Wider Wheelchair Wheels
Client has a lightweight wheelchair that her partner can lift into the small boot of their car. The narrow wheels, though, are uncomfortable over uneven terrain, such as cobbles. We were asked to fit bigger wheels to make pushing the chair easier and its occupant more comfortable.
The solution
The design of the chair, specifically the fixed brake position, meant that larger diameter wheels were impossible. Fatter tyres, though, could be fitted. Significantly wider wheels were sourced at the same diameter (200mm) and the client preferred solid rather than inflatable tyres. The new wheels had larger bearing requiring a 25mm axle compared with the original 11mm. Acetal sleeves and brass spacers were machined by Martin Hughes.
Longer bolts and nyloc nuts were purchased to allow the greater thickness of the wheel assembly.
The client was unwilling to be without the chair for any length of time, so when the components were ready they were fitted at the client’s home.
The benefit
- Pushing the chair now easier over cobbled terrain
- Occupant more comfortable.
- Able to lift into car boot as required.
- Skills involved:
- Issues Addresses:
- Activities Helped:
- Location:
- Solution:
