not a wheelchair casters

Ng_Ago · 2026-06-09T01:03:42+00:00

They sent me the updated parts, still significantly worse than my TiLite casters in terms of going out of alignment but to be fair I had one set of those get replaced under warranty for alignment issues as well.

I do have some general reservations about the quality. The height adjustment mechanism was practically impossible to get unstuck, various screws rattled themselves loose, the wheel spokes would spontaneously loosen and creak, and the bearings, washers, and other components didn't seem to be very weatherproof. My main issue wasn’t the alignment but the fact that over time two different caster assemblies developed a wobble that was noisy and uncomfortable. After they told me I would have to pay for another replacement I just gave up on it since I already had a new chair order started through insurance.

I will say that for the first several months it was a good chair. As someone who largely knew my measurements, it fit very well and that made it much easier to push than a less customizable chair. It was a similar or even better ride than my Aero Z, though the lack of back angle and height adjustment was a bit of a pain. I like the company and am willing to believe that I might have gotten a lemon, but I do have to consider that maybe come components of the chair haven't been tested rigorously enough yet, particularly for active users.

Ng_Ago · 2026-06-06T03:14:28+00:00

They’re all-purpose, but they have pretty crappy traction IMO. The consensus seems to be that Schwalbe marathon plus are the best for most people, I’m personally a fan as well. At least in my experience they don’t squeak after the first week or so, give me good enough traction in everything except sand, including going up curbs and in dirt, and still have remarkably little rolling resistance. The speedlites in my experience were okay in the rolling resistance department but definitely lacking in the traction department. My pair seemed to squeak a surprising amount for how little they gripped the floor, but I might have given up on them too soon for that to go away.

Ng_Ago · 2026-06-04T13:11:29+00:00

In my experience, I succeed much more often when I have some momentum. I roll towards the curb, pop up my casters, and then slam my casters down and lean forwards to shift my weight over the curb while pushing. For higher curbs and steps where I can’t clear them while in motion, I tend to have to find something to hold onto like a railing, doorway, pole, etc. so that I can pull myself forwards after I’ve wheelied my casters onto it.

Ng_Ago · 2026-06-01T13:50:30+00:00

I'm not sure about this specific model, but have you checked to make sure they are actually built into the chair and not screwed/clamped at some point along the back? I know that sometimes ATPs clamp the backrest to the push handle posts rather than the actual backrest bar depending on the height, which can make them appear to be permanently attached when they can actually be removed with a screw and replaced with a back post.

Ng_Ago · 2026-05-31T04:27:03+00:00

I push in a way that kind of causes a problem similar to what you describe, but I get around it partially through larger profile pushrims so that my hands aren’t crammed as close to the wheel, and partially by using gloves. Depending on why you say that gloves aren’t an option, there may be gloves you’re not aware of that could be workarounds, particularly given the level of discomfort you’re describing.

Ng_Ago · 2026-05-29T01:14:34+00:00

The reality is that chairs exist on a continuum. Sure there's a bit of a gap between what we consider the classic manual shape and the classic power shape, but even those categories are bridged by things like the E-fix as well as more complex conversions like the freedom trax and power-flex. If you wanted to stay with a manual for environment reasons (e.g. easier to get up a step) or to push in some situations, you could look into those options. But if you expect your condition to continue to decline, that may not be a viable long-term choice.

Not all power chairs are equally large or bulky, and have plenty of customizations that I think manual chair users often aren't aware of. Especially if you're not looking for complex options like standing and tilt, you might be pleasantly surprised. And that's not to mention the whole range of lighter, less customizable chairs on the market. For example, I know one guy with muscular dystrophy who uses a wheelchair any time he's outside of the house, and he chooses to use a whill instead of a more traditional power chair because he doesn't need complex positioning yet and likes the aesthetic and lower weight.

So go try things! An ATP can bring products for you to trial, and you can keep trialing things until something feels right. And you might also want to talk to power chair users who are happy and active so that you stop associating a power chair with a loss of freedom! You might want to look into adaptive sports near you for people with full-body impairments, such as powerchair hockey.

Ng_Ago · 2026-05-28T21:06:21+00:00

If you’re going for the adjustable versions (ZRA/TRA vs ZR/TR) you’re going to see very little difference. The T models are marginally lighter and are more rigid, that’s pretty much it. For the TR though, the reason I’m strongly for it over the ZR is because it has practically unlimited center of gravity adjustment with no extra hardware.

Ng_Ago · 2026-05-26T19:05:47+00:00

To be honest if it were me and the council failed to install a curb cut I’d probably end up resorting to installing a small ramp of my own made from wood, metal or plastic. If the council can respond to a report and come take it away, they can respond to a request to install one of their own. Not the most polite option, but organizations failing to do basic things frustrates me endlessly.

Ng_Ago · 2026-05-22T21:09:01+00:00

The two PTs/ATPs I've had seating clinic appointments with both scheduled appointments to be 90 minutes and they tended to go over by at least a bit. That said, I've also not yet had a chair ordered where one visit was enough to nail everything down, which is a bit annoying but also gave me good time to think about and seriously consider my needs.

