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Tires and wheels

How often do I need to inflate my tires?

  • Based on our experience, you should inflate the tires approximately every 14 days to maintain good driving performance. Another good indication is when the brakes start to perform poorly, which typically happens about one month after you last inflated the tires.
How much should the tires be inflated?
We recommend inflating the tires to 8 bar (120 psi).
Does the type of tire matter for my wheelchair?
  • Yes, but several factors, such as the type of surface, also affect this. On hard, even surfaces, narrow tires generally roll more easily than wide ones. Tires with little tread also roll more easily than tires with coarse tread or studs. Additionally, tires with higher air pressure roll more easily than tires with lower pressure.

How do I choose the right rear wheel size?
This is a question that is difficult to give a precise answer to, but here is a general rule: Sit in the wheelchair in the position you use when propelling it. When you place your hands on top of the pushrim, your elbow should be at an angle between 90 and 100 degrees. If the elbow angle is less (sharper) than 90 degrees, you should consider smaller wheels, or possibly raising the wheelchair / switching to a higher cushion if possible. If the elbow angle is greater (more open) than 100 degrees, you should consider larger wheels, or possibly lowering the wheelchair / switching to a lower cushion if possible. Be aware that a larger wheel will handle uneven surfaces better than a smaller wheel, but a larger wheel might mean you cannot get your thighs under a table. Therefore, many people choose smaller wheels on an indoor wheelchair than on an outdoor wheelchair.
What is the size of my rear wheels?
  • On some wheels, the wheel size is indicated. If this is difficult to read, you can measure the outer diameter of the wheel.
    20'' - 508.3 mm.
    22'' - 550 mm.
    24'' - 600 mm.
    25'' - 614.7 mm.
    26'' - 659 mm. 
Can I use puncture-proof tires?
  • Yes, there are both air-filled tires and puncture-proof (solid) tires that fit Panthera wheels. Air-filled alternatives generally roll better than solid tires, and they are also lighter in weight. An air-filled tire requires you to refill air regularly, and the recommended air pressure is 8 bar / 120 psi. The advantages of a solid tire are that it cannot puncture and does not require maintenance / air refilling.

What size are my caster wheels, and can I change the size?

You can measure the outer diameter of the caster wheel to determine the size. The diameter will be 90 mm, 120 mm, or 150 mm. You can find an overview of all caster wheels on our website. If, for example, you measure the caster wheel on your wheelchair to be 120 mm in diameter, “Caster wheel S3 120 mm” is the correct wheel. It is possible to change the size of the caster wheels, but then the caster forks on the wheelchair must also be changed. We do this to ensure that the seat height of the wheelchair remains the same, even if you change the caster wheel size. If you want to change the size of the caster wheel, it is advisable to contact a municipal technician / therapist to get help ordering the correct caster fork and caster wheel.

Can I change the caster wheel myself?
Yes, you can. Order the type of caster wheel you use. You can find an overview of our caster wheels on our website. You change the caster wheels by unscrewing the bolt in the center of the fork with a 4 mm hex key. This can be found in the tool set that came with your wheelchair. Move the two spacers from your old caster wheel to the new one, place the new caster wheel with the spacers in the fork, and screw the bolt back in place.
How do I maintain my caster wheels?
About once a month, you should clean your caster wheels. Unscrew the bolt in the centre of the caster wheel with a 4 mm hex key. This can be found in the wheelchair’s tool kit. Pull the caster wheel out of the fork and remove the spacers on both sides of the caster wheel. Remove hair and dust from the caster wheel and wipe it off with some paper. You can optionally apply a drop of oil to each of the wheel bearings, but this is not necessary every time. Put the spacers back in place, put the caster wheel back in the fork, and tighten the bolt again. For tips on maintaining your wheelchair, see the user manual, pp. 20–21.

Frame, model choice & driving characteristics

How do I know which model my wheelchair is?
On the side underneath the wheelchair, there is a silver label. Here you can find the model, seat width, and month and year of manufacture. You will also find the serial number (SNR), which you can provide to Panthera customer service. Customer service can then inform you which equipment/parts were originally delivered with your wheelchair.

Why do weight and stiffness matter for my wheelchair?

The stiffer and lighter a wheelchair frame is, the less energy is lost when propelling the wheelchair. It is therefore a great advantage to use a light and stiff wheelchair frame when propelling it yourself, as it rolls much more easily.

