How to Change the Tires on an Electric Wheelchair

Just like the wheels on your vehicle, the tires on an electric wheelchair are only good for so long. The Web site Spin Life (Spinlife.com) recommends changing your electric wheelchair tires every three to six months. You may need to change the tires sooner if the tread on the tires has gone bald. There are two main types of wheelchair wheels: pneumatic (or air-filled) and non-air-filled. In most cases, a non-air-filled wheel does not have separate tires to change; rather, the wheel itself is changed. If you've changed a tire on your vehicle, you can probably bypass the wheelchair repair shop and change your wheelchair tire yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Air-pressure gauge
• Pliers
• Replacement tire

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Instructions

• 1

  Determine what kind of tire your wheelchair requires. You should be able to find this information in the owner's manual that came with your wheelchair. If you can't find it, contact the chair's manufacturer for details.

• 2

  Turn off the power on your electric wheelchair. This will keep the tires from inadvertantly running while you are changing the tire.

• 3

  Lay the wheelchair on its side, so the tire that is being changed is not touching the ground. This will give you the room you need to make the repair.

• 4

  Remove the old tire using your hands. If you are not strong enough, you may need to use a screwdriver or pliers to loosen the tire from the wheel. Set the old tire aside, or discard it.

• 5

  Place the new tire on the wheel. You want to make sure the tire is completely on the wheel's track, without any lip folding over the side of the wheel. You can use a screwdriver to gently nudge the tire into place.

• 6

  Use an air-pressure gauge to measure the amount of air in the tire. The correct amount of air will vary depending on the brand of the tire. Consult the packaging your tire came in for an exact number. Continue to check the tire pressure on a regular basis; under- or over-inflated tires wear more quickly, and will require you to replace them more often.

• 7

  Place the wheelchair back on all four wheels. Check the positioning of the brakes to make sure they are not rubbing against the wheels unnecessarily. Any undo friction against the tires will wear them down more quickly.