[Lucydog]

Im using 24'' wheels at the moment. Would I see any advantages if I changed to 26''? What are the pros and cons of smaller versus bigger wheels? I presume you have to push less on bigger wheels but Im sure someone can tell me...Russ perhaps? Is it more to do with your own size? Im a small 5'1'' so would I look stupid with bigger wheels?

Cheers
L

[russ1]

I'm not sure if I'm really the expert here on chairs but I do like to find out about the technical side of things like this.

Anyway wheel diameters - it's an ergonomics thing really. There's a best fit between chair position and wheel rim position which gives the most efficient pushing position for your arms - historically chairs were fitted with 24" wheels for a reason I don't know but I'm pretty sure it had nothing to do with pushing ergonomics. For most taller people 24" wheels are too small and too far away from your shoulders for efficient pushing but this does depend on the amount of dump you have on your chair. Sports chairs will usually be 26" dia wheels but I think that's because the larger rims give more leverage to make pushing faster achievable. The other big advantage of larger wheel diameters is that they roll over bumps better and are easier to get up kerbs.

I use 25" wheels on my inside chair and 26" wheels on my outside chair but I'm 6ft 1" - if you're petite and use any amount of dump on your chair I'd expect 24" wheels to be fine for you and unless you really need the bigger wheels to get up big kerbs or steps there's unlikely to be any advantage and the distinct possibility that you'd achieve a less efficient pushing position. However you really need a properly qualified and experienced OT or Physio to assess you to advise for certain as everyone is a little different.