What is the difference between a rigid and a foldable wheelchair, and which should I choose?

A rigid wheelchair cannot be made smaller without removing parts, for example the wheels, or folding down the backrest. A foldable wheelchair, on the other hand, can be folded together and made narrower, taking up less space, without necessarily requiring any parts to be removed. However, a rigid frame provides lower weight and better driving characteristics than a foldable frame. The choice between these types depends on several factors. We recommend contacting a Panthera product specialist for guidance in making this decision.

What is the maximum user weight for my wheelchair?

  • The maximum user weight is specified by Panthera on the silver label attached to the frame under the seat of the wheelchair.

Is the frame corrosion resistant?

Yes, the frames are powder-coated and rust resistant, but they should be wiped down after use in rain or snow. Additionally, the frames are made of chromoly steel (a chrome–molybdenum alloy). The presence of chromium in the steel alloy contributes to the frame itself being more corrosion resistant.

Adjustments

How do I adjust the backrest angle?

You will need a 17 mm wrench, a 19 mm wrench, and a 4 mm hex key (Allen key). Remove the cushion and remove the armrests/side guards, then pull the backrest lock cable to release the backrest lock and lean the backrest forward. On X3 and U3 Light, there is no backrest lock, so you can lean the backrest forward once you have removed the cushion and the side guards.

Loosen the mounting nuts under the backrest tubes with a 17 mm wrench. With a 4 mm hex key, tighten the bolts under the backrest tubes to move the backrest support backward, and loosen the bolts to move the backrest support forward. The standard distance from the bottom of the backrest tubes to the top of the bolt under the backrest tubes is 20 cm. This gives an angle of 87 degrees. Once you have found the correct angle, tighten the mounting nuts on both sides to lock the angle.

Place the backrest in an upright position and use a 4 mm hex key to loosen the backrest lock. Use a 19 mm wrench to turn the backrest lock so that the backrest lock bolts snap into the holes on the backrest frame attachment. Finally, tighten the screw that holds the backrest lock in place.

You can also watch this procedure here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzvoGFS5KD8

How do I adjust the tipping point?

The tipping point can be adjusted by changing the user's position in relation to the center of the rear wheels. This is done either by adjusting the position of the backrest and the velcro fastening in the backrest cover, or by moving the rear wheels further forward relative to the user (easier to tip backward) or further back (harder to tip backward). This is done by moving the wheelchair's rear axle. The latter method does not work on models X3 and U3 Light, as these have a fixed rear axle that cannot be adjusted.

Can I adjust the seat depth on Panthera wheelchairs?

Yes, the seat depth can be adjusted by changing the position and angle of the backrest tubes, as well as by adjusting the tightness of the velcro straps in the backrest cover. Some models also have a seat cover extension at the front of the seat cover that can be adjusted to change the seat depth.

How do I adjust the sitting position in my Panthera wheelchair?

There are several adjustment options for the sitting position in a Panthera wheelchair. You can loosen or tighten the velcro straps in the backrest and change the angle of the backrest. You can also loosen or tighten the velcro straps at the back of the seat, raise or lower the footrest, and loosen or tighten the leg strap. On some models, you can also change the seat length at the front.

Why does it seem like my wheelchair tips easily?

If it seems like your wheelchair tips too easily, it may mean that the tipping point is not correctly adjusted for you and your needs, and is therefore too light at the rear. This may mean that you are sitting too far back in the wheelchair, or that the placement of the drive wheels in relation to your sitting position is not suitable for your use.

Transport & storage

Can the wheelchair be folded?

All Panthera wheelchairs are rigid frame wheelchairs, but includes parts that can be folded down or removed to reduce the transport size of the chair. The drive wheels are removed without any need for tools. The backrest can be folded down and the frame can be neatly folded into, for example, a car trunk. Alternatively, the frame can be placed in the back seat of the car with the front down in the footwell and the frame in the seat.

How can Panthera chairs be transported in a car, and what solutions are available to secure the frame during transport?

Many users are able to lift the wheelchair into the car themselves. Panthera X3 and U3 Light are specially designed for easy handling in a car. For all Panthera models, the drive wheels can be removed without any need for tools. The backrest can be folded down and the frame can be neatly placed in, for example, a car trunk. Alternatively, the frame can be placed in the back seat of the car with the front down in the footwell and the frame in the seat. The frame can also be secured with the seat belt. The drive wheels are then placed in the trunk. This is a solution that is often used when traveling with a companion.

