Why do wheelchairs have small front wheels?

A typical self-propelled manual wheelchair has a frame, one or two footplates depending on the design, a seat, and 4 wheels. Usually, there will be 2 large wheels at the back which are used for self-propelling, and 2 small caster wheels at the front. While it is easy to figure out the purpose of the large two wheels, people find it hard to ascribe a specific purpose to the two small caster wheels at the front.

To be frank, it is kind of hard to pinpoint the rationale behind the two small wheels asides from that they aid motion right? Of course, it is! Well, in this article, you will find reasons “why wheelchairs have small front wheels” and also make a comparison between them and the bigger wheels. Keep reading for details!

Why do wheelchairs have small wheels?

The two small wheels you see in the front of wheelchairs are known as the casters and they are there for easy maneuvering.

Is it easier to push a chair with big or small wheels?

It is easier to push a chair with big wheels than with small wheels. Generally, the terrain determines how easily a wheelchair can be pushed. It is very easy to control wheelchairs on a hard smooth surface than on any other surface. Another key determinant of how easy a wheelchair can be pushed is the size of the chair. For instance, maneuvering is much easier and faster with large wheels compared to smaller wheels. Large wheels require little effort to roll over an obstacle.

What are the front wheels of a wheelchair called?

The front wheels of a wheelchair are called caster

Are bigger wheels better on chairs?

Yes, bigger wheels are better on chairs. Compared to smaller wheels, bigger wheels offer some advantages that are not seen with small wheels.

Firstly, with large wheels, a wheelchair occupant can push himself or herself forward without the assistance of a caregiver.

Secondly, they can easily roll over obstacles more than their smaller wheel counterparts. Plus they only require little force to do this.

The only advantage that the smaller wheel has over a large wheel is that they help in reducing the speed of the wheelchair when necessary. And that they make it possible for the wheelchair to turn without the occupant changing the position of their legs.

Having said that, it would be reasonable to conclude that both big and small wheels have individual roles they play in the smooth maneuvering of the chair. A chair with big and small wheels will perform better than a chair with only either of the two which is why people believe it is more convenient to use a wheelchair than a transport chair.

Why do wheelchairs have slanted wheels?

The major purpose of slanted wheels or negative camber on a wheelchair is to ensure better lateral stability. Technically, the camber is responsible for redirecting force to the flexible frame anytime you rotate the wheelchair for smooth maneuvering. When you are around corners, the camber will also encourage faster maneuvering example of this is when you are driving indoors and you want to make a turn around the table.

Why are wheelchair wheels smaller?

The wheelchair wheel is designed to be small for the following reasons.

1. It makes it easier for the chair to change direction
2. The can be used to reduce speed when necessary.
3. The prevent leg alignment issues when turning between corners.

Are smaller wheels more comfortable?

No, small wheels are not more comfortable. Wheelchairs are designed to ensure self-propelling. That is, occupants will be able to push themselves forward or backward without depending on a caregiver. However, if you prefer being pushed around, then smaller wheels may be better because it makes chairs lighter and easy to load.

Why do some wheelchairs have angled wheels?

Angled wheels are positively cambered and this is when the wheels of the wheelchair are angled away from its body. One of the reasons people do this is to make it easy to turn the chair around. This is why most of the wheelchairs used for Paralympics are positioned in that way.

Why do wheelchairs have big wheels?

The big wheels you see on wheelchairs are designed to serve only one purpose, to encourage self-propelling and this makes the first obvious difference between a transport chair and a wheelchair. Unlike wheelchairs, transport chairs only have small chairs and that is why users need a family member or a caregiver to push them around.