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DISCLAIMER:
Whilst all care is taken to provide accurate information with respect to the item described, the Independent Living Centre (ILC) is not involved in product design or manufacture, and therefore not in a position to guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Selection of equipment, which is both suitable and appropriate for individual needs remains the responsibility of the person(s) considering requisition, and no responsibility is taken by the ILC for any loss or injury caused through use of the equipment or alleged to have arisen through reliance upon information provided. As information is subject to change any enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer.
Item Details
Buyers Guide - Tyres, Wheels, Castors
ILC Reference NO 43:72:001
Item sourced from ILC NSW database
Short Description
Various different types of tyres, wheels, castors, brakes and pushing rims are available with different models of wheelchairs.
Price Guide
Approx Price: $0.00
Price Date: 14/03/2008
More Details
WHEELS:
. On soft ground, wide tyres roll more easily than narrow ones.
. Wide tyres reduce the problem of falling into cracks in uneven ground.
. On smooth surfaces narrow tyres reduce friction and are more efficient.
. Wheels with wire spokes are lighter than MAG wheels, which are cast in one piece from lightweight metal or reinforced plastic. Wire spokes may get damaged, whereas MAG ones do not require maintenance.
. For good performance, the wheel bearings are very important. Ball bearings which are sealed against dirt and do not require adjustment are best. In normal use these should last the lifetime of the chair.
. Rear wheels may have quick-release axles to allow them to be removed by pressing a button. This makes dismantling the chair for transport easy.
TYRES:
. If pneumatic tyres are kept fully inflated and in good condition, it will be much easier to manoeuvre and propel the chair, although under inflated tyres may give a slightly softer ride. Worn tyres or inner tubes should be replaced, as they are more likely to puncture, and will not grip well, particularly on wet surfaces.
. If the possibility of getting a puncture is of concern, puncture proof tyres can be fitted. These are either a puncture proof insert that replaces the inner tube, or a solid tyre.
. Some puncture-proof tyres are heavier than pneumatics, but they do not significantly affect the feel of the ride.
CASTORS:
. The size of the front castors will affect the ride and ease of propulsion.
. Small diameter castors make the chair more manoeuvrable and are more efficient for indoor sports, but will give a more jolting ride over
pavements or rough ground and will get caught in holes.
. Large diameter castors give a more comfortable ride and make the chair more stable in the forward direction.
BRAKES:
. Wheelchair brakes prevent the wheels from rolling when the chair is parked. They are not intended for stopping a moving chair. Both brakes should be applied for safety when transferring.
. Manual chairs have brakes which apply to the tyres. The brake levers may be high or low mounted with a push or pull action, to extend the height and leverage of brakes.
. Brake lever extensions can be fitted to make them easier to apply and for users who cannot balance when leaning forwards, or those with limited reach or arm movement.
. Powered chair brakes come on automatically when the joystick is released. The time taken for the brakes to come on and their ability to hold on slopes may vary.
PUSHING RIMS:
. Pushing rims are available in different materials, diameters and thicknesses. They're also available with capstan projections for users who have difficulty grasping or pushing regular hand rims.
. Most wheelchair models come with such variations and options. Contact your wheelchair supplier for details.
Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
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