Resources
Chair Stretcher vs Stair Chair: How to Choose
Compare TITAN chair stretchers and powered or manual stair chairs by capacity, operation and weight, and learn which suits stairs, vehicles and tight spaces.
Chair Stretcher vs Stair Chair: How to Choose
Chair stretchers and stair chairs both move a seated person, but they solve different problems. A chair stretcher, sometimes called a wheelchair stretcher or seat stretcher, converts between a full stretcher and a wheeled chair. A stair chair, or EMS stair chair stretcher, carries someone up or down stairs where a stretcher will not fit.
How they differ
| Chair stretcher | Stair chair | |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Stretcher and wheeled chair in one unit | Moving a seated person on stairs and in tight spaces |
| Vehicle use | Ships with a vehicle locking device | Carried to the vehicle, then transferred |
| Stairs | Not designed for stair travel | Powered tracks, manual tracks or carried by handles |
| Storage | Stored like a stretcher | Folds flat; optional wall cabinet |
TITAN chair stretchers
| Model | Rated capacity | Key details |
|---|---|---|
| PRO XL 650E Chair Stretcher | 650 lb | Stretcher-to-chair conversion; cushioned PVC mattress; locking all-terrain casters; vehicle locking device included |
| EMS Versant Convertible Chair Stretcher | Confirm before ordering | Stretcher and chair positions; multiple angle settings; 77.9 × 21.6 × 33.8″ high position; 74.9 lb; vehicle locking device included |
TITAN powered and manual stair chairs
| Model | Operation | Capacity | Net weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evac Sentinel | Powered tracks, 3 speeds | 500 lb | 55 lb |
| Evac Endurance | Powered tracks | 500 lb | 55 lb |
| Evac Navigator | Powered tracks, joystick on level ground | 350 lb | 66 lb |
| Evac Ranger | Manual gliding tracks | 500 lb | 44.5 lb |
| Swift | Manual, folding, carried by handles | 450 lb | See product page |
| Evac Rapid | Manual tracks, descent only | 350 lb | 25 lb |
| Evac Scout | Manual, rear wheels | Under 350 lb | 20 lb |
Shop chair stretchers and stair chairs
Common questions
Can a chair stretcher go up stairs?
Not by itself. Chair stretchers are built for level ground and vehicle loading. Use a stair chair for stairways, then transfer to the stretcher.
Should I choose a powered or manual EMS stair chair?
Powered stair chairs climb and descend on battery-driven tracks and reduce strain on long or frequent stair runs. Manual chairs weigh less, need no charging and suit occasional use.
What should I measure first?
Check stair width, landing size and doorway clearance along the route, and compare the documented capacity with the people you transport.
Do you sell storage for stair chairs?
Yes. See the evacuation chair storage cabinets.
For more detail, see the EMS stretcher selection guide and the stair chair selection guide, or shop ambulance and EMS stretchers, powered stair chairs and all evacuation stair chairs.
Need help choosing?
Call 1-888-792-9315 with the heights you need to reach and the load you handle, and we will match the equipment to your facility. Browse the full TITAN mortuary equipment line.
