How to Measure a Wheelchair Tire the Easy Way
We use this trick all the time in our shop at Disability Lab when we do not know what size of wheelchair tire is, especially when the tire has no markings. Use this trick the next time you need wheelchair tires to make sure you are buying the right ones.
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Identifying Common Challenges with Tire Sizes
One major issue with wheelchair tire sizes is the terminology we often use. For instance, claiming a tire is 24" can be misleading. If you were to visit a bike shop and request a 24" tire, you might receive a BMX tire that is significantly smaller. To avoid confusion, we recommend using metric measurements for accuracy. A 24" wheelchair tire actually measures 540 millimeters on the interior, meaning any 540-millimeter tire will fit any rim of the same size.
Breaking Down the Measurement Process
- Carefully measure across the wheel from the outer edge of the rim to the outer edge of the opposite side, rounding to the nearest 1/4".
- Convert your measurement from inches to millimeters by multiplying it by 25.4.
- Subtract 10mm, taking the rim's depth into account.
- Match your final result with the chart below to find your exact tire size.
Conversion Chart for Wheelchair Tire Sizes
Tire Size in Inches | Tire Size in Millimeters
22" | 501 mm
24" | 540 mm
25" | 559 mm
26" | 590 mm
Now, you possess a straightforward method for determining any wheelchair tire size, regardless if there's a tire present or not. If you have inquiries, feel free to reach out to us—we're eager to assist.
Understanding Wheelchair Tire Specifications
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For additional information, please check out 8.5 inch solid scooter tyres.
Wheelchair tires come in various sizes to accommodate different wheel diameters. Thus, when you're purchasing a replacement, spare tire, or inner tube, confirming the correct size is essential. All tires and inner tubes are labeled; however, the numeric designations can be perplexing if their meanings are unclear.
24-inch = 540
25-inch = 559
26-inch = 590
The three-digit numbers denote the metric size (in mm) indicating the wheel's diameter. A tire or inner tube for a 24-inch wheel will show 540, while 559 for a 25-inch wheel and 590 for a 26-inch wheel. Most wheelchairs utilize either of these three diameters.
The additional two digits, like 25-540, signify the tire's width. Most wheelchairs typically employ one-inch wide tires for daily usage on standard wheels, with 1 inch converting to 25mm.
Wider tires may sometimes be utilized for enhanced grip on various surfaces or to deliver a smoother, more comfortable ride. With numerous tread designs and technological innovations available in wheelchair tires today, it's wise to explore which option best fits your requirements and budget.
Valve Types:
The majority of wheelchair tire inner tubes are equipped with a Schrader valve, commonly recognized as a 'car valve' due to its prevalence in automobiles. It's a durable valve with an easily removable core, and its spring closure allows for convenient inflating options available at local petrol stations.
On the other hand, a Presta valve might be found on sports wheelchairs. Inflating and deflating this type of valve requires unscrewing and a specific pump or adaptor. Presta valves are thinner and longer, capable of maintaining higher air pressure for increased mobility and performance.