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Rough Terrain Manual Wheelchairs

This page provides information on manual wheelchairs that are designed to deal with rough terrain. There are three basic methods to deal with non-smooth rolling surfaces.


1. Use two larger front casters.
2. Use a single larger front caster.
3. Put the caster in the rear of the wheelchair.

Each method has tradeoffs. The most suitable design is highly dependent upon the individual factors of the person and their environment. In all cases, having wider and treaded rear tires increases rollability on soft surfaces. They also provide more traction. Conversely, these wheels create more drag when on hard and smooth surfaces. Therefore, they are primarily suitable for outside uses when not primarily on pavement.

Levers provide an alternate means of powering the wheels which also has tradeoffs.

Rough Terrain Push Wheelchairs
Rough Terrain Lever Wheelchairs
Developing Country Wheelchairs
Non-standard Wheelchairs

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