooring.

Can the arms be repositioned for left or right-handed transfers?

Yes. The Nova 352 armrests are described as reversible — they can be configured on either side to accommodate the caregiver's preferred transfer approach or the user's stronger side. Refer to the owner's manual for the correct repositioning procedure to ensure the armrest locks securely in its reversed position.

What HCPCS code does the 352 use and does insurance cover it?

The Nova 352 uses HCPCS E1038 — the standard transport wheelchair billing code. This applies even with the 12" wheels and removable arms; the additional features do not move it to a different code. Medicare Part B, Medicaid, and most private insurers recognize E1038. A physician prescription and medical necessity documentation are required. Contact your insurer with code E1038 to verify your plan's coverage. FSA and HSA funds can be used to purchase directly.