How to Fix a Tubeless Wheelchair Tire

Almost all modern wheelchairs are equipped with tubeless, solid tires. Because these tires do not use inner tubes, they are more durable and reliable than older-style pneumatic wheelchair tires, ensuring the rider can get around safely and effectively for long periods of time. However, when one of these breaks, they cannot be repaired like traditional tires. Learn how to replace the tubeless tire on your wheelchair and get it back out rolling in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Large tire lever
• New tubeless wheelchair tire

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Instructions

• 1

  Remove the wheel with the broken tire from the wheelchair. This is usually done by pressing the release button in the center of the wheel and pulling the wheel outward away from the hub mount of the chair.

• 2

  Wedge a large tire lever between the tire and the rim. Push the lever forcefully until it is almost completely underneath the tire. Pull downward on the lever toward the hub to separate the tire from the rim. The tire should pop out somewhat easily, but you may have to pull at the tire with your free hand while holding the tire lever in place to get it to come off.

• 3

  Inspect the rim of the wheel to be sure that it is not broken or otherwise damaged. In any case where a solid tire must be replaced, it is possible that the rim may be damaged as well. If the rim is damaged it will need to be replaced, so a new wheel should be purchased before continuing. If all is well, the new tire can be fitted onto the rim.

• 4

  Align the new tire with the rim and ensure that you are installing it the proper direction per the rotation of the wheel. The tire sidewall should have a small arrow pointing in the direction that should face forward. Set part of the tire into the well of the rim and begin pushing the tire on by hand, working your way slowly around the rim.

• 5

  If at any point the tire becomes too difficult to push onto the rim by hand, wedge a large tire lever between the rim and tire and pull it upward away from the hub. This will give you the leverage you need to force the tire into place. Remove the tire lever from between the tire and rim and inspect the tire's installation. It should look evenly placed in the center of the rim and should appear to extend the same height from every point on the rim.

• 6

  Insert the spindle of the wheel hub into the hub mount on the chair while depressing the hub release button. The wheel should lock into place on the chair. When it does, you're ready to roll.