R Healthcare Technical Information Manual - Dash Page 21 March 2007 Revision B
7.0
WHEELS AND TYRES :
The wheels used on Dash have been specifically developed for the intended area of application.
They include several features not previously available on basic R Healthcare wheelchairs.
All Dash wheelchairs have QD (Quickly detachable) rear wheels. The QD hub and spindle on Dash
is 12mm diameter. This is a European standard size.
Occupant propelled Dash chairs have and 610mm (24inch) diameter QD wheels and lightweight
profile high strength aluminium rims, which are suitable for use with pneumatic or puncture free
polyurethane tyres. The narrow tyre width on Dash wheels is 25mm (1 Inch), and it is acceptable
to inflate to the manufacturer’s instruction (usually on the wall of the tyre)
The effect of the lower coefficient of friction of the puncture free polyurethane tyre, compared to
that of the natural rubber pneumatic, effectively causes puncture free tyres to have less grip on
the floor.
On active user occupant propelled wheelchairs, particularly with heavyweight occupants, or where
ride performance is a priority, we recommend rubber pneumatic tyres. If there is a preference for
reduced tyre maintenance, we recommend that polyurethane puncture free tyres are fitted. Users
should be advised of the importance of frequent wheel and spoke security checks, and service staff
should pay special attention to spoke security and condition of wheels fitted with puncture free
polyurethane tyres.
The hard anodised aluminium hand rims on Dash occupant propelled wheels are of round section
20mm in diameter, a convenient size for gripping during occupant hand propulsion. The hand rims
have screw holes and are attached via brackets on the rim, by M6 pozidrive screws and spacers, at
six equal spaced points.
Security of hand rims should be checked at regular service intervals. From a service aspect,
wheelchair hand rims can come in for a hard time, as they are the widest part of the wheelchair,
and are often impacted on narrow doorway frames as an occupant manoeuvres to gain Dash. This
type of usage should be expected on wider seat width Dash chairs, and service requirements
should reflect an increased risk of handrim damage.
