Frequently asked questions

To ensure a replacement component fits your wheelchair, verify your equipment details in two simple steps:

1. Find your model number: Locate the serial number sticker on your wheelchair frame (usually placed under the seat or on the side tubing) or check your original user manual.

2. Contact our support team: Share your model name or serial number with us, and our technical specialists will confirm exact component fit and specifications.

To find the perfect replacement or upgrade for your rear wheels, verify these four technical specifications:

– Wheelchair model & frame design: Ensures the mounting system and brake clearance match.

– Wheel diameter (size): Match your current setup (e.g., 24″, 25″, or 26″) to maintain proper center of gravity and seat height.

– Axle bushing & receiver size: Check the inner diameter (typically 1/2″ or 12 mm) and axle length.

– Intended use & terrain: Choose lighter spoke patterns for indoor/city use or heavy-duty rims for rougher surfaces.

Need more details and setup tips?

Read the full guide on our blog.

Wheel locks are dedicated parking systems designed to keep your wheelchair completely stable during transfers, workouts, and rest. They are not dynamic brakes-handrims should always be used to slow down or stop while moving.
Selecting the right lock depends on your grip strength, transfer technique, and pushing habits:
– Vertical locks (side-mounted):
Mounted directly on the frame in plain view. Ideal for users with limited grip strength (Push-to-Lock) or riders who prefer an easily accessible lever.
– Horizontal locks (scissor locks / under-frame):
Tucked under the frame to keep handrims completely unobstructed. The top choice for active riders and athletes-ensuring smooth transfers and zero thumb collisions during fast pushing.
Read more: Complete wheel lock guide & Omobic lock A3 review

Hair, dust, and grit often collect in wheelchair casters, making your ride feel sluggish. Regular cleaning keeps your wheelchair rolling smoothly and extends the life of your bearings.

Tools you need:

– Hex key (Allen wrench)

– Flat wrench (if required for your axle type)

– Clean cloth or soft brush

Step-by-step cleaning instructions:

1. Loosen the axle: Use your hex key (and flat wrench) to unscrew the axle bolt holding the caster wheel inside the fork.

2. Remove the wheel: Slide the axle out carefully and take the caster and any spacers out of the fork.

3. Clean all components: Wipe down the wheel, axle pin, and spacers. Remove tangled hair from around the bearing seals.

4. Reassemble and tighten: Place the wheel and spacers back into the fork, slide the axle through, and tighten the bolt securely.

Important – skip the spray lubricants:

Avoid using WD-40, oil, or grease on your casters. Lubricants attract more dirt, lint, and hair, causing the bearings to clog faster. If your bearings feel rough or do not spin freely after cleaning, they are worn out and should be replaced.

Assembly tip:

Holding the wheel, spacers, and tools all at once can feel tricky on your first try. Rest the wheelchair fork on a stable surface or your lap to keep the parts aligned while sliding the axle back in.

Smooth wheelchair travel comes down to proactive planning across three core areas:

– Flights & airports: book special assistance (WCHR, WCHS, or WCHC) at least 48 hours prior. Detach cushions and joysticks for the cabin. For power wheelchairs, ensure Li-ion batteries do not exceed 300 Wh (or two 160 Wh units) and carry your printed MSDS sheet.

– Hotel audits: contact the hotel directly to confirm door clearance (min. 80 cm / 32 in), request a true roll-in shower (zero threshold), and ask for recent bathroom photos.

– Ground transit & repairs: pre-book ISO 10542-compliant accessible vehicles (WAV) and carry an emergency toolkit with spare inner tubes (matching your ETRTO size), hex keys, and a pump.

Want the full airport code glossary, detailed packing guides, and our free check list?

Read more: Complete wheelchair travel guide on our blog

Most people should clean their wheelchair casters once a month. However, your exact routine depends on your daily environment:

– Once a week: if you have pets, long hair in the household, or frequently roll on carpet, grass, or gravel.
– Once a month: for typical daily indoor and paved outdoor use.
– As needed: whenever you notice resistance, squeaking, or hair trapped around the axle.

Quick rule of thumb:
If your front wheels stop spinning freely, pull to one side, or feel sluggish, clean them immediately to protect the bearings.

Replacing caster bearings depends entirely on their fit – whether they are loosely or tightly seated in the wheel fork. We strongly recommend having a professional technician do this.

Proper replacement requires dedicated tools:

– Removal: a specialized bearing puller (or precision driving tools) to avoid damaging the housing.

– Installation: a manual or pneumatic press to align and seat the bearing evenly.

Why avoid DIY replacement?

Incorrect installation often misaligns the bearing, increasing rolling resistance, causing premature wear, and reducing ride safety.

For a quick and safe fix, visit an authorized wheelchair repair shop or a local mechanical service equipped with a press.

Changing a manual wheelchair tire is straightforward and similar to fixing a bicycle tire. Follow these steps:

1. Remove the wheel: detach the quick-release wheel from your wheelchair frame.

2. Deflate the tube: release all air through the valve so the tire loosens from the rim.

3. Pry the tire off: insert a tire lever between the tire bead and the rim opposite the valve, hooking it to a spoke. use a second lever around the rim to pop the tire bead off completely.

4. Inspect the tube: unscrew the valve retaining nut, remove the inner tube, and check for punctures. Replace or patch the tube as needed.

5. Reinstall tire and tube: Seat one side of the tire on the rim. Place the inner tube inside, aligning the valve stem with the valve hole. Fit the remaining tire bead back onto the rim by hand (or gently with a lever, taking care not to pinch the tube).

6. Inflate to pressure: Pump the tire to the recommended pressure indicated on the tire sidewall.

7. Reattach the wheel: Secure the wheel firmly back onto the wheelchair frame.

Expert tips:

– Choose car valves: Opt for inner tubes with standard car valves. They are universally compatible with standard air inflators and gas station pumps without needing a Presta adapter.

– Keep an emergency kit: Always carry a compact hand pump (or CO2 inflator) and a spare inner tube on daily trips to handle flats on the go.

Properly functioning wheel locks ensure complete stability during critical activities like car transfers and workouts. When a brake stops holding securely, use this simple troubleshooting checklist:

1. Sudden loss of braking power? Check tire pressure first

Before adjusting or replacing the wheel lock, inspect your tire pressure. Low pressure reduces the tire’s outer diameter and resistance, preventing the brake shoe from gripping firmly. Inflate the tire to the recommended PSI/bar and retest the lock.

2. Adjusting new wheel locks or new wheels

Most standard wheel locks mount to the frame via a clamp system. To adjust:

– Loosen the clamp bolt slightly.

– Slide the brake mechanism along the frame closer to or farther from the tire.

– Position the lock so it firmly compresses the tire without requiring excessive force to engage.

– Retighten the clamp securely.

Safety & maintenance pro-tips:

– Calibrate lever resistance: The engagement lever should snap into place firmly without causing hand strain, while delivering enough pressure to immobilize the wheel.

– Perform a stress test: Always test the lock under load. Lock the wheels and firmly push/jerk the wheelchair to ensure the brakes do not pop open under transfer pressure.

– Monthly inspection routine: Vibrations from cobblestones and rough surfaces can loosen mounting hardware. Inspect and torque all brake bolts and nuts once a month to prevent parts from rattling loose.