Choosing the Right Caster for Your EZ Way Lift & Stand

Caster size plays a crucial role in equipment performance. Whether you're transferring bariatric patients, maneuvering in tight spaces, or trying to get under a low hospital bed, the right caster selection directly affects clearance, mobility, and caregiver effort. This guide will help you to determine the correct caster size for your Smart Lift, Smart Stand, and EZ Effort Lift.

Why Caster Size Matters in Safe Patient Handling

Clearance Under Beds and Furniture

Smaller casters lower the overall height of the base, allowing the lift to slide under hospital beds, recliners, or therapy tables. This is crucial when working around specialty low beds or bariatric frames.

Rolling and Maneuverability

Larger casters reduce rolling resistance, making it easier for caregivers to move patients, especially in tight or carpeted environments. They also handle flooring transitions (like tile to carpet) more smoothly.

Caregiver Ergonomics

Reduced push-pull and pivot forces mean less strain on staff, particularly in high-volume use cases or with heavier patients. This can translate to fewer workplace injuries and greater compliance with safe patient handling policies.

EZ Way offers a range of caster options tailored to different clinical settings, flooring types, and lift lines. Below, we break down each option to help you select the best caster size for your equipment and setting.

Smart Lift™ and Smart Stand™ Caster Options

Smart Lifts and Smart Stands come standard with 3" casters, with 2”, 4”, and 5" optional caster sizes for facilities needing either improved clearance or reduced rolling resistance.

2-Inch Casters: Optimized for Low Clearance Access

Height: 3.5"Best for: Greater under-bed clearance Avoid if: Flooring is carpeted or uneven

Why choose it: The 2" caster lowers the lift’s base height, allowing it to fit under beds with low clearance. However, it's not ideal for carpet, as smaller wheels increase rolling resistance and caregiver effort. While it is not the lowest option EZ Way offers, that title goes to our Low Leg Base, it’s the lowest available without a base change.

Tip: Use with Smart Lift™ or Smart Stand™ when clearance is more important than mobility, such as with specialty bed frames.

3-Inch Casters: The Versatile Standard

Height: 4.5"Best for: General use across most flooring typesWhy it works: The 3" caster offers the best balance of under-bed clearance and maneuverability. It’s the standard on all Smart Lifts and Smart Stands and has been tested to perform reliably across a wide range of clinical use cases.

Tip: If you don’t have specific flooring or clearance constraints, the 3" caster will meet most SPHM requirements with minimal tradeoffs.

4-Inch Casters: Reduced Rolling Friction with Slight Clearance Tradeoff

Height: 5.5"Best for: Light carpet, better rolling on tile

Avoid if: Clearance under beds or recliners is tight

Why it works: The 4" caster reduces rolling friction. It is a good option for those needing better ergonomics without moving to a full 5" wheel.

Tip: Choose 4” when rolling resistance is an issue, but full-height 5” casters would limit bed access.

5-Inch Casters: Maximum Rolling Performance

Height: 6.5"Best for: Carpeted areas or when high maneuverability is criticalWhy choose it: The larger wheels reduce resistance on soft or textured flooring, making them ideal for long-term care or rehab environments. This caster size significantly reduces the caregiver force required for movement but raises the lift’s base height the most.

Tip: Upgrade to 5" casters when caregiver fatigue or flooring friction is an issue, and clearance is not a concern.

EZ Effort™ Caster Options

The EZ Effort™ lift line uses a unique caster that allows it to maintain the same clearance as the standard 3" Smart Line caster, while using a 4" wheel. This design supports smoother movement and improved ergonomics without sacrificing bed access.

2-Inch Casters (EZ Effort): For Low Bed Frames

• Height: 3.5"

• Best for: Greater clearance under low beds or surfaces

• Avoid if: Flooring is carpeted or rough

Why choose it: It has the same lower clearance as the Smart Lift™ with 2" casters, but benefits from the new caster’s smoother performance. It is most useful where clearance is tight and transfers between surfaces are close. As with the Smart Lift line, this is the lowest available option without a base change to the Low Leg Base option.

Tip: Use when clearance is your top concern.

4-Inch Casters (Standard on EZ Effort): Better Mobility, Same Clearance

• Height: 4.5"

• Best for: All-purpose use with improved ergonomics

• Avoid if: You require extreme clearance under very low beds

Why choose it: Though it's a 4" wheel, the EZ Effort frame keeps total base height at ~4.5”, the same as a Smart Lift with 3” casters, allowing the lift to roll more smoothly and reduce the caregiver force required to initiate or maintain movement.

Tip: This is the standard choice for hospitals or nursing homes balancing frequent transfers with staff injury prevention goals.

5-Inch Casters (EZ Effort): Maximum Maneuverability

• Height: 6.5" (Available on the 500 lb. weight capacity EZ Effort)

• Best for: Carpeted floors

• Avoid if: Low beds or furniture restrict movement under frames

Why choose it: The larger wheels reduce rolling resistance, especially across soft surfaces or thresholds.

Tip: Choose 5" casters when carpet is a concern and clearance is not a limiting factor.

Caster Size Isn’t Just a Detail, It’s a Decision Point

The right caster size enhances caregiver ergonomics, supports patient safety, and ensures that your equipment performs as expected across different care environments. By aligning caster selection with your facility's flooring, patient population, and bed types, you improve both outcomes and operational efficiency.

Need help customizing caster options for your facility’s lift fleet? Contact your EZ Way rep or visit www.ezlifts.com for a consultation and quote.