When considering the setup of your wheelchair, many overlook the importance of the tyres. However, wheelchair tyres serve as the crucial link between your chair and the ground, significantly impacting ride quality, speed, and maneuverability. Thus, selecting the right tyres is paramount.
Typically, manual wheelchairs feature two large drive wheels at the rear and two castors at the front, while power wheelchairs come with larger drive wheels and one or two sets of castors. Castors usually have solid tyres, so this discussion primarily revolves around drive wheel tyre selection.
Wheelchair tyres come in three main types: pneumatic (air-filled), solid rubber, and flat-free (filled with foam, urethane, or rubber).
Pneumatic Tyres:
Pneumatic tyres, akin to bicycle tyres, utilize inflatable tubes. They offer shock absorption, particularly on uneven terrain, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride. High-pressure pneumatic tyres generally deliver the best ride quality on even surfaces due to their smaller contact surface, reducing driving resistance.
One drawback of pneumatic tyres is the maintenance they require, as valves tend to lose air over time, necessitating regular inflation. For occasional wheelchair users, pneumatic tyres might not be ideal due to the need for frequent inflation and the risk of punctures.
Solid Tyres:
Solid tyres are maintenance-free and durable, outlasting pneumatic tyres. However, lacking air, they don't offer the same shock absorption and ride comfort. Advances in wheelchair base shock absorbers have minimized the impact of tyre choice on power wheelchairs' ride quality, making solid tyres a viable option for them.
Flat-Free Tyres:
Flat-free tyres are pneumatic tyres filled with a semi-solid material like foam, offering a compromise between pneumatic and solid tyres. They provide a softer ride than solid tyres without the puncture risk associated with pneumatic tyres.
The choice of tyres depends on individual needs. For instance, those living in areas prone to punctures may prefer solid tyres for peace of mind, while individuals sensitive to bumps may opt for pneumatic tyres for better shock absorption. Some prioritize performance and opt for high-pressure pneumatic tyres.
