Wheelchair, Bariatric and Chair Scales: Buying Guide

Quick answer: pick the scale by how the patient can be weighed. Patients who stay in their wheelchair need a wheelchair ramp scale. Patients who can stand but exceed a normal scale's limit need a bariatric stand-on scale. Patients who can sit but not stand steadily suit a chair scale. Bedbound patients need a bed or stretcher scale or a scale built into a lift.

Scale types compared

Type	How the patient is weighed	Capacity in our catalog	Typical setting
Wheelchair ramp scale	Rolls on in the wheelchair	800 to 1,000 lb	Clinics, dialysis, long-term care
Bariatric stand-on scale	Stands on a wide low platform	660 to 1,000 lb	Bariatric programs, clinics
Chair scale	Sits in a built-in chair	440 to 600 lb	Hospitals, clinics
In-bed / stretcher scale	Lies on a bed or stretcher	400 to 550 lb	Hospitals, home care

What to compare

Capacity: for a wheelchair scale, add the weight of the heaviest chair you will see. Power chairs are heavy, so 1,000 lb models like the Health o meter 2610KL or the Scale-Tronix bariatric wheelchair scales leave margin.
Platform size: the chair's wheelbase must fit. Larger power chairs may need a deep platform such as the Scale-Tronix 35 in platform.
Ramps: a single ramp means rolling on and backing off; dual ramps let the chair roll straight through.
Tare and stored chair weights: subtract the wheelchair weight to get the patient's weight.
Portability: folding scales with wheels move between rooms or sites.
Connectivity: EMR-ready models send weights to records, reducing transcription errors.
ADA kits: handrail and compliance kits are sold separately for some Health o meter wheelchair scales.

Bariatric stand-on scales

These have wide, low platforms and often optional handrails. Options include the Scale-Tronix Stand-On Scale (660 lb), the Scale-Tronix Mobile Stand-On Scale (880 lb) and the extra-wide bariatric model (1,000 lb).

Chair and bed scales

Chair scales, such as the Health o meter 2595KL (600 lb) and the mechanical 445KL (440 lb), suit patients who cannot stand safely. For patients who cannot leave bed, see the Health o meter 2000KL in-bed/stretcher scale or the Patient Transfer Scale (550 lb).

Frequently asked questions

How do you weigh someone in a wheelchair?

Roll the person onto a wheelchair scale, read the total, then subtract the chair's weight. Many scales store the chair weight and do this automatically.

What capacity do I need for a bariatric scale?

Choose a capacity comfortably above your heaviest expected patient. Our bariatric and wheelchair scales go up to 1,000 lb.

Do medical scales need calibration?

Yes. Follow the manufacturer's calibration schedule and your facility's policy.

Browse all medical scales and scale accessories, or call 1-800-494-5750 for help choosing.

More buying guides

Updated October 2026.