As wheelchair users we have certain needs… maintenance needs, that is. I’ve been slowed up by many a flat tire and yet, couldn’t afford to go down to the local “DME” company to get a new one. Finally I got fed up and went down to a local bicycle shop to see what I could find. I presented my gripe to the owner and he enlightened me to a fact about wheelchair wheels… they come in the same sizes as bicycle wheels! In fact, most are made by the same companies.

“Could I fit a mountain bike tire on my rims for camping or off-roading with my friends?” I inquired. I needed something to replace those gray “treaded” ones I got from the local wheelchair shop. I was shown a large selection in all shapes, colors and styles. Little did I know, every single one would fit my wheel size. Who knew?! Of course, I picked out the wildest, most obnoxious Michelin Wild Grippers in a crazy green.

Time to pay. I was nervous as I prepared to hear the damage. Half price. That’s right, these aggressive mountain bike tires were half the price of my “wheelchair” tires and now I have a tire that can cut through grass, sand, and the mud I often get myself into. Who knew?!

Most bicycle shops will also drill rims for push rings and build whole wheel sets for wheelchairs. The hub is the main difference between a wheelchair wheel and a bicycle counterpart. All you have to do is find a bike shop you like and build a relationship with one of the mechanics-- you don’t have to date them, by the way-- and there you go.

And wait, that’s not all. Those “wheelchair” three-inch micro casters are in fact… rollerblade wheels. The wheelie version goes for around $25.00 per pair and comes in limited selection where style, hardness, size, and bearing options are concerned. The able-bodied ones come in 31 flavors for a third of the price. See for yourself at your local sporting goods store.

And, for those who use the 5-inch casters, there is hope for you, too. Go to any one of the multitude of stores that carry those little scooters that kids go crazy over. They have all kinds of colors and even some that light up when they roll. And again, the price is considerably lower.

For anyone using a sports chair and needing a simple solution to the Velcro waist- or leg-strap, I have another option for you. Pay a visit to a ski and snow board shop and pick yourself out a snow board boot binding with the ratchet-style lock. There are many different brands and styles. Choose what fits best for you.

There are loads of tricks-of-the-trade to get you what you need and where you want to go – affordably. Be creative and you’ll find many options to the standard-issue wheelchair accessory. Share your needs with able-bodied friends or relatives… you never know what they’ll come up with for you. I have made numerous trips to Home Depot for the hardware (nuts and bolts) on my chair.

As you look for new solutions so will I. Let me know what you find so we can pass it along. Or send me any questions, comments, and concerns you have to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . And as always… keep ‘em rubber side down.