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I recently wrote about the widespread problem of the cheap injection molded plastic wheelchair wheels. The greatest problem with this wheel is the complete lack of tread on its smooth and narrow polyurethane tire. This tire is only used because it is cheap. It is highly inappropriate on most terrain except for indoors on hard floors (like hospitals).
When this wheel is used outside, it provides no traction, slips and tends to sink into the ground on any surface except for pavement. On a slope, especially when wet, it acts like a ski and skids uncontrollably. The young man in the photo below is a typical example of someone who could have much great mobility with a proper wheelchair with an appropriate wheel/tire.
In order to make his plastic wheel more functional, its tire needs to have tread. It must have a wider surface area, so it doesn’t sink into the grass. Such a tire surface is also easier to (hand) grab for self-propulsion.
Fortunately, there is a low cost #WheelchairFirstAid solution. The (Over-Treading) concept of putting the outer tire with tread over a mounted tire with less tread is not new. Retyre tried to do this commercially with wheelchairs but was unsuccessful. Likely due to its high cost ($200) and subsequent low demand. For wheelchair users who can afford to, it makes more sense to switch the entire wheel with a quick release axle than to use a Retyre.
On the other hand, cheap plastic wheelchair wheels are typically bolted to the wheelchair frame. They are used by people who cannot afford more functional wheels (or no other type of wheel is available). Hence the need for a #WheelchairFirstAid solution.
The typical plastic wheelchair wheel is 24”x1”. Therefore, the Over-Tread tire needs to be at least 25” (559) or larger in diameter. It should not be wider than 1.5” since it needs to fit snuggly over the existing 1” tire. The Over-Tread will be completely cut in half diagonally in order to mount it. A defective tire is fine. In a #WheelchairFirstAid situation, you use what is available.
Step 1: Obtain the used (preferably free) Over-Tread tire.Step 2: Cut it diagonally as shown in the photo.
Step 3: Place it over the existing tire/wheel.
Step 4: Screw the Over-Tread in place. Secure both ends first. Try to pull the Over-Tread ends as close together as possible to shrink the gap between them.
Given that the entire wheelchair wheel is made of plastic. It is easy to screw the Over-Tread tire sidewall to the plastic frame of the wheel. Do not screw into the existing tire. It is too soft.
The end result will be a plastic wheelchair wheel with a more appropriate tire for the environment. The Over-Tread tire will provide immediate increased mobility in the short term. Whereas a proper wheelchair wheel and tire is a long term solution.