The Advantages of Pneumatic Over Rigid Wheelchair Tires

The right tire can make the difference between an individual who is able to function as an independent individual or someone who needs constant assistance. There are two main catagories for wheelchair tires; rigid and pneumatic. Rigid tires are usually made of solid strips of plastic or rubber. Pneumatic tires are so named because they are filled with air. Pneumatic tires counteract many problems that rigid wheels encounter.

Lightweight

• Pneumatic tires are made from two parts just like a bicycle tire. The outer part is made of from tough rubber with tire treads. The second part is an inner tube filled with air placed inside the outer piece. Consequently, these tires are some of the lightest tires used for wheelchairs. The air inside the tires counteracts some of the weight from the rubber.

Shock-Absorbing

• The inner tubes inside the pneumatic tires helps them absorb more shocks than rigid tires. This makes the tire one of the best for rough or bumpy terrains, such as outdoors and on gravel. These tires are also ideal for areas with a lot of inclines or speed bumps. Rigid tires do not provide shock protection at all.

Traction

• Pneumatic tires have more traction on smooth surfaces than rigid tires. The ridges on the rubber are deeper than those in solid or rigid tires. These deeper ridges help the tires grip the surface of the floor. This helps the wheelchair move more smoothly and quickly than a wheelchair with rigid tires. The traction of the tires also helps with uneven surfaces, such as sand or gritty surfaces, which rigid tires cannot roll over.

Easy to Push

• The air inside the tires and the round shape of the tires also helps the pneumatic tires push and roll along the ground. Rigid tires have a flat surface, which can make it harder to push the wheelchair around because it is harder to build momentum. Individuals who have a hard time pushing a wheelchair on their own will find it easier with pneumatic tires. The traction, roundness and rubber material help the tires grip onto the floor surface which enables the wheelchair to move much more smoothly and easily than a wheelchair with rigid tires.