Kirk Williams is a photographer, filmmaker, athlete, travel junkie, entrepreneur and public speaker. In the 12 years since he sustained a C6-7 SCI, he has ventured all over North and South America in his custom-built Campervan. He is the founder of Impact Overland, a travel blog that is raising funds to help supply wheelchairs to those in need. Follow him and see his work on Instagram @kirkscamera and
@impact.overland.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit our website.
I am often asked why I use knobby tires on my wheelchair. Since most manual chair users roll on a skinnier tire, my knobbies stand out. It’s a style thing, sure, but they’re not just for style points. “I spend a lot of time off the pavement, and the knobbies are easier to use on that type of terrain,” I usually answer.
Wheelchair users also sometimes ask where they can get a set, but that question requires a much more involved answer. Wheel size, chair geometry and rolling resistance are just a few things to consider when selecting tires, and the simple act of putting wider tires on your chair can have a big impact on its fit and performance.
My attempts to fully answer that question have become something bigger — a guide to everything you didn’t know you needed to know about selecting the right wheelchair tires for your life. I hope that after reading this, you will be able to better understand the nuances of the various options for wheelchair tires and make an informed decision about which setup best suits your needs.
My activities tend to waver from urban wheeling to off-road, and living in California I frequently go from the temperate foothills to the snowy Sierra mountains. In my quest for maximum efficiency, I strive to always have the right tires on my chair.
I use 1-inch high-pressure for urban wheeling and 2.1-inch knobby tires for off-road or snowy conditions. The problem is, I use the same rim for both, and the diameter of a 2.1-inch knobby tire is significantly larger than a 1-inch tire. This means one set of tires or the other causes the back of my chair to be too high or too low, which throws off both seating position and the front caster angle.
However, there is a hack to work around this.
A 2.1-inch knobby tire mounted on a 24-inch 540 rim has a nearly identical diameter to a 1-inch tire mounted on a 25-inch 559 rim. Hence, I set my chair up for my 25-inch 559 rims and keep my 24-inch rims with knobby tires in the back seat of my car for easy switching to match the conditions of the day.
This same hack should work on a 25-inch 559 rim and 2.1-inch mountain bike tire matching up with a 26-inch 590 rim and 1-inch tire. I’m currently using 2.4-inch knobby tires I got at a local bike shop, and they work fine.
The one size I’m not sure this hack works on is 24-inch 540 rims with a 1-inch tire as I haven’t had a chance to compare it with the diameter of a 2.1-inch mountain bike tire on the next smaller rim, 22-inch 501. If any readers have, please let me know at info@newmobility.com.
— Bob Vogel
Continue Reading
Let me start by saying that tire size is confusing. Until recently, there were no agreed-upon standards on how to measure a tire, so we were left with a mishmash of measurement systems from different countries. Here in the U.S., we follow the imperial system, which uses inches. What is flawed with this system is that it measures the outside diameter of a tire, and the outside diameter changes based on the width of the inflated tire. That’s one of the reasons we’ve reached a nothing-makes-sense world where a 25-inch wheelchair rim fits a 26-inch mountain bike tire.
Fortunately, tire and wheel manufacturers across the world have finally gotten on the same page and use a two-number system that does a much better job of keeping your head from exploding. Both numbers are in millimeters and the first refers to the tire width — the bigger the number, the wider the tire. The second refers to the inner diameter of the tire. In this system, a 1-inch wide tire that fits a 25-inch wheelchair rim is designated a 23-559, while a 2-inch-wide tire that fits the same rim would be labeled a 54-559 (see below for a list of conversions for common wheelchair sizes).
Common wheel size conversions are as follows:
22-inch = 501
24-inch = 540
25-inch = 559
26-inch = 590
Continue Reading
The good thing about this system is that you know the tire will fit as long as the second number matches your wheel size. But. That doesn’t mean it’s always a simple swap. Remember how I said different widths change the outer diameter of a tire? That’s important for wheelchair seating.
Simply put, a wider tire is a taller tire. These days, most manual wheelchair frames are measured and built to fit narrow tires, so if you put a wider, mountain-bike-style tire on your chair, it will raise your rear seat height.
Take a look at the side-by-side photos below where I show the same 559-rim-size wheels with both a Schwalbe Marathon Plus (25-559) and a Kenda Small Block Eight (54-559). Do you see how much taller the Marathon is on the same size rim? If you look closely, you’ll notice the center of gravity changes along with the angle that the casters meet the ground. By putting on a wider tire, I have raised my seat almost an inch — a huge change when it comes to chair setup.
