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. 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. This is your ability to remain steady, when standing, when seated and especially when moving between the two. All of the above can be affected by many things including age, tiredness, a medical or physical condition and medicines. Wheelchairs with non-magnetic frame are stainless steel with magnetic or radiation shielding for use in X-Ray or MRI environments.

If a wheelchair is agreed and provided by the service, they will also provide accessories based on the assessment of your needs, basic advice in the use and care of the chair and a repair and maintenance contract. The repair and maintenance is usually provided by a local mobility engineering company. 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.When propelling the wheelchair in a straight line, the user grips both hand rims in one hand equally and pushes or pulls the hand rims in the direction they wish to travel. To turn the wheelchair, the user will push or pull on one rim more than the other. Double hand rim controls require good grip, hand strength and dexterity. ii. The vertical distance between the seat surface and the top of the shoulder, if you need support all the way up your spine.

Most chairs have removable armrests which may be useful to you if you slide transfer - perhaps when moving to and from a car or the bed. Master R’s Dungeon Equipment started out over 20 years ago in Toronto, serving the BDSM community by providing playroom and dungeon furniture and gear. There are a range of cup, bottle and drink holders available. These attach on to the frame of the wheelchair and allow you to carry a drink around with you. 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. Some areas allow the voucher to be used to rent a wheelchair on a long-term basis. This includes insurance, maintenance and repairs.This is the position in which you hold your body. When using a wheelchair you need to be able to maintain a comfortable, stable, safe and supported seated position. You may need special cushions or support to provide comfort and help you to maintain your position, especially if your sitting tolerance is poor.