What is the correct tyre pressure?
The pressure depends on the type of tyre. For more details please refer to your user manual.
What type of tyre should I choose?
The choice of a tyre depends on the use of the wheelchair, and its environment. There are two categories: inflatable and non-inflatable. In general, an active user will always prefer an inflatable tyre, as it provides greater comfort, precision and driving performance. It is however subject to punctures and regular maintenance. As for non-inflatable, it requires no maintenance (not at risk of punctures), but its ride quality is lower, thus better for the less active.
Which wheel size should I choose?
The choice of wheel size will depend on your height and desired seated position. Larger wheels can provide more comfort thanks to lower rolling resistance, especially when outdoors. Smaller wheels however are considered to make your wheelchair more agle. Your choice of wheel size should allow you to sit comfortably whilst requiring the minimum effort to propel your chair.
What are sideguards on a wheelchair?
Sideguards are mounted on the left and right side of your wheelchair. They help to protect your hands and clothing from the dirt and water that can be kicked up by the wheels of your wheelchair. Sideguards an be fixed or removable and are available in a variety of shapes and sizes.
What are spokeguards?
Spokeguards are plastic covers that fit over your wheelchair's rear wheel. Attached using cable ties, they help to prevent your fingers getting caught between the wheel's spokes when propelling your wheelchair. They're also a great way of adding a flair of personalisation. Available in a variety of designs, our Built-4-Me wheelchair personalization department can even produce spokeguard covers with your own, unique design!
What does camber mean?
Camber is the angle of the wheelchair's rear wheels in relation to the ground. Traditionally, the rear wheels are at 90° to the ground, so the camber measurement is 0. A negative camber (usually seen in sports wheelchairs) adjusts the angle of the rear wheels inwards, so they're easier to grasp - helping to manouvre your wheelchair with less force. The increased width from the spacing of the wheels also helps to improve lateral stability (but can also make it more difficult when navigating narrow environments).
What is a handrim
Handrims (sometimes called pushrims) are the part of the rear wheel that you grip to propel your wheelchair. Attached to the outside of the wheel, they're available in a variety of materials (including aluminium, stainless steel or titanium). Handrims are also available with rubber coating or can be equipped with rubber strips that fits over the surface of the handrim to help increase friction. The distance of the handrim to the wheel can be adjusted according to your needs.