USA TechGuide Banner.
 
Search:
Home
The TechGuide
Wheelchair Reviews
Cushion Reviews
Scooter Reviews
Stander Reviews
Wheelchair tips
Wheelchair Diffusion
Accessible Travel
Wheelchair Sports & Rec
Links/Resources
Source Index
United Spinal Association
About United Spinal
United Spinal Membership
Donate
Email Us
 
latest reviews banner
Permobil X850 Corpus
Written by wendell
Invacare Storm TDX5
Written by Barry
Radical Mobility Predator 4x4
Written by Henry
Travelscoot TravelScoot
Written by Elford
R82 Cheetah
Written by Laura
Permobil Chairman 2K Stander
Written by Rev. Garry
Travelscoot TravelScoot
Written by Linda
Radical Mobility Gazelle 250s
Written by Wouter
Golden Technologies Buzzaround GB-101
Written by Bill
Ki Mobility Tsunami
Written by Andy
 
poll banner
I'm right!
Always for sure.
More times than not.
Once in a while.
Been so long I hardly recall.
Never
Only when I talk to myself.
Poll Results
 
Translate This Page
spanish translation
french translation
italian translation
German translation
Portuguese translation
 
Wheelchair Wheel Camber

Wheel camber is applied to the rear wheels of a wheelchair. It can be described as an angling that brings the top of the wheels closer to each other. Athletes who wished to improve wheelchair-handling characteristics and stability first introduced camber into wheelchairs.

The amount of camber introduced into the wheels is measured in degrees. The higher the number the more camber or angling there is. Some wheelchairs have methods of adjusting the camber, while others do not. Camber adjustment is most often accomplished by inserting a different camber bar that alters the angle or by adjusting the axle plate for increased camber. Wheelchairs with fixed camber do not allow for altering the angle. In these cases the camber angle may be specified when the wheelchair is ordered (except in the case of low end cheeseball wheelchairs).

As camber is increased, the width of the wheelchair across the bottom increases. This adds lateral stability to the system by increasing the wheelchairs footprint. If to much camber is added there may be a problem getting through doorways. The amount of camber required for daily use is not commonly the same as that which is required for sports.

up arrow
•The wider footprint adds lateral stability to the wheelchair.
•Redirects forces to soften the ride.
Places the push rims in a more ergonomic position for pushing. It is more natural to push down and outward.
Protects the hands when pushing in tight areas since the bottom of the wheels will make contact first with walls and doorframes.
Less strain on shoulders since the plane of the wheel is closer to that of the shoulder.
Makes turning quicker.

Gives the wheelchair a sportier look.

 

Cyclone MTM with cambered wheels Cyclone MTM with cambered wheels.
down arrow
•Wheelchair will be wider.
•May add cost to the chair.
•Excessive camber may cause the wheels to rub against the armrest side panels or against the user.
Diminished traction and uneven tire wear on a conventional tire.
Conventional tread placement is centered on the tire. A cambered tire rides on the inside edges of the tire. Some manufacturers make tires with offset treads to compensate for cambering.
 
 
Ziggi Landsman
 

© Copyright 2009 United Spinal Association
All Rights Reserved.
Policies & Disclaimers