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 need wheelchair tires to make sure you are buying the right ones.

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Biggest Issue with Tire Sizes

One the biggest issues with wheelchair tire sizes that the way we refer to them, for example a 24" tire, is not very accurate.  In fact if you where to go into a bike shop and ask for a 24" tire you would get a 24" BMX tire that is much smaller then a 24" wheelchair tire.  Because of this inaccuracy we have found that if you use the metric tire measurement to be precise.  For example a 24" wheelchair tire is 540 millimeters on the inside.  A any 540 millimeter tire will fit any 540 millimeter rim.

Video

Here is the break down of our measurement trick.

1. Measure across that wheel from the outside of the rim to the outside of the rim on the opposite size to the nearest 1/4".
2. Take that Measurement in inches and convert to to millimeters by multiplying the number my 25.4
3. Subtract 10mm from the number to take into account of the rim depth
4. Compare that final number to the chart below to determine your tire size

Here is a chart that converts popular wheelchair tire sizes from inches to millimeters:

Tire Size in Inches Tire Size in Millmeters

22"

501 mm 24" 540 mm  25" 559 mm 26" 590 mm

 

Now you have an easy to way to determine the tire size of any wheelchair wheel even if it has a tire on it or not.

If you have any questions contact us, we would be happy to help.

 

 

How to understand wheelchair tyre sizes!

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For more information, please visit 8.5 inch solid scooter tyres.

Wheelchair tyres come in various sizes to fit different diameter wheels. So, when you are going to purchase a replacement, or a spare tyre, or inner tube, it is important to make sure that you purchase the correct size. All tyres and inner tubes have identification markings, however, these numbers can be confusing unless you know what they stand for.

24 inch = 540
25 inch = 559
26 inch = 590

The three digits are the metric (mm) size number which indicate the wheel diameter. A tyre or inner tube for a 24-inch wheel will bear the numbers 540, for a 25-inch wheel-559, and for a 26-inch wheel-590. Almost all wheelchairs have wheels of one of these three diameters.

The other two digits &#; such as 25-540 &#; indicates the tyre width. Most wheelchairs use one-inch wide tyres for normal use on standard wheels and 1 inch equals 25mm.

Wider tyres are sometimes used to get an improved grip on the road surface or to provide a softer, more comfortable ride. There are many different treads and technological advances now available in wheelchair tyres so be sure to investigate which is the most suitable for your needs and your budget.

Valve type:

Most inner tubes for wheelchair tyres have a Schrader valve. This is commonly called a &#;car valve&#; as they are the same kind of valve found on automobiles. They are a robust valve with an easily removable core, and the spring closure makes them easy to inflate. They have the advantage that you can get pumped up easily at your local petrol station.

A Presta valve is sometimes used for sports wheelchairs. This type of valve is rather more complicated to inflate and deflate as they need to be unscrewed and require a special pump or an adaptor. They are thinner and longer than the Schrader valves and can maintain a higher air pressure for increased mobility and performance.