Wheelchair Bag Types: Armrest, Backrest & Under-seat Guide (2026)

Not every wheelchair bag will suit your wheelchair and satisfy your desired goals. You have to choose the wheelchair bag type that’s compatible with your wheelchair and carries your essentials. To select the right bag for a wheelchair, consider the bags’ functionality, number and size of pockets, durability, and looks. 

Having the right wheelchair bag on your wheelchair’s armrest or on the chair’s back ensures your items are safe. Where you mount a Wheelchair bag is determined by its design. We’ve got those designed for the armrest, underseat, and the chair’s backrest.

Wheelchair Bag Types 

The common wheelchair bag types are backrest bags or backpacks, side pouches or armrest bags, and underseat bags. They are classified based on where they’re mounted or strapped to the wheelchair frame. 

A wheelchair bag can be strapped to the wheelchair’s backrest, armrest, or underseat frame. Either using the bags’ velcro straps, retractable magnetic strap system, or rigid plastic loops.

Type 1: Wheelchair Side Pouches / Armrest Bags

This wheelchair bag type is highly preferred due to its convenience and accessibility. Side bags or armrest bags are attached to the wheelchair’s armrest or side frame. They’re usually smaller compared to wheelchair backrest bags. These one-handed wheelchair bags promise greater security for your items, as they're within your eyesight.

Limited Edition Wheelchair Side Bag

This Limited Edition Wheelchair Side Bag is made using a high-quality and strengthened nylon fabric. It can last for years as it's hard to wear out. It’s designed to withstand all harsh weather conditions. 

This wheelchair armrest bag has one big compartment for carrying items likea laptop and two side pockets large enough to fit a water bottle. It also has two zipped exterior pockets for keeping important items.

XSTO Side Bag

Despite XSTO Sidebag being more affordable compared to the Ultimate X3 and the Limited Edition wheelchair side bags, it's more functional, roomy, and stylish. The bag’s lightweight nature will not affect your wheelchair’s balance. And you can easily secure it on an electric or manual wheelchair armrest with its strengthened velcro straps. 

With your items ziplocked in the large compartment, they’re safe whether rainy or hot. The side pockets have an elastic rubber at the top to securely hold your water bottle and other items tightly. 

Ultimate X3 Electric Wheelchair Side Bag

The Ultimate X3 comes with the features meant to upgrade your wheelchair. From the crafty, sleek design, zipped side pocket,s to material quality, you’ll find this side bag a perfect match for your wheelchair. Its user-friendly design makes it easy to access items in the bag. With the bag hanging within eyesight, your items are safe.

Type 2: Wheelchair Backrest Bags or Backpacks

These are wheelchair bags attached to the back of the wheelchair's backrest. Most backrest bags are roomy and are securely attached to the chair using straps. As opposed to the sidebags, they are designed to take the weight of the bag off the armrests and maintain the chairs’ centre of gravity.

Backrest Travel Pack II | Black

The Backrest Travel Pack II allows you to concentrate on your activities as the items are safely secured in the backpack. This improved version comes with an extra storage space and padded interiors to make sure your delicate items are safe. The main compartment is specifically designed to fit a laptop. 

It’s not only a wheelchair backrest bag; using the shoulder straps, converting it to a backpack is easier and faster. 

STRONGBACK Mobility Wheelchair Backpack

This wheelchair backpack safely stores personal belongings while protecting them against harsh weather conditions. Besides the spacious compartment, STRONGBACK Mobility Wheelchair Backpack has two mesh side pockets and two velcro pockets. Also included is an inside pocket large enough to fit your laptop.

Central Adaptive Backpack

The Adaptive Backpack is versatile. While it has strong anchor straps to secure it to the wheelchair frames, it also has adjustable loops to carry it on your shoulders. Unlike the STRONGBACK Mobility Backpack, which can accommodate a 16-inch laptop, the Central Adaptive Backpack has an inside pocket designed to fit a 15-inch laptop. 

This bag has a roomy main compartment that can fit larger items and multiple other exterior pockets to stuff your belongings. 

Type 3: Wheelchair Underseat Bags 

Underseat wheelchair bags are ideal for keeping essential items discreetly. Being strapped just under the seat, this bag type offers convenience and accessibility. If your items require more security, an underseat bag is the right choice for you. 

Another advantage of using underseat bags is that they improve the wheelchair’s stability. Adding more weight close to the ground lowers the chair’s centre of gravity.

Wheelchair Under-seat Bag

The Wheelchair Under-Seat Bag features four separate compartments with metallic rings on the zips for easy pocket opening. Using velcro straps conveniently stitched at the top edges, it’s easy to secure the bag tightly under the seat. For visibility while on the wheelchair, this bag has four reflective panels on all sides.

Royce Under-Seat Storage Bag

To ease life for the mobility challenged, the Royce Under Seat Storage Bag makes it convenient to keep and access items under the seat. The bag's top opening opens wide, allowing for easy access to items. Its straps are double on each side to firmly secure it to the frames. 

Black Box Wheelchair Bag

To make sure your items are safe while in the underseat bag, the bag is made using waterproof material. You don’t have to remove the bag to fold the wheelchair. Its 8.5 litre compartment is large enough to carry your necessities. Instead of compromising the chair’s stability, it lowers its centre of gravity, making it more stable. 

Wheelchair Bag Types Comparison Chart

Feature	Backrest Bag / Backpack	Side Bag	Underseat Bag
Location	Hung behind the user on the frame	Fastened at the armrest/frame	Fastened under the seat
Bag Accessibility by User	Low to None.	Easily within direct reach.	Generally accessible.
Capacity	Large	Low to Moderate	Moderate
Effect on Stability	Can cause backward tipping.	Slightly impacts stability	Positively impacts stability
Security	Low	High	High
Foldability Impact on Wheelchair	Moderate	Minimal	High Impact
Best Use Case	Day trips, travel, carrying laptops, and students.	Valuables, frequent-use items, and independent users.	Discrete storage and sensitive items.

 

Which Wheelchair Bag Type Is Right For You?

If your days are filled with activities and require constant use of items, a wheelchair side bag such as the XSTO Sidebag is the best. Items are easily accessible, and no assistance is required.

Whilst backpacks are slightly less convenient than side pockets in terms of accessibility and theft prevention, they remain a highly practical choice when carrying bulky items such as laptops or clothing. 

Where the wheelchair stability and item safety are of concern, we recommend the wheelchair underseat. Provided that it is confirmed to be compatible with your wheelchair's structure and does not impede the folding mechanism or footrest operation.