Zippie GS Wheelchair

Casters typically come in sizes from 3"" to 8"". The smaller the caster the better the maneuverability of the chair and the less likely it is to shimmy. But smaller casters on unpaved surfaces, riding in and out of elevators, or passing over street grates can be more problematic. Smaller casters are typical of chairs used for sports like basketball, which is played on an even, hard surface, yet their maneuverability makes them popular for everyday use. 3"" casters require the most riding skill and may not be the best choice for a first time wheelchair user.

The large 8", pneumatic (air-filled) caster provides the softest ride and easily rolls over bumps and raised surface, yet makes propelling the chair more difficult. Because of their size, 8"" casters can be an obstruction coming into contact with furniture or the rider's foot. Pneumatic tires need to be kept inflated with the correct pressure, and are capable of going flat.

4" to 6" casters offer a good combination of maneuverability, performance and ease of riding over surface obstructions. Composite (airless) casters offer better durability and quicker ride, while pneumatic casters provide a softer, slower experience.

• Multi position fork: Typically, caster forks have two positions for the caster/wheel height. The multi position fork has an added number of positions allowing for extra adjustments. This is useful for future seat height adjustments, or future changes of caster size.
• Fork pin locks: The fork pin lock is a lock that can be used to lock the casters in place. Commonly used while transferring the user in and out of their wheelchair, the lock prevent the casters from rotating.
• Frog legs: Frog legs are suspension forks that are spring loaded. This sporty looking option is especially useful if jolting is painful to the wheelchair user, as the suspension will absorb and cushion the bumps.
• Quick release caster stems: This is a button placed where the caster fork attaches to the chair, called the stem. Through pressing this button, the whole fork assembly, casters included, comes off. Good for traveling.
• 1.5 longer fork stem bolt: This is another way of adjusting the seat-to-floor height. Through choosing different fork stems, you can appropriate the seat-to-floor height you prefer.

• Offset Axle Plate: This style combines the standard rectangle and curved shapes. Other than this stylistic difference, this option functions just like the standard axle plate.
• Amputee axle: This offsets the axle behind the backrest for enhanced rearward stability. This changed center of gravity corrects any imbalance resulting from the amputee’s lack of forward body weight. Note that with this option the overall length of the chair is extended.
• Curved Axle: Unlike the rectangle axle plate, the curved axle plate is curved. This allows the chair to be configured to more seat-to-floor heights. In most cases, the customer will just specify their required seat-to-floor height. The manufacture, while building your chair on the factory floor, will appropriately choose between the curved and standard axle plates in order to accommodate your preferred seat-to-floor height.

Using wheel locks as a braking device can cause injury and excessive tire wear and should never be used in this manner.

There are various types of wheel locks available:

1. Push-to-lock wheel locks are the most common. The break is engaged by the rider pushing forward and applying pressure with the palm of their hand until the lever snaps into position.

2. Pull-to-lock wheel locks work in the same manner as the push-to-pock except the lever is pulled forward. For some riders, it may be easier because it does not require as much upper body mobility needed to push the lever away from the body.

3. Swing-away, low-mount and under-mount wheel locks work in different ways depending on the style. These wheel locks help you avoid hitting your thumbs when pushing directly on the tires by mounting the wheel locks away from this range of motion. Due to its location, some riders with limited mobility may not be able to engage these wheel locks.

Wheel lock extensions provide a greater lever arm to apply and remove the locking mechanism, making the wheel locks easier to engage for a rider with decreased upper strength.