When configuring both manual and power wheelchairs, tire selection is an important consideration. Pneumatic tires, solid tires, flat-free inserts…which is best? Let’s dive into the “why” of pneumatic tire benefits and considerations.
Pneumatic tires are tires with an inner air tube, much like a bicycle. These tires offer better shock absorption, thus offer a more comfortable ride, especially over the variety of surfaces traversed during a typical day. This can have a significant positive impact on activity tolerance, body fatigue, and overall ability to participate in all the tasks of daily life.
Both manual and power wheelchair riders report a significant difference in ride comfort when using pneumatic tires as compared to solid tires. As illustrated in the graph below, with the same power wheelchair suspension offered on the M5 group 4 power wheelchair, both provided reduced backrest vibration. However, a significant reduction in vibration is offered when pneumatic tires are in use as compared to solid tires.
For manual wheelchair users, because the rear wheels are the farthest component from a person’s center of mass, the rear wheel design and type of tire has a significant impact on propulsion efficiency.
Providing the least amount of rolling resistance is critical to reducing the risk of upper extremity repetitive stress injuries, as well as reducing fatigue related to propulsion.
There are many different types of rear wheel tires to choose from, however a study by Ott, J., et al., in 2022 found that high-pressure pneumatic tires are the most efficient option. During testing, even a pneumatic tire 40% inflated offers less rolling resistance than a solid polyurethane tire, and significantly less rolling resistance than flat-free inserts. Paired with a set of lightweight performance wheels, pneumatic tires help make the chair easier to start, stop, and change direction more quickly.
This Rolling Resistance Standards Fact Sheet created by the University of Pittsburgh Wheelchair and Cushion Standards Group is a helpful resource to bring to the conversation when manual wheelchair configuration decisions are being discussed.
There are considerations regarding maintenance when pneumatic tires are selected. Wheelchair riders should be aware of the optimal inflation PSI (pounds per square inch), plus keep an air pump handy for inflation, a patch kit, and extra tubes. Some riders find it helpful to have a second set of wheels with solid tires handy if needed while repairing a leak in their pneumatic tire. It is also helpful to locate bicycle shops in the neighborhood, as these technicians can lend a hand to repair or replace a pneumatic tube in a pinch.
For any wheelchair component choice, there are pros and cons to consider. Arming yourself with information about the impact these features might have on comfort, efficiency and performance can help alleviate frustration later. The Permobil Wheelchair Handbook can serve as a trusted reference to get you started when beginning the process of understanding these impacts and options.
References:*Ott, J., Wilson-Jene, H., Koontz, A., & Pearlman, J. (2022). Evaluation of rolling resistance in manual wheelchair wheels and casters using drum-based testing. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 17(6), 719-730.
Catherine Sweeney, PT, ATP/SMS
Regional Clinical Education Manager
Catherine Sweeney, PT, ATP/SMS joined Permobil as Regional Clinical Education Manager in 2019. Prior to this, she spent the bulk of her career at Providence Portland Medical Center, where she co-founded the outpatient seating clinic program in 2004. As lead seating specialist, Catherine worked to expand access to wheeled mobility services through staff education in OP satellite clinics, home health, and outlying Providence hospitals.
Catherine served as the RESNA PT SIG co-chair, and is co-founder of the Northwest Assistive Technology Access Coalition with a passion for improving Oregon Medicaid recipients access to assistive technology. She has presented at both the RESNA and International Seating Symposium conferences 2021.