Many people opt for two sets of wheels: one setup for indoors and pavement, the other for off-road wheeling. That way, you can pop the off-road wheels on if you’re going camping, on a hike or to your kid’s soccer game, without having to deal with the width and rolling resistance of off-road tires when you don’t need them (see Rim-Tire Size Hack above for more info).
It is common to use a size smaller rim with a knobby off-road tire to match the original-sized skinny tire/wheel diameter. Note that when you put on wider tires, you may have to space them farther out so they don’t rub on your side guards or clothes. Similarly, you may need to make minor brake adjustments depending on the tire/wheel combo.
For example, if you’re currently using a 559 (25-inch) wheel with a skinny tire and you want to switch to the Kobra, you need to buy a 540 (24-inch) wheel to put the Kobra on to keep the chair angles close to the same.
Clearly, there are a lot of factors to consider when selecting tires and every decision comes with trade-offs, but taking the time to consider your tire width, weight and rolling resistance can have a huge impact on your ability to navigate your environment.
Check out these four common wheelchair tires — all of which I have used — and the pros and cons of each. There are many other options out there, but hopefully this comparison will help you decide which style works best for you and your lifestyle.
Intended for city streets, asphalt and sidewalks, this tire offers decent flat protection.
Pros:
• Low rolling resistance
on hard surfaces
• Flat protection
• Lightweight
• Narrow chair
Cons:
• Sink into soft ground
• Slip in snow
• Harsh ride quality
Recommended for off-road conditions where traction is critical, including snow, mud and sand.
Pros:
• Superior off-road traction
• Float over soft ground
• Rugged look
Cons:
• Higher rolling resistance
• Heavy weight
• Knobs can catch on clothing
• Wide chair
Recommended for on- and off-road use where you want off road capabilities without sacrificing a lightweight feel.
Pros
• Low rolling-resistance for a knobby
• Light weight for a wide tire
• Black sidewalls
Cons
• Mark floor and hands with black
• Only available in select sizes
• Not thorn resistant
• Wide
Recommended for a mix of street and off-road pushing, including gravel, grass and dirt.
nedong contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.
Pros
• Low rolling resistance for a wide tire
• Fast on road and still functional off-road
• High-pressure
Cons:
• Heavier weight
• Gray color and colored sidewalls
• Wide chair
Wait! Before you wander off to other parts of the internet, please consider supporting New Mobility. For more than three decades, New Mobility has published groundbreaking content for active wheelchair users. We share practical advice from wheelchair users across the country, review life-changing technology and demand equity in healthcare, travel and all facets of life. But none of this is cheap, easy or profitable. Your support helps us give wheelchair users the resources to build a fulfilling life.
Are you in the market for a new standard wheelchair but feeling overwhelmed by all the options?
Modern technology has made owning a reliable wheelchair easier than ever, and people enjoy greater mobility and freedom thanks to wheelchairs.
However, there are still some things to keep in mind to ensure that the wheelchair you purchase will be the best bet for you and your individual needs.
Knowing what to ask yourself and the salesperson will help you narrow down your choices. Let's take a look at 7 things to ask and keep in mind before moving forward:
One of the first questions you should ask when shopping for a standard wheelchair is whether or not the wheelchair in question is a traditional manual wheelchair or a power wheelchair. You should know which type is best for your needs before you even go shopping for a chair.
If you have very limited mobility, are in need of extra assistance, or you have a health condition that hinders your abilities, an electric wheelchair makes the most sense.
If you need a wheelchair for a temporary injury or for occasional use only, a manual wheelchair might be the way to go. Of course, some people simply have a preference which leads them to choose one style over the other.
Size is an important factor when choosing the right wheelchair. It's crucial that you pick a chair that will fit you.
It can be very uncomfortable to sit in a chair that is too small, and if the chair is too large, you might find yourself slipping out of it.
Choosing the right size will depend on your height, weight, age, etc. Keep in mind that you have many options when it comes to choosing a chair. There are custom made chairs for children and adults of all sizes and shapes.
It's also worth noting that different chairs have their weight limits. Make sure you understand the limitations of any chair you're considering.
Ask about the chair's arm and footrests and try them out for yourself before making a commitment.