Can I take my Panthera wheelchair on a plane?

Yes. Remember that each airline has its own rules, but all airlines are required to accept the wheelchair. When booking plane tickets, carefully read what the airline you are using requires in terms of information. In addition, all wheelchairs must be checked in as baggage and marked with a special tag for cabin delivery. NOTE: Always bring the seat cushion into the cabin. Also bring loose parts that are not bolted on, such as removable side guards.

 

How do I protect my wheelchair during transport in a personal car?

If the wheelchair is transported on the back seat of a car, use the seat belt to secure the frame. Place the frame on the back seat and do not fold down the seatback. Then the seat belt on the frame works in the same way as it does on a person. Place the drive wheels in the footwell on the opposite side of the frame and adjust the front seat so that it locks the drive wheels in place.

Alternatively, fold the wheelchair and place it in the trunk, or place it in the cargo area of a station wagon. If there is enough space, the entire wheelchair can be placed in one piece. You can also remove the drive wheels and place the frame next to the seat, with the back of the wheelchair facing forward.

How do I protect my wheelchair during transport in a car with a lift?
For users who transfer out of the wheelchair into a standard driver’s seat, brackets for securing the wheelchair should be installed. These are mounted according to individual needs in cooperation with a vehicle converter. In these cases, it is difficult to be very specific, but the main rule is that all wheelchairs must be properly secured when the user is not sitting in the chair.

Cleaning & Maintenance

How should I maintain my wheelchair?

Clean the frame and wheels regularly, check the tire pressure, and ensure that all bolts and quick-release couplings are secure. If repairs are needed, contact your local Permobil representative. 

Does my wheelchair need to be washed?
Yes, the wheelchair needs regular cleaning to reduce wear and to maintain good hygiene for the user.
I had an accident in my wheelchair, how do I clean the seat cover?
The seat cover in a Panthera wheelchair can be washed with soap, water and a cloth, followed by disinfection with surface alcohol.
How do I maintain my caster wheels?
You should clean your caster wheels about once a month. Unscrew the bolt in the center of the caster wheel with a 4 mm hex key. This can be found in the wheelchair’s tool kit. Pull the caster wheel out of the fork and remove the spacers on both sides of the caster wheel. Remove hair and dust from the caster wheel and wipe it off with paper. You can optionally apply a drop of oil to each of the wheel bearings, but this is not necessary every time. Put the spacers back in place, put the caster wheel back in the fork, and tighten the bolt again. For tips on maintaining your wheelchair, see the user manual, pp. 20–21.

Other Questions

What kind of accessories can I get for my wheelchair?

You can choose from a range of cushions, side guards, trays, backrests and more. Find our full accessory list here: 

Panthera Accessories

What size of pushrim should I choose?
The size of the pushrims (i.e., the outer diameter) follows the size of the rear wheels on the wheelchair. There are many different types of pushrims, and they vary in thickness, shape, and material. Which size/thickness is best for you depends on hand function, hand size, personal preferences, and how you use the wheelchair. Users with large hands often prefer a slightly thicker pushrim than those with smaller hands. If the user has reduced grip strength, a pushrim with a friction coating can be a good option. 
What do I do if the brake is loose?
First, check that you have the correct tire pressure and that your tires are not too worn. If the brake needs to be adjusted, loosen the bolt in the middle of the silver ring on the brake mounting (S3 brake). The bolt is a 5 mm hex screw, and the tool can be found in the tool set that came with your wheelchair. Loosen the bolt so the brake can move along the frame, move it a few millimetres closer to the tire, and then tighten the bolt again. Make sure the brake is positioned correctly and does not interfere with the side guard on the wheelchair. 
How do I find part numbers for wheelchairs and wheelchair parts?
You can find the most common part numbers for our products on our website. For smaller parts and less common items, contact customer service or one of our product specialists, and we will help you.
Are there power assist devices for Panthera?
Yes, we offer a Mototronic front-mounted power assist device and a SmartDrive rear-mounted power assist device from our own assortment. In addition, there are combination agreements for using certain other power assist devices from other suppliers together with Panthera wheelchairs.
Can I get a table or tray for my wheelchair?
Yes, we offer tray tables as accessories on Bambino 3, as well as on S3 and U3 in combination with side guards and armrests.