5 replies to this topic

[Hotrodgimp]

Ok so I have been more dependent on using a wheelchair and my scooter rather than my forearm crutches and want to order a custom chair. Which type of tire rolls better on carpet, solid or pneumatic? As far as caster size, doesn't a bigger diameter roll easier? Any advantage to a smaller size? Thanks Jim

[WildKat]

Hotrodgimp, on Feb 19 2009, 06:27 PM, said:

Ok so I have been more dependent on using a wheelchair and my scooter rather than my forearm crutches and want to order a custom chair. Which type of tire rolls better on carpet, solid or pneumatic? As far as caster size, doesn't a bigger diameter roll easier? Any advantage to a smaller size? Thanks Jim

I think pneumatic tires are better than solids all around as long as you keep the right amount of air in them.

As far as casters go smaller casters will let you turn in tighter spaces, but larger casters roll better on carpet. Especially if they are wider (so more or the wheel touches the floor). I have a set of 5" x 1" Aluminum Firm Roll Casters that work great on any type or carpet and outside. I can notice a huge difference when I switch to my 3 or 4 inch lighted casters!

I mostly use 5" because of the snow we have and the crappy curbs and sidewalks, but 4" seems to be a nice size for turning and general use.

Hope this helps!

[longhaul]

Carpet sucks I have fat pneumatics and they do pretty good but it's still like swimming in honey. The smaller the caster the more likely they will bind/lock up or dig in.

[Hotrodgimp]

Great info. THANKS!!! Jim

[twisted_ophelia]

I always go with pneumatics over solids. I am not a fan of the little casters. I have 5 inch casters on my new chair. I have carpets in my home (throw carpets, not the heavy wall-to-wall stuff) and I do just fine with it. It take a bit more effort to push over it than a floor of course but I like how carpets look and am willing to push a little harder so I can make my house look cozy and warm

When ordering a new chair, be very particular about all your measurements. Do them twice if neccessary and make sure you order the chair from a place that knows what they are doing. For those of us who completely rely on our chairs for mobility, they need to be perfect or as close to perfect as possible and with custom chairs, there are so many options and choices.

[Bagpuss-wheels]

Hotrodgimp, on Feb 19 2009, 11:27 PM, said:

Ok so I have been more dependent on using a wheelchair and my scooter rather than my forearm crutches and want to order a custom chair. Which type of tire rolls better on carpet, solid or pneumatic? As far as caster size, doesn't a bigger diameter roll easier? Any advantage to a smaller size? Thanks Jim

Hi,

Personally, I'd go for Schwalbe tyres with 'puncture protection' - they are pneumatic but have a puncture resistant layer which gives you the best of all worlds.



Solid tyres mean less hassle with pumping them up than pneumatic tyres but are a 'harder' ride - pneumatics give a 'softer', more cushioned ride but are prone to punctures and require pumping up. This is why I'd choose the Schwalbe tyres (Schwalbe Marathon etc). Solid tyres are supposed to give more rolling resistance (be harder to get moving). If you can, try different types of rear wheel tyre and see which you prefer!

With regard to castors, I'd not want anything smaller than a 5x1 inch castor (indoors or out) - remember, even a small lip between doors/changes in floor surface will be harder with smaller castors, plus, I'd equate some thick carpets with trying to push through treacle! If you want your chair to roll more easily on carpet, consider 5x 1 1/2 inch soft roll castors - they are supposed to put more castor in contact with the floor so make it easier on less-solid surfaces.

Like has been said, smaller castors will dig in and leave you stranded and stuck!

Best wishes,

Cat

>^..^<