The foot and armrests should be sturdy and secure when you put your weight on them to get in and out of your chair.
There are many foot and armrest designs to consider. Some are longer than others and some swing out of the way to make it easier for you to move in and out of the chair.
One thing that many customers neglect to consider when purchasing a standard wheelchair is the ease of storage and transportation. It comes naturally to think about your mobility at home, but being able to move your wheelchair from place to place matters as well.
You want to look for a chair that will fit in your vehicle without difficulty and be lightweight enough to fold and unfold without trouble.
Make sure your chair isn't too bulky or heavy to take in and out of your vehicle or set aside when not in use.
Your wheelchair's wheels are such an important part. They need to be durable and match your individual needs most.
If you use your chair outdoors often, you'll want to look for wheels with a more durable tire that can operate on various surfaces.
Look for tires that are low maintenance and won't require expensive repairs. For example, tires that are foam filled are less likely to go flat.
Consider the importance of grip and tread when looking at which wheels and chair are best.
If you live or work in areas with slick surfaces (long winters with lots of ice, or slippery floors at your place of work), you'll need wheels that can provide traction.
As an individual, the amount of support you'll need in your wheelchair will vary. Back support will be more or less necessary depending on your size, your medical conditions, and your mobility.
If you require a lot of support, "tilt in space" wheelchairs will allow you to adjust the chair to fit a variety of positions.
Discuss your back support needs to with a professional wheelchair provider.
Ultimately, the wheelchair that you choose should be one that you like the best. Aside from making sure it fits your lifestyle and your needs, choose a wheelchair that makes the best impression on you and that you're most comfortable with.
If you're going to be spending a lot of time in your wheelchair, you want to make sure it's the right one for you in every regard.
Hopefully, these suggestions questions have helped you prepare to shop for a standard wheelchair that will fit all of your needs.
Once you've found the right wheelchair, it's time to look for a wheelchair lift or wheelchair conversion to transform your vehicle. The right wheelchair is half the battle. To transport yourself and your new chair with ease, we're here to help.
Whether you need a wheelchair lift or a wheelchair accessible vehicle, we have the inventory you need. Browse our website to learn more about our products and services or contact us directly to learn more.
Kirk Williams is a photographer, filmmaker, athlete, travel junkie, entrepreneur and public speaker. In the 12 years since he sustained a C6-7 SCI, he has ventured all over North and South America in his custom-built Campervan. He is the founder of Impact Overland, a travel blog that is raising funds to help supply wheelchairs to those in need. Follow him and see his work on Instagram @kirkscamera and
@impact.overland.
I am often asked why I use knobby tires on my wheelchair. Since most manual chair users roll on a skinnier tire, my knobbies stand out. It’s a style thing, sure, but they’re not just for style points. “I spend a lot of time off the pavement, and the knobbies are easier to use on that type of terrain,” I usually answer.
Wheelchair users also sometimes ask where they can get a set, but that question requires a much more involved answer. Wheel size, chair geometry and rolling resistance are just a few things to consider when selecting tires, and the simple act of putting wider tires on your chair can have a big impact on its fit and performance.
My attempts to fully answer that question have become something bigger — a guide to everything you didn’t know you needed to know about selecting the right wheelchair tireswheelchair tires for your life. I hope that after reading this, you will be able to better understand the nuances of the various options for wheelchair tires and make an informed decision about which setup best suits your needs.
My activities tend to waver from urban wheeling to off-road, and living in California I frequently go from the temperate foothills to the snowy Sierra mountains. In my quest for maximum efficiency, I strive to always have the right tires on my chair.
I use 1-inch high-pressure for urban wheeling and 2.1-inch knobby tires for off-road or snowy conditions. The problem is, I use the same rim for both, and the diameter of a 2.1-inch knobby tire is significantly larger than a 1-inch tire. This means one set of tires or the other causes the back of my chair to be too high or too low, which throws off both seating position and the front caster angle.
However, there is a hack to work around this.
A 2.1-inch knobby tire mounted on a 24-inch 540 rim has a nearly identical diameter to a 1-inch tire mounted on a 25-inch 559 rim. Hence, I set my chair up for my 25-inch 559 rims and keep my 24-inch rims with knobby tires in the back seat of my car for easy switching to match the conditions of the day.
This same hack should work on a 25-inch 559 rim and 2.1-inch mountain bike tire matching up with a 26-inch 590 rim and 1-inch tire. I’m currently using 2.4-inch knobby tires I got at a local bike shop, and they work fine.
The one size I’m not sure this hack works on is 24-inch 540 rims with a 1-inch tire as I haven’t had a chance to compare it with the diameter of a 2.1-inch mountain bike tire on the next smaller rim, 22-inch 501. If any readers have, please let me know at info@newmobility.com.
— Bob Vogel
Continue Reading
Let me start by saying that tire size is confusing. Until recently, there were no agreed-upon standards on how to measure a tire, so we were left with a mishmash of measurement systems from different countries. Here in the U.S., we follow the imperial system, which uses inches. What is flawed with this system is that it measures the outside diameter of a tire, and the outside diameter changes based on the width of the inflated tire. That’s one of the reasons we’ve reached a nothing-makes-sense world where a 25-inch wheelchair rim fits a 26-inch mountain bike tire.
Fortunately, tire and wheel manufacturers across the world have finally gotten on the same page and use a two-number system that does a much better job of keeping your head from exploding. Both numbers are in millimeters and the first refers to the tire width — the bigger the number, the wider the tire. The second refers to the inner diameter of the tire. In this system, a 1-inch wide tire that fits a 25-inch wheelchair rim is designated a 23-559, while a 2-inch-wide tire that fits the same rim would be labeled a 54-559 (see below for a list of conversions for common wheelchair sizes).
Common wheel size conversions are as follows:
22-inch = 501
24-inch = 540
25-inch = 559
26-inch = 590
Continue Reading
The good thing about this system is that you know the tire will fit as long as the second number matches your wheel size. But. That doesn’t mean it’s always a simple swap. Remember how I said different widths change the outer diameter of a tire? That’s important for wheelchair seating.
Simply put, a wider tire is a taller tire. These days, most manual wheelchair frames are measured and built to fit narrow tires, so if you put a wider, mountain-bike-style tire on your chair, it will raise your rear seat height.
Take a look at the side-by-side photos below where I show the same 559-rim-size wheels with both a Schwalbe Marathon Plus (25-559) and a Kenda Small Block Eight (54-559). Do you see how much taller the Marathon is on the same size rim? If you look closely, you’ll notice the center of gravity changes along with the angle that the casters meet the ground. By putting on a wider tire, I have raised my seat almost an inch — a huge change when it comes to chair setup.
Many people opt for two sets of wheels: one setup for indoors and pavement, the other for off-road wheeling. That way, you can pop the off-road wheels on if you’re going camping, on a hike or to your kid’s soccer game, without having to deal with the width and rolling resistance of off-road tires when you don’t need them (see Rim-Tire Size Hack above for more info).
It is common to use a size smaller rim with a knobby off-road tire to match the original-sized skinny tire/wheel diameter. Note that when you put on wider tires, you may have to space them farther out so they don’t rub on your side guards or clothes. Similarly, you may need to make minor brake adjustments depending on the tire/wheel combo.
For example, if you’re currently using a 559 (25-inch) wheel with a skinny tire and you want to switch to the Kobra, you need to buy a 540 (24-inch) wheel to put the Kobra on to keep the chair angles close to the same.
Clearly, there are a lot of factors to consider when selecting tires and every decision comes with trade-offs, but taking the time to consider your tire width, weight and rolling resistance can have a huge impact on your ability to navigate your environment.
Check out these four common wheelchair tires — all of which I have used — and the pros and cons of each. There are many other options out there, but hopefully this comparison will help you decide which style works best for you and your lifestyle.
Intended for city streets, asphalt and sidewalks, this tire offers decent flat protection.
Pros:
• Low rolling resistance
on hard surfaces
• Flat protection
• Lightweight
• Narrow chair
Cons:
• Sink into soft ground
• Slip in snow
• Harsh ride quality
Recommended for off-road conditions where traction is critical, including snow, mud and sand.
Pros:
• Superior off-road traction
• Float over soft ground
• Rugged look
Cons:
• Higher rolling resistance
• Heavy weight
• Knobs can catch on clothing
• Wide chair
Recommended for on- and off-road use where you want off road capabilities without sacrificing a lightweight feel.
Pros
• Low rolling-resistance for a knobby
• Light weight for a wide tire
• Black sidewalls
Cons
• Mark floor and hands with black
• Only available in select sizes
• Not thorn resistant
• Wide
Recommended for a mix of street and off-road pushing, including gravel, grass and dirt.
Pros
• Low rolling resistance for a wide tire
• Fast on road and still functional off-road
• High-pressure
Cons:
• Heavier weight
• Gray color and colored sidewalls
• Wide chair
Wait! Before you wander off to other parts of the internet, please consider supporting New Mobility. For more than three decades, New Mobility has published groundbreaking content for active wheelchair users. We share practical advice from wheelchair users across the country, review life-changing technology and demand equity in healthcare, travel and all facets of life. But none of this is cheap, easy or profitable. Your support helps us give wheelchair users the resources to build a fulfilling life.
Are you in the market for a new standard wheelchair but feeling overwhelmed by all the options?
Modern technology has made owning a reliable wheelchair easier than ever, and people enjoy greater mobility and freedom thanks to wheelchairs.
However, there are still some things to keep in mind to ensure that the wheelchair you purchase will be the best bet for you and your individual needs.
Knowing what to ask yourself and the salesperson will help you narrow down your choices. Let's take a look at 7 things to ask and keep in mind before moving forward:
One of the first questions you should ask when shopping for a standard wheelchair is whether or not the wheelchair in question is a traditional manual wheelchair or a power wheelchair. You should know which type is best for your needs before you even go shopping for a chair.
If you have very limited mobility, are in need of extra assistance, or you have a health condition that hinders your abilities, an electric wheelchair makes the most sense.
If you need a wheelchair for a temporary injury or for occasional use only, a manual wheelchair might be the way to go. Of course, some people simply have a preference which leads them to choose one style over the other.
Size is an important factor when choosing the right wheelchair. It's crucial that you pick a chair that will fit you.
It can be very uncomfortable to sit in a chair that is too small, and if the chair is too large, you might find yourself slipping out of it.
Choosing the right size will depend on your height, weight, age, etc. Keep in mind that you have many options when it comes to choosing a chair. There are custom made chairs for children and adults of all sizes and shapes.
It's also worth noting that different chairs have their weight limits. Make sure you understand the limitations of any chair you're considering.
Ask about the chair's arm and footrests and try them out for yourself before making a commitment.
The foot and armrests should be sturdy and secure when you put your weight on them to get in and out of your chair.
There are many foot and armrest designs to consider. Some are longer than others and some swing out of the way to make it easier for you to move in and out of the chair.
One thing that many customers neglect to consider when purchasing a standard wheelchair is the ease of storage and transportation. It comes naturally to think about your mobility at home, but being able to move your wheelchair from place to place matters as well.
You want to look for a chair that will fit in your vehicle without difficulty and be lightweight enough to fold and unfold without trouble.
Make sure your chair isn't too bulky or heavy to take in and out of your vehicle or set aside when not in use.
Your wheelchair's wheels are such an important part. They need to be durable and match your individual needs most.
If you use your chair outdoors often, you'll want to look for wheels with a more durable tire that can operate on various surfaces.
Look for tires that are low maintenance and won't require expensive repairs. For example, tires that are foam filled are less likely to go flat.
Consider the importance of grip and tread when looking at which wheels and chair are best.
If you live or work in areas with slick surfaces (long winters with lots of ice, or slippery floors at your place of work), you'll need wheels that can provide traction.
As an individual, the amount of support you'll need in your wheelchair will vary. Back support will be more or less necessary depending on your size, your medical conditions, and your mobility.
If you require a lot of support, "tilt in space" wheelchairs will allow you to adjust the chair to fit a variety of positions.
Discuss your back support needs to with a professional wheelchair provider.
Ultimately, the wheelchair that you choose should be one that you like the best. Aside from making sure it fits your lifestyle and your needs, choose a wheelchair that makes the best impression on you and that you're most comfortable with.
If you're going to be spending a lot of time in your wheelchair, you want to make sure it's the right one for you in every regard.
Hopefully, these suggestions questions have helped you prepare to shop for a standard wheelchair that will fit all of your needs.
Once you've found the right wheelchair, it's time to look for a wheelchair lift or wheelchair conversion to transform your vehicle. The right wheelchair is half the battle. To transport yourself and your new chair with ease, we're here to help.
Whether you need a wheelchair lift or a wheelchair accessible vehicle, we have the inventory you need. Browse our website to learn more about our products and services or contact us directly to learn more.