Transfer Boards: Types, Lengths and How to Use One

By Scott Smith. Last reviewed 21 October 2026.

What Is a Transfer Board Used For?

It is used for seated sideways moves between two surfaces of roughly the same height. People who can sit up and shift their weight through their arms, but cannot stand safely or take steps, often use one every day. Common moves include wheelchair to bed, wheelchair to car seat, chair to commode and wheelchair to a bath transfer bench.

It does not lift anyone. The user, or a carer guiding them, does the work in a series of small shuffles across the board. That is why the occupational therapist who assesses someone for a board will also want to see how well they balance when sitting.

Which Type of Board Do You Need?

Boards fall into a few clear groups, and most buyers only need one of them.

Straight boards are the simplest and usually the lightest. Curved boards earn their place in the car, where the seat sits forward of the wheelchair and a straight plank would have to bridge an awkward diagonal. Sliding-seat designs cost more but remove most of the friction, which helps people with less arm strength or fragile skin.

Transfer Board for Wheelchair to Car

Car transfers are where many people first look for one, and they bring their own problems. The car seat is often higher or lower than the wheelchair cushion, the door frame limits head room and the sill adds a bump in the middle of the move. A curved banana board, or a short board with a rounded end, copes with that geometry better than a long straight plank.

Measure the gap from the wheelchair cushion to the car seat with the door fully open, and check the height difference. Moving slightly downhill is easier than moving up. If the drop is large, a swivel seat or a different car may be a better answer, and the wheelchair to car transfer devices guide covers those options.

Transfer Board From Bed to Wheelchair

Bed transfers are usually the easiest place to start, because a profiling or height-adjustable bed can be set level with the wheelchair seat. Park the chair close to the bed at a slight angle, apply both brakes and remove or swing away the armrest on the bed side. Without a removable armrest, the board is very hard to use, so check the chair before you buy.

A board around 70 cm to 80 cm long covers most bed to chair gaps. Hand holes or cut-outs make it easier to position the board and to carry it, and a non-slip underside stops it creeping on a smooth sheet.

How to Use a Slide Board Step by Step

Technique matters more than the board itself, so ask an occupational therapist or physiotherapist to teach the method before using one at home. The usual sequence looks like this.

1. Put both surfaces as level as possible and apply the wheelchair brakes.
2. Remove the armrest and footplate on the transfer side.
3. Lean away from the target, slide one end of the board well under the thigh and rest the other end firmly on the target surface.
4. Sit upright with feet flat on the floor and hands on the board or the surface ahead.
5. Move across in small lifts and slides, keeping the head and shoulders over the hips.
6. Once fully seated on the target, lean away again and draw the board out.

Never let anyone pull on the user’s arms during the move. A carer who helps regularly should get handling advice, and a transfer aids overview explains where belts, turntables and hoists fit around a board.

How Long Should the Board Be?

Most boards sit between about 60 cm and 80 cm. Shorter boards are lighter and easier to stow beside the chair, while longer boards span wider gaps and give more room to rest halfway. Measure the widest gap you will cross and add enough for the board to rest securely on both surfaces, with roughly a third of the length under the user at the start.

Width matters too. A wider board gives more seating area during the move, which many larger users find steadier.

Wood or Plastic: Which Lasts Better?

Wooden boards, usually lacquered plywood, are stiff and quiet and tend to last for years if they stay dry. Plastic boards are easier to wipe clean, which suits bathroom use, and some have a lower-friction surface. Check the maker’s maximum user weight on every listing, because the figure varies widely between models, and look for smooth, rounded edges that will not catch skin or clothing.

Where to Get One in the UK

Many people are given a board after an assessment by an occupational therapist through the local council or the NHS, particularly when they leave hospital. You can apply for a needs assessment through your council if nobody has offered one. Buying privately is common too, especially for a second board to keep in the car. Disabled buyers can usually claim VAT relief on boards designed for their use.

The shortlist below covers straight, curved and sliding-seat boards that were in stock when we checked each listing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Banana Board?

A banana board is a curved transfer board. The arched shape lets it bridge two seats that sit at an angle to each other, which is why it is popular for car transfers.

Can I Use a Slide Board on My Own?

Many people do, once an occupational therapist has checked their sitting balance and taught them the technique. Some users always need a carer nearby, so follow the advice from your assessment.

Do I Need a Wheelchair with Removable Arms?

Yes, in almost every case. The armrest on the transfer side has to come off or swing away so the board can sit flat between the two seats.

Is a Slide Board the Same Thing?

Yes. Slide board, sliding board and transfer board all describe the same seated aid, and the terms are used interchangeably in the UK.