"When it comes to wheelchairs and walkers, you basically have to deal with two basic properties of tires: suspension and rolling resistance. The two are inversely proportional. This means that the harder the tire, the lower the rolling friction and the easier the wheelchair is to push. However, the harder the tire, the less suspension and comfort for the driver. Therefore, hard and soft tires have both advantages and disadvantages. Pneumatic tires offer the solution here.
Rollators with hard or soft tires
Older rollators have solid rubber tires. With such tires, the rollator is easy to push, but causes strong vibrations when walking. This doesn't feel very comfortable, especially outdoors on uneven terrain.
Rollators with relatively soft tires made of solid rubber such as PU (polyurethane) or EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) then came onto the market. These have better suspension. The material is easier to press in and therefore absorbs more vibrations. Jan Willem de Joode, however, differentiates: "These soft synthetic rubber tires offer more comfort, but also higher rolling resistance. PU tires are therefore harder to push." So soft synthetic rubber tires are not the optimal solution either.
Rollator with pneumatic tires
"Pneumatic tires are more elastic than PU tires with a comparable hardness. Due to this excellent suspension, these rollators vibrate minimally. Firmly inflated pneumatic tires combine this with low rolling resistance. Since the tire springs back slightly, the rolling friction is improved. How easily a tire deforms and springs back, determines how much or how little thrust energy is lost during deformation. Pneumatic tires reduce vibrations and offer low rolling resistance.
To put it less technically: The big advantage of pneumatic tires compared to solid rubber tires is that the rollator hardly vibrates at all. This makes driving very pleasant and pushing it requires little effort.
If you like to use your walker on rough terrain, pneumatic tires are the best choice. You use less energy, even when you are on forest paths, bumpy roads or strolling through old towns. The wide "cheek" of the band absorbs shocks.
Especially in combination with extra large rear tires like this Rollz Motion Performance it is also easier to cross sidewalks and thresholds. Pneumatic tires provide the best suspension and can be pushed over uneven terrain comfortably and with much less vibration.
Who is a rollator with pneumatic tires intended for?
- For anyone looking for a shock-free and low-vibration rollator, for example due to back problems such as a hernia.
- For people looking for relief for sensitive hands, wrists, neck or shoulders
- People with osteoarthritis or painful joints
- People who no longer have as much energy and are looking for a rollator that is easier to push
- For people who like to walk on uneven terrain or live in an environment with bumpy roads
Tips for using the Rollz Motion Performance with pneumatic tires
- Inflate the tires regularly to keep the pressure constant. It is advisable to always carry the included pump with you. The pump fits into the pocket of the wheelchair packaging next to the footrests, so that it is invisible but always within reach.
- We generally recommend a maximum pressure of 2.5 bar on the larger rear tires and a higher pressure of a maximum of 4.5 bar on the smaller front tires.
- If you feel too little suspension and comfort and/or pushing requires too much force, the tires are too soft
- If you frequently use the Rollz Motion Performance as a wheelchair, inflate the small front tires in particular more often. This is the same as regularly carrying someone on the back of your bike. Then you also have to inflate the tires more often. By maintaining proper tire pressure, you will prevent yourself from walking or pushing harder.
- By slightly varying the tire pressure, you can adapt the driving comfort to your personal needs.
- The synthetic rubber in the tires is very thick, much thicker than a bicycle tire. The tread provides additional grip when walking. These tires are so thick that the tube cannot be punctured easily. If this does happen, it can easily be repaired in a bike repair shop.
- Tires may need to be inflated after a flight. Make sure you have the pump with you when you fly.