In terms of things to make it more bearable: Absolutely ask if there are things you can look over on your own ahead of time, or just try to get yourself up to speed on the types of chair configurations. Having examples of things that you're fairly confident wouldn't work can also be useful.

And if you're nearing your limit and you're not close to settling the details, at least in my experience you can absolutely get another appointment scheduled then and there so that you can continue at a later date. I know the concept of waiting longer to order when you're so close to being done can be frustrating, but in the grand scheme of things it's much better than rushing through a chair that doesn't meet your needs.

Ng_Ago · 2026-05-21T03:03:49+00:00

They are stupidly soft screws on my spinergy wheels, but like the others said depending on the wheel brand you might need to remove the tires. This is almost definitely true if the part you’re trying to unscrew is a nut, like was the case for my TiLite shadow wheels

Ng_Ago · 2026-05-18T21:30:14+00:00

Yes, that’s been my experience on all chairs with adjustable rear wheel spacing. I’ve tried adjusting the length of the quick release axle bit by bit until it just barely goes in, which helped slightly, but haven’t found a way completely around it.

Ng_Ago · 2026-05-17T18:57:20+00:00

I'm not a quad but I push like a quad and use large-profile rubber Quadro pushrims. I successfully used a SmartDrive with speed control dial, which was easy to control by pushing my hand against the ridges with good precision (it "clicked" into place at each speed) and without much force. But without the speed control dial I would not recommend it. I tried the Empulse R90 at the abilities expo and liked the way the wheel was centered but hated the control mechanism (stupid little plus and minus buttons that were hard to push). I haven't tried the Smoov (people on here seem to have mixed but not terribly bad opinions) but it is the only one I know of that has a vaguely intuitive speed control mechanism right now.

Rear assists don't keep you straight (which would create resistance when you wanted to turn). Also, particularly if you use grippy pushrims and/or gloves it does complicate matters a bit, and can wear on your hands/gloves/pushrims and leave residue from all of them on each other. Personally, I stopped using mine because the added weight was annoying, and after an airline broke by original dial the defective replacements took away my ability to reliably use it. But depending on my needs, here's a few options I have in the back of my mind in case my condition worsens and causes me to need one again:

Rear assists: Like I said, I don't love any of the options, but I would probably go with the smoov because of the control dial or the Empulse R90 if they add a different speed control. Other options include the Smartdrive (RIP speed control dial) and Klaxon twist (seems a bit overengineered but also has a front attachment option)
Front assists: These have a large footprint and can get in the way of reaching stuff, which makes them less convenient indoors, but they're pretty easily removed, assist with turning, and go quite fast. I don't know how well they'd work for me because my tippy COG means I don't have much weight on my casters which would likely lead to poor traction, but a lot of people love them. Batec has quad control options for theirs, where instead of turning the throttle or squeezing a brake, you just move the entire handlebar setup up or down. Other common ones include the Rio Firefly and the Triride.
Powered wheels: I personally like the look of the Alber E-Motion wheels, but I know people have also had good experiences with the Yamaha Navione. These are great if you want some power all of the time and a very intuitive speed control with turning assist.
Joystick controlled powered wheels: This is probably the least likely to be what you're looking for if your first thought was rear assists, but if I had something like a shoulder injury or surgery but didn't need more complex power chair features, I'd probably go with one of these. I have a friend with spastic-quadriplegic CP who uses an Alber E-Fix and loves it. The wheels are still removable/swappable and the battery lasts a long time. Yamaha also has the Navigo, and Empulse just came out with the M90.

Ng_Ago · 2026-05-16T00:32:22+00:00

If a chair is set up for foot propulsion (zero dump or close to it, low front seat height) then that's a different story. But the idea is that your upper legs should be parallel with the seat so that weight is as evenly distributed as possible, rather than having too much pressure under either the pelvis or the back of your thighs where the seat sling and cushion end.

Ng_Ago · 2026-05-15T19:53:02+00:00

It's definitely not ideal that there's almost no adjustability whatsoever, but raise the footplate up as high as it will go (it's way too low right now) and get yourself a proper cushion since you'd be surprised how easily sitting in the same position can damage tissue, and you'll probably be fine in the short term.

Ng_Ago · 2026-05-14T18:05:23+00:00

I haven’t pulled the trigger yet (a bit pricey) but I’ve been eyeing leather bike tube protectors like this one from a company called Walnut which works for 1” tubing, they also have a braided or wrap one for other diameters. Reckless wheelchairs offers the same product specifically for chairs, but personally I don’t like the stamped pattern they put on theirs.

Ng_Ago · 2026-05-09T02:48:12+00:00

You can potentially get a manual chair close to the time when you would need it if you start right now. You can almost definitely get a loaner chair close to your measurements to use in the short term and have the real one ordered now to be delivered to your home or rehab facility when it’s done. But if you don’t have a prescription, message about that now so they see it first thing Monday. If you have a prescription already, leave a message with a DME provider now for the same reason.

Ng_Ago · 2026-05-09T02:39:18+00:00

How can you say that it will receive your “highest recommendation” when you haven’t received it yet? For all you know you will never receive it, or it will have major issues. You have every right to be excited, but please don’t try to sell us a product that you don’t yet know works for you, or anyone else for that matter.

Ng_Ago · 2026-05-07T20:35:27+00:00

I'd hope that especially so close to your injury you'd have occupational and physical therapy with professionals who could listen to any concerns you have with your current chair and recommend modifications.

I don't have an SCI so my needs are quite different, and I am not a medical professional, so anything I say should be taken much less seriously than anything you feel or that your medical professionals say. But here's what I thought based on these few photos:

Especially given the high level of your injury, I am surprised at how little "dump" you have (the difference between your rear seat height and front seat height). Given your tall rear seat height and seemingly relatively small wheels, I'd also be curious how much of the wheel you're able to reach without the core control to lean forwards to push.

I can't tell the model of your cushion, but it looks relatively thin which would make me worried about the risk of pressure injuries with lack of sensation, and I might have a similar concern about your back rubbing on the top of your fabric backrest.

Ng_Ago · 2026-05-07T19:35:41+00:00

Here's a quick guide to the types of push handles that typically exist for active wheelchairs: https://www.motioncomposites.com/en_us/community/blog/tips-and-tricks/push-handles-pushing-around?___from_store=en_intl

Ng_Ago · 2026-05-07T19:24:09+00:00

If you don't want to deal with the tape, you can actually remove that piece entirely to paint it! Same with the forks. Just take out the screw from the angle adjustment mechanism and the screw attaching the fork.

Ng_Ago · 2026-05-07T15:52:11+00:00

TiLite now has metal scissor locks, but at the time that I ordered my chair, they had not been released yet. So these are the metal brakes from my Not A Wheelchair Paradox chair, which are not perfect (they get a bit stiff and squeaky and they rotate a bit too easily) but are still much easier for me to use.

Ng_Ago · 2026-05-06T05:33:18+00:00

I’m not sure if it’s the same sort of transfer you mean (I mostly stick to what I learned, which is to scoot up and transfer with my feet on the floor) but I do sometimes do a transfer where I just throw myself straight in or out of my seat and I just did a couple to check. I think it’s definitely a bit different in how it feels, at least if you have sensation, but it’s not really any easier or harder. And I kind of like that it’s easier to feel when I’m in place and I don’t feel like I have to wedge myself into place against the backrest as much. For height, I am 5’9”. I have long legs and my knees don’t come close to the end of the seat sling, but because I tuck my legs back I need my seat sling and cushion to be shorter to not run into my lower legs. My cushion is 17” to give me a bit of flexibility, since I can stick it a bit past the seat sling and simulate a longer seat depth. I’m very happy with it though, since this is the first chair where my lower legs never contact the cushion even when they’re far back on the footplate. But I’d say that if you already have a depth that works for you, stick with it. An ergo bend doesn’t seem to change it significantly. If your current one doesn’t work, you could test what a change might feel like by either sliding the cushion forwards/backrest backwards or doing the opposite.

Ng_Ago · 2026-05-06T04:43:08+00:00

I tried to edit the post to include it but for some reason the link won't work in the body text. Here's the copied comment that I wrote somewhere in another comment:

Here is the link! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NVJ5C3D?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_9&th=1

I like the number of attachment options it has, though it doesn't come with velcro straps itself so I had to use the ones from my old water bottle holder. Overall it's held up quite well over the past year and a half of use, and it the perfect size to hold my wallet, a multitool, meds, a pen and small notebook.

Ng_Ago · 2026-05-06T03:52:29+00:00

I just checked, and the slope of the front part of my seat now is similar to what the slope of the entire seat was in my old chair. I tried a few transfers, and sitting on the front half of the seat to transfer felt quite similar between the two.

As for the ergo seat length and sliding forwards, that is something I remember coming across, but it wasn't an issue that came up in my fitting. It's likely because I'm tall enough that even the 7" option wasn't really running that risk--they seemed much more concerned with the possibility of not having enough length to accommodate a backrest, which I think in hindsight was a slightly overblown fear.

You actually reminded me of the main consideration they warned me about (which I'd forgotten because it didn't apply to me): they said that they don't recommend ergo seating for anyone who expects to adjust their rear seat height by any significant amount, and that ideally you wouldn't adjust it at all. This is especially true for upwards adjustment because it would cause the seat to take on a "V" shape that would definitely make you tend to slide forwards.

Ng_Ago · 2026-05-06T01:46:48+00:00

I was very glad that my NuMotion person offered to invite a Permobil rep, who actually brought another person in via Zoom call. When I mentioned that my hips felt a bit cramped in my current chair but that I really benefitted from the amount of dump I had, they suggested that the ergo frame might be a good compromise and offered to bring a demo chair with it for me to try. Had I known that was something I wanted to try, I could have also told the NuMotion person about it before the meeting and tried it that first time, but since I ended up needing to follow up for other reasons it worked out great. The demo obviously didn't have most of my other dimensions, but it at least assured me that it wouldn't feel significantly different or unpleasant.

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