There are many wheels for wheelchairs that serve different purposes, so the best wheel is determined based on the purpose that the individual intends for.
The different wheels can be categorized as pneumatic tires, solid tires, and flat-free tires.
Pneumatic tires are those that contain an inner tube that is inflated.
Solid tires are attached to the rim and are made from rubber or plastics, making them durable and nearly maintenance-free.
Flat-free tires are similar to both.
They are like a pneumatic tire.
However, the inner tube isn’t filled with air but is filled with semi-solid foam or rubber.
Pneumatic Tires
Pneumatic tires are best for wheelchair users that want a smoother ride on various terrains.
The air-filled inner tube helps absorb shocks from bumpy rides, allowing the wheelchair user to have a more comfortable ride.
However, there are downsides to this type of wheel.
Since they are softer than the other wheels, they are much harder to propel over different terrains.
In electric wheelchairs with pneumatic tires, the battery tends to last less due to the extra energy needed to propel the wheelchair.
Solid Tires
Solid tires are one of the most common tires used on manual wheelchairs and flat surfaces.
They are denser, which causes less friction when rotating and makes it easier to propel on flat surfaces.
They are the most durable tire available to wheelchair users and most commonly because they don’t require much maintenance.
The downside to these types of wheels is that they are strictly for solid surfaces, thus limiting the user’s mobility.
They are also not shock absorbent, which causes the wheelchair user to feel a bit uncomfortable when riding on flat surfaces with bumps.
Flat Freewheel
The last type of wheel is the flat freewheel which is a mixture of the two previous wheels mentions above.
It is great for bumpy terrains because it absorbs shocks and provides a comfortable ride without running the risk of getting a flat tire because it isn’t inflated with air.
It can be used in various terrains because it contains texture outside that prevents it from getting stuck.
Like the pneumatic tire, it is not completely solid, which makes it harder to propel.
The best wheel would be the one that helps the individual in the best way to gain the most mobility to complete their daily task and enjoy life.
