What's the difference between Rubber and Pneumatic tires?

Most wheelchairs on the market including ours will either contain rubber or pneumatic tires. Most will wonder what the difference between the two are when purchasing a wheelchair or mobility scooter and weather that difference actually matters. The differences between the two types are very large however, and should be known before purchasing a chair.

Pneumatic Tires: 

These tires are the type you would need to pump with air. Pneumatic tires will often make up the large wheel of whichever mobility product you purchase. These tires being filled with air allow for a much smoother riding experience then rubber tires would. This is especially noticeable when riding over uneven terrain like dirt or gravel. These tires also usually have a better grip then rubber tires, helping prevent falling and slipping during wet seasons. The major drawback of Pneumatic tires is that they are more likely to get damaged or punctured. However with safe common sense usage, this is extremely unlikely to happen.

Rubber Tires:

These tires are solid all the way through. Rubber tires are extremely durable, and long lasting. There sturdy nature allow for hours of repeated usage over harsh terrain while having near 0 chance of repairs being needed. These tires will often make up the front or turning wheelchairs of electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The major drawback of these tires is that they can lead to a slightly less comfortable ride when compared with pneumatic tires if used as the base wheel. They also are slightly more likely to get stuck in mud and slip in rainy weather. With a proper traction control on the wheelchair or scooter, this is almost never an issue. 

A comfortable ride is the most important part of having an Electric Wheelchair or Mobility Scooter that you will be using in every day life. Weather it be outdoors in the rain, or inside cooking dinner. Making sure you know exactly what type of riding experience you want is important when picking out a wheelchair.