Wheels for wheel chairs can be as different as the many types and makes of
wheel chairs that are available. The wheels are a very essential part of the
chair and can make a vast difference in the performance of the chair.
The most
basic choice when it comes to wheels will be between large and
small wheels. Some manual wheel chairs are equipped with large
rear wheels and small front wheels while others have small rear
and front wheels. Wheel chair users who move around
independently and have to propel themselves in the chair would
choose a chair with large rear wheel to make this possible.
Wheel chairs that are pushed by a caregiver will have small rear
wheels as it is easier to push the chair if all the wheels are
small. Electric or power wheel chairs will have smaller wheels
as it is not propelled by the user but by a battery.
The
choice, however, doesn’t at all end at large and small. Wheel
chair users are far from being left behind in this highly
technological age. As rapidly as vehicle designs, computers and
other technological equipment change to make life easier and
allow us to do more and more, wheel chairs change and allow the
user to do whatever they want, whenever they want.
Sport wheel
chairs are no strange sight anymore and wheel chairs are adapted
to be the best suitable for the type of sport the user takes
part in. Here the wheels are of cardinal importance to assure
speed and quick turning ability, where necessary.
Other
considerations when buying wheels would be:
• The
surface and area where it will be used. If you are going to use
your wheel chair on different surfaces you might need more than
one set of wheels.
• Very rough outside surfaces will require
stronger wheels and tires than those for inside use.
• Carpets can inhibit the movement ability of the chair
and there are specific wheels that will work better on carpets
while other will be better for tiled areas.
With wheel chair tires there are basically two choices; each
with its own pros and cons.
The Pneumatic tire is equipped with an air-filled inner tube and
is the most popular choice. Most wheel chairs have these tires
as a standard issue. The cons of these tires are that they can
very easily puncture, but repairs are easy and the user, a
friend or caregiver would be able to fix it.
Puncture proof
tires might seem like a better option but they also come with
their own cons. These tires can be up to four pounds heavier
than the pneumatic ones and even if that doesn’t seem to be a
lot it can make a difference when transporting or having to
propel the chair. Their grip is not as good as that of the
pneumatic tire and repairs are expensive.
For fun you can even
choose funky colored tires.
