The process of pumping up a wheelchair tyre is one of the simplest and DIY-friendly tasks that anyone can perform.
It’s similar to pumping the tyres of a bicycle or motorcycle; however, pumping a wheelchair tyre is even simpler.
If your disability allows you to use your limbs and upper body strength, then pumping your wheelchair tyre(s) should be pretty easy for you to do.
It is, however, pertinent to note that, even with the simplicity that comes with it, many wheelchair users, especially the newbies, don’t know how to pump their wheelchair tyres effectively.
This has led to them damaging their tyres during the process.
So, if you’ve been on the lookout for the best way to pump your tyres effectively, then you’re in the right place.
Table of Contents
- Materials Needed for Pumping Wheelchair Tyres
- Tips to Follow before Pumping Your Wheelchair Tyres
- How to Pump Your Wheelchair Tyres: Step-by-Step Guide
- Types of Wheelchair Tyres
- How to Pump Up Wheelchar Tyres (Video)
Materials Needed for Pumping Wheelchair Tyres
Pressure gauge
This is an essential instrument that you’ll need for the pumping process. A pressure gauge will help you to determine the correct amount of air that should be pumped into the tyre.
It helps you not to over pump or under pump the tyre while pumping it, thereby making the wheelchair easier to handle and move effortlessly.
Related: Top 10 Places Where to Buy Wheelchair Tires
Schrader valve
Since its invention in 1891, the Schrader valve has been used by almost all motor vehicles in the world. It is a pneumatic type of tyre valve that’s used to pump air into tyres.
It is a valve that allows air to flow in one direction while air can be pumped into it when the inner pin is pressed downward.
Schrader valve is also very useful for checking the air pressure in a tyre.
Hand or foot pump
Here is another significant device that you’ll need for the pumping process. You can choose between a hand pump and a foot pump. These two devices are used for pumping tyres and pretty much serve the same purpose, even though they are operated differently.
A foot pump can be used to pump tyres without the use of much physical strength. It does not equally need much technical expertise. This makes it a DIY-friendly tool for pumping your wheelchair tyres.
The hand pump, on the other hand, requires more physical strength, even though it is also a DIY-friendly pump.
Select the more convenient pump between the two.
Electric pump
This is an optional alternative to the hand and foot pump. If you suffer from a disability that prevents you from being able to use your limbs or body strength, then an electric wheelchair pump will help you do the pumping job effortlessly.
Related: How to Build a Wheelchair Lift like a Pro
Tips to Follow before Pumping Your Wheelchair Tyres
- Make sure that the pressure gauge is firmly attached to the pump
- You must ensure that the pressure gauge is working accurately when you’re using the pump. This will prevent you from under pumping or over pumping the tyre
- The amount of pressure that your wheelchair tyre requires is often written boldly on the side of the tyre you intend to pump. It is usually written in either PSI or Bar. So, endeavor to check it out before getting started
Note that a flat tyre sometimes doesn’t need pumping if you notice a tear or puncture on it.
In this case, you’ll have to replace the tyre with another one because the tear will not enable you to pump the tyre effectively if you try to do so.
How to Pump Your Wheelchair Tyres: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1
Begin by inserting the tip of your Schrader valve into the inner tyre valve. This must be done after you must have attached the end of your Schrader valve to the end of the handheld inflator.
Step 2
Firmly attach your pressure gauge to the hand, foot, or electric pump and begin to pump the tyre.
Step 3
Pump the tyre to the point where the number on your pressure gauge matches with the one recommended by the tyre manufacturer as it’s boldly written on the tyre.
Step 4
Once you reach the required pressure gauge after pumping the tyre, put back the valve caps on the inner tube valves.
Step 5
Inspect all your wheelchair tyres to be sure that their pressure is even and correct. After that, you’re done and your wheelchair is ready to be used again.
Related: How to Oil Your Wheelchair Effectively
Types of Wheelchair Tyres
The rate at which you’ll be having a deflated tyre often has to do with the type of wheelchair tyre you’re using. It is therefore imperative that you go for a wheelchair that has quality tyres to enable the tyres to last longer before deflating.
Some wheelchair tyres are durable and can be used for months without you needing to pump them regularly, while others require frequent pumping and can easily get deflated or even burst when punctured by a sharp object.
The three major types of wheelchair tyres that will be discussed below will enable you to know and identify the best type to choose for your wheelchair.
Pneumatic tyres
This type is air-filled and usually common among electric and standard wheelchairs.
It’s a very lightweight tyre that can easily lose its pressure or get punctured; therefore, it requires frequent inspection and maintenance.
Pneumatic puncture-proof tyres
This is a pneumatic tyre that’s puncture resistant. It has an inner tube made from a material called Kevlar, which makes it stronger and puncture-proof.
Solid tyres
It is made of rubber or plastic.
The tyre is a cost-effective alternative to the pneumatic variant because it cannot be punctured or deflated easily due to the type of material it’s made from. It is the most commonly used among wheelchair manufacturers.
