I am trying to source inflated type wide wheels to fit the rear end of an electric wheelchair. Existing wheels are puncture-proof 310 OD x 70 hard rubber on 8" Ali rims, obviously meant for solid surfaces. We can machine a flange to adapt new 5 or 6" rims to the existing shaft flange and 330 OD x 100wide pneumatic tyres would be perfect. Can also alter a few things to fit the 400 x 100-8" wheel barrow type - the main consideration is to have rims with a solid web that we can machine, weld or bolt an adaptor plate onto.

The wheelchair is driven by a Full Quadraplegic mate of mine who broke his neck at 18, is now 53 years old and is the bravest guy I know. He only has movement of his head, can operate his chair and a computer, mobile phone etc by use of his chin or a mouth-held stick. I have fitted a headband mounted, mouth operated joystick control for him and he now sails radio controlled yachts with us. His new chair has already had him waiting for help many times when bogged off the hard pathways.

Have found some possible wheels from UK and US but are very expensive and a long way to mail over to find not suitable . Nothing from Mobility Stores, Golf Buggies, Powered Lawnmowers, Motor Cycles, Scooters etc suitable so far. Local tyre suppliers seem to regard me as a nuisance customer!! Am waiting word from the German chair manufacturer but nothing to date.

I would appreciate any info on sizes and rim structure used by the Blowkarts or any other source as I have no access to view them here.

With fingers crossed.....Wok

Thank you Arjay, that looks the right size to me. I just need to see how we can modify the web to adapt to the existing axle flange on his chair. I can hardly believe how hard it is to find a better wheel for a wheelchair, there must be heaps of others with problems like this. One problem with my mate is that he hasn't given up and drives this chair like a Quad bike where others passively sit at home. That is what has kept him alive I'm sure.

Many thanks for the info, I'll get onto it straight away

Regards...Wok

TeamWally said..
Wok, have a look at front wheels from a ride on mower, I have some here from a White / Yardman. Rolling diameter about 340mm, solid centre with a welded tube bearing carrier cum hub that would support a flange. Have some pics ready to upload if this has any interest for you.

Mick.

edit to add they are a 15 x 600 rim

Not sure what the 15x600 is Mick. 340mm looks just right. Would appreciate a photo if you can please. I think I know the wheel as I saw two being fitted with new tyres the other day at a tyre dealer but he wouldn't get interested enough to give me 2 minutes to see what we were trying to do. They looked to have a flat web with a tube welded through the centre.

Would you be able to measure something for me? Run a straight edge across the tyre and measure approx. from that line to the web. That will give me an idea as to how much clearance I have before the tyre rubs on the chair pipework chassis. Thanks..Wok

I really hope this is not a duplication but all the photos I just posted seem to have been swallowed in the electronic swamp.

Thanks Mick, Arjay and many PM's received. I have lots of good info and ideas to carry on now. Apologies to the Blokart site for occupying your space a little - it has been worth it...